Grades 5 & Up

Gr 6–9—Overhearing a group of boys comparing her to worse-than-disgusting girls, Mary Harold, 13, feels another panic attack coming on. It seems easier to change her entire life rather than endure more days of being the outcast. She steals her mom's pickup and drives all night to rural Alabama, where her grandmother convinces the teen's mother to let her stay. Next-door neighbor Bud and his two strange kids—Dixie, who thinks she's a horse, and Delta, who is just plain mean—fit with her far better than anyone else. A summer of having her own cow, adopting a fawn, and farm chores galore combine to toughen her up. When school starts, Mary Harold's friendship with Dixie puts her in the odd position of defending someone who is the outcast, as she once was. Amateau's plot and characters reveal the intensity of emotion and the struggle for place that create those kids who feel they are outside of normal. The rural community of Wren feels so intimate that a discussion of how to wipe upon hearing of a bladder infection is no big thing. Readers who feel left out in their own communities may find the lessons Mary Harold learns a bit too easy, and her ability to locate the father of her dreams seems unreasonably fortuitous. However, the first-person narrative brings an immediacy to the teen's humanity and hurt in this oddly familiar tale of an outcast finding her place.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

Gr 6–8—Trevor is used to hardship: his dad is in jail, and his mom relies on him to watch his younger siblings while she goes from job to job. But when the family moves to a shabby housing project, it's hard for the seventh grader to keep his trademark sense of humor. Things seem to be looking up, however, when he hits it off with some wealthy guys on the soccer team. As he tries unsuccessfully to convince his mom that he can juggle soccer, homework, and babysitting, his one saving grace comes from an unlikely source. Accidentally enrolled in a "gifted" science course, he meets Mr. Ferguson. The teacher's knowledge of fungi is surpassed only by his skill at sparking curiosity. Trevor is soon placed in the "correct" class, but Mr. Ferguson, recognizing his disappointment, encourages him to challenge the rules. Amato shows a real flair for middle school voices, and she does not back away from tough issues. Abandoned children, abusive parents, and kids who steal are all a part of Trevor's daily life. The author's subtle sense of humor is at work here, and the wordplay is her nod to the theme of connectedness among family and friends. This fresh story is enhanced by notes and drawings from Trevor's fungi notebook. With its short chapters, snappy dialogue, and scientific extras, the novel should find a wide audience.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 9 Up—When Manz and his friend Jed get a job on a cattle ranch mending fences, they always see illegal immigrants from Mexico line up for scant day jobs in Rockhill, TX. The teen begins to worry that "the Man" will discover that he is half-Mexican and deport him. He has a near-constant humming in his ear, which is sometimes so loud that he can't hear anything else. He meets Vanessa Ortiz and attends her family barbecue, where Mr. Ortiz describes "Operation Wetback," a cruel repatriation of illegal immigrants deep in the jungles of Mexico after World War II. Soon, Manz becomes convinced that the authorities are out to get him. Also, it's becoming more difficult for him to ignore his mother's drinking. She recognizes the signs of mental illness in him—his father, Loco, exhibited many of the same behaviors before his fatal car wreck—and she urges her son to get help. He refuses, as he is increasingly convinced his mother is part of the government's plot to deport him. Manz manages to connect with Jed's younger sister, who is supportive, even in the face of her unpredictable father's rage. Short chapters and clear descriptions of Manz's hallucinatory experiences provide a harrowing but sympathetic glimpse into his struggles to combat his deteriorating condition. The first-person narrative gives readers a poignant close-up of the teen's gradual loss of control to paranoid schizophrenia. Anderson's vivid portrayal of this frightening illness nevertheless offers hope for the valiant human spirit.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 5–9—Once in every century, four children are called upon to save the world. When two boys and two girls, all 12 years old, and all born on February 29th, meet at the same hotel in Rome, what seems to be an unlikely coincidence soon takes on a more sinister aspect. A terrified man gives them a mysterious briefcase and is found brutally murdered the next morning. Ominous strangers trail them through the streets in an attempt to retrieve the map and notes hidden in the briefcase, and the children begin to manifest paranormal abilities. The suspenseful plot and action-packed pages are somewhat marred by a jumbled excess of characters and convoluted storytelling, and readers may want to invest in a map of Rome and a dictionary, but sophisticated readers who make it to the climactic ending will be clamoring for the next books in the series. A colored inset of maps, notes, and pictures is included.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Gr 7 Up—A chilling dystopian novel set in the present. In Candor, FL, all of the teens respect their parents, study religiously, eat nutritiously, obey the rules, are always courteous, and refrain from physical contact. Sound unreal? It is. The citizens are controlled by subliminal messages in music. Those caught disobeying the messages or trying to escape are sent to the Listening Room and have their memories erased. Oscar, teenaged son of the town's founder, is the model Candor boy—except that it's all an act. He has conned everyone into thinking he is perfect while secretly making a huge profit by helping teens escape before they're permanently changed. He has made his own CDs with messages to counteract the official ones. Nothing really touches him until he falls for new girl Nia, a skateboarding graffiti artist with a bad attitude that's sure to get her in trouble. Now, he is faced with the dilemma. Should he help her escape and lose her forever or risk being caught trying to stop her from being turned into a Stepford Wife-like clone if she stays? Readers may be a bit disconcerted by Oscar at first because he is not very likable and his desire for Nia borders on creepily obsessive at times. The rationale for the creation of Candor also seems a bit far-fetched. Still, debut author Bachorz has written a timely and compulsively readable page-turner that has a powerfully affective ending.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 7–10—Stories about pilgrimage have caught the imagination of readers since the days of Chaucer, and this one is based on the The Book of Margery Kempe, from the early 1400s and considered to be the first autobiography published in English. Barnhouse creates a lively protagonist in the character of Johanna, Lady Margery's serving girl. Unnamed and much maligned in the medieval account, Johanna takes on a life of her own here, recounting the hardships of the journey as she accompanies her difficult and loudly pious mistress to Rome. The sights, sounds, and deprivations of travel in the late Middle Ages—blistered feet, bug-infested beds, rain-soaked wool cloaks, moldy food—are all brought vividly to life along with the unlikely traveling companions who band together for protection but are constantly on one another's nerves. Above all, the story is Johanna's, and it constantly points out the vulnerability of a peasant girl whose survival depends in equal parts on luck, wit, and exhausting labor. In the end, she reveals a few secrets of her own character that will have today's young readers feeling a kinship with her. Pair this story with Kevin Crossley-Holland's Crossing to Paradise (Scholastic, 2008), include it in a unit on the medieval world or The Canterbury Tales, or simply suggest it as a rousing adventure tale and coming-of-age story.—Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 9 Up—Sisters Rosie, 15, and Skate, 16, have little in common other than hard times. Their widowed, alcoholic father is in jail. Rosie is quiet and reserved and has faith in her dad. In contrast, Skate is tough and independent and refuses to visit her father. Rosie falls for Nick, who also has an alcoholic father. Skate is in high school while her boyfriend, Perry, is at Rutgers and has found new interests. She refuses to see it and is left heartbroken, but she has Frank, 21, to help her pick up the pieces. The sexual situations are honest but not graphic, and teens will understand Rosie's reaction to sleeping with Nick. The sisters are believable characters and their dialogue is realistic. Readers will feel Skate's frustration and wonder how she could be so faithful to Perry. Students who have to do a character analysis will find this novel to be a good choice. The ending will be no surprise to them. Bauman offers an honest depiction of the lives of many teens and their relationships.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Gr 3–6—Nine-year-old Annie Glover is more than chagrined as she wraps the chain around her grandmother, locking the padlock as she finishes. Grandma is protesting the removal of a giant tree to make space for the newly planned swimming pool complex. Annie's fourth-grade classmates think Grandma is a weirdo until Jazz, Annie's best friend, discovers that the town of Bentley was originally named "Bent Tree" after the old elm. Annie and Jazz propose a plan to save "Elmer" and still have a swimming pool. Their teacher decides to make this a hands-on educational experience with enthusiastic support from all the students, except for Annie's nemesis, Leroy Kirk, whose dad is set to cut the tree down. Beard adds a comic twist when Annie's Uncle Claude, an Elvis impersonator, and his two sidekicks show up at Annie's house, hear about Grandma's protests, and promise "to deliver" for the rally. Suspense builds as the chainsaw roars, and Mrs. Hodge and most of her students gather around Elmer. Out of the sky parachute three Elvises as "Jailhouse Rock" blares from the airplane. Channel 8 news arrives and "Don't be cruel, to a tree that's true…" is heard gathering momentum across the swelling crowd. The city manager relents, and the chainsaw is silenced. Light fun, with a save-the-planet message, Beard's fast-paced plot accompanied by Maione's comic illustrations will have plenty of fans, including reluctant readers.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 9 Up—It's 1987 and Tessa's mother takes her out of ninth grade in Ohio to live at an ashram in the Catskills. Once there, Sarah leaves her daughter alone most of the time and begins staying overnight "in service" to the ostensibly celibate guru. The 15-year-old and 20-year-old Colin, a townie who fixes the ashram's fleet of VW buses, become friends, and then lovers. All the while what Tessa really wants is her mother to act like one. Blank's take on selfishness disguised as spiritual journey is deep and detailed. Tessa's arguments with Sarah will resonate with teens; Sarah gets calmer and more condescending as Tessa gets angrier and louder. Colin is well drawn and appropriately fallible, and his romance with Tessa is sincere and frustrating as it veers into a drug-induced haze and the authorities get involved. Blank's writing is fluid and readable, and the well-paced story is told with humor and empathy. The plot moves steadily toward a frenzied but believable climax, but Sarah's final turnaround is hard to swallow. While readers will sympathize with Tessa's situation, they, too, will long for a responsible adult to surface and put an end to all of the bad behavior.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 3–6—This chapter book is a spin-off of Breathed's 2003 picture book of the same name (Little, Brown). Sam the dachshund was bred to be an award-winning show dog, right down to his priceless "Duüglitz tuft." But Sam has no interest in appearances; like all dogs, beautiful or "flawed," all he really wants is to belong to someone special, and to be loved. After a dramatic escape from his frightful new owner, he sneaks into a girl's luggage and soon wins her affections. But Cassius, a champion full-size poodle and denizen of Sam's new home, is not accustomed to being second in anyone's heart and is determined to get rid of him. What follows is a series of misadventures for Sam and a group of abandoned animals from the National Last-Ditch Dog Depository. Featuring some harrowing moments, this is not a story for the faint of heart, but readers will definitely be rooting for Sam and his comically imperfect band of followers. Black-and-white and full-color illustrations, done in the award-winning author's familiar style, are sprinkled throughout, adding depth to an already engaging and well-paced tale.—Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA

Gr 7 Up—Alyzon feels like a chicken among peacocks as the only "normal" member of her sprawling, eccentric family. When she awakens from a monthlong coma after an accident, she finds that her heightened sense of smell may make her the oddest Whitestarr of all. Able to sense the wishes, feelings, and character of others by the smells they give off, Alyzon slowly begins to understand her gift, to recognize that her friends and family aren't always who they seem, and to realize that she may be the only one who can prevent an impending tragedy involving her father and her moody younger sister. The Australian setting and vocabulary add spice to Carmody's prose. Her gorgeous, evocative descriptions of the smells Alyzon experiences, which include lavender, caramelized sugar, hot strawberries, and chocolate, are delightful. The novel is too long for reluctant readers, and probably longer than it needs to be, but fans of fantasy, paranormal, and romance tales will find Alyzon and her friends appealing enough to stay with it to the end. Carmody leaves the door open for a sequel.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 8 Up—This fast-paced debut novel introduces readers to a modern London in which humanity is threatened by the hungry dead. The Knights Templar, an ancient order now operating in secret, is all that stands between the regular world and supernatural threats—and loner Billi is the only girl ever to become a member of that order. It is not a position of honor, however: her father, leader of the Order, demands ridiculously high standards without ever giving her a word of support, comfort, or love. Instead, he praises Kay, once Billi's best friend and possible love interest. She longs for a normal, simple life, which will have some readers sympathizing with her, while others more familiar with the genre will realize long before Billi does that normal is well outside her reach. Urban fantasy readers will also see plot twists before they are resolved. Chadda does an excellent job of drawing on Christian, Jewish, and Muslim folk stories to create the mythology for this world. Billi's mother's Muslim background and her father's oddly secular Christian devotion provide the book with a feeling of authenticity, as those traditions are meshed over the course of the book. The open ending leaves room for sequels, and Billi's growth makes her a more appealing narrator for future installments. Devil's Kiss will certainly find an audience, despite its prickly narrator.—Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 4–6—Celia Chow's life gets a big improvement when her father presents her with his latest invention for her birthday. Robot helps the child keep her room neat, gets her homework done, and has her stick to a schedule, especially when her musician mom is on tour. At first Robot seems annoying, but over time the fifth grader likes her organized life. What is more bothersome is how her father seems to care more about Robot than he does about her. Convinced that his competition is out to steal his ideas, he seems paranoid about anyone seeing Robot's capabilities. So Celia is amazed when he acquiesces to her teacher's request for a school visit from Robot. Most of Celia's classmates are impressed, but her neighbor Tim gets mad when Robot will not listen to his commands and he ends up kicking it. When Celia's house is burglarized soon after, Celia immediately suspects him. She is partly correct, but soon finds herself in over her head as well as having to rely on Tim's help to try to retrieve Robot before her father comes home. Celia is an interesting character. Her struggle with being the only biracial student in her school adds to the plot, and will give readers more to think about than simply who stole Robot.—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

Gr 4–5—When their friend Natasha's father gets kidnapped, Frederick and Ishbu, two rats, set out to figure out who took Professor Ratinsky and why. Things take a turn for the worse when Natasha is captured as well. With the help of the A.B.O.B. (Ancient Brotherhood of Badgers), these two detectives discover that the "Big Cheese" has abducted their friends in order to take over the world and kill all humans. Frederick and Ishbu travel to Europe to track down Tasty Tails Pet Food Company (Big Cheese's factory) in the Alps and try to stop him before life as they know it is gone forever. This fast-paced story has lovable characters, humor, and unique plot twists. The author also does a great job of integrating facts about the history and cultures of the places the rats visit without intruding on the story. Young readers will enjoy this high-flying, mountain-climbing adventure.—Kira Moody, Hunter Public Library, West Valley City, UT

