Adult/High School—These 28 short stories are impressive in their variety and quality, as well as in the inclusion of authors with established young adult appeal such as Stephen King, Tanith Lee, and Neil Gaiman. Adams's goal was to highlight the best Sherlock Holmes stories of the last 30 years, emphasizing those that feature the fantastic. Readers may begin with a refresher course on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's world in Christopher Roden's "A Sherlockiana Primer." The mysteries themselves range from supernatural to political to domestic. They feature pirates, aliens, dinosaurs, and H. P. Lovecraft's horrific creatures. Readers meet H. G. Wells, Lewis Carroll, and Jack the Ripper, and will enjoy a story told by Laurie King's Mary Russell. Of course, most of the tales are narrated by Dr. Watson, and Mrs. Hudson, Inspector Lestrade, Mycroft, Irene Adler, and James Moriarty (who turns up in several cases) are all here. Entries not to be missed include Naomi Novik's moving, personal "Commonplaces," Peter Tremayne's chilling Moriarty story, the unexpected twist in Sharyn McCrumb's "The Vale of the White Horse," and the outrageous silliness of Dominic Green's "The Adventure of the Lost World." The final story, by Robert J. Sawyer, gives Holmes and his popularity among the reading public a truly universal significance. This is a substantial collection that will entertain teen fans for hours, and may well seduce them to seek out the original.—Angela Carstensen, Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City

Adult/High School—DeKok, an aging Amsterdam police investigator, has been compared to the detecting men created by Arthur Conan Doyle, and that seems apt: he is understated, given to his moods, brilliant when it comes to deductive reasoning, and surprisingly observant. The effort to provide translations of his various cases bodes well for American teens who are Sherlock Holmes fans as well as for those assigned to read novels in translation for their world literature classes. The setup here is properly mysterious—women check into a hospital and then disappear—and includes some racy suggestions—one woman is a genteel prostitute and there is talk of cocaine use—but the onstage action is staid without being the least bit sluggish. The solution is credible and not the least disappointing. This translation has short sentences and easy vocabulary, making it an adult book that is not only accessible, but also inviting.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—Legend tells that one day an apprentice with no magic will reunite the fragments of a gemstone and unleash a powerful magic upon the world. A Mage of None Magic not only describes the prophecy and its potential heroes, but also introduces an intriguing world of magic and adventure. Niel, 19, is anxious to begin his studies in earnest. His journey to the College of Magic and the Conjuring Arts takes an unexpected turn when he is asked to join a band of explorers looking for the ruins of an ancient city. Ennalen is a Magistrate at the college, dedicated to keeping faculty from abusing their apprentices. However, her desire for power outweighs her altruism. When she discovers information about the prophecy in an ancient tome, she decides that she must be the apprentice to whom it refers. While the descriptions of Ennalen's life and actions at the college are a bit difficult to follow, switching without warning from depictions of current events to explanations of ancient folklore, Niel's journey and experiences are intriguing. His tale shows the importance of teamwork, choosing your own path, and staying positive in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. As the plot moves forward and the two story lines converge, the book as a whole becomes stronger. Readers who are able to get past the slow beginning will find themselves anxiously awaiting the second volume.—Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Adult/High School—Featuring prose fiction, manga, essays, and more, this volume showcases some of the hottest young talents of Japanese pop culture today. Most of the collection is devoted to prose fiction, which is well written and diverse in content and style. Three stories are of particular note. Otsuichi's "Where the Wind Blows" is a tragic love story about a girl whose room is in the path of a magical wind that deposits items from the future, including a newspaper announcing her murder, committed by her lover. Kouhei Kadono's "Jagdtiger" is an action-packed tale featuring a synthetic woman created as a weapon. When she falls in love with one of her organization's targets, things get complicated. Yûya Satô's "Gray-Colored Diet Coke" is an unsettling excerpt about a young man desperate to escape the limitations of his town. His tale is possibly the most powerful as he struggles with his friend's escape by suicide and yearns to become someone through any means. Horrifying and vivid instructions on how to kill make this story especially disturbing. About one quarter of this book is devoted to manga, with two of the five tales being closer to illustrated poems than short stories—a potential disappointment to some readers. However, the selections are solid and the artwork in Katayama's "Her Transparent Belly Button" and VOFAN's "Shadow Dance Music" deserves special mention. With a bright, tempting cover, this provocative anthology should be an easy sell to readers interested in Japanese pop culture and those looking for innovative and exciting stories.