Gr 5–8—Twelve-year-old Owen McGuire is on his own during the summer after moving to New York's Finger Lakes region following his mother's death. His dad is a workaholic who uses his job to distance himself from his grief. Owen, a resourceful youngster, spends his days riding his bike and exploring the woods with his dog. One day, he finds some bloody clothing and sees someone running through the cornfield. Thus begins the connection between two lonely youngsters, and Owen becomes dedicated to helping Campion. She tells him that she is from another planet and that her parents will come for her in four days. All she has to do is make circles in the cornfield to signal her location so they can land the spaceship. Owen is skeptical, but then he begins to believe. He takes her food and helps her hide from the sinister-looking man who is searching for her, and to collect the materials to build the signal. The bond between the two intensifies, each relying on the other to fill the voids in their lives. DeFelice has created wonderfully fleshed out, believable, sympathetic characters in these youngsters and a story rich in understanding, pathos, and humor. Owen, Campion, and Owen's dad are all dealing with loss and betrayal in different ways. Campion's dream affects them all and leads to a promising, though a bit convenient, resolution. This is a beautifully written story of friendship, loyalty, and trust.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 10 Up—This final book in a trilogy that began with The Cup of the World (2004) and The Widow and the King (2005, both Random) centers on Ambrose, Prince Under the Sky, who was a boy in the second book. Now in his early 20s, he rules over a ragged court in the wastelands, meting out justice to those who voluntarily come before him. His ill-fated relationship with Atti, the spoiled princess who is heir to another throne, drives Ambrose to leave the desert and accept the position of ruler over the entire kingdom. The story is told in third person largely from the viewpoints of the flawed but brilliant Thomas Padry, advisor to the king, and the resilient and spirited Melissa, one of Atti's maids. The novel opens with an unflinching description of Padry's participation in the sacking of Atti's city and his rescue of the young girl. Grim and unsettling, the story will confuse even those teens familiar with the first two novels. Those who have not read them will be hopelessly lost. The pacing is choppy with long chapters of relatively little activity followed by fast-paced and sometimes unclear action. Melissa is the only likable character, and readers will look forward to the satisfying conclusion to her story line. At nearly 550 pages, though, only the most determined readers will slog through to the end.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 8 Up—Three privileged Manhattan teens who attend an exclusive boarding school receive mysterious text messages with the same unfamiliar address. They arrive at the designated location, where they are ushered into a large room filled with people dressed in evening attire and wearing masks. Alcohol flows freely as they mingle among the glamorous partiers. But too much alcohol makes them woozy, and they are led to a secret room where they are tattooed and sworn in as Society Initiates. At first, they feel privileged to be part of such an exclusive group. But when the Society shows its sinister side by doing away with members who step out of line, the girls rethink their membership and fight to save their friends and, ultimately, themselves. Dolby does a nice job of creating suspense and tension in the story, but an awkward plot, flat characters, and stilted dialogue make it disappointing. Also, the purpose of the secret society ("preserving the life that your parents want you to live") seems too weak to warrant secret meetings and dire happenings. E. Lockhart's The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (Hyperion, 2008) is a better choice for readers interested in private schools and secret societies.—Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 7–10—This sequel to Bewitching Season (Holt, 2008) finds Penelope Leland, an 18-year-old witch, visiting her now-married ex-governess/magic teacher in 1838 Ireland. A foreboding encounter puts Pen, literally, in the path of manipulative Irish sorceress Lady Keating. Duped by her attention and praise, Pen ignores her gut and guidance and unwittingly (once again) is embroiled in a plot endangering her friend, the young Queen Victoria. Encouraged to fall for Lady Keating's handsome son Niall (both pawn and ultimate benefactor in his mother's plot), Pen loses her heart despite reservations. For Niall, what started as mock affection becomes genuine love. He's faced with confessing his duplicity or seducing Pen (rendering her useless to his mother). Not the intense, layered world of Libba Bray's "Gemma Doyle" novels (Delacorte), this is a clean teen romance that's primarily concerned with Pen and Niall escaping Lady Keating's deadly ambitions and finding happiness together. Readers may lose patience with these pliable, repeatedly clueless romantic leads. Niall's "honorable" intention to "save" Pen by relieving her of her virginity is obviously ridiculous, yet believable of Niall. Secondary characters add color, particularly Niall's caustic sister Doireann and cheeky clurichaune Corkwobble. Convenient magic and its rules drive the conflict, but this title feels more like historical romance than fantasy. Give it to fans of ever-popular paranormal romance.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 7 Up—In this sequel to Skin Hunger (S & S, 2007), Sadima is hiding in a cave system with Franklin and Somiss and struggles to make the best of her situation. Somiss has kidnapped some orphaned boys and is forcing them to learn to copy spells, and he experiments on them while trying to rediscover long-lost magic. In the future, Hahp and his roommate, Gerrard, also live in ascetic, prisonlike conditions in Somiss's magic school. Life is a struggle in both time lines since Somiss is cruel and untrustworthy. Alternating between the past and the future, this sequel plods along a dreary path. Sadima finally escapes, only to be caught and have her memory wiped away by Somiss. She never remembers her past, but her life is prolonged many years by the magic from her time with Somiss and Franklin. Hahp is trying to work with the other magic students to overthrow the wizards. This sequel does not explain much more than the first book, and there is no resolution. There is very little action in the first half of the novel, which simply sets the tone. This is definitely a book for serious readers with long attention spans who enjoyed the first title.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—In The Sky Inside (S & S, 2008), 13-year-old Martin Glass escapes the domed, tightly controlled suburb where he has been raised. With the assistance of Chip, who looks like a German shepherd but is actually a high-tech robot with the ability to control other cyber creatures, Martin learns several startling truths about the fate of his sister (a genetically enhanced Wonder Baby) and the frightening actions of the totalitarian government that rules his society. In this sequel, Martin, having discovered that the wilderness outside the domes is not the horrible wasteland the authorities tell everyone about but a beautiful place with wildlife and breathtaking sunsets, returns home to rescue his mother from her constrained life. But his father, whom Martin views as foolish and weak, insists on going with them, and soon the family finds themselves in danger of being captured. With his mysterious abilities, can Chip keep Martin safe and possibly be the key to bringing the government down? Readers unfamiliar with the first book will have difficulty following this one, and even then it's not easy to understand everything that's going on. Martin isn't a particularly sympathetic character, and Chip serves as the deus ex machina that rescues him from every conflict.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 8 Up—In 1917, Aaluk is drawn away from her small Alaskan village by a handsome young Siberian, tempted by his beautiful blue beads and wooed by mysteries across the sea. She leaves her sister with two beads and a promise: she will be back with a bead for every person in her Inupiaq family. Nutaaq watches the ocean and waits, year after year, but she never sees her sister again. In 1989, 14-year-old Blessing and her younger brother are taken away from their abusive stepfather and loving, but irresponsible and alcoholic mother in Anchorage to live with their grandmother and uncle in a village "up North." Blessing misses her mother, but she is fascinated by the stories about her great-grandmother Nutaaq. Blessing's story is tied irrevocably to those of her ancestors. She adapts to life with her kind and intuitive grandmother. Nested in her grandmother's sewing basket is a blue bead. Surreptitiously she pockets it and at once it becomes her talisman. She learns the seasonal tempos: to dance to the drums, to celebrate the whale harvest, to sew, to carve caribou antlers, to make a yo-yo, and, at long last, to greet the Siberian visitors who, after decades of the politically enforced Ice Curtain, are able to reunite. Pivotal to the power of the novel are the shifts between Nutaaq and Aaluk's time and Blessing's present. This unique and fascinating tale is told in an evocative voice that includes Village English, school English, Native language, and colloquialisms.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 8 Up—Elliott's sequel to Under a War-Torn Sky (Hyperion, 2001) finds 19-year-old Henry home from World War II and troubled with nightmares of his battles and losses. He still loves Patsy, who will not marry him despite his declaration of love to her. He goes back to France to look for Pierre, a boy he remembers because of the loss that Henry may have caused him. Filled with historical references and images of war-torn Europe, the story will appeal to adventure lovers and history enthusiasts. The inclusion of French with some translations might turn slower readers off, but the plot moves along at a pace that will keep its audience's attention.—Richard J. Snyder, Inglewood Junior High School, Sammamish, WA

Gr 4–7—In this story set in Alabama during the Depression, 12-year-old Bayliss describes her love for her big brother, Leo, and their fun-filled pranks. Wherever Leo was, Bayliss couldn't be far behind. But one tragic day, an accident takes his life while she is spared, and she questions why. A nurse suggests that it's a miracle and that there must be a reason she was saved, and Bayliss decides to find her life's purpose. She researches saints and thinks she might become a nun, a change from her former spunky behavior. She is determined to have a charitable activity and decides to help nuns with the "weary travelers" at the hobo camp. The local orphanage is filled to capacity and her parents bring two sisters into their home until permanent placement can be found. Bayliss resents this intrusion, but wonders if these two girls are her charitable contribution. The entire family questions their Catholic beliefs and the actions of God. Quirky and thought-provoking, This novel takes readers on a personal journey of discovery. Forrester's depth of insight into the memorable characters she has developed and the emotions she mines make for a satisfying read—one that will cause readers to question their purpose and hug their families.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

Gr 5–8—The girls of the mother-daughter book club enter eighth grade with major changes on the horizon. Jess attends boarding school, where she struggles to get along with her roommate. Megan's grandmother comes to stay, causing tension in the Wong household. Cassidy is less than thrilled at the news that her mother and stepfather are expecting a baby. And Emma is balancing her relationship with Stewart Chadwick with her role as editor of the school newspaper. The club is reading Jean Webster's novels this year—including Daddy-Long-Legs—inspired by Jess's move to boarding school—and its members are corresponding with participants in a mother-daughter book club in Wyoming. As in previous books, there are a lot of subplots and characters to keep track of, and this makes it difficult for the author to fully explore the issues and conflicts raised. Problems are tied up a bit too neatly, but readers will continue to recognize personality traits and relate to the situations that the girls experience. Fans of the series should enjoy this latest offering, and will be looking forward to the characters' upcoming move to high school.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 6–9—Nefertiti is a bright, beautiful, graceful child, indulged by her prosperous and influential family. She is also willful and independent, learning to read and write at a time when women are not expected to do so. But when she is summoned to the court of her uncle, Pharaoh Amenhotep III, she is stunned to learn that her fate has been decided for her—she is to marry her cousin, the crown prince, even though she doesn't know him, and as she gets to know him, she doesn't like him. Nefertiti uses her wits and skills, and forges alliances in the shady recesses of the palace at Thebes in order to take matters into her own hands. Certain liberties appear to have been taken with the birth order of Pharaoh's children, but in most other respects, the story is carefully constructed so as to fit plausibly into Nefertiti's story, about which little is known until she marries Akhenaten. In some instances, Nefertiti also seems suspiciously modern in attitude—she is extremely democratic in her relations with her servants and slaves, and occasionally lapses into 21st-century language. The architecture, dress, food, and court life of Egypt during the New Kingdom are described in moderate detail. Readers who enjoyed the "Royal Diaries" books (Scholastic) will welcome this novel.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 4–7—Claudia's life gets more complicated in these installments. In the first title, she is a junior bridesmaid and tries not to ruin her cousin's wedding. Unfortunately, she can't seem to stop telling her cousin about all the bad-luck omens happening before the ceremony. In Boy Trouble, Claudia finds herself torn between her longtime crush and a new boy. In each book, the plot moves quickly, with doodles in the margins and a variety of fonts adding interest to the simple text. While the situations are not too serious, no feelings are minimized, and readers will definitely relate to the 13-year-old's dilemmas.—Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Gr 7 Up—This sequel to The Red Necklace (Dial, 2008) is a rousing historical romance brimming with adventure and with a ghost story at its heart. Set during the period of the Jacobin Terror after the French Revolution, it is the story of a young Romany man with the heart of a heroic trickster. Yann Margoza is able to control threads of light, which gives him the power to immobilize people, a useful quality for someone engaged in the dangerous business of rescuing people bound for the guillotine and transporting them to England. Yann's great love, Sido, is safely there, but differences in class and status make it difficult for them to envision a future together. Count Kalliovski, dead but walking the streets after a pact with the forces of evil, wants to kill Yann and have Sido for himself. Skillfully plotted and with an unflagging pace, the novel shows Yann and Sido facing many dangers, from Kalliovski and his deadly hound, Balthazar, to the corrupt and brutal officials of the French government. Sufficient backstory is provided for those who have not read the previous title. The historical detail is deftly integrated into the action, and the fears and anxieties of ordinary people are vividly brought to life. The creepiness of Kalliovski and the other macabre ghosts in the catacombs of Paris will keep readers riveted. Gardner combines some gorgeous writing and evocative descriptions with appealing characters to create a sweeping adventure.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 7 Up—In this dystopian fantasy, the people of the burrows are little more than slaves to Company. When his father is taken by the Whips and sent to work in Deep Salt, Hari vows to rescue him. He meets Pearl, the daughter of a Company official, who is fleeing an unwanted marriage, and Tealeaf, Pearl's teacher and companion. They are traveling to Tealeaf's village so that Pearl can develop her gift of mindspeaking. When Tealeaf discovers that Hari is able to speak with animals, she invites him to join them. Hari and Pearl soon discover that the substance being mined drains the workers and leaves them empty husks—and that Company is attempting to form it into a weapon to take over the world. Salt succeeds in being not only plot driven and fast paced, but also character oriented. Readers will appreciate the growing friendship between dark-skinned, aggressive Hari and lily-white, pampered Pearl as they discover that they are not as dissimilar as they believed. Gee presents a well-realized future New Zealand, and even those unfamiliar with the landscape will be able to picture the cities, forests, and coasts. A map allows readers to follow the path of the three adventurers, and the spare language makes this first novel in a trilogy accessible to reluctant readers. The dominant themes of prejudice and governmental oppression are subtly presented and do not overpower the action-filled plot. Salt will delight lovers of dystopic fantasies and leave them anxious for the second installment.—Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 7 Up—Kendall has recently learned that she is psychically sensitive, and she and her friends have formed an organization called "Ghost Huntresses." They help trapped spirits "see the light" and pass over to the other side. Adding to the problems of learning to deal with her psychic ability, Kendall is dating the former boyfriend of a hateful head cheerleader named Courtney, who is making her life miserable. When the frightening spirit of a Civil War Union soldier becomes involved with the teens, Courtney and Kendall are forced together to find peace for him. Family histories become part of this thrilling story, and the characters are a wonderful mix of an Episcopal priest, a New Age psychic, and descendants of some of the families in the area. The relationship between Kendall and her mother is a good and strong one. An epilogue discusses the science of the ghost-hunting equipment and includes a disclaimer warning teens to seek help if they feel they have psychic abilities. These features, coupled with the respect paid to standard religious belief systems, should comfort those bothered by the tarot readings and spirit "oppressions." Teens will love this one.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO

Gr 5–8—Golding sweeps readers up into a startling saga beginning when a bored Cat is a guest at the Duke's estate in London, but quickly taking her to the high seas. Kidnapped, she and her pals find themselves tossed aboard a boat, setting sail with the Royal British Navy for America. All the while, she must determine who is responsible for her situation, attempting to keep her friends safe, and keeping trouble at arm's length. Cat speaks to readers in asides, enabling them to be privy to her thoughts, fears, and concerns. This whirlwind adventure is action-packed. Readers interested in this episode in Cat's life might do well to become familiar with her earlier travails, but the story can stand alone as Golding often tosses in a bit of information about Cat's former life. Danger and new cultures await the protagonist, who finds herself in North America, betrothed to a Creek Indian. Heave ho and set sail with Cat, who will serve up mystery and suspense to readers who like exciting adventures.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

Gr 8 Up—Establishing one's sense of self, working and sacrificing for a greater purpose, and accepting and understanding people's differences are all strong themes in this British import. The arranged marriage between the reserved and disciplined Princess Taoshira, 16, and the rogue Prince Ramil, 18, is not an appealing prospect to either teen. But their lands need to form a strong bond of diplomatic connections in order to fend off attacks from the bloodthirsty warlord Fergox Spearthrower, and they have been called upon to do what is right for their people. Their relationship gets off to a disastrous start and goes downhill from there. Taoshira is put off by his brash and loud behavior that fails to recognize or respect her values and traditions while Ramil finds her cold, unworthy of her title, and completely unappealing. When the two are kidnapped, a riveting adventure ensues and opposites attract. Although the arc of the love story is fairly standard, the subplots make it an engaging read for a variety of readers. Romance, trickery, graphic and bloody fight scenes, adventure, religious persecution, and politics are all a part of this compelling tale.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 4–8—The Livingstone kids continue their adventures as fruit-bat hybrids making a go of it in New York City. Lexie wants to change her image from a Goth-doomed poet to be more like the blond and popular Mina. This way maybe Dylan, the school heartthrob, would see her with different eyes. When Mina asks Lexie to be her speechwriter for the ninth-grade presidential campaign, Lexie thinks this is her opportunity. Unfortunately she learns the hard way that Mina is just using her and decides to run for the office herself. Her houseguests from "the Old World" offer to help her in exchange for cupcakes, but this turns out to have some serious ramifications, for pixies are not to be trusted. They tap into Lexie's evil, vampire dark side, encouraging her to run a dirty campaign that puts her relationships with her friends and her siblings at risk. Griffin continues to create a funny, suspenseful Goth thriller that children will sink their teeth into. The Livingstone siblings are likable characters who are facing issues that readers can easily identify with. This book can stand on its own, but reading the complete series offers better insight into and understanding of the story line.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—In a not-too-distant future Boston, 18-year-old Lyn has come of age in the male-dominated, corporate-controlled culture of the neo-gladiator lifestyle. All seven of her fathers were champion Glads, trained warriors in the style of their ancient Roman predecessors. Lyn's mother knows how to be the perfect Glad wife in order to provide a comfortable life for her daughter and for eight-year-old Thad. Then, Lyn's last father dies in combat, and her family will be abandoned by the Gladiator Sports Association unless she marries Uber, the fighter who killed him. Her mother is not permitted to marry again. What follows is Lyn's journey to autonomy and a new life for herself and Thad after her mother commits suicide. Pop-culture references make Lyn's world seem familiar to readers, and clever new technologies make the story plausible without taking it too far into science fiction. Haines's protagonist is street-smart, socially conscious, and wise all the way through, even when she begins to have feelings for Uber. Readers will appreciate that her victory comes from life on her own terms and not merely romance.—Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA

Gr 4–8—Strong-willed and compassionate Jessie, 13, loves her island home of Newfoundland. With the help of Blizzard, her dependable dog, she and her family rescue three shipwreck victims. The survivors repay her later on with their friendship and support when she befriends an abused child, and when she devises a daring and dangerous plan to save some wild ponies from being rounded up for the slaughterhouse. As in Star in the Storm (S & S, 2000), Harlow captures the rigors and rewards of island life, this time in 1965, with interesting characters, an empathetic heroine, and a fast-paced plot.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 7 Up—It's summertime in the Minneapolis suburbs, and 15-year-old Kelleigh doesn't smoke, drink (except a few times), do drugs, or do anything bad, really, except steal cars. Her career starts innocently at the mall when she sees a guy drop his keys in the parking lot. Kelleigh keeps them as a "souvenir" and soon discovers that the owner lives near her. One evening, she and her friend Jen take his Altima for a joyride. As the jam-packed plot unfolds, Kelleigh deals with unresolved issues regarding her best friends, Jen and Will; her lawyer father's adultery and decision to defend a known rapist; and her mother's use of alcohol and cigarettes to cope. She manages life by continuing to steal cars. Hautman packs a dense plot into this slim title and intermingles Kelleigh's story with two summer homework assignments: a reading of Moby-Dick and a "How-to" essay, for which the teen chooses the topic of stealing cars. Hautman's characters start off simple and likable, and Kelleigh has just enough sarcasm and teen angst to be endearing. However, as the story unfolds, the characters become inherently flawed with real human problems and vulnerabilities, and Kelleigh becomes an empty, judgmental girl who seeks to fill her life's voids with cheap thrills. Through her actions, the author allows readers to evaluate the protagonist's life and choices.—Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

Gr 4–7—Fresh from the ordeals of collecting Jealousy and Vanity, Pandora and her friends are off in search of Laziness. The story opens as Pandy falls out of Apollo's sun chariot. Aided by Dionysus and his team of attack squirrels, she begins her journey on foot, only to get captured by slavers and dragged on a lengthy journey to the Atlas Mountains (convenient—she is heading there anyway). Here she is reunited with her friends (who were abducted by pirates and forced into slavery) and is surprised to find Laziness camping out in her Uncle Atlas's nostril. All in all, the story is a bit choppy and fragmented. This isn't a series readers can join in the middle, as character traits, in-jokes, and references to previous events will confuse newcomers, but Pandora's fans of the series should enjoy it.—Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA

Gr 7–10—This novel has elements of The Black Book of Secrets (2007) and The Bone Magician (2008, both Feiwel & Friends). Like its predecessors, it is a dark and diabolical story, set in an alternative universe that is distinctly Dickensian and peopled with Higgins's creepiest cast yet. Hector Fitzbaudly's father is a merchant of fine wines and a collector of butterflies. The dastardly one-eyed Gulliver Truepin blackmails the elder Fitzbaudly, revealing how he made his fortune. Mr. Fitzbaudly is ruined and dies. Hector plots revenge against Truepin, who surfaces as a phony Baron staying at Withypitts Hall, where he continues to steal in order to purchase a seven-day set of bejeweled glass eyeballs. Withypitts is home to depraved and ruthless Lady Mandible, who makes Cruella de Vil appear destined for sainthood. She watches as her manservant is covered with leeches that will suck his blood, which she uses to paint demonic works. Lady Mandible employs Hector to raise butterflies for the annual Midwinter Feast, bringing the orphaned boy closer to completing his revenge. The feast itself is one of the most garish and disgusting scenes in young adult literature. Eventually, Hector comes to realize that by seeking revenge he has lowered himself to Truepin's level. Higgins's clever and intricate plot moves along swiftly. Her dark atmosphere is well drawn, with stunning graphic images that are not for the faint of heart. Riddles are laced throughout the novel, with answers appended. Less touchingly human than the acclaimed The Black Book of Secrets, this "polyquel" will appeal to mature readers who enjoy highly imagined dark stories.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5–7—Eleven-year-old Leo is on the run after attacking the baron's son in retaliation for a flogging. He dreams of going to America where he can work and send money back to his impoverished family. First, though, he has to find a way to survive in a country on the verge of war. In 1870 Prussia, jobs, food, and a place to sleep are hard to come by for homeless boys. However, when Leo befriends Tomasz, he learns how to snatch food and finagle a bed. Their friendship quickly grows and the dream of a new life becomes mutual. During their treacherous journey, the boys come in contact with helpful and kind strangers. At times, however, their ability to escape near death or capture seems unbelievable. In spite of tragedy and loss, Leo holds on to the belief that he will reach America. This is an uplifting, touching, and at times heart-wrenching novel that addresses the issues of class and religious discrimination, as well as poverty.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

Gr 6–9—Thirteen-year-old Elinor de Sévignan, with her dark hair, brown complexion, and disdain for dancing, struggles to behave as a donzela, the daughter of a lord. When she learns that her father has promised her in marriage to a man she doesn't love, she escapes the castle disguised as a joglar, a young minstrel, and travels with a troubadour throughout the holdings of southeastern France. Even as Elinor lives with new freedom, powerful men plot a crusade against the Cathars, men and women of the region whose beliefs differ from those prescribed by the Catholic Church; war unfolds and thousands die. While Troubadour overflows with rich historical detail of 13th-century France, Hoffman's characterizations and plot depend most on statement rather than description. Though some readers will be drawn to the story, many will be left wishing for less plot and more detail, less period history and more emotional texture.—Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD

Gr 4–7—Bo Whaley's sixth-grade teacher, Miss Loupe, starts the school year by taping off part of the floor to create a space for the students to practice improv, and this unconventional beginning will prove more significant than anyone could predict. The story is set on an Air Force base, and Holmes weaves the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan into her characters' lives: Bo's cousin Gari is separated from her mother when she is called back into duty; Bo's father is facing possible deployment; and Miss Loupe's brother is seriously injured in combat. Chief among a cluster of story lines is the students' effort to raise money to assist wounded soldiers via the creativity and compassion inspired by their teacher. While that all sounds poignant, Holmes's words are not as powerful as her themes. She jarringly alters her style several times, and there is some contrived description and dialogue. Though it has lofty goals, the novel never gains enough altitude to truly take flight.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Gr 4–6—Mike Stellar does not have nerves of steel. In fact, he doesn't have much right now but his best friend. Then his parents announce that they are taking part in a Mars mission and he has to join them. Now Mike has to spend the next few years on a small spaceship with his mother and father—oh, joy. Suddenly, strange things begin to pique his curiosity, among them his parents are distracted and don't even get upset when his sister goes missing back on Earth, and his mother's assistant seems to be following him everywhere. Maybe they're tied to the previous doomed mission that destroyed his parents' reputation. Maybe he's losing his mind. Maybe Mike can find his nerves of steel. Sadly, the story line seems more like aluminum, thin and shaky. It jumps around too much and readers get lost trying to see what happened and why. Because the plotting is chaotic, it becomes difficult to connect with the characters. Bruce Coville's My Teacher Is an Alien (S & S, 1990) and M. T. Anderson's Whales on Stilts! (Harcourt, 2005) are better choices for readers requesting humorous science fiction.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 4–7—This novel documents the journey of 11-year-old Pierre Talon, the son of a French Canadian voyageur, who is invited by Monsieur de la Salle to accompany him on his expedition to find the Mississippi River. Leaving his poor and hungry mother, brothers, and sister to seek help for his family, Pierre sets off with nothing more than a coat, shirt, and sea biscuits, wearing his deceased or missing father's crimson cap. As the expedition proceeds, Pierre is thrust into turmoil, both physical and emotional, and trauma when Monsieur de la Salle and many of the party are killed. Pierre is saved, barely alive, by the Hasinai tribe, who take him in as one of their own. From them he learns how to swim, hunt, build, and grow crops, and his conflict in deciding whether to abandon his family or his new caregivers results in a riveting adventure that will prove to be hard to put down. Howard's fast-paced writing brings the story to life. This solid coming-of-age story is based on real events and historical figures, and an illuminating "After" section gives children the opportunity to read about what really happened to Pierre Talon and the Hasinai Indians in the days and years after the ill-fated journey.—Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up— Freaks and Revelations is based on a true story so emotionally detailed that it could easily be a memoir. Jason is 13 when he comes out to his Catholic middle-class family. His mother kicks him out and says he can return when he's done being gay. He learns to be homeless, and sells himself on the streets of San Francisco and then L.A. Doug is a 17-year-old neo-Nazi punk rocker. On March 27, 1980, he and a gang of other punks beat Jason nearly to death in the parking lot of "their" fast-food spot. The author saves the narrative from melodrama with masterfully sensitive and humanistic character development. Hurwin gets inside her characters' pain without sentiment; she presents each home and its horrors soberly. The story is set in episodes before and after the beating and unfolds with steady tension toward the climax. The seminal punk rock scene of late '70s Los Angeles is perfectly wrought, as are the excesses of pre-AIDS San Francisco. The author's prose is clear and incisive, and many chapters resonate like good short stories. Jason's narrative stands with Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson's Target (Roaring Brook, 2003) and Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak (Farrar, 1999) as a survivor's story. Doug's equally layered story—of coming full circle out of hate—sets it apart.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 6–10—Joe, a 15-year-old track star, and his friend Skip witness a murder on a roller coaster at the Pacific National Exhibition grounds in Vancouver. The old man who was shot breathes his cryptic last words to Joe about getting a "Margaret rose" to the police. Now, someone is threatening Joe and has kidnapped his little sister. Things keep spiraling out of control until Joe meets up with Amy at the PNE, and she proves that two heads are better than one. The suspense is intense, but some situations seem too contrived. Overall, though, this compact story is sure to appeal to reluctant readers, and the ending is a surprise.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

Gr 4–7—This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. Christina Adnoid's mother was blown up at Loompski Labs, where she worked as a scientist, when Christina was very young. Christina, who happens to have perfect pitch, now lives with her father, also a scientist at the lab, and is carefully guarded and protected by her governess. When she and an orphan named Taft discover an attic in her house and a tunnel that leads from there under the house and into the forest, she realizes that bad things are happening. Children from the local orphanage are being held prisoner and taken to an unknown destination, and she realizes that it is those who can sing well who are chosen. She gets involved in trying to help save the orphans, and very soon herself, from the evil Lenny Loompski and his henchmen, who are using the orphans' musical talents for their own purposes. Complete with a cast of clearly drawn characters, the adventure proceeds at a breakneck pace until all is resolved and a happy ending completes the picture. This is a Roald Dahl-like world in which good and bad are clearly demarcated, and justice is dispensed in a particularly satisfying way. Like Christina, Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 7 Up—In this third book in the trilogy, the evil dictator is dead. Dante and Bea have been fighting him all along, but now it appears that Dante has crossed over to the evil side and when the dictator's replacement is announced, it is none other than Dante himself. The story is told alternately from Bea's point of view and then Dante's. Bea has her own fight on hand; from her, readers learn of the government's plan to get its citizens to eat a strange food for the "health benefits" it offers. It isn't long before the Big Brother elements become apparent to readers, who watch helplessly as the characters slowly realize what is going on. The science fiction and fantasy elements far outshine the horror aspects of this fascinating conglomerate of genre styles.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO

Gr 5–8—Ed Browning returns from National Guard service in Iraq with a prosthetic arm and leg and traumatic brain injury. His 13-year-old daughter, Rachel, chronicles the first year of their family's adjustments: her mother's efforts to encourage her husband's healing and the varied reactions of her younger brother and sister, relatives, and family friends. As the year progresses, they see that the injury includes the part of the brain that produces initiative. He becomes more responsive and has the ability to use his prosthetic limbs, but he doesn't. He sits in his wheelchair as life goes on around him. The family survives, but it has changed as much as he has. Drawing on her research for a 2003 Chicago Tribune series on brain injury, journalist Keller tells this imagined family's story movingly, clearly explaining the ramifications and including some of the responses veterans encounter. Fans of stories about medical issues won't mind that readers never really come to know the first-person narrator. A strong addition to the small body of Iraq war titles.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 5–7—Ever since becoming friendly with a fairy named Daisy in Philippa's Fairy Godsister (Candlewick, 2008), 11-year-old Philippa continues to look for magic. When she wins a vacation to the place of her choice, she and her loving but eccentric parents can't decide where to go until an unusual butterfly lands on a place called Ravenleigh Woods, shown on the map as a forest with a river running through it. The butterfly is indeed a magical creature—a fairy with a message to deliver. The vacation is really a rescue mission, saving dreams and the family of the fairy Dream Maker. Philippa gains a friend, helps her learn to grieve for her mother, and discovers that saying goodbye is just "a step along a journey, not the end of it." Two narrative voices are used: one is of Daisy, a member of the fairy organization known as ATC (Above the Clouds), and the other, Philippa's. The voices are differentiated by typeface; they create mystery and tension and lend different points of view to the same action. Dreams, magic, loyalty, and friendship abound in this well-paced, engaging book. Though complementary to the first title, it can be read independent of it.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 6–9—In this addition to the series, Kat is attending a music conference at a posh mountain resort with her friend Jac. Kat, who has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, is immediately confronted by an unhappy spirit who appears to have been a medium herself. While appreciative of Kat's abilities, Jac is distracted by her own ambivalence about taking up playing the cello again, and the attentions of a popular violinist. Conflicts abound, and Kat must help the medium cross over, and help Jac recognize that she needs to follow her own dreams and not those of her overbearing mother while still trying to enjoy her vacation. Kimmel includes some fascinating background information about the Spiritualist Movement. A satisfying and fun read with just enough of the supernatural thrown in to make it intriguing.—Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD

Gr 3–6—Jesse, Daisy, and their dragon, Emmy, are back. The 10-year-old cousins are "dragon keepers," aided in their secret by Emmy's handy abilities. She's not yet able to breathe fire or fly, but she can disguise herself as a sheepdog at will, levitate, and make magic books fly. Her legendary foe, St. George, is working at a nearby college, in disguise. He's already stolen Emmy once, and in order to keep him permanently at bay, the threesome decides to steal his magic book. The choppy plot develops at a fast pace that involves rescuing another of the saint's victims, the hobgoblin queen, by finding the Golden Pickax. Enticing headings and black-and-white illustrations introduce each of the 10 chapters. Fantasy fans will enjoy flying through this series, paving the way for Christopher Paolini's Eragon (Knopf, 2003) later.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 9 Up—"Pop" is the imagined, internal sound of the perfect football tackle, as new-kid-in-town Marcus finds out the hard way from a hit by an ex-NFL linebacker. Middle-aged but possessing what at first seems to be a harmless, young-at-heart attitude, Charlie Popovich becomes Marcus's friend, mentor, and partner in crime for an elaborate (and hilarious) prank. Unfortunately, their relationship only increases the contentious atmosphere between Marcus and Charlie's son. Already vying for the school's starting quarterback position and the affection of the head cheerleader, Marcus finds that matters become even more complicated when he learns that Charlie's erratic behavior is caused by early-onset Alzheimer's. Korman offers a touching and realistic portrayal of an Alzheimer patient's episodes, the emotional roller coaster of the disease's effect on loved ones, and the naive yet endearing arrogance of a teen who wants to do what is best for his friend. Marcus must make some hard decisions, whether during the frenzied action of a football play or surrounded by family members whose hearts are about to break. Readers will stick by him in this absorbing story of both action and emotion.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–7—The characters from Korman's Swindle (Scholastic, 2008) are reunited in this action-packed story. Eleven-year-old Savannah Drysdale's pet monkey has gone missing, and Savannah is sure that Cleo was stolen. On a class field trip aboard a floating animal zoo, she is convinced that the monkey in one of the exhibits is her pet. She enlists the help of her friend Griffin, known as the "Man With a Plan," to execute a zoo break. But, as Griffin knows, what looks good on paper doesn't always turn out quite as planned, especially when furry creatures are involved, and the rescuers end up with a lot more than they bargained for. Although the novel is heavy on plot and includes some very predictable bad guys, Korman manages to involve readers in the adventures of some likable young people who believe that they need to act, and not wait for adults to save the day. A satisfying read.—Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD

Gr 9 Up—During the summer that James and Reggie are 12 years old, someone hits two boys with a pickup truck, killing one and maiming the other. Willie, also 12 and friends with the boys, loses his arm when the truck driver leaves him for dead. Willie is small and nerdy, overly sheltered by his parents. Reggie is a tough guy being raised by a single mom. James's parents are grooming him for success, always reminding him to stay focused and out of trouble. After the accidents, the town imposes a curfew on children, but this only makes the boys more eager to spend their summer nights out of doors. Between worrying about the killer, dodging curfew, and growing up and away from their parents, the three friends have a summer of violence and change. In a clear, but expressive style, Kraus offers readers brutality, death, anger, lies, and a monster in a box. (It's created out of animal parts, and a teenager shows it to people, for a price.) Young men often have a rough time getting through puberty, and this story touches on all the murkiest parts of that journey. While this coming-of-age tale is often gloomy, the main story line is bracketed by scenes in which Reggie and James are on the cusp of adulthood and these moments offer readers hope.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 7 Up—McCormick follows up her best-selling Sold (Hyperion, 2006) with a haunting look at the soldiers in Iraq. Matt Duffy is a private who escapes dying after nearly being hit by an RPG, but cannot remember what happened to him, has a hard time grasping new things, and desperately wants to get back to his squad. Most of the book is about Matt trying to recover from TBI, the soldiers he meets in the hospital and the physical and mental problems they face, and the discovery of what really happened that day he got shot. The characters are heart-wrenching, true, and realistic. The author's research into the war is obvious and brings an awareness to readers of the situation over there that they might not otherwise have. What the text lacks is a sense of the military action. While this is a worthy purchase, teens will get more out of it if they read Walter Dean Myers's Sunrise Over Fallujah (Scholastic, 2008) first.—Richard Winters, Wasco High School, CA

Gr 5–8—Fans of the trilogy will be pleased with this action-packed concluding volume. Following the death of their king, the evil Harsh have returned, and are more determined than ever to destroy the world and time itself. Owen the Navigator sails through time in an attempt to discover the secrets of the Harsh, including the fact that they came into existence through the imagination of an abandoned child. Meanwhile, the battle rages on in his own time, with Resisters fending off the Harsh as well as their evil allies, the Albions, who cannot survive in the light but are nearly unstoppable in the darkness. For purchase where the first two titles are popular.—Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA

Gr 9 Up—High school sophomore Blake is quick witted and keeps track of how many times he makes someone laugh each day. His new girlfriend, Shannon, is somewhat possessive, but with frequent imaginary pleas to "Houston" for help, Blake is learning to navigate the galaxy of BF/GF relationships. Complicating matters is his friendship with Marissa, a girl in photo class with whom he has become involved because he unknowingly photographed her meth-addicted mother passed out on the street. After a particularly emotional episode involving her absent parent, Blake and Marissa have consensual sex. When Shannon discovers this and the playful nude photos of Marissa on Blake's camera, she abruptly ends the relationship. "Actions have consequences" is a lesson that his parents have been teaching him all his life. Blake's parents play a significant role in their sons' lives, teaching them about safe sex, ethical issues, discipline, and helping others. These model parents are easily contrasted to Marissa's mother, yet they are very human and have their own idiosyncrasies. All of these aspects of the story are tied together by appropriate but sensitive dialogue; beautifully developed, diverse characters; an unblinking pace; and intelligent humor. An exceptional novel, Flash Burnout is thought-provoking on many levels.—Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School, Livonia, MI

Gr 7 Up—Heriot Tarbas bears his scars inside, scars from attacks that he can barely describe and that have left a part of him detached and ragged. One day this part, which Heriot comes to call his occupant, awakes and reveals astonishing powers. In the land of Hoad, a bearer of such powers is recognized as a magician, and when a magician is discovered, he must work for the king. Heriot comes to work at the king's side but not before running afoul of the Hero, who harbors treacherous thoughts. Heriot also meets Dyshart, the mad prince third in line for the throne, and the two instantly recognize in one another a strange inhabitant of their own dreams. Heriot never quite feels at home in the capital city of Diamond. He struggles with his own frayed identity and is buffeted by the thoughts and desires of those around him, some hungering for peace, some for power, some for glory, and some for love. In Diamond, he befriends an orphan, Cayley, who has a strange draw for him. Action and politics color the story, but it is really the internal worlds of Heriot and others that give it life. Mahy has created a unique bildungsroman, complex and challenging, yet richly rewarding. This novel should prove deeply satisfying for readers willing to accompany Heriot on his journey. Another excellent work from the masterful storyteller.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 5 Up—This collection of short stories, each prefaced by a related essay, will probably resonate more with adults than with young people. The stories have all been published previously, and the author's insights into the creative process or backstories about his relationship with Ted Hughes, for example, will not enlarge upon them in ways that most young readers are likely to appreciate. Selections include "Meeting Cézanne," "I Believe in Unicorns," "My Father Is a Polar Bear," and "The Mozart Question." Bailey's line drawings have a lovely old-fashioned quality appropriate to the remembrances inspired by Morpurgo's boyhood or his magically inflected tales of children with keen imaginations. Libraries lacking these stories in their other editions may want to add this collection. For those who already have Morpurgo's books, it is unnecessary.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 6–9—Terence is still a squire in the service of Sir Gawain despite being older and more experienced than any of his fellow squires. However, he is more concerned about his inability to contact anyone in Avalon, the World of the Faeries and home of his father, Ganscotter. In addition, there is the distraction of a visit from Alexander, the ruler of the Byzantine Empire and a great admirer of Arthur, and his retinue, including his younger brother Cligés, who has become obsessed with the French traditions of courtly love. And there is another visitor at court, charming Mordred, whom Terence suspects to be more than he seems. While the story has much of Morris's trademark humor and rollicking adventure, it also includes some tragic happenings, such as the deaths of numerous innocent people. As with other books in the series, Morris misses no opportunity to poke fun at knightly traditions and the more ridiculous conventions of courtly love, but there is also a serious undertone here, foreshadowing events to come later in the Arthurian cycle. As the author notes in his afterword, much of The Squire's Tale is a reworking of a lesser-known story by the medieval French poet Chrétien de Troyes. Morris's treatment of the Byzantine Empire is also fresh and interesting. Fans of the series will definitely want this latest volume.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7–10—Rebecca Brown is miserable about spending six months in New Orleans with her wacky Aunt Claudia while her father goes to China on business. A New York girl through and through, the 16-year-old must attend a stuck-up private school where she is an outsider without a prestigious family. She makes her only friend in the cemetery across the road. Rebecca soon realizes that nobody else can see or hear Lisette and comes to learn that her new companion is actually the ghost of a girl who died during the 1853 yellow fever outbreak. Rebecca's situation worsens after she begins to date rich and popular Anton Grey and becomes entangled in a centuries-old curse on one of the oldest and most powerful families in the neighborhood. A hair-raising parade-float ride during Mardi Gras ends with Rebecca's life on the line. While Morris infuses her tale with interesting facts about a historically rich city, her awkward writing style detracts from the story. Character reactions are unrealistic, particularly Rebecca's casual acceptance of a ghost, but at its best, Ruined offers a fascinating account of Mardi Gras festivities and has a chilling conclusion.—Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

Gr 5–8—From the moment they arrive in Cairo, 14-year-old Talibah and her 10-year-old brother, Adom, feel connected to the land of their Egyptian ancestors and are swept up in an ancient mystery involving the disappearance of the pharaoh Hatshepsut's chief architect, Senenmut. Talibah even hears a voice saying "Find him!" But is it the voice of the ancient queen or the voice of her mother, who died mysteriously five years earlier? With a sinister "old family friend," they travel to Luxor and explore tombs and temples. Talibah receives a variety of messages, and her brother buys her an antique bracelet with magically protective powers. Talibah's sketches are included—pictures of carvings, tomb paintings, and hieroglyphs. Moss has a good sense for what might interest middle school readers about Egyptian culture, and her protagonists are believable. Their improbable adventure will leave readers with the feeling they have toured the Valley of Kings themselves, with an able and patient guide.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 5–9—Myers brings a time of mass hysteria to life. Drucilla and her best friend, Gabe, are both orphans, raised by villagers. When they are 12, they take positions as servants. Widow Mary Putnam offers Gabe a home, and Drucilla is thrilled when the woman's stepson offers her a position, but she soon realizes that a feud between the two households will keep her and Gabe apart. Thomas's wife Ann is outwardly beautiful and charming, and Drucilla thinks that rumors of her maliciousness are unfounded. But the longer she is in the household, the more Ann's disturbed personality emerges. Her daughter, nine-year-old Ann, shows her own signs of devious behavior. When a new reverend and his family move into the parsonage, young Ann and her friends encourage his slave, Tituba, to entertain them with stories of witchcraft and to tell their fortunes. Fearing punishment if the adults discover this ungodly pastime, the girls pretend that Tituba has bewitched them. Gabe, not realizing that Ann Putnam has threatened Drucilla if she changes her story, sees his friend's testimony as evidence that she sides with the unscrupulous family. As does Ann Rinaldi in A Break with Charity (Houghton, 2003), Myers draws heavily from the actual participants in the events. The fictional Drucilla is an engaging protagonist, and her fear of being falsely accused if she speaks out is believable. A solid piece of historical fiction.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 3–6— Love Ya Bunches doesn't offer anything new. Four fifth graders become friends while fighting off Modessa, aka Medusa, your standard mean girl. The main characters, named for flowers, represent four ethnicities, which seems like a ploy except for a few fascinating discussions of customs. Violet, an African-American who is despondent because her mother is away due to mental problems, comes off as too precocious about social cues. Ignored Yasaman, a Muslim computer genius, creates a Web site only friends share. Bouncy, bossy, half-Chinese Katie-Rose makes videos. Anxious Milla (Camilla), a blond with lesbian mothers, is in thrall to Modessa. When she loses her lucky bobble-head turtle, Violet hides it for reasons even she can't discern. She arranges for Modessa to find it, thinking she'll give it to Milla. Instead, the meanie plants it in Katie-Rose's backpack and accuses her of stealing it. The truth comes out and the four wreak revenge of a mild sort on Modessa. Using movie scripts, chat, and standard narrative no longer seems innovative but does make for a breezy book. The four friends are depicted in a manga style of art. The book is at its best when Violet lets her guard down and allows her father to comfort her. But too often it's as two-dimensional as the doll-like figures on its cover.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 6–9—This title, a cross between Anthony Horowitz's "Alex Rider" books (Penguin) and Dan Gutman's "Baseball Card Adventures" (HarperCollins), introduces Jack Christie and his friend Angus. The British teens enjoy playing video games, particularly the World War I-inspired Point of Departure, and looking for adventure. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the boys find themselves back in June 1914, as part of a conspiracy to stop the war. Within the first suspenseful pages, readers will find an engaging historical/science fiction tale that has intrigue, danger, and a little romance. Jack's conflicting emotions about his parents' divorce, his fears about the unfolding events, and his frustrations with the present-day situation that sent him back in time are genuine. O'Brien deftly articulates the historical and cultural climate of Europe, and Austria in particular, on the advent of war. He gives equal attention to the science-fiction portions of the novel too, as the device used to travel back in time is plausible enough for readers to believe its viability. From an explosive escape out of captivity to a much-anticipated scene that decides the fate of World War I, the end of the book has plenty of action. Historical information and photographs about the events and people central to the period enhance this title even more.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Gr 8 Up—Sixteen-year-old Ari Abramson has a Plan: form a band, get famous, and get Sari Horowitz to finally notice him. Unfortunately, his parents have a different plan: study constantly, earn a perfect score on the SAT, and get accepted to Brandeis. Though Ari finds his classmates superficial and unsympathetic, he strives single-mindedly to gain their acceptance and admiration. He mocks frontman Jonas's shallowness and vanity; however, as he comes closer to achieving his goal, he becomes more shallow and vain himself. Scholarly and conscientious drummer Yossi, and Reena, the cool and perceptive chanteuse, are foils to Ari's ambivalence and willful ignorance. As Ari's band, The Tribe, gets more popular, things don't exactly work out according to The Plan. Ultimately, the teen is forced to face the truth about who he is and what he really wants. Set in the suburbs of New Jersey, Ostow's bildungsroman is also a witty study of Jewish day-school culture. Ari's breezy narration includes using nouns and adjectives as verbs (Jonas "obviouses," Ben "brats") to humorous effect. It's also peppered with Jewish vocabulary, which is defined in the illustrated glossary. Ari's black-and-white "doodles," some of which are in graphic-novel form, are some of the funniest parts of the book. The Tribe is living the rock-and-roll lifestyle, so there is some adult language and underage drinking. Readers will be engaged by Ari's droll account of his struggle to achieve indie rock stardom and his subsequent disillusionment.—Erin Carrillo, formerly at Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to The Funeral Director's Son (S & S, 2008), Kip Campbell has a special ability, and he's not sure if it's a gift or a curse. He can hear dead people talking to him, and this happens more often than he would like, seeing as how his family runs a funeral home. Kip also has a few other problems to contend with. The new flashy funeral home down the street is threatening to put his family out of business, and he currently has two girls vying for his affections. To top it all off, someone is stealing, and possibly shooting, the neighborhood cats, including his own. With short chapters that leap from one event to another, this brief, quiet story lacks focus, and may have limited appeal. The conflicts, which are wrapped up a bit too easily, lack believability. Aside from Kip, the character development is thin. The messages in the thoughtful opening quotes by authors well known to adults will likely be missed by the intended audience. This is a pleasant story, but it's strictly an additional purchase.—Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA

Gr 5–8—Gracepearl, the daughter of a cook, has been feeling increasingly restless as she approaches her 16th birthday. Dreams of desperate people imploring her to help them haunt her and persuade her that her future will lead her away from her isolated island home. Each summer, the 12 branches of the Royal Order of Bark send their sons to Miramore for training in the charming arts, and this year, for the first time, they will be allowed to marry anyone of their choosing, royal or not. Something else is different—a 13th ship has arrived, carrying only the captain. As the story progresses, Gracepearl is wooed by two of the princes, but wonders if it is fair to choose a husband only as a way to get off the island, especially since her heart is given to Mackree, her childhood sweetheart. It's only when Gracepearl learns the truth about her heritage that she can set a course for a future that includes both journeying forth and remaining with Mackree. Gracepearl is an engaging character who struggles with a difficult decision that may break her heart. This book will appeal to those who like star-crossed lovers, heroines with gumption, a touch of fantasy, and a satisfying conclusion.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 8–10—Fifteen-year-old Cyan and her artist-mother vacation every summer on the island of Curaçao. The teen is not looking forward to this year's trip as they approach the anniversary of her father's death by drowning a year ago. Another difference: Kammi, the nearly perfect aspiring artist and daughter of Cyan's mother's fiancé, is joining them, and Cyan's mood can't get much lower. She doesn't know what to make of her mother's new romance and whatever role the overheard talk between her parents played in last summer's tragedy. Often annoying neighbor boy Mayur promises a secret regarding the investigation into Cyan's father's death—if she can ever get him to part with it. Resentment and curiosity color Cyan's sluggish pursuit of sea glass and answers about her father. A poetic treatment of color, painting, the island setting, and the sea doesn't quite compensate for underwhelming characterization and a plot that lacks momentum. A scene of mild sexual exploration seems jarring in a book too slow for most teens and too deep for most tweens, but Cyan's endangerment on a hiking expedition that leaves her at the bottom of a pit in a pitch-black cave provides some much-needed excitement. For readers who like contemplative, realistic problem books, this novel may still be a match.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 5–8—Eddie, 12, is excited to be moving to Gatesweed, since his favorite author, Nathaniel Olmstead, lived there before he disappeared 13 years earlier. But it soon becomes evident that not everyone in Gatesweed is an "Olmsteady." Was the man responsible for all the tragic things that happened there? Eddie discovers what looks like a never-published Olmstead book written in code. His attempts to decipher it lead him to his first real friendships, with schoolmates Harris and Maggie, and escalating encounters with strange and frightening phenomena. Will the three kids be able to translate the manuscript and figure out what happened to Olmstead before the fabric of the universe is destroyed and the Woman in Black is freed to create havoc forever? Think John Bellairs, with a touch of R. L. Stine and Christopher Pike, and then add in a liberal sprinkling of Judeo-Christian mythology involving the Garden of Eden and its first inhabitants. The creep factor is high but not graphic, and the kids act and react like real kids. The adults (with the exception of Olmstead) play small but believable roles. Two minor quibbles—the cover art represents an important plot point, but isn't going to do much to sell the story, and the font used for the "handwritten" portions of the book is difficult to read. Still, this briskly paced novel is sure to be popular with fans of scary stuff.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 6–10—Montreal seems a lifetime away from George River, Quebec, where Noah has come to stay with his divorced father, a high school teacher. The 15-year-old is skeptical about spending an entire school term in this forbidding environment located at the Arctic tree line and accessible only by plane, but is willing to pay the price for some "dad time." Earning disdain from the locals for jogging in below-freezing temperatures and causing his father's beloved dog to be hit by a truck, Noah has a lot to learn about living in Kangiqsualujjuaq. Worried that he has upset his father and unsettled by the suspicion that he may be in a relationship with the town nurse, Noah accepts an invitation to get away for a winter campout with some classmates and teachers. Here, his survival skills are put to the test as he fails to stomach the taste of raw fish and loses six-year-old Etua in a blizzard. After retrieving classmate Joseph's severed finger after an accident and fending off a polar bear, Noah begins to realize the tenuous nature of life and death here, as well as the strength of character needed to become accepted in this close-knit culture. Although the survival-adventure details will engage reluctant readers, the story has elements of romance when Noah strives to impress an Inuit classmate. Less complicated is Noah's relationship with his father, which remains fairly steadfast throughout. Add this to survival/adventure collections.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 10 Up—Since her occult partner, Daisy, died, Andromeda Klein's "weedgie-ness" has been more active than ever: she sees tarot signs everywhere, speaks with the mystical King of Sacramento, and is visited by her holy guardian angel. Between hunting for Daisy's tarot deck and saving the public library's occult collection, Andromeda is also dealing with her failed relationship with mysterious, older St. Steve, though there's a new boy vying for her affections. She also has people after her to tell their futures even as her mother is texting her constant critiques of her behavior. Unfortunately, readers who are not deeply immersed or interested in occultism will become bored with the author's laborious documentation of pagan ritual and practices; these huge swaths of text strangle the narrative's forward momentum. Portman creates an inwardly focused narrative, creating a disjointed yet vivid portrait of Andromeda: his focus on her leaves the secondary characters languishing for attention. The narrative thread is difficult to follow, as the teen addresses a variety of issues, from censorship to friendship to parental involvement. Andromeda's creative lexicon, a product of both her medical condition, osteogenesis imperfecta, and T9 keypad texting mistakes, is initially confusing, then momentarily interesting, and final grows tiresome.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Kara Harper, 16, is on her way to having the most exciting experience of her life. Her father has been accepted as a guest professor at an exclusive high school in Japan, and she is fluent in the language. However, she knows that despite the fact that she is the daughter of an honored teacher, things will not be easy for her, since she is a gaijin, or outsider. The few classmates brave enough to seek out her friendship are outcasts themselves. Quiet Miho is obsessed with American boys, while rebellious Sakura is grieving the murder of her sister just six months earlier. Then Kara starts to have nightmares of faceless girls, puddles of blood, and feral cats. She soon discovers that others are having dreams of the dead as well, and some begin to die horrific deaths. The girls must delve deeply into Japanese myth and legend to solve the murders and save the school. Reading this story is akin to reading a manga but without the illustrations. Randall describes the scenery, the culture, the characters, even their clothing, with heartfelt details. The story has suspense, mystery, and horror. It will be a great hit with fans of manga, anime, or Japanese culture.—Melyssa Malinowski, Kenwood High School, Baltimore, MD