—Lara McAllister, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—With intensive research of Cherokee mythology and first-rate storytelling skills, Fox, himself part Cherokee, debuts a fantasy series that is a fine introduction to Native American culture and folklore. This prehistoric tale begins with Sunoya, a young shaman preparing to become tribal Medicine Chief, who has a vision about the demise of her people, the Galayi. Seeking council from Tsola, the Seer and Wounded Healer of the Galayi, she forgoes the path of becoming chief to follow the Seer's prophecy and raise a motherless boy whose life she has saved. This adopted son, Dahzi, must overcome his own selfish wants and desires and make necessary sacrifices to save his people and become a great chief of the Galayi. While including many details of traditional Native American customs and tribal practices, Fox also manages to contemporize this mystical and magical tale of shaman and warriors with adventure and humor to sustain readers from start to finish.—Melanie Parsons, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Adult/High School—Life on the Missouri-Kansas border between 1861 and 1876 is extremely violent, and hangings, fires, and executions feature highly in this work. In short chapters, readers learn about the exploits of soldiers during the Civil War and the guerrillas who continue fighting after it ends. The James and Younger brothers are the focus of this Deadwood-like novel. They don't start their lives as cutthroat, calculating outlaws, but once the war is over, life as they knew it has changed and in their eyes their guerrilla tactics are their only means of survival. They make their living robbing banks, destroying train tracks, and stealing from innocent passengers. An author's note discusses the extensive research Gilmore undertook to ensure the novel's historical accuracy. Readers interested in gangsters, outlaws, and Western bad guys should be happy.—Joanne Ligamari, Twin Rivers United School District, Sacramento, CA

Adult/High School—Grieving over the murder of their son and the murky details of their daughter's death, Angel, an inspired and popular baker, and Pius, a university professor, leave Tanzania with their five grandchildren for Rwanda. Angel is commissioned to bake cakes for every occasion, and her interest in the story of the celebrant and the client as well as the nature of the celebration expands her role to confidante, therapist, financial adviser, and matchmaker. She is privy to the most intimate stories, some as horrific as those of victims of the 1994 genocide, others as mundane as unrequited love. Upon hearing the stories, Angel is compelled to help with more than cake making. Most touching and symbolic is her role as surrogate mother in a wedding of truth and reconciliation between a Hutu and a Tutsi. The descriptions of Angel's thought processes are as eloquent as they are simple. Charming images of spicy sweet tea and mouthwatering cakes and humorous explanations such as how to deceive a dishonest tailor are juxtaposed with heartbreaking accounts of child hobos living in Dumpsters. This is a good choice for readers interested in the political and social life of African countries and fans of Alexander McCall Smith's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series (Pantheon).—Jackie Gropman, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library System, Fairfax, VA

Adult/High School—Roesch has created accessible and credible characters and placed them in remote, small-town Native Alaska. Cesar, a gangster teen from Orange County, CA, moves with his mother back to her home in Unalakleet, a two-hour plane trip from Anchorage and "real" stores. His older cousin, Go-Boy, and Go's stepsister, Kiana, introduce Cesar not only to the daily realities and expectations of his new community, but also, eventually, to the new life that he realizes he wants to maintain. Both sides of the family have hardscrabble issues, including a member in prison, alcohol problems, and Go's mental health concerns. The author develops both plot and characters with a steady and respectful array of insights and sympathies.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—Cast out of English court life for treasonous acts against the king and disbarred from his home, wealth, and the woman he was to marry, Crispin has become known as the Tracker—one who will help you find justice for a fee. In this second book about him, a slow-witted scullion girl summons him to help her with the body of a French courier who lies dead in her room. She claims that she killed him, but Crispin is certain she didn't and is determined to discover the murderer, even though he knows that neither she nor her sister can pay him. In the midst of his search, he uncovers a plot to assassinate the king. Are the two incidents connected? Desperate to return to court and to regain his status as a knight, Crispin plans to curry favor from the king by presenting him with the sacred relic the courier was carrying. But the plan goes awry and he finds himself at the center of a web of court intrigue and treachery. Teens who like their mysteries set in the 14th century, or their hero one with more devotion to justice and honor than to common sense, are going to love this novel. There are gripping scenes of escape, vivid descriptions of everyday life, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. This book can stand on its own merits, but readers unfamiliar with Veil of Lies (St. Martin's, 2008) are sure to want it, also. A rollicking good read for fans of the genre.—Connie Williams, Petaluma High School, CA