Gr 4–7—Nine-year-old Niner finds himself living on the street after his mother is beaten by her drunken boyfriend and taken away in an ambulance. Homeless and forlorn, he aligns himself with older, tougher Cosmos. Together they hatch a plan to get money to follow their dream of going to the sea. Cosmos convinces Niner to sell his guardian angel (the only thing of value between them) to a benefactor they label as "the Queen of Caracas" after the bar she owns. Niner's life takes a downward spiral after the sale, and Cosmos must decide whether to take the money and run or stay and help his ill friend. The text has a fairy-tale-like quality, lending certain aspects such as the guardian angel to personal interpretation. The characters have a variety of personalities, and they all become dependent on one another as they pull together for the greater good. Although the book is brief, the point is well made and may be a draw for reluctant readers as well. The story makes for a discussable novel as it covers multiple social issues.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 3–6—The clever fox apothecary from The Daring Adventures of Penhaligon Brush (Knopf, 2007) has settled into a peaceful existence with his mate Rowan and their adopted Romany wolf cubs, Donald and Dora, though restlessness tugs at his spirit. As is often the case, Penhaligon's wish for adventure is granted in an unfortunate way when Donald contracts wolf fever, the virulent disease that wiped out the cubs' clan. While Penhaligon sails with the dubious feline Captain Elgato Furrari to gather ingredients for a cure, Rowan attempts to curb a panic in the village when symptoms of the disease manifest in the other animals. The plot, while relying a bit much on happenstance, moves swiftly and is filled with action, devious pirates, sea serpents, and a hidden Romany wolf clan that has curious ties to Penhaligon's past. Done in pen and ink, the attractive full-page and inset illustrations add detail and humor to the text. Readers of the first book and newcomers to the fox's adventures will be swept into this new chapter.—Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 4 Up—Fans of Sage's saga will rejoice in the little pieces of "magyk" collected here. Beautifully rendered in full color, these papers, pamphlets, and journal entries add extra life to the world of Septimus Heap. The material is separated geographically, forming sections on "The Castle," "The Wizard's Tower," and so on, which makes reading from cover to cover difficult. Instead, readers will want to peruse the "papers" while waiting for the next installment in the series. Amazingly detailed drawings add life to each character and place that Zug depicts. This book, however, is just for true fans of the series. There are no new stories, just extra details designed to delight those already invested in Septimus's journey. A must-have where the books are popular, but an additional purchase for all others.—Lisa Marie Williams, East Gwillimbury Public Library, Holland Landing, Ontario

Gr 4–9—Septimus Heap returns triumphantly to the Castle and Wizard Tower, the only Apprentice ever to return alive from a Queste, let alone to complete one. Marcia Overstrand, ExtraOrdinary Wizard, then makes him a very young Senior Apprentice. With his new freedoms, Septimus sets out on his dragon, Spit Fire, to retrieve his brother Nicko and friends Snorri, Princess Jenna, and Beetle, whom he promised to return safely to the Castle. When leaving on this rescue mission, though, Septimus does not receive a Live SafeCharm from his Aunt Zelda, and a chain reaction of unfortunate events besiege him and his companions. Many small plotlines are introduced, but they converge clearly in Septimus's challenge on the Islands of Syren. Unlike the two previous books, which could be a little confusing, Syren is Sage at her best: it's full of fun, adventure, humor, irony, friendship, loyalty, and nonstop action. In spite of its length, fans of the series will tear through this book and come out eagerly anticipating the next installment.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 7–9—Kat, 13, would much rather attend camp with her oh-so popular friends than traipse through the Mexican jungle. She lists all the reasons this family vacation is a bad idea. Number 18: "Being eaten by a shark." Preoccupied with her reputation back home, she whines and sulks her way through kayaking, hiking, swimming, and sightseeing, alienating herself from the other teens on the tour. One tour guide's story, however, of an ancient Maya girl destined to be queen, captures her attention and helps her to see herself and her situation differently. Kat's constant complaining slows down the first half of the novel. Her turnaround is admirable and realistic, but readers may have lost interest in her by this point. Disappointingly, the Maya story, taking up a good portion of the book, is not based on any actual stories or legends from the culture, and the storyteller leaves the girls to decide the ending for themselves.—Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY

Gr 7 Up—Clifton Carlson is a gray baby, a racially mixed child. He doesn't think of himself, or anyone else for that matter, as either black or white, but he knows the cruelty of racism. He witnessed his black dad's brutal murder at the hands of white police officers when he was only six years old and now, ten years later, Clifton is often tormented by a high school classmate. Haunted by the loss of his father, and neglected by his alcoholic mother, he feels adrift and disconnected. Desperate for intimacy, he writes a letter, stuffs it into a wine bottle, and throws it into the river, where it's retrieved by an old man who's equally starved for companionship. The two strike up an unlikely friendship that reveals painful secrets, heals old wounds, and helps each to grow into a better man, especially when Clifton finds himself in a situation where he has to seek help from the same police who killed his father. Sanders has written a beautiful novel that explores the power of forgiveness and demonstrates that it's not what happens to you that shapes who you become, but rather the choices you make in response.—Terri Clark, Smoky Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 8–10—In this third installment in the series, Keysha has finally managed to attain some fragile sense of normalcy. The wealthy father she had never known has taken her into his family in the suburbs, rescuing her from her selfish mother and the inner-city Chicago neighborhood that threatened to suck her into life as a stoop-dwelling teen mother. With the help of her still-wary half brother Mike and her new boyfriend, Wesley, Keysha finally shakes the stigma of false accusations of drug use and is ready to start over. But even as she manages to distance herself from her old neighborhood, it comes to her—in the form of her deadbeat mother. Despite Justine's extensive past neglect, a judge agrees to award unsupervised visitation, a decision that takes Keysha right back to the environment she has tried so hard to escape. Can she avoid the criminal life and constant chaos that are all her mother has to offer, while also managing to help naïve Mike avoid the same traps? Heavy on plot and light on character development, this novel will have strong appeal to teens who crave drama, action, and problems, problems, problems in their reading. The writing style can be quite stilted and unnatural, with the dialogue between teenage characters ringing especially false. However, fans of urban fiction will likely look past the novel's lack of literary merit to devour the juicy, fast-moving plot.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 5–9—When a fire strikes a Pennsylvania high school, an entire class dies except for 14-year-old Joey and his friend Maureen. Their history teacher thinks that the fire alarm is a test and forbids his class to leave the room. Joey, obedient by nature, defies Mr. Austen by walking out, and Maureen follows his lead. A year earlier, Joey's mother died in a fire so he could not ignore the panic building inside him. The truth of what happens that day comes out much later in the story. In the meantime, Joey and Maureen are made targets of blame, heckling, and ostracizing. Feeling both displaced guilt and anxiety, they learn to deal with their pain in different ways. Shaw leads readers thoughtfully and realistically through Joey's healing process from counting cars going down his street and refusing to sleep inside the house, to journaling and finally to attending a memorial service for his classmates in which he and Maureen give speeches. Joey reveals his last glance of his classmates by sketching them as he remembers them. Shaw tackles a gut-wrenching situation in honest, solution-oriented terms that should appeal to reluctant readers. The novel is short, the plot and suspense build slowly, and the decisions required by the teens make for thought-provoking discussions.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 6–9—Smelcer draws on the early-20th-century history of his native Alaskan ancestors for this story based on the tragic effects of the white man's diseases on people who had neither natural immunity nor medicines to fight them. Two sisters, Millie and Maura, ages 13 and 10, are the sole survivors of such an epidemic in their village. Knowing that they cannot manage on their own, they strike off downriver in hopes of finding people who are still alive. The author vividly describes the progression of the disease on the afflicted, the inability of those who were still alive, but infected, to dispose of the dead properly, and the gruesome results. The sisters' flight is hampered by severe winter weather, a lecherous settler, and hungry wolves, which add to the tension in the story. The novel is part history and part survival guide. It also graphically illustrates the effects of a plague on isolated peoples. Readers come to know the sisters' strengths and weaknesses in the first few chapters. Both girls could best be described as stoic for they know that although they are mourning the loss of their parents, friends, and relatives, they must press on until they find other survivors. The cover art, a photograph of mukluks, does little to attract readers; librarians will need to booktalk this one.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 9 Up— Falling Objects is a mystical, lyrical, sometimes violent, and ultimately hopeful story of what it means to be a brother. The novel begins with a look back at a murder and quickly moves forward to northern New Mexico and brothers Jonah, 16, and Simon, 14, a dead horse at their feet, a gun in Jonah's backpack, parents nowhere to be found. From the first squashed scorpion, readers feel the heat and hopelessness of the boys' situation. Jonah's most precious possessions are letters from their older brother, who is slowly succumbing to despair in Vietnam. The boys hitch a ride with Mitch, an unstable killer; Lilly, who likes to make Mitch jealous; and a literal tin man who rides in the backseat. Parts of the book are spare and poetic; parts are gritty and grim. Several characters are dead by the last chapter. Despite it all, there is a feeling of closure, as it seems that the brothers could make a new start with a young man they meet, Dalton, and his nontraditional family. For teens looking for something to sink their teeth into, Smith offers a challenging read. Powerful imagery and symbolism are threaded throughout the narrative along with Bible references, a map that Jonah is drawing, a meteorite that Simon takes along as a talisman, and references to gravity and its relentless pull. The intensity will suit serious readers who don't mind a little blood and gore.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

Gr 6–10—Something strange is going on in 15-year-old Madison's family. Instead of vacationing in Hawaii, she and her mother will be spending the summer in a faded beach town where her father is working as a construction contractor. Madison is shocked when she sees their dingy motel, but comforts herself with the knowledge that she'll soon be back in her upscale home, gossiping with her friends. Then Madison's parents reveal the truth: the bank is foreclosing on their house and the move to Sandyland is permanent. Devastated, the teen plunges into her passion for photography, making friends with the local kids who hang around Psychic Photo, an odd fortune-teller/photo shop where she has taken her camera for repairs. Madison notices something odd: her pictures include eerie images of figures who weren't there when the shots were taken. Intrigue becomes alarm when the first one dies a few days later and the second is in a life-threatening accident. The mystery takes on a new urgency when Madison catches sight of some familiar faces in her latest images. Snow's novel is a page-turning blend of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, with the backdrop of the mortgage crisis as viewed through the eyes of an angst-ridden teen, providing a sense of freshness and currency. Characters are well developed, especially the scraggly townies whom previously stuck-up Madison gradually learns to accept as true friends. A perfect choice for fans of supernatural chillers.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 6–10—In 1913 Ireland, 12-year-old Patrick Condon lies about his age in order to join the military. Based on the true story of a World War I soldier who died when he was 13, Age 14 captures the brutality and boredom of the life of a soldier during this period. In addition, the introduction of mustard gas as a German weapon is a major plot point. Spillebeen has clearly spent a great deal of time researching her subject. Unfortunately, in re-creating the boy's life in such detail, the first half of the book drags in places. The intricacies of the hierarchy of the Irish military are never quite clear, and are occasionally confusing. The second half of the book, however, which details Patrick's experiences in the trenches around Ypres, Belgium, moves much more quickly. There are occasions when the English translation feels unauthentic. An author's note provides information about not only the real Patrick Condon and Fritz Haber (the inventor of mustard gas), but also about the methods the author used for research. While this is a fine historical novel, it will be more useful in a school setting than in a public library.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 4–8—This fun romp is a break from the often-heavy realistic fiction that is omnipresent in today's literature. Denton, Wendell, Eddie, Elijah, and Bijay, collectively known as DWEEB, are eighth graders at Ho-Ho-Kus Junior High School in New Jersey. Just before the Idaho Tests, they are abducted by the vice principal as part of an evil plot to…well, no one is sure at first, but eventually it all becomes clear. Each of the boys is gifted in a different way, and together they solve the mystery of why all the students at their school are suddenly extremely focused, and, of course, the DWEEBS save the day. Engaging, but definitely on the fluffy side.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 3–6—The first title stars Ella, a young musician who typically spends hours practicing and socializes only with distant music-camp friends. When she inherits Trumpet, a beagle that howls along whenever she tries to sing, she soon finds herself crossing paths with dog lovers and making friends. In the second book, easygoing Parker suddenly finds himself the owner of a golden retriever, and the dog's escapades (Merlin has an almost magical ability to escape from any setting and follow him to school) land the boy in trouble. The sixth grader's first-person narrative employs casual language occasionally peppered with poetic descriptions. The story effectively veils the details of Merlin's breakouts in secrecy, presenting Parker and his friends with a mystery worthy of their creativity and cleverness as they work together to contain the enthusiastic pup. Narrated by the two classmates, each tale engenders an empathetic view of a middle-school community by relating events from different perspectives. This easy-to-read set is fair fodder for kids who like model protagonists and pets, preferring predictability and happy endings to emotion and peril.—S. McClendon, Friends School of Atlanta, Decatur, GA

Gr 9 Up—Drawing inspiration from Christina Rossetti's "The Goblin Market," the era of the British Raj, and mythology associated with Zarathustra, Taylor has created three novellas in which a kiss precipitates major life-altering, but not necessarily happy, events for the story's heroine. The lurid cover, featuring a young woman whose full red lips may have just a tiny hint of blood at their corners, is sure to attract teens who can't get enough stories featuring vampires or other supernatural creatures. "Goblin Fruit" shares with Rossetti's poem the theme of a young girl saving her sister from a goblin's alluring unseasonal fruit. "Spicy Little Curses Such as These" tells of an English widow in Jaipur whose bargain with the devil at the time of her young husband's death required her to lay a curse of silence on an English baby. When the child grows up, she falls in love with a soldier who has survived the horrors of World War I and is determined not to lose his newfound love to her belief in folk superstition. "Hatchling" tells of the involvement of Esme's mother, Mab, with the shape-changing Druj. Mab, who was kept by their queen as a personal pet until she reached childbearing age, believes she has managed to protect her daughter from the same fate until Esme wakes on the morning of her 14th birthday to the howling of wolves in London. This book will find an audience with fans of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series and of graphic novels.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 4–9—Trumbauer enables readers to sink their teeth into everything and anything vampire. Narrated by "Treval Vorgard, Vampire Enthusiast and Occasional Hunter," the book first plunges into anatomy, diet, powers, shape-shifting, and the question of immortality. From there topics such as a vampire's lair, hunting techniques, enemies, and allies are covered in detail. The parchmentlike pages are filled with bold illustrations, sketches, and fact cards. Vorgard's entertaining side comments add to the guide's appeal.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 8–10—This installment in the series focuses on Rudy during his senior year and his family as they cope with his grandmother's Alzheimer's disease. Abuela moves in with the family when she starts showing signs of forgetfulness. Manuel, the younger brother, acts out, and both boys are resentful of the demands on their time since their grandmother can't be left alone. Their story alternates with that of Professor Sonia Gonzales, who is going through the same experience although her mother is in a nursing home in New Mexico. Both story lines come together at the end of the novel when various family members take part in an Alzheimer's Memory Walk to raise awareness of the disease. Too many times the action seems artificial and purposeful—for example, a teen throws away a bottle of vodka at a New Year's Eve party while delivering a lecture against teenage drinking. Everyone happily agrees and the party continues on. The contrived plot, flat characters, and heavy-handed message will not hold readers.—Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX

Gr 7 Up— The Hollow opens with the funeral of 16-year-old Abbey's best friend, Kristen, who vanished near the legendary Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and is presumed dead. On the day of the funeral, Abbey is drawn to Caspian, a mysterious young man who comes into and out of her life during the next several months. While she searches for answers to Kristen's disappearance, she meets Nikolas and Katy, the charming caretakers of the cemetery. During a chance visit to a shop in a neighboring town, Abbey discovers Caspian's secret. This inventive tale from a first-time author cleverly interweaves elements of Washington Irving's famous "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" not only in the setting, but also in the characters of Nikolas and Katy. Abbey's narration is heartfelt and authentically written as her emotions fluctuate from grief at Kristen's disappearance to growing romantic feelings for Caspian to raw anguish at learning the truth about him. Unlike many coming-of-age novels, the minor characters aren't given short shrift; instead, Abbey's parents, her classmate Ben, Kristen's mother, and Nikolas and Katy all come vividly to life through unique personalities, characteristics, and pasts. Readers, particularly fans of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" (Little, Brown) and other supernatural romances, will clamor for the second novel in this trilogy.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 8 Up—Katie, 15, is most herself when she is in the water, swimming faster and better all the time. Things were so much simpler when the Kitrells were poor—her family seemed closer. Now that they are financially comfortable, their relationships have deteriorated. Katie's parents become more and more wrapped up in one another, and Katie feels excluded. She is still close to her older brother, Will, who is schizophrenic, and when his behavior becomes more erratic and extreme, she becomes concerned and frightened. Their father, now successful in his psychiatric practice, seems unable to maintain any warm relationships with his children, and sends Katie away to boarding school. There she is accepted by the most popular girls and attracts the attention of gorgeous Drew, captain of the swim team. Katie is also intrigued by her strangely withdrawn roommate and works on building her trust. Eventually, too much drinking, smoking, and worrying about her family take their toll on her swimming performance. When her brother's illness spirals out of control again, Katie faces serious personal losses and challenges that have no simple solutions. Warman treats Will's schizophrenia with stark honesty as seen through his sister's eyes. Similar to Jessica Lee Anderson's Border Crossing (Milkweed, 2009), this novel provides an important look at an extremely difficult illness and its effects on a family.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 6–9—Wharton's above-average quest fantasy begins when Will Lightfoot passes a sign for the Perilous Realm at the end of a long and dull car trip with his father and younger sister. Bored, frustrated, and grieving for his recently deceased mother, he steals his father's motorcycle and bikes back to the site. Looking through a series of eerie mirror shards scattered on the ground, the teen finds himself drawn into the Perilous Realm, a world made up of stories. He meets Rowen, a brave, able girl his age who leads him to the house of her grandfather Pendrake, a wise loremaster. He learns that Lotan, a servant of the Night King Malabron, has lured him into the Realm, and that Will must seek a new way out, with Lotan and his army of ghostly, malevolent fetches in pursuit. So begins Will's quest, and he is joined by Rowen and Pendrake, the young Knight Errant Finn Madoc, an ancient talking wolf called Shade, and the otherworldly protector Moth and his raven companion. Their journey is episodic: party members get into tight spots and get out, sometimes by their own wits, and sometimes when another character arrives at just the right moment. The Realm's metaphysics are unusual and intriguing: stories are both concept and substance, with the power to trap, seduce, and liberate. This is the first of a series, but the ending is satisfying enough that readers can take a breath before moving on to the next chapter in Will's journey.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 5–9—This simple, serviceable debut novel is the coming-of-age story of a teen's ability to accept and give gratitude and forgiveness. Although there is also a nice nod to family values, the sentimental tone is a bit preachy. Heath and his father must leave New Jersey and travel to his father's boyhood home in rural Massachusetts, to settle the affairs of Heath's estranged wealthy grandfather. The provisions in his will state that the father and son must manage his bed-and-breakfast for three months in order to claim their inheritance. Heath's alcoholic dad is angry, bitter, and negative, but Heath, who recently encountered some school problems, is more open-minded. Realizing that teamwork is required, he becomes a part of the inn's staff, and a host of colorful local characters and inn residents befriend him. The novel's sweet, laconic pace comes to an abrupt halt as both father and son must deal with near-tragic events. Their soul-searching encourages them to grow and appreciate one another. This energetic, encouraging tale concludes on a hopeful note for both father and son.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

Gr 9 Up—Readers follow Jake Clay, a teenager serving in the Union army, as he is injured and taken to Andersonville. He encounters numerous unsavory characters and circumstances during his tenure at the camp, and by the end of his story he comes to terms with what he has seen and done. The strength of the novel is in Wilson's descriptions of both the moral and physical filth found at the prison camp. Readers feel Jake's disgust and fear. Unfortunately, the novel seems little more than situations, many graphic in nature, tacked together to illustrate the true suffering endured by soldiers during and after the war. While Jake matures in the end, the other characters lack much depth. With the wealth of Civil War literature available to teens, this one isn't a first choice.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Gr 6–10—"Tall Jake, take me away." Say the words six times, burn the secret ingredients, and you will be whisked into the comic-book world of Malice—or so the rumor goes. Seth and Kady don't believe the stories for one second. The teens who have disappeared must be runaways, and the artist who draws the comic must use the missing persons' photos, right? Then their friend Luke disappears, and only a few days later a character who looks remarkably like him appears in an episode of Malice. Seth decides to go into the comic to stop Tall Jake from taking any more kids. When he arrives, he discovers a world with violent clockwork creatures, monsters that drink time, and other trapped teens. Meanwhile, in the real world, Kady begins searching London for the source of the comic, and in doing so finds herself in more danger than she ever imagined. Complete with erratic comic-book panels in which heavily slashed lines enhance the chaotic violence of the novel, this nail-biter will keep readers glued to the story until the very last page is turned. In Malice Wooding has fashioned an elaborate fantasy in which the world is dark and the peril is real. Seth and Kady are strong and exciting characters, and readers will be left holding their breath until the sequel, Havoc, is released.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 8–10—Yancey takes the gore and violence of Darren Shan's "Cirque du Freak" (Little, Brown) or Joseph Delaney's "Last Apprentice" series (HarperCollins) to thrilling new levels in this sophisticated tale. A scholarly monster hunter is facing an outbreak of Anthropophagi—creatures described by Herodotus, et al., and presented here as ravening, headless predators with sharklike mouths in their bellies and sharklike feeding habits to match—in a 19th-century New England town. The merry chase takes cerebral, self-centered Pellinore Warthrop, joined by a disturbingly cheerful colleague named Kearns and 12-year-old Will Henry, who doubles as both narrator (writing years later) and protagonist, from a gruesome dissection described with clinical precision to an interview with an inmate literally rotting away in a decrepit sanatorium, from a ravaged vicarage awash in gore to a hard-fought climactic melee in a bone-strewn subterranean lair. Though the pace sometimes falters beneath the weight of Will's verbose observations, the author folds surprising depth and twists into the plot and cast alike, crafts icky bits that can be regarded as comically over-the-top (or not), and all in all dishes up an escapade fully "capable," as Will puts it, "of fulfilling our curious and baffling need for a marauding horror of malicious intent, thank you very much."—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–8—In this first volume of a trilogy set in an alternate world, the ancient Kushan Empire, stretching from northern India to western China, still exists in 1941 and has loaned its most precious archaeological treasures to a museum in San Francisco. Recalling Phillip Pullman's Oxford, Yep creates a recognizable but startling city peopled with sprites, trolls, imps, and pixies, a place where magic and technology coexist. The main characters assemble at an official ceremony opening the exhibition: Scirye, aristocratic daughter of a Kushan diplomat; her lap griffin Kles; Leech, a street child; his trickster sidekick Koko; and Bayang, a female dragon disguised as a Pinkerton agent. As an earthquake interrupts the ceremony, Badik, an evil dragon, steals an ancient archer's ring, killing Scirye's sister and Leech's protector in the process. Recognizing Badik as an old enemy, Bayang joins forces with the youngsters on a quest for revenge. Together, they follow Badik and his master Roland, an internationally famous entrepreneur, to Hawaii, where Roland is corrupting natural forces to build a volcanic island. Developing solidarity as they confront escalating dangers, the five team up with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. Yep's varied human, animal, and mythic cast is reminiscent of those found in Lewis Carroll and L. Frank Baum. Readers who follow the diverse protagonists as they come to understand and love one another as family will be eager to follow their adventures into the next volume.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

Gr 7–10—For 15-year-old Sam, a pastor's daughter, believing in God was natural until, somehow, a few years back doubt crept in. If God is all good and all powerful, why isn't He fixing anything? Sam's mother's alcoholism resulted in a DUI and landed her in rehab; her father is gone all the time dealing with other people's problems, and he doesn't seem to know how to communicate with his wife and daughter even when he is home. Things ratchet up even further when a local girl is abducted from their sleepy Northern California town, a crisis that drives much of the plot. Then, unexpectedly, Sam experiences a moment when she truly connects with God. Bit by bit, the areas of brokenness begin to move toward healing, although perfection is still a long way off. Sam is a complex and fully formed character whose insight into her own behavior fluctuates in a wholly believable teenage way. Her shy exterior is offset by a sardonic voice, reflecting, for example, on the fact that her alcoholic mother is a better parent than her pastor father. In the background is a beautifully developed metaphor for Sam's life as she tries to find ways to take charge of her backyard, where even drought-resistant plants have succumbed to a massive heat wave. This multilayered exploration of the intersection of the spiritual life and imperfect people features suspense and packs an emotional wallop.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 10 Up—As she is about to unlock the door to her dorm room at the start of her freshman year, Cecily Powell decides she's not ready for college. Without a word of complaint, her father drives her back to Chicago where she must live with the decision she's just made—to take some time off. But instead of traveling or seeking out new experiences, Cecily happily remains at home doing pretty much nothing. Eventually, she realizes that she must face her fears. After exploring her past and her goals for the future with the help of family, an old friend, and a couple of professionals whom her dad hires to nudge her along her way, Cecily decides it's okay to be uncertain. Zulkey addresses the anticipation and trepidation that accompany leaving home in a funny and frank way. Cecily's experiences and emotions are honest and refreshing. What is also worthy of applause is how the author avoids clichéd scenarios—such as rekindling an old romance or being rescued by a best friend. Instead, the protagonist discovers her strengths. As they watch, learn, wait, and consider what they would do in her shoes, the supporting characters in Cecily's life also grow through her off year.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 5 Up—Large, beautiful color photographs, numerous sidebars, and a snappy layout make this book attractive. Adams discusses 15 famous archaeological sites, each getting four to six pages of coverage. In the section on the Palace of Knossos, a sidebar discusses Daedalus and Icarus, but does not make clear that this is a story from Greek mythology and not a factual tidbit as in the other sidebars. Overall, the focus here is on flashy design instead of informative content. For libraries looking for a general overview of famous sites, this book will be useful, but readers will have to look elsewhere for any in-depth coverage.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

Gr 7 Up—Respecting her family's wishes, the author chooses anonymity to recall the time 10 years earlier when her brother-in-law was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and she intersperses her account with questions and answers about the disease. For example, the chapter titled "False Fears" deals with her visit with Jay soon after his diagnosis. His mother had replaced the terrycloth towels in the bathroom for paper ones so that he would not have to share with anyone else. The questions that follow this particular memory deal with the many ways the virus is not spread (e.g., one cannot get HIV from saliva, tears, mosquitoes, or swimming pools). Though the book is heavier on information than personal story, the author's aim is continued awareness about the disease so that one day the stigma placed upon it will be gone. She is as adept at defining medical terms and emphasizing the need to support patients as she is at describing the emotional impact of Jay's illness on his whole family.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3–6—Although the writing in these books is folksy and friendly, some of the photographs are dark, others are blurry, and they seem slapped on the page in an amateurish cut-and-paste manner. The same illustration of a petunia appears in Container Gardening with other sun-loving plants and then in Terrarium, floating disconnected in a border. Good advice is given: wear gloves; wash your hands after handling fertilizer; buy your container gardening supplies at garage sales to save money; put newspaper down when making your terrarium to help with cleanup. Organic Gardening sets forth a compact explanation of the damage caused by the runoff of chemical fertilizer into a river, but the rest of the book offers very detailed and complicated explanations. The comparison table for terrarium plants lists a spider plant in the three-to-six-inch category, which seems an underestimation of its full-grown size. The one-page indexes refer readers to the texts, but the plants listed in the different tables (light requirements in Container Gardening; easy-to-grow vegetables in Organic Gardening) are not included in them. Each title has one or more craft projects. The worm composter in Organic Gardening is complicated, while the painted-rock critters in Terrariums and the rain gauge in Container Gardening look doable. Although Ellen Talmage's Container Gardening for Kids (Sterling, 1996; o.p.) is for older readers, it has more projects and valuable tips. Constance Hardesty's Grow Your Own Pizza (Fulcrum, 2004) has more ideas for organic and container gardens as well as yummy-sounding recipes for home-grown produce.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 4–6—A four-armed young alien observer stationed on nearly every spread is just one of several reminders that life "out there" will likely be very different from life closer to home. The author's conviction that there is alien life—and right on the verge of discovery, too!—underlies his entire discussion of how scientists look for and find dozens of exoplanets every year. Berkowitz examines "extremophile" life on this planet (mostly microscopic creatures such as bacteria); suggests possible harbors for life on Venus, Mars, and certain moons of the outer planets; then goes on to explain how planets orbiting other stars are detected and studied. Several active researchers and even a space artist put in cameos. Lacking leads to further resources but featuring a colorful mix of photos and artists' conceptions, plus a recipe for "Tasty Space Treats" and instructions for manufacturing a fake UFO photo, this title has plenty of appeal as a current, widely angled, not-too-earnest introduction to some of modern astronomy's frontiers.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—The Earth's climate is caused by the interrelationship of a vast number of astoundingly complicated factors. Global warming and the resultant changes we are now experiencing is the result of human activities and choices. This volume concentrates on the science behind the current crisis. The many full-color charts, maps, and graphs aid in understanding the large concepts of the global-climate system, the carbon cycle, plate tectonics and its effects on climate change, local and planetary motions in the atmosphere, and ocean currents. A distinction is drawn between climate and weather, and the change in climate is viewed as a global issue. The author emphasizes the need for rapid and international cooperation in both the study of the problem as well as in changes in human behavior to try to take control of it. A thorough list of sources current through 2008 will aid researchers who wish to further explore this important subject. A lengthy list of Web sites and online sources will be helpful as well. This is an intricate and convoluted subject, but Casper does a good job of explaining the basic science behind the controversy.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 3–7—This title provides lots of great advice to keep readers safe while using the Internet. Everything from preparing to connect, wise surfing, maintaining privacy while online—such as what to and what not to share, communicating, and expressing oneself via email—is covered. Also included is a section on cyberbullying, with suggestions on what to do if it occurs. Another chapter offers guidance and suggestions for sharing photos, recording videos, and downloading music. Many quizzes, lists, and creative ideas are complemented by clever and colorful cartoon drawings. There are many recommendations for fun, safe ways to stay connected with family members, to improve grades using the Internet, to help your community, and to just have fun. The last few pages provide space to record homework sites or game and other fun sites for future reference.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 3–6—These titles cover a range of high-interest topics that will delight inquisitive readers. Each book begins with a definition of the subject, followed by spreads that answer questions pertaining to it. On the pages marked "Q," a question is posed in clear, white lettering. Beneath it are a concise answer, an eye-popping photograph, and, occasionally, a "Find It Quick" bubble with links to pertinent Web sites. The page marked "A" goes deeper, providing detailed information written in clear, accessible paragraphs. A page about related careers, one with tests and experiments entitled "Young scientists at work," "Fast Facts," and a science survey are appended. Vibrant photography adds visual information. Beautifully organized, highly appealing, and user-friendly, these volumes offer solid science information.—Nicole Waskie, Chenango Forks Elementary, Binghamton, NY