Adult/High School—Willingham's "Fables," a comic book series that brings characters from myths, folk stories, and tall tales into the present day, steps into the world of prose with a charming stand-alone fantasy novel. The story begins in modern Fabletown, a magical village hidden in New York City where many of the immortal Fables now live. Peter Piper—the same Peter who picked a peck of pickled peppers and challenged the great wolf—is warned that his evil brother Max, aka the Pied Piper, has been causing problems out in the world. Peter heads for Hamelin, Germany, to challenge him and put a stop to his dark ways for good. A series of flashbacks then take things back to medieval times and set the stage for the final conflict. Fantasy readers new to "Fables" will get a nice taste of Willingham's rich and satisfying world while fans of the comics will find themselves treated to cameo appearances by popular characters like Bigby (aka the Big Bad Wolf), the Beast, and Peter's wife, Bo Peep. Leialoha's black-and-white drawings smartly enhance the fairy-tale feel of the story. Those willing to dig past the slow start required to explain the extensive background of the author's inventive world will find an action-packed adventure built around two absolutely captivating characters.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School—Written with the support and supervision of Orson Scott Card, this volume contains an encyclopedia as well as several articles related to the "Enderverse" series. Arranged alphabetically, the encyclopedic portion of the book provides quick references to the events, characters, locations, and technology found within Card's popular series. Entries range from a single sentence to several pages. Ender's own entry spans 24 pages. A time line as well as Ender's family tree are appended, followed by a section by Aaron Johnston discussing the development of the Ender's Game screenplay, which provides a unique opportunity to see the process of turning a novel into a movie. An essay by Stephen Sywak speculates on how the technology used in Ender's world might be possible. Finally there is a section called "Friends of Ender," which contains personal reactions to Ender's Game from people in all walks of life. A must-have for any fan of the "Enderverse."—Kelliann Bogan, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—These titles offer fun projects for crafty teens. Those in the first book are suitable for beginners. The author begins with information about how to prepare, shape, bake, and finish polymer clay beads and includes an illustrated list of materials and supplies. The projects are mostly necklace and earring sets but include hair slides, rings, and bracelets as well. The second title has unique and fascinating projects for a more advanced audience, and they are likely to appeal to teens who have a flair for the dramatic. Besides necklaces and brooches, the book includes instructions for a halter top, a bolero, a set of decorative collar and cuffs, a matching belt and bag, and some stoles. The assumption is that readers know how to use a sewing machine, including a freehand quilting foot. The instructions are mainly in text; the full-color photograph illustrations are of the finished products.—Sarah Flowers, formerly at Santa Clara County Library, CA

Adult/High School—The authors explain how to add color and light and free up floor space in this well-organized decorating guide. Helpful hints on where to sleep, dress, study, hang out, and wash within limited space are included. The book is clearly laid out with bold titles delineating sections and subsections, and colored boxes giving directions; a "you'll need" box for each project includes the skill level. The projects are almost all practical, such as a lampshade for necessary task lighting, a privacy pocket pillow, and an eyeshade. The authors address storage needs as well as decor, and include tool safety. The print is pale and some may struggle to read it comfortably. There is much talk of color theory, but no color wheel, and there aren't enough diagrams to go with the written directions. Alternative trims to rick-rack and oversized monograms, which might be too "cute" for some older teens, would have been helpful, but the authors do say to "search for fabrics that say 'you.'" On the whole, Dorm Decor offers many clear and creative solutions for dorm rooms (or a teen's room at home).—Ellen Bell, Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA

Adult/High School—Higgins delivers a thoughtful examination of the globalization of hip-hop. Taking a thematic approach, he examines diverse topics relevant to the music: its back-and-forth ties to drug and gang culture, its preoccupation with money and bling, its overly sexual portrayal of women, issues of race, and more. Early chapters spell out hip-hop's early influences, but Higgins assumes readers have at least some familiarity with the superstars of the industry. Several short interviews with diverse talents like Chicago's The Cool Kids and South African rapper Tumi Molekane go a long way to highlight and reinforce Higgins's concepts. By the end of the book, the author's strong-minded thesis becomes clear: while the quality and importance of hip-hop is diminishing in the West, it is becoming one of the largest and most powerful artistic forces for self-expression and societal change in places like China, Saudi Arabia, and Aboriginal nations inside Canada and Australia. Although one-sided, Higgins's arguments and examples are sure to cause debate. The volume closes with a notes section that highlights works cited in each chapter. Although not a replacement for historical overviews like Jeff Chang's Can't Stop, Won't Stop (St. Martin's, 2005), Hip Hop World is an excellent title to place alongside it so fans both new and old can look at this art form in a serious, critical way.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School—This is the ultimate coffee table book for horse lovers with a flair for or interest in interior design. "All things horses" adorn these pages from Breyer horses to Remington sculptures. In beautifully photographed chapters, there is brief information about various types of riding including hunting, show jumping, racing, polo, dressage, driving, and saddlebreds. There are detailed photos of riders' hands and a horse's intricately braided tail. The interiors and some exteriors of the featured homes emphasize an elegant, privileged, but comfortable, milieu. Equine touches include books, prints, paintings, sculptures, ribbons, photos, and fabrics. One of the quirkier objects is a pair of riding boots as an umbrella holder. On the extravagant side, a girl and her pony have their own playhouse. The love of these animals is reflected in the mementos and images with which the homeowners surround themselves. As the author comments, "your favorite things are what make a house a home." Famous quotes about horses throughout the book further complement this visual celebration of a creature that has captured the hearts and imagination of humans throughout time.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Adult/High School—Beginning with quotes from Aristotle regarding the inability of animals to reason about ethics, Katz proceeds to ponder the relationship between animals and humans and the profound question of whether animals have souls. In chapters centering on the many animals that inhabit the farm, the book challenges readers to think about good and evil in animals, whether they are capable of making moral decisions, and whether conscience exists in their world. The author shares the joy and solace he finds in his relationships with his animals, but is clearly wrestling with higher philosophical questions such as their place in our lives and how much they mean to us. He shares discussions he has with psychologists, behaviorists, and priests, and concludes that animals teach us humility and foster humanity within us. A mistake, he asserts, is that we try desperately to remake animals in our own image rather than recognize the impact they have in the faithfulness, friendship, and comfort they provide. Throughout Katz's anecdotes and ruminations, his pure joy and amazement shine through. Each chapter, whether about dogs or chickens or donkeys or sheep, will engage readers and tug at their heartstrings. An engaging and thought-provoking read.—Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA

Adult/High School—As an "assignment" for a magazine, Lyon decided to see how easy it would be to order prescription pills through the Internet, where these offers show up in everyone's spam email daily. He discovered that it's pretty easy to get them, and even easier to become addicted to them. But this isn't just another addiction memoir, although Lyon does weave his own experiences into each chapter. He also introduces a few other people, such as Heather, a new bride who works for a high-level line of cosmetics/body products, and who starts self-medicating for panic attacks and eventually sinks to stealing prescription pads. Each chapter shows Lyon's journalistic background, and each chapter reads like a self-contained magazine article, with interviews and facts and statistics to back up the experiences that Lyon and his fellow addicts are experiencing. While their lives may seem glamorous (jobs at glossy magazines and in the fashion industry), the effects of their addiction are decidedly not, from dealing with shady characters to the loss of these glamorous jobs and the rapid end of the symptom of constipation. The message of the book is more than "Just Say No," which Lyon has little tolerance for—it's "Just See Why Not."—Jamie Watson, Harford County Public Library, MD

Adult/High School—Written as if it were a guidebook for the young recruit about to join the Roman legions in A.D.100, as well as for the seasoned legionary, this highly informative and readable volume lays out in detail the high honor and great risk of defending Rome as a foot soldier. Readers learn who was allowed to join the legions and under what circumstances; how one was selected by the legion of one's choice (there were 28); how they were structured; how a kit was kept tidy and a sword sharp; how much walking and how much digging were expected (a lot of both); how one fought and conquered various enemies, from Berbers to Picts to Parthians; how the system of ranks worked (not in the favor of those looking for career advancement); how to unload (finally!) a pilum; how to storm a city; how to plan for and enjoy life as a pensioner (some did make it); and much more. The author knows his subject thoroughly and presents it with flare, a touch of humor, and authority. The many illustrations, including 16 color plates, add measurably to the enjoyment of the book. Also helpful are several sidebars, quotes from writers of the Roman era, a glossary, and an index. For anyone who has ever wondered what it was like to march in the armies of Augustus and Caesar and Trajan, Legionary will more than satisfy.—Robert Saunderson, formerly at Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—This delightfully whimsical combination of popular culture and science, of international folklore and leading-edge technology, is sure to elicit more than a few laughs and a good many "ahas" and "wows" from readers. Everyone knows something about Santa Claus. We are reminded every November and December in multiple formats. But none of us knows the true story, who Santa Claus really is, where he comes from, and how he does those seemingly impossible things. Now, Mone has researched the story extensively, gathered all the evidence, and presents, in simple, direct prose, the scientific case for the possibility that Santa Claus really exists. The author, a contributing editor at Popular Science magazine, relies on the latest breakthroughs in physics, chemistry, biology, business, and other sciences and disciplines to project into the near (or perhaps distant) future to explain how Santa makes use of such mind-boggling things as wormholes, teleporting, drug-induced hibernation, self-assembling molecules, and surveillance technology. Mone does reveal that aliens of superior intelligence are helping out behind the scenes, because our understanding of these things is not quite at the level of fully supporting Santa in his endeavors. With clever illustrations throughout, and with abundant doses of fun and humor, this book introduces readers to new adventures in science and technology in a most imaginative and painless fashion.—Robert Saunderson, formerly at Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—Pawel has no problem with the idolization of Chavez as a community/worker organizer. What he accomplished, and how he accomplished it, was truly phenomenal. However, his genius for leading a movement did not extend to managing a union. The charismatic, driven, and exceptionally devoted Chavez was better at getting things going than keeping them on track. The author examines the inspirational rise, wobbly tenure, and ultimate decline and fall of the United Farm Workers movement. She focuses not so much on the leader, but on eight others who were essential to whatever success the movement enjoyed. And the UFW may have seen far greater and sustained success if these voices had not been ignored and/or silenced. Pawel combines document research with recent interviews with several former directors, legal staff, and rank and file, allowing her to present a thorough and convincing treatment of an important chapter in American history. Source notes, a brief bibliography, and a smattering of black-and-white photos help; the lack of an index detracts.—Robert Saunderson, formerly at Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—From the frightening exodus his family made from Vietnam in 1984 and through their resettlement and generation-specific acculturation in Southern California, Su offers excellent storytelling with keen psychological insight. While his mother cared for everyone as the family continued to grow, his father strove hard on both their behalf and in frustration at his son's apparent thickheadedness. The careful, almost timid five-year-old grew into a gang-affiliated and alienated teen. Nevertheless, and amid economic and emotional poverty, Su has become successful as a scholar, father, and writer. This memoir is an excellent companion to Le Thi Diem Thuy's novel in short stories, The Gangster We Are All Looking For (Knopf, 2003).—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—Born in 1919, Seeger was surrounded by music. His mother was a talented violinist, and his father played the piano. Growing up, he played the ukulele, accordion, autoharp, and piano without formal lessons. At an exclusive boarding school, he found his love—a four-string banjo. He attended Harvard on a scholarship and left to start a writing career in politics in New York City, leaving music behind. Because of the Depression, it was nearly impossible to find a job. Folklorist Alan Lomax found Seeger and challenged him to play the banjo again. He met the likes of Woody Guthrie, Aunt Molly Jackson, and Lead Belly, and was captivated by the music and songs of protest. His tremendous talent to combine words and music led to the important role of folk music during various activism movements including the 1930s pro-union and Communist Party movements, 1960s Civil Rights Movement, the 1970s anti-Vietnam War stance, and more. Readers will appreciate Seeger's story from his early years exploring music to his conviction about injustice. One of the most influential folk singers in U.S. history, culture, and politics, Seeger's work will have a lasting effect for generations to come. This is an excellent biography for folk-music fans, teen activists, and U.S. history buffs.—Gregory Lum, Jesuit High School, Portland, OR