Gr 6–9—"All of this stuff is art, and just like music itself, it feels great to create." This statement is the backbone of this incredibly readable book. Crossingham uses a comfortable, conversational tone with a sensibility that will appeal to teens and preteens alike. He covers everything from music being our universal language and humans' instinctual ability to understand, and, hence, "speak" it to learning to play instruments to forming and promoting a band. He looks at the people who can help musicians along the way, today's technology, and, of course, getting along with bandmates. Inspiration is addressed and not solely in words, but also through the exceptional graphic design and illustrations, which enhance and broaden the musical themes addressed with humor, wit, and style. This book will wow anyone who is ready to recognize that creative spark within themselves.—Tracy Weiskind, Chicago Public Library

Gr 5–8—Extensive, detailed information about stars is coupled with amazing colorful photographs, many from the Hubble Space Telescope, in this stunning book. Packed with facts about the stars and their life cycle, the text often relates them to situations or objects familiar to readers. The wealth of information may overwhelm casual readers, but the extensive glossary, including photographs, aids students. This book is sure to attract kids interested in astronomy and those doing reports.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 3–6—Illustrated with a fun mix of color photographs and cartoon characters, this cookbook presents more than 55 recipes with a focus on preparing nourishing meals. Eleven introductory pages discuss safety, equipment, healthy eating habits, allergies, and cooking terms. The issue of safety is handled inconsistently. The phrase "check that it's allergy-safe!" is used in some recipes for prepackaged ingredients but not in others: salsa and tortillas have a warning, but bread does not. The potato soup recipe instructs cooks to pour hot liquid into a blender and puree. This creates a great deal of steam and can be dangerous, but there is no cautionary note. Some recipes are truly fabulous and kid-friendly, like Breakfast Quesadillas with apples and cheese and the Soup in a Jar from the kitchen gifts section. But with so many great cookbooks like Kids' First Cookbook (American Cancer Society, 2000) and Angela Wilkes's Children's Quick & Easy Cookbook (DK, 1997), you can skip this one.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 4–7—Luxuriously detailed, brilliantly colored, and drenched with gold, Demi's biography of the "boy king of Egypt" is, unfortunately, easier to look at than it is to read. Palace intrigue, violence, secret tombs, and beautiful queens add some sparkle to an otherwise rather dull text. In addition, much attention is paid to Tutankhamun's father's rejection of Amun and the other gods in favor of Aten, a rather abstract concept. Although indisputably beautiful, the illustrations suffer from an inert quality, in part due to the Egyptian style the artist is echoing—flat and declarative, with each figure shown in profile. Supplement this title with Zahi Hawass's Tutankhamun: The Mystery of the Boy King (National Geographic, 2005) for photographs and text that focus on the archaeology and objects found in Tutankhamun's tomb.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 3–6—This two-in-one history and activity book does an excellent job of explaining Native American history in easy-to-understand language while stressing the differences between and diversity among tribes. The book is divided by region (including maps of each one): Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Great Basin and Plateau, Southwest, Pacific States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Activities are kid-friendly (a few have adult supervision required) and encourage exploration of the text (such as creating a Delaware story bag, trying a Gros Ventre-inspired hands game, playing Washoe stone jacks). Clear illustrations accompany each activity. An introductory note is careful to explain that no ceremonial objects or clothing are included, and children are discouraged from "playing Indian," thus promoting cultural sensitivity. Brief biographies of famous, modern-day Native peoples are generously included, thus reinforcing the fact that Native American history is still being made. Pronunciations of tribal names and other Native words are included throughout. A lengthy list of museums, cultural-resource centers, and festivals is appended, as is a substantial suggested reading list. A top-notch resource for classroom use or independent study.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—These four titles cover well-known landmarks from an architectural perspective. Through photos and text, each book includes the structure's history, technology, environmentally friendly features, and a brief biography of the architect. Each book contains an identical page about CAD (computer-aided design). Architectural and construction careers are also mentioned. Each structure is also "measured," giving pertinent weight, height, length, etc., in easy-to-read boxes. The books end with a quiz, a simple activity, illustrations, facts, and a map locating similar "notable structures." Golden Gate Bridge is the strongest of the titles, with jaw-dropping photos, smooth writing, and a clear flow. However, the authors neglected to mention Amadeo Giannini, a prominent financier, without whom the bridge could not have been built. Sears Tower, while interesting and well done, is actually a misnomer as the building's name is now Willis Tower (this is noted in the text). Beijing National Stadium is full of information about the impressive arena; however, it is debatable how much demand there will be for this subject post-Beijing Olympics. The White House is the weakest title. It has a factual error regarding the date of the Revolutionary War, and the photos illustrating the technology used to build the White House are modern and unrepresentative. No sources or bibliographies are provided.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Gr 3–6—Among the eye-catching pop-ups, spinning wheels, and lifting flaps are paragraphs of text and informative captions logically placed with their illustrations. Topics featured include "Deadly Hunters," "Protective Armor," and "Flying Reptiles" (can't leave out those non-dino Pterosaurs—or Pliosaurs either, for that matter). The artwork is colorful and plentiful, the readable snippets of text brief and to the point, and the paper engineering adequate. The binding is a tad sturdier than others of its kind, such as Robert Mash's equally appealing Extreme Dinosaurs (S & S, 2007), but enthusiastic pulling, lifting, pushing, and turning may lead to premature extinction unless protective reinforcement is applied.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—These books provide useful, age-appropriate information about growing up and navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence. Each chapter addresses a different issue and includes anecdotes. Under Pressure explores academic as well as social pressure at school. Love Me? looks at various dating scenarios and other topics concerning emerging sexuality, such as the pressure sixth-grader Margo feels to wear sexy clothes. Family explores various types of families including adoptive and foster; kids being raised by grandparents, two moms, and single parents; and families that are biracial, or that have a stepparent or a parent who abuses alcohol. Frenemies focuses on the importance of friendships, as well as their sometimes dramatic nature. For example, readers learn how Amber copes when her best friend steals her boyfriend. In all of the books, "Talk About It" sidebars pose questions that ask readers how they would handle a particular situation and how it relates to their own lives. These sidebars give the series a slightly textbook feel, and readers might find them a bit silly. Chapters end with an "Ask Dr. Robyn" spread in which the series' professional consultant gives friendly, nonjudgmental advice. Girls are encouraged to recognize their feelings and take action to ensure their emotional and physical well-being. If they can get past the generic look—purple-hued perma-bound covers and generic color photos—then these titles could be useful additions to health and well-being sections.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 3 Up—Scheffler brings his considerable illustrative talents to this new edition of Eliot's much-loved collection of cat whimsy, first published in 1939. Scheffler's cartoon felines, with their expressive eyes, are a deliciously animated cast. From sleepy Old Deuteronomy and busy old Gumbie Cat to naughty Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, they're contrary and complicated. Whether contemplating their secret name, their next crime (like Macavity), or their next meal (like Bustopher Jones), these cats by turns baffle and delight the humans around them. Edward Gorey's version (Harcourt, 1982) captures Eliot's nuanced humor in stylized black-and-white cartoons. Scheffler's illustrations add colorful detail and playfulness, but both editions bring out the timeless wit and wisdom of these poems. Make room for both editions; cat (and even dog) lovers everywhere will welcome Scheffler's marvelous work.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 4–8—Interesting first-time events are recorded by location in this unique atlas. Sports trivia, world record events, and geographic phenomena cover the colorful maps, which are organized by regions of the globe such as Eastern United States, Scandinavia, China and Japan, and Africa. Land is a sharp green, and red country or state boundaries stand out nicely. Illustrations, photos, and reproductions help lead children's eyes to different first facts of the regions. Many of the tidbits are easy to understand, and students will see the connection of the first facts to the location. A few are random and finding a connection with the geographic area is a challenge. This unique volume is interesting, and students will enjoy combing through it.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

Gr 8 Up—A modern, simplified take on Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. Readers complete quizzes to determine their body type: Air, Fire, or Earth. Chapters explore such subjects as healthy eating, stress management, relationships, and yoga, all specific to these body types. Most of the advice is practical and applicable to everyone, such as the recommendation to eat less processed food. Some is more obscure, e.g, wearing rubies to improve circulation and digestion. Physical appearance and relationships are discussed in relation to overall health and well-being. The focus in GirfForce is on encouraging teens to take care of themselves to feel good. The book does not deal extensively with topics such as sexual abuse and suicide prevention, but acknowledges that these issues are part of many adolescents' experience and recommends that teens facing them speak with a trusted adult or call any of the hotline numbers provided in the book. The writing is accessible, and the colorful pages are filled with photos of smiling, attractive young women, reminiscent of the images found in popular glossy magazines. Readers looking for an introduction to Ayurveda or a new take on health and fitness will enjoy this book and its accompanying Web site. Young women needing a more substantive exploration of coming-of-age issues should look to Nancy Amanda Redd's Body Drama (Gotham, 2007).—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 3–6—These highly readable books introduce some interesting careers. Each volume provides background information about the field and a clear look into its many possibilities in the 21st century. A chapter highlights ways to become involved in the profession and the interests and skills required. Activities that will allow students to learn more about the career are also included. Scattered throughout the chapters are boxes that add additional information. Colorful photographs illustrate each book. This series provides readers with a clear look at interesting careers that will play a role in the future.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 6–8—This poem in free verse is addressed to a Native American girl about to go out into the world. The writing is lyrical with a natural rhythm and rich imagery. Harjo talks about the gifts the girl receives from her family at birth and her responsibilities as she grows to adulthood. The poem encourages her to share with others and be grateful for the world. It is an interesting and touching mix of modern and ancient ideas, mentioning junked cars and horses, mathematics and moccasins. Some of the text seems deeply personal, even intimate, yet many of the ideas expressed are universal. McDonald's stylized paintings are done in a warm and vibrant palette. Her compositions include symbolic images that swirl across the pages. Sometimes the text appears below the illustrations, sometimes on the opposite page, printed on solid-color backgrounds. The font is small and a little difficult to read when it is printed white on orange or white on olive green. Although in picture-book format, the text is intended to speak to early teens, especially those of Native American heritage.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 5–8—These titles combine "true-to-life" stories with advice from a child and adolescent development specialist. Harris discusses using cell phones, instant messaging, and gaming and social-networking sites in a safe and responsible manner. Is This Really My Body? discusses the physical changes that occur during puberty, while This Is Me focuses on physical challenges such as weight issues, using a wheelchair, and vision problems. Tourville's Out of the Dark contains strategies for coping with emotional challenges like divorce, loss of a relative, death of a pet, and moving. Some of the stories are a bit melodramatic but do represent the trials and tribulations that many adolescent girls go through. Though earnest and well-intentioned, the expert advice and author comments come across like platitudes. The stock photographs are unimpressive, but the overall design is uncluttered and orderly. These hi/lo titles could be used as starting points for discussions.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 6–9—Though the topics range from general overviews to specialized points of interest, the presentations are similar. These presentations provide sufficient background and then expand on each subject by referring to recent studies and developments in the field. A conversational tone keeps the books readable, and specific topics have information relevant to teens' lives. For example, Military Family's tips on moving and adjusting to another environment could be useful to any new student. Other features are a "Myths and Facts" section and a list of important questions to ask a specialist (doctor, trainer, etc.). The books are all illustrated throughout with captioned color photos.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—A compassionate look at the true odyssey of an orphaned Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Rescued from a crab trap, with severe injuries, "Winter" was brought to the Clearwater (FL) Marine Aquarium and, despite the heroic efforts of the staff, lost her tail. Trying to swim "fish-style," Winter caught the attention of a prosthetic engineer, and the Hatkoffs' clear text follows the efforts of a mixed team from the aquarium and Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics to design a workable "tail" to keep her healthy. Full-color photos reveal the cooperative efforts of the human team and Winter in this journey toward a more normal life (some of their work has produced benefits for human amputees). Fans of the Hatkoffs' "Owen & Mzee" titles (Scholastic), or of Carol Buckley's Tarra and Bella (Putnam, 2009) will gobble up this empathy-raising tale of the little dolphin that could. A long section describing the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, dolphin data and the way dolphins in captivity are trained, and the work of Kevin Carroll and Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics are appended to satisfy the questions of curious readers.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—John Brown is a larger-than-life figure in Hendrix's bold pen-and-ink drawings washed in acrylic. The historical account begins with a somewhat terse explanation of Brown's beliefs and respect for his "free black neighbors." Hendrix discusses the array of attitudes about slavery in the 1840s. He goes on to describe Brown's growing passion as the Kansas-Nebraska Act stirred up the controversy and he met Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, who responded differently to his militant stand. Though the book is laid out across full spreads with substantial text, the energetic and often disproportionate characters and the bold array of typefaces in conversation, labels, and quotes blend picture-book and graphic elements. The narrative is both colorful and blunt as Brown's campaign to raise an army develops. "Like a great fuming tornado, John swept across the plains to fight for Kansas…John and his sons stormed the houses of five pro-slavery settlers,…took the men to the creek, and killed them with broadswords." The tragedy grows, of course, with the raveling raid at Harpers Ferry. Hendrix closes with Brown's unwavering words at his execution and brief commentary on the ensuing publicity. "His war did not bring freedom, but his voice roused a complacent nation to action." Brown's famous/infamous campaign is covered only briefly in children's books on the Civil War; this thought-provoking presentation on the man and his time could also stimulate discussion of militancy in today's world.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 3–6—The exquisite photos and firsthand information provide an in-depth and personal look into the lives of these animals. Readers are able to see and understand the needs and challenges facing them, both in the wild and with human encroachment of their territory. In Leopards, the authors tell the story of a cub that they met when she was only eight days old. They became "almost" friends with Legadema (whose name means "light from above," or "lightning") and watched her grow into a beautiful and powerful adult. The book contains a wealth of information about the species, comparisons to other types of cats, their habitats, feeding habits, and interaction with other animals. Penguins offers the same level of expertise in the factual specifics, but the authors focus on several general populations of penguins instead of a relationship with one or more animals. Both books provide conservation messages and suggestions for readers to get involved in habitat preservation, support, and funding for various wildlife organizations. Excellent selections.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 9 Up—A wide-ranging, rather diffuse survey of ethics in sports, past and present. The title is somewhat misleading, as much of the book is devoted to a historical treatment of the subject. There is an excellent examination of the various controversies that have plagued the Olympics throughout its history, for example, but researchers interested in contemporary issues may find this sort of discussion irrelevant. They are also likely to view as irrelevant the author's superficial attempt to apply such ethical theories as utilitarianism, situational ethics, and nonconsequential Kantian theory to particular moral questions. The book's value as a research tool is compromised by such unsubstantiated assertions as "Most males perceived Title IX as a threat to the status quo of having control over all the money, facilities, and benefits associated with sport." While the book's scholarly apparatus is substantial, the author fails to provide citations for some of the examples most likely to be of interest to students, such as her statement that, "It was reported that members of one men's basketball team that won the NCAA Division I championship did not attend any classes during their postseason play for an entire month." Reported when, readers may well ask. By whom? About whom? Libraries that own Robert L. Simon's Fair Play: The Ethics of Sport (Westview) or Sport Ethics (Thompson, both 2003) by David C. Malloy, Saul Ross, and Dwight Harry Zakus will probably want to pass on this one.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 4–7— Heading West touts its "21 activities" but it is really little more than a cut-and-dry history textbook. Arranged chronologically in eight chapters, the book begins with a time line spanning from 1754 (the French and Indian War) to 1986 (the close of homesteading in Alaska). The page layout and organization have a slightly jumbled appearance with various size photos and drawings strewn throughout, sometimes filling in margins but leaving others empty. Though plentiful, the black-and-white primary-source photos and drawings (the bulk of which are from the Library of Congress) are of mixed quality and often lack dates. Numerous primary quotes from settlers, presidents, and Native Americans enliven the text somewhat. Activities range from the very easy (make a tepee out of paper, draw a community poster) to those needing adult supervision (pulling taffy and dipping candles). If pioneer and Western activities are what you're looking for, try David C. King's Pioneer Days (Wiley, 1997), which offers a much better array in a livelier and easier-to-use format.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This national epic, fundamental in Finland, is obscure in America. A dozen large, striking watercolor/pastel-pencil illustrations (and many vignettes) are likely to attract readers to these fantastic stories of heroes and shamen. The translation slips into the "bedight" school of archaism, and there's no map to help locate the stories' sites. But rich imagery (an iron egg, a spell-built ship, copper boots, a fiery eagle, an evil elk—unfortunately drawn as a moose) and lively action (one hero's mother reconstructs and resurrects her son) are seductive. Excerpts from the eight-beat verses parallel the prose retelling. Shape-shifting, sorcery, fighting and rune-singing, the forging of a magic mill, and the courting of reluctant maidens all play roles. Not as literal as Magoun's translation (Harvard Univ., 1990) or as literary as Bosley's (Oxford Univ., 1999), this abridged version is still substantial, its vocabulary challenging, and the contents sometimes distressing (suicide, fratricide, murder, incest, torture, revenge). Powerful women are unusually prominent. Tolkien fans should be especially enthusiastic recipients.—Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI

Gr 6 Up—Marcovitz's coverage ranges from insomnia to potential medical conditions that can lead to death, such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy. This book is a comprehensive overview of an often misunderstood subject. Parks explains what learning disabilities are and discusses the causes and overcoming them. The book's strength is that it explains how learning disabilities differ from other types of disorders. Yuwiler discusses type 1 diabetes and its management, type 2 diabetes and its prevention, metabolic syndrome, and medical advances. In all three books, subtopics are delineated by brightly colored burgundy headings; blocks of orange-colored sidebars with bright-red print and relevant color photos and illustrations appear throughout. Each chapter ends with several pages of primary-source quotes and facts and illustrations that offer greater clarity to the text. Teens will find the overall organization of these succinct and easy-to-read books useful and attractive.—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

Gr 6 Up—Marcus invites readers to listen as writers use their own words to tell "how they found their funny bones, their voices, and themselves." These are revealed in a series of interviews with 13 well-known and much-loved writers. Purists will only count 12 actual interviews. (A correspondence from Daniel Pinkwater is included; in it, he is typically offbeat and downright funny.) The selections provide insight into the authors' personalities, how they came to write funny books especially for young readers, experiences that stand out, and more. Each interview begins with a brief prologue by Marcus, a photograph of the writer, and the same question, "What kind of child were you?" Various correspondences, excerpts from their books, and early photographs appear in each one. The inserts suggest the interplay between writer and editor, show a page of a manuscript, or depict the author in an earlier time. Though always illuminating, these intriguing bits sometime impede the flow of the interview. Each one concludes with a list of books. The writers range from raucous (think Jon Scieszka and Daniel Handler) to gentle, thoughtful, or simply softer (e.g., Hilary McKay and Beverly Cleary). Also interviewed are Judy Blume, Sharon Creech, Christopher Paul Curtis, Anne Fine, Carl Hiassen, Norton Juster, Dick King-Smith, and Louis Sachar. As he did with fantasy writers in Wand in the Word (Candlewick, 2006), Marcus provides a glimpse of a group of extraordinary individuals whose books appeal to young readers. This title should find its way onto shelves for readers of all ages.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 6–10—World War I was notable for incredible carnage, the complete senselessness of which was noted by both foot soldiers and such savvy statesmen as Winston Churchill. Murphy begins this history of the Christmas truce of 1914 by limning the buildup to the war. Anyone who has ever felt confused by the connection between the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and the conflagration that followed will be vastly enlightened by Murphy's explanation, extended in the comparison, drawn in the epilogue, of Europe in 1914 to the United States just prior to attacking Iraq. The author's descriptions of the fatal collision between 19th-century battle tactics and 20th-century weaponry leave no national high command looking the least bit competent. Given this background, it is quite clear why, in December of 1914, troops (both German/Austrian and Allied) simply ceased fighting. Soldiers fraternized across the barren No Man's Land between trenches, sang together, and exchanged gifts. In some places, the truce lasted until late into the spring. Murphy's research is impeccable, and his use of primary sources is both seamless and effective. Frequent black-and-white photographs and period drawings extend the readable text. The source notes and accurate index add to the usefulness of a volume that seems designed as much as a teaching tool as for general reading. An excellent addition to middle and high school libraries, this affecting book has a place in history curricula as well.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 7–9—The title of this series is deceptive when it comes to these two entries. Naden does a solid job of presenting various aspects of the health-care debate and offers a readable general account for the uninitiated on how health care is provided in both the U.S. and abroad. However, Perl leans heavily on one side of the immigration debate and focuses on the current and past abuses of immigrants around the world. Neither book offers much by way of debating the issue; instead, they give an account of the state of health care and immigration in the United States. Both books are heavily referenced, and source notes are appended. Illustrations, though, are at a minimum. If books on the actual points of debate are needed, see Greenhaven's "Opposing Viewpoints" titles. Additional purchases.—Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 7–9—These titles use both historical and current events to demystify two relatively abstract ideas. Detailed explanations of economic indicators, business cycles, inflation, GDP, and the role the federal government plays in helping to control the economy are included, as are many other relevant concepts. The difference between a recession and a depression is made clear in both books, and real-world examples of all types are used. While the writing is fairly dry, it delivers clear and concise explanations that most students will be able to comprehend. Captioned color photos appear throughout. Included in the back matter are excellent lists for further reading and many governmental and/or oversight organizations.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 3–8—Reeves is an unsung hero of the American West whose honesty and sense of duty are an inspiration to all. In a frontier brimming with treachery and lawlessness, this African-American peace officer stood out as a fearless figure of unparalleled integrity, arresting more than 3,000 outlaws during his 32 years of service as a deputy U.S. marshal, all without suffering an injury. He was a former slave who became a successful farmer and family man before accepting the appointment to serve as a lawman in the Indian Territory in 1875. While Gary Paulsen's The Legend of Bass Reeves (Random, 2006) mixes fact and fiction to great effect, Nelson chooses to keep her telling as close to documented research as possible. Selected anecdotes ranging from a humorous encounter with a skunk to an intense gunfight with an outlaw provide a sense of the man's courage and character. The text is chock-full of colorful turns of phrase that will engage readers who don't "cotton to" nonfiction (a glossary of "Western Words" is included). Christie's memorable paintings convey Reeves's determination and caring, while rugged brushstrokes form the frontier terrain. Youngsters will find much to admire here.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 6 Up—Each book provides a great array of facts, statistics, graphs, and primary-source quotes. The first title has an overview of the problem as well as topic-specific chapters such as "Who Drives Drunk?" and "How Should Drunk Drivers Be Punished?" It offers differing ideas on questions that have more than one answer. The colorful graphs and charts contain current information, sometimes through 2008. Robson covers disasters ranging from manmade to weather-related and bioterrorism. The author doesn't just focus on the United States; how the world responds to disasters takes up a good part of the book. Hurricane Katrina is discussed in the overview and leads into chapters that question the ability of the United States to handle natural disasters and how it can be improved. Once again, colorful graphs and up-to-date statistics are included. Both titles would be great additions for students needing print materials to help with research projects, and for those who require some kind of first-person account included in their research.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

Gr 5–10—Peterson relates the little-known history of the early American fur trade. He describes how European demand for fur hats and accessories sent French and British traders, traveling in Native American birchbark canoes, to explore and navigate the waterways of the Great Lakes region and the interior of the North American continent. Both countries formed alliances with competing Indian tribes and confederations, which resulted in poisoned relations between settlers and tribes, contributed to the European conflicts over land claims, and influenced the colonial battles in the wars between France and England. The author also discusses the interactions between the fur traders and the Native Americans and the hardworking and hard-playing lives of the voyageurs and fur traders. Numerous sidebars about people, places, and technical aspects of the trade, as well as black-and-white reproductions of period illustrations or photos of locations, appear on each page. Unfortunately, they are small and dark, and therefore add little to the text. However, that weakness is somewhat mitigated by the extensive bibliography. Although this book is occasionally dry, it does offer readers and researchers insights into a part of early American history that is all too often overlooked.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 4–8—This guide is a helpful tool to introduce children to the basics of dining do's and don'ts. Divided into six chapters that cover a wide range of table-related topics, as well as picnicking in the park and on the beach, the book includes tips on how to use chopsticks, what to do if there's a fly in your soup, and how to eat corn on the cob. Each chapter includes quizzes, humorous black-and-white cartoons and diagrams as well as questions and answers in child-friendly language. Readers will find the index a handy way to look up a specific topic and appreciate the bulleted lists and numbered steps. Written for today's audience, the text offers advice on dining at a food court and how to eat fast food in the car. While intended for a juvenile audience, adults are sure to learn a new custom or two and may find their manners improving as well.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA

Gr 7 Up—After his presidency, Jimmy Carter embraced his ideals by promoting a humanitarian project. He found one when he decided to build houses for needy families through Habitat for Humanity. Carter's prestige and determination helped the group grow from 7 employees and 40 volunteers in 1980 to one million volunteers in 2009. This book examines how Habitat got its start, what participation means to its volunteers, and its mission today. Enthusiastically and in clear, simple terms, Rubel gives interesting commentary about just what it takes for a group of novices to join together to build a house, including the basic construction and architectural tasks involved. The author also highlights some unique challenges. Focusing on plumbing issues, for example, composting toilets, communal bathrooms, and outhouses doubling as chicken coops make for a surprisingly interesting as well as inspirational story. Besides the facts and practical information, the uplifting spirit behind Habitat for Humanity is captured through the full-color photographs, quotes, and reflections of volunteers and housing recipients. A great choice for book reports as well as for additional biographical information about President Carter.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 4–6—This serviceable work introduces the life and times of a man considered to be the first great wildlife ecologist (1886–1948). His posthumously published Sand County Almanac is the foundation for much of today's environmental movement. Leopold was a forester and enthusiastic hunter of wolves, cougars, and other predators, but soon realized the interconnectedness of all ecological systems and became a progressive advocate for animal, plant, and habitat preservation. Unfortunately, many of his early warnings met with resistance, although he persevered throughout his life for acceptance of conservation. Leopold's life is adequately presented but there is little of his passion in the dry text. Many of the illustrations are fillers, such as the half-page full-color photo of the chapel at his prep school, which has no bearing on the text. This important visionary deserves a more exciting presentation.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 3–6—Although best known for his dictionaries, Webster, a contemporary and friend of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and other "founding fathers," made many contributions to the United States as a new nation. He advocated standardization of spellings and pronunciations of words, differentiating between American and British English. He was an early proponent of public education. He was instrumental in getting the first U.S. copyright laws approved. Unfortunately, while his many accomplishments are certainly worthy of study and attention, none of them are of particular interest to children. The thoughtful, quotation-heavy, and lengthy text is appropriately aimed at older readers, and the attractive oil paintings, realistic, dark-toned tableaux, accurately reflect the period. However, their formal composition may appeal more to an adult audience. Instead of tightly focused pictures that draw a child's eye to important details, these images are often panoramic views. The art is beautiful, but better suited to museum viewing than a picture-book biography. Webster is a fascinating topic, but this book does not succeed in bringing him to life for young readers.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 7 Up—This book covers a wide range of issues affecting young women today, from beauty, boys, friends, and Internet use to tougher problems such as drug use and STDs. Chapters cover each topic with scenarios from teens who dealt with the issue and include quizzes to check for understanding, and resources and tips to deal with the various situations. The most important concerns—depression, suicide, eating disorders, dating violence, sexual abuse, etc.—are all lumped together in one chapter, while those that are important but less disturbing or life-altering are given a whole chapter. Each chapter concludes with "Seven Tips Every Girl Needs to Deal With…." A list of additional resources available for each of the topics appears at the end of the book instead of at the end of each chapter. The feel of the whole book is one of quick pop psychology rather than any in-depth solutions. Overall, the volume is a good read for those who want some information about girls' issues but, for significant help, other sources must be considered.—Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX

Gr 3–6—This lively overview features clear, well-written explanations of the technical elements of figure skating and anecdotes from skating history. The readable text is supplemented with eye-catching photos, cartoon illustrations, and simple diagrams and charts. Thomas includes a smattering of simple tips and activities; readers are encouraged to get an idea of what a spin feels like by sitting in a swivel chair and spinning in different poses. They learn why ice in televised competitions is painted "TV blue," and that the Zamboni travels at a top speed of nine mph, "about as fast as a slow tractor." The six main types of jumps (axel, flip, Lutz, loop, Salchow, and toe loop) are briefly described; an illustration on the same page diagrams each stage of a jump. Readers also learn how skating competitions, judging, and costumes have evolved, and how skaters prepare themselves to face the mental pressures of competition. Snippets introduce famous athletes from Jackson Haines, Sonja Henie, and Dick Button to current stars. Thomas includes a number of dramatic stories from the Winter Olympics: the on- and off-ice drama between Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan, 1988's "Battle of the Brians," and 2002's scandal in pairs skating that exposed crooked judging and led to reform. This engaging introduction will be welcomed by both newcomers and fans of the sport.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 8–10—Tompkins and Martinez directly address their readers: "If you have an anxious mind…," giving teens the sense of a caring adult speaking to them. While many self-help books can be read in any order, this one is progressive and should be read in sequence. Following the first chapters on definitions and how to seek help, there are several chapters with increasingly more complicated aids that teens can implement. Beginning with relaxing and moving through decoding "self-talk" to building a fear ladder, each step is slightly more complex and takes a more serious approach. The final chapters stress the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep, and the possible need for medication. Throughout the book, first-person vignettes describe specific anxieties or phobias and how they were dealt with using the strategies outlined in the middle chapters. It is not clear if these are real teens who have written these vignettes or if the examples given are composites of teens the authors have worked with. In either case, they serve the purpose, along with the appealing line drawings, of catching readers' interest and enlivening the text.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 4–6—In 2000, a multinational group of scientists created the Tagging of Pacific Predators project (TOPP) to study the dwindling numbers of ocean predators and find ways to save them. This book reports on the work of scientists who fitted four species with satellite tags—loggerhead turtles, great white sharks, bluefin tuna, and sooty shearwater seabirds. The succinct text describes where the animals were found, how they were tagged, and what information the scientists gleaned as they traced migration routes, located feeding and breeding grounds, recorded the distances traveled and the length of time it took, and so on. Some basic facts about the creatures are incorporated as well, such as outstanding physical and behavioral characteristics, senses, and diet. The chapter on loggerhead turtles also describes a "race" between 11 female turtles to see which one reached the Galapagos Islands first after laying eggs in Costa Rica. One or two sharp color photographs or illustrations appear on every page; they depict the animals (the underwater shots of sharks are particularly good) and some of the scientists involved in the project. A map of the Pacific, with colored silhouettes of the animals and lines indicating their travel routes, appears at the end of each chapter. An addendum cites the current estimated population figures for the predators discussed. Students of marine life and its conservation, as well as budding oceanographers, will find this title illuminating.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 4–6—Flaps, foldouts, wheels, and pop-ups spill across the pages of this colorful title. Each facing page unit ("Deep Sea Terrain" and "The Sunlit Zone") contains an introductory paragraph and a collection of color photos, realistic illustrations, and a sampling of the aforementioned doohickeys accompanied by brief, informative captions. (A tad of misinformation creeps in—lobsters do not just "lie in wait" for clams and mussels to show up as food. Clams tend to do their moving under cover of sand or mud, and as for mussels—once tethered by their byssal threads, they go nowhere.) The illustrations and photos are eye-catching, the flaps and other gadgetry plentiful, and the paper engineering reasonably engaging. Fun for most, and with possible appeal to reluctant readers as well.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—This is a compilation of blog entries that span from 2004 to 2007; the book concludes with a recent interview with "Hadiya" in which she explains that she blogs in English because most of her visitors are English speakers. (An editor's note informs readers that only pseudonyms are used but that Hadiya is a real teen living in Mosul.) In the book, she describes her schooling and how it is affected by bombs, missiles, and gunfire. She writes at length about her relationships with her family and friends and how they are tested by the horror surrounding them, and of the lack of ordinary conveniences such as telephones and power. Readers learn that Hadiya, her family, and many other Iraqi citizens do not welcome the American soldiers. They hate the war and what it has done to their lives. Photos are scattered throughout; some enhance the text greatly, while others seem random and unnecessary. While the editors wanted to stay true to the blog, some editing for consistency would have been helpful. Sometimes Hadiya offers English equivalents, e.g., the Arabic grade level as compared to the English grade level; other times, however, she does not. Minor issues aside, the book is eye-opening and important. Hadiya's vivid descriptions of her feelings about the war are heartbreaking as she worries about dying in a war she doesn't believe in.—Sarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA

Gr 3–5—Wyatt takes a lighthearted approach to her subject, which is interspersed with real facts, dates, and occurrences. She outlines three main steps: "Stake Out Your Identity," "Run the Country," and "Meet the Neighbors." Fifteen small sections under the main headings discuss naming the country, choosing a motto, setting up a government, elections, constitution, laws, money, holidays, and more. Youngsters will enjoy the color illustrations and humor throughout. A matching activity, U-Name-It, will undoubtedly cause lots of laughter. Kids can make up passports for their imaginary country, and a labeled illustration shows all parts of the document. Creating a flag (in three steps) is another project to tap readers' artistic abilities. There's even a "Fill-in-the-blanks National Anthem" sung to the tune of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." Various forms of government are explained—democracy, oligarchy, theocracy, single-party rule—along with a color cartoon of a beheaded monarch. The role of the United Nations is briefly touched upon, including the Blue Berets. A brief glossary defines globalization, political party, taxes, and more.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY