Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up—Devastated since his father's suicide, milquetoast Luke Prescott lets Briar Academy's golden boy, Hayden Applegate, dictate their friendship. Luke echoes Hayden's superior attitude and enables his poor treatment of others. When Russell, a transfer student, starts chipping away at Hayden's power base, Luke watches the rivalry grow more intense. Then drug-addled Hayden crashes a car into a tree, injuring one of their fencing teammates and freeing a spot on the team for Russell. Hayden volunteers to lead Russell's initiation to the team—a cliff dive into a small lake—and Luke reluctantly accompanies them on the ill-fated outing. Anhalt's accurate diction and sense of pace propel readers through Luke's indecision and numbness, which become tiresome. Interpersonal relationships are well realized, however, especially Luke's sputtering romance and friendship with Rachel. Though the adults in the narrative are mere tokens of responsibility, their weaknesses don't impact the overall plot. Teens will appreciate the action and the drama, without being overwhelmed by trendy names and labels as in other books set in boarding schools. Luke's witness-stand epiphany is heavy-handed, but Anhalt, a college sophomore, shows great promise in this debut novel.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Cooper Blake's life is in ruins. A summer car accident shattered his body and ruined his football career. He can't—or won't—talk to anyone about the pain, the nightmares, or his inability to sleep, and he is feeling disconnected from his family and friends. And then there is Samantha, the attractive, sassy girl who has stayed by his side since the accident. She has been his confidant and cheerleader, urging him to fight through the pain of physical therapy. There is only one small problem—Cooper is the only one who can see her. Samantha has no memories before he woke up in the hospital. She just knows that she wants a physical body. Cooper also sees dark shadows that seem to feed on the living. Samantha's desire for a body sends him to the occult section of the public library and a chance encounter with Brent. Brent takes Cooper to a sorcerer who may be able to help him deal with the shadows and discover Samantha's true nature. Cooper also runs into Delilah, the captain of his school's cheerleading squad and a budding sorceress in her own right. Together they seek answers to Cooper's visions and Samantha's origins, and in the process expose themselves to dangerous forces beyond their understanding. Atwater-Rhodes has crafted another chilling tale with enough plot twists to keep readers guessing. Some may find the ending a little too neat, but most readers will burn through this slim novel in one or two sittings.—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA

Gr 4–7—Baggott, who also writes under the name N.E. Bode, introduces twins Camille and Truman. She exudes health while he suffers from every imaginable allergy. The siblings visit their Grandmother Swelda, whom they had not seen since they were babies, and discover her role as gatekeeper to the magical "Breath World." Armed with seeing snow globes, the twins leave our "Fixed World" and enter the Breath World via a basement portal. Once there, magical creatures assist their efforts to restore a stolen stone to the portal, thus reestablishing equilibrium between the worlds. The last page indicates that sequels may follow. Baggott's imagination never falters, but her storytelling goes awry. The constant entrance of various magical creatures negates true character development, especially in a novel of this length. Thus, most episodes feel hasty. As each character appears, subplots emerge that remain undeveloped. Readers might want to know more about ogres, bog people, or the role of the Office of Official Affairs, but Baggott's tale does not permit that explication. Dialogue is often confusing. At one point, Swelda fails to answer a question and then goes off on an unrelated tangent. A continuity error toward the end may also cause reader puzzlement. While children might relish the magical circus, Anna Dale's Spellbound (Bloomsbury, 2008) and Mark Jean and Christopher C. Carlson's Puddlejumpers (Hyperion, 2008) provide better forays into fantasy.—Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 9–11—High school senior Samantha Owens needs to shake up her life. Devastated over her rejection from a UCLA writing program (Sam's writing lacks passion), she returns to New York City to upset the balance of her perfect existence. She gets help from Riley Swain, a former classmate from her old boarding school, introduced in This Book Isn't Fat, It's Fabulous (Scholastic, 2008). Riley encourages Sam to stay out late, embark on disastrous blind dates, and flirt with D, Riley's best friend. Although Samantha and D clearly like each other, D is determined to straighten out his life, which means focusing on college applications and not on women. After some jealous bouts and soul searching, the two eventually get together. Readers will applaud Samantha's upbeat resolve in the face of rejection from both her dream school and dream boy. The blind dates by committee are funny, if ridiculous (Sam goes out with a guy who only speaks to her in Latin), and Beck's snappy dialogue will score big with reluctant readers. While this novel may be a fluffy, predictable read, it's not a boring one.—Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ

Gr 7–10—This book continues the adventures of Michael Sevenson, a self-proclaimed knight errant (although they went out of fashion a couple of hundred years ago) and his squire, Fisk, a former con artist. The duo travel to Huckerston, a port town where wreckers are at work. Michael's distant cousin and love interest, the fair Rosamund, has run away to Huckerston to join her love, Rudy, a tightrope walker who is missing some toes. He is a traveling player with Mr. Makejoye's troupe, which the knight and squire join. Much of the book's humor and appeal comes from the friendship and interplay between Michael and Fisk, the former well-intentioned but foolhardy, while the latter is more reality-based and cynical. They tell the story in alternating chapters as they encounter murder, piracy, robbery, and all sorts of chaos while they try to expose the wreckers, find the loot, and woo Rosamund. Michael is able to see magic in objects and has the gift of animal handling, which is helpful in offsetting his gift of attracting trouble. The time period feels medieval, yet street lamps are mentioned, as is Fisk's former job as a bouncer in a tavern. This incongruity adds to the book's humor. A blend of fantasy, adventure, and mystery, with a large cast of characters and a fast-paced plot, this installment will appeal most to fans of the previous titles.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 8 Up—Will Halpin has ditched his former "deaf school" and is now trying to merge into the auditory-able mainstream at Carbon High in eastern Pennsylvania. As the new, overweight kid who has to sit off to the side during classes so he can try to read the lips of both his teachers and his classmates, Will—no slouch when it comes to reading human reactions—quickly downsizes his social expectations and retreats back into the soundless cocoon of his own skull. Luckily for readers, it's darkly hilarious in there. That's this debut novel's most potent hook: the opportunity to spend some quality time inside the precociously perceptive and sardonically witty head of this ultimate outsider as he visually eavesdrops—and rips on—the sick subtleties of a typical high school's social order. What teens wouldn't want to have Will's skills as he, notebook in hand, monitors the school bus mirror and pieces together what all the cool kids are talking about? Most, Will discovers, as he deftly dissects personalities and devilishly deconstructs high school culture, are slavishly focused on being invited to an exclusive party being thrown by popular jock Pat. But when Pat dies during a field trip to a defunct coal mine, under suspicious circumstances, the story morphs into an engaging mystery as Will reluctantly accepts the unsettlingly friendly overtures of a quirky classmate bent on enlisting him as a partner in some amateur sleuthing. A coming-of-age mash-up of satire, realistic fiction, mystery, and ill-fated teen romance, The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin is a genre-bending breakthrough that teens are going to love.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 4–6—Twelve-year-old Sam's extracurricular life revolves around football. After watching a video replay of an important game, the team realizes that its winning score was made inadvertently on an illegal fifth down. Bowen uses historical events—a game between Cornell and Dartmouth played in 1940—to anchor the plot realistically. This device will resonate with readers as it imparts an actual dilemma and conclusion without moralistic advice. They will feel the players' emotions when the Cowboys have to make an important decision based on an honest mistake by an official. This book can be used as an excellent opportunity for a group discussion and will be a fine addition to other popular play-by-play sports chapter books.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 4–6—Kerka is still recovering from the sudden death of her mother and coming to terms with her new life in New York City with her Aunt Tuula and older sister. Her younger sister remains in Finland with their father. As the eve of her 13th birthday approaches, Kerka has much to learn about her heritage. Human fairy godmothers live among the unknowing, protecting and providing hints of magic where needed, and the women in her family have always held that role. Now, Kerka finds herself embarking on a magical journey where her sister's future is at stake. This second book does an excellent job setting up the fairy world of Aventurine where Kerka meets the fairies, trolls, and other spirit creatures that lead her on her quest. The writing is refreshingly well done and weaves together the author's knowledge of art, folklore, and botany to paint a magical world where readers' senses are piqued by the likes of stone fairies, cave anemones, and a queen named Patchouli. Kerka's growing awareness of her family history and events that happened when her mother and aunt were teens helps her find strength as a young woman coming of age. She relies on her brain as well as her own mystical powers to maneuver through the fairy dream world while finding her true place in the real world that is her home.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Gr 8 Up—Rotund brainiac Catherine "Cat" Locke, a junior, becomes her own science-fair project "guinea pig," trying to live a prehistoric lifestyle for seven months. Out for revenge on former best friend/crush and detested rival Matt McKinney, she gives up cars, phones, TV, computers, and processed foods in her determination to win this year's competition. Cat's slimmed-down body attracts several boys' attention, and she expands her project to observe the effects on herself and others, coached in the social graces by her beautiful, brilliant girlfriend Amanda. Delightful character depth and humorous plot twists make this a satisfying read as Cat confronts the real issues separating her from Matt. Brande precisely captures the different psyches of teenage guys and girls, weaving fitness, friendship, and forgiveness around the scientific method.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 7 Up—At the end of the Civil War, three children leave their homes and embark on a journey together. Luke, 11, runs away from his master to try and join up with the Union army. Nine-year-old Daylily was hiding in the woods when her older sister and babies were killed by men she assumes are Yankees. Caswell, the youngest and the only white child, was left to fend for himself when his mother died on the plantation. Their paths converge, and these three unlikely compatriots head to where they think they will be safe. The story itself is somewhat contrived, and the violence these children witness is intense. Daylily's sister is graphically butchered like a hog and all of her babies are murdered as well. Scenes like this are sprinkled throughout the novel whether it is a situation they stumble upon or one that takes place in specific battle scenes. Both Luke and Daylily speak in dialect, as one would expect, but the dialect is not noted with any diacritical marks and is very distracting. Struggling readers will have a particularly difficult time negotiating it. The book ends with the three characters rendezvousing 10 years later, which serves to tie the story up in an unrealistically neat package. Carolyn Reeder's Shades of Gray (S & S, 1989) remains a perfect recommendation for showing the impact of the Civil War on children.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 9 Up—Olivia looks up from the wreckage of many months following the death of her twin to find herself uprooted across the country to San Francisco by her grieving attorney-mother and inconsolable contractor-father. Without Violet as a social and emotional crutch, Olivia doesn't know how she can face Golden Gate Prep. The touch of magic is subtle as the teen stumbles upon a hole-in-the-wall seamstress who agrees to mend an old dress of Violet's for a gathering at her mother's new firm. Instead, Olivia finds herself wearing a beautiful custom creation with a butterfly that bursts from fabric into life as Violet is wished back into Olivia's life. No one else can see or hear her, but Olivia's confidence is bolstered enough that she soon becomes friendly with Calla, the most popular girl in school, and catches the eye of skater cutie Soren. Complications ensue when Soren breaks up with Calla, and Olivia launches a clandestine romance, with a couple of dresses left to wear and wishes left to spend. This first-time novelist has produced an enjoyable variation on the three magical wishes scenario with nicely executed and believable characters, not so much fairy tale as realistic story—with some teen drinking. Olivia works through the wishes to realize her strengths and learn to face the world on her own.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 9 Up—In Airhead (Scholastic, 2008), Nikki Howard has the life most girls only dream of—she is a drop-dead gorgeous supermodel living it up in one of Manhattan's most luxurious buildings while partying with the super-famous, the beautiful, and the mega-rich. However, it isn't actually Nikki Howard who's enjoying it all. Emerson Watts's brain is in her body due to an accident that left the real Nikki brain dead and Em suffering a fatal accident at the Stark Megastore for which Nikki is the advertising face. Stark employs surgeons to perform a risky and expensive brain transplant on Em, and she must continue working for Stark Enterprises or her family will lose everything. Worst of all, she can't even tell her best friend and longtime crush Christopher who she really is. In this book, Nikki's brother turns up asking for his sister's help in finding their mysteriously missing mother, and Em realizes that there is a very dangerous side to Stark Enterprises. Em's narrative emphasizes the contrast between an ordinary teen and the high-stakes life of fame; she must reconcile a genuine longing for her best friend with the exuberance of over-the-top romantic gestures. Teens will relate to her down-to-earth self-deprecating humor and look forward to the next installment in Em/Nikki's life.—Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

Gr 8 Up—Stu Bradley doesn't really fit in in his conservative and devoutly religious town. He's gay and not afraid to speak his mind and question authority. He also summons a demon, Fon Pyre, because he wants to know the truth about religion. When Stu is caught committing the Sin of Onan (masturbation), the devout townspeople work to punish him and every other teen who has ever done or thought anything even remotely impure. To make matters worse, the new preacher is a fallen angel, obsessed with turning the townspeople against these teens. It is up to Stu and Fon Pyre to stop the preacher's dangerous obsession before it's too late. The plotline, while both original and creative, is overdone. A lot of details are thrown at readers at a very fast pace, making the story murky and difficult to maneuver. Overall, the characters are flat and not particularly likable, and the themes of sin and obsession are too obviously imposed throughout.—Sarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA

Gr 9 Up—Castrovilla's first young adult novel tackles a number of serious issues including depression, sexual assault, eating disorders, mental illness, cutting, and abandonment. Willow, 15, is sent by her unstable mother to spend the summer on her Aunt Agatha's barge in Rockaway, NY. As Willow and Agatha work on what appears to be a hopeless project, converting the barge into a floating concert hall, Willow finds herself both attracted to and repulsed by the hired hand, Craig. At the same time, she is intrigued by her emerging relationship with mysterious and reclusive Axel, who lives on a sailboat docked close to the barge. Frustrated by Axel's lack of romantic interest, Willow finally accepts Craig's advances but finds herself a victim of sexual assault. Axel intervenes before Willow can be seriously hurt and then assists her through the process of the investigation. Unable to face her aunt, Willow goes back to live with Axel and learns that he cuts himself to deal with the pain caused by his own abandonment and abuse. The sexual scenes with Craig and Willow are descriptive and raw, and the mood is always bleak, at times bordering on melodrama. The plot is predictable and somewhat implausible. However, many readers will quickly forgive all of these flaws as they race to the tidy, yet satisfying fairy-tale ending.—Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

Gr 5–8—This book is billed as "Volume 1.5" in the series, meaning that it provides background for and overlaps with The Marvelous Effect (S & S, 2007). Louis Proof, a 12-year-old African American, finds himself in the magical and confusing world of Midlandia, along with Cyndi and Devon. The children get to know its residents, the often-enigmatic energy beings called Celestial Entities. Conflicts between two warring groups of CEs soon involve the children, who learn that they are to become "Favorites" of the powerful being called Olivion and that they will be divided between the groups of CEs. It becomes apparent that the war between the CEs will soon move to Earth, and that it's up to the children to protect their home planet. Action moves at an almost-dizzying pace as the youngsters travel through Midlandia and meet a variety of friendly and unfriendly CEs—and some who are both. Readers of the first volume might enjoy seeing how Louis gains his magical powers, but the jumpy and conversational narrative style, combined with the large cast of CEs, may confuse readers new to the series. While Cle has created an unusual magical world, his characters remain flat and their quest won't involve readers' emotions.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 5–7—When Daniel Corrigan and his family move to Noble's Green, he notices that some of the kids there seem rather odd. After one of them miraculously saves his life, they admit that they have superpowers, but that they come with a price. They will lose them, and all memory of ever having them, when they turn 13. Because Daniel is the only one without these talents who knows about them, it becomes clear that he must find out who or what is sapping his friends' unusual abilities. Eric, their leader, believes that the secret lies in a series of old comics about a superhero named Johnny Noble, but Daniel's investigation reveals a far more sinister and dangerous villain, and the children must somehow defeat this monster. This book is a loving tribute to comic books and superhero stories. It starts out slow, but gradually gains a momentum that leads to a genuinely affecting conclusion. This is definitely a good pick for reluctant readers.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 10 Up—Meet Very (short for Veronica) LeFreak (from the disco-era song of the same name—"C'est Chic!"), a modern party girl with eclectic musical tastes. She is 100 percent plugged in to her electronic life as a freshman at Columbia University and not quite so attached to mundane concerns like going to class and managing her finances. Famous on campus for her creation of "The Grid," an online dorm social-networking site, and for organizing off-kilter flash-mob events and killer parties, Very skids from coasting to possible expulsion and scholarship loss. Brian, a best bud, until she sleeps with him; Jennifer, the roommate Very insists on calling Lavinia; and an irate RA stage an intervention at the behest of the dean. Very needs to go cold turkey and give up her total reliance on electronics. No iPod, no iPhone, no laptop. And that means no searching for her missing online crush. After things turn even uglier, the second half of Very's story takes place at a 28-day ESCAPE (Emergency Services for Computer-Addicted Persons) program at a former fat farm in Vermont. There, Very will have to learn to sink or swim after her forced break from technology. With the quiet blaring, she might have the time to figure out a future, or she just might go so crazy that she falls off the wagon into an untenable virtual existence with emoticons in place of relationships. Very's unique take on the world brings plenty of humor and a vicarious ride through racy modern college life.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 7 Up—When Reggie Shaw's dad died three years ago, he left behind an unfinished house, debts, no life insurance, two teenagers, and a wife with a gambling problem. Instead of paying for a casket for her husband, Reggie's mom bought herself a bracelet to remember him by. Now, Reggie stashes away her money in hopes of leaving home. Suddenly, the family's luck seems to be changing. After gambling away all of their money, Reggie's mom hits the lottery. The Shaws start to finish their house, all three get new cars, and life seems to be looking good for Reggie—except for the fact that now all of the kids at school want to be her friend, her old friends are treating her differently, and the money might drive away the one boy she likes. Colebank has created an engaging read with a twist at the end. Even reluctant readers will be eager to see what happens to Reggie.—Erika Qualls, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, IL

Gr 6–10—Five years ago, 10-year-old Murielle Lyman's wealthy mother and father fled the country after being accused of embezzlement, and their plans to take her with them fell through. Now 15, going by the name Cathy Ferris and living with a kind foster family, she starts summer school in her old tony hometown of Greenwich, CT, hoping to get news of her parents and possibly reconnect with her extended family. But she never expected that her cousin Tommy would recognize her, or that the FBI agent assigned to their case would reappear and want to use her as bait to catch her parents. Cooney has crafted another thriller with a lot of appeal. With chapters alternating between Murielle's past and Cathy's present, readers will speed through the pages. The book couldn't be more relevant in light of the Bernie Madoff scandal; Cooney's adaptation of a complex fraud story for this age group is interesting if one can look beyond some weaknesses. For example, Cathy's classmates at times come across as unrealistically invested in the possibility of Cathy being Murielle. This book will appeal to the same crowd that's been reading Cooney's reluctant-reader-friendly titles for years.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 6–9—Meg is a sophomore who takes up blogging as a sort of online diary. She gives only three friends the password and proceeds to share her pains, sorrows, and joys using all the jargon and typing shortcuts frequently used online. Fortunately, those not in the know have a "clicktionary" to help in translation. The main plot focuses on Meg's jealousy of Cara, her older sister who has always been T2P2, the totally perfect person. Suddenly Cara has developed an eating disorder, is rebellious and difficult, and has no friends at home or school. Hard as it was to follow in Miss Perfect's footsteps, Meg discovers that having a gaunt, antisocial sister is even worse. When hospitals and treatment become necessary, the girls' parents are overwhelmed by Cara's behavior, leaving Meg feeling even more isolated. Thus her only comfort is her friends on the blog, who are always supportive and focused on her. Aside from the awkward narcissistic aspect, the plot moves forward fairly logically. The revelations about the progression of Cara's disorder and slow recovery are superficially relayed, as is the huge effect it has on Meg. A subplot about a nosy elderly neighbor who turns into a cool friend is a nice touch. The format of texting, blogs, and IM is cryptic, and the intermittent illustrations are reminiscent of bad manga, but there is a little substance here, making the novel almost a palatable package for chick-lit fans.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

Gr 8–11—In the first title in this series of linked novels, Katie Meredith, 17, lands a "dream job"—nanny for the children of the hottest celebrity couple in England, sports sensation Brett Ballentine and media darling Kassie, a former exotic dancer. Katie quickly learns that it is not so easy to work for the rich and famous as paparazzi are everywhere and even she is the target of nosy reporters. And then she uncovers a startling truth about the Ballentines' marriage. Katie is a character who cares about her charges but gets involved in the whirlwind that surrounds her employers. At the end of Baby, would-be professional photographer Natalie de Silva, 17, gets a compromising shot of Brett Ballentine, setting the scene for Camera. Natalie sells the picture, and it is published in the Sunday Newz, along with a story about her. This sets in motion a chain of events that change her life as she becomes an instant celebrity but alienates friends and family because of a series of bad decisions and worse behavior. Despite the English setting and slang, American readers will have no problem getting caught up in the drama in the lives of these protagonists. Breezy reads.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 5–8—Kyle's father left his family in February to "think things out." Now it's summer, and the 12-year-old and his mother and siblings are staying at their cabin by a Michigan lake, on an island that Kyle plans to explore. It's just like always, except that this visit will be their last. With her husband gone, Kyle's mother is forced to put the cabin, which has been in her family for years, on the market. The boy is devastated. This year is also different in that Kyle's sisters are keeping secrets from him, and they develop a great interest in the boys who live nearby. As the summer slips away, Kyle spends most of his time fishing either alone or with his elderly neighbor, who teaches him not to take people at face value. His worst fears are realized when the cabin is sold. This story moves slowly and is primarily a study of the protagonist's personal development. His feelings of rejection and anger ring true for someone his age, and he eventually begins to look at a situation from more than one angle. The other characters are one-dimensional and remain in the background. Additional.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 4–6—Kehl is the son of Prince Amatec, a powerful warrior who is determined to conquer Temoc, the Fallen King, who sails the neighboring waters of the Carillon. Kidnapped by Temoc and taken aboard his ship, Kehl eventually discovers that Temoc is not the real villain. Durango's writing mimics that of traditional warrior tales with a measured cadence and muscular descriptions. She occasionally throws in a bit of low-brow vocabulary and innuendo that will likely catch readers' attention yet doesn't quite fit the narrative tone. In the last quarter of the book, an adequate plot and decent style crumbles into battlefield clichés and cloying emotion, and the climactic scene is rather maudlin. Much of this book is fairly entertaining, making it an adequate additional purchase, but Durango doesn't quite have her sea legs in this one.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Gr 4–6—After their first tantalizing adventure in The Robe of Skulls (Candlewick, 2008), Gracie, Prince Marcus, Marlon the talking bat, and Gubble the Troll are tapped once again to restore peace in The Five Kingdoms. Like its predecessor, this story captivates readers with its hilarity, action, and touch of romance. Deep magic is afoot, with an evil witch, Truda Hangnail, trying to scheme her way to becoming Queen in Wadingburn. Loobly Dirty, an orphan, sees Truda shrink her "Auntie," head of the infamously ineffectual but good witches of Wadingburn, and her coven down to rat size. Meanwhile, Gracie is staying with the Ancient Crones, who send her and faithful Gubble out to try to fix the Deep Magic stain that is quickly spreading on their magic web. Through several meandering paths, all the returning heroes and the newest ones, Loobly, her rat friends, and Alf, come together to defeat the Deep Magic. Readers unfamiliar with the first book may not understand all of the plot and character interactions, but they will find this an amusing jaunt to a land in which good is rewarded and evil is punished.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to Prairie Summer (2002) and Lessons (2005, both Houghton), sixth-grader Rachel is once again the narrator. She and her sisters contend with ordinary concerns—friends, promises, chores—and with the challenges of a brutal 1955–'56 winter on the Great Plains. Rachel loves school, dislikes farm work, and does not look forward to snow days. Yet snow it does, and as it continues to block the highways, the Johnson girls are flown into town and housed at the local hotel for weeks so that they may attend school. Lack of a phone keeps them from knowing whether or not their parents and younger siblings are safe. The sisters grow in their ability to cooperate, and Rachel gets a more realistic look at town life. This is a heartwarming glimpse at a dimming past.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 6–10—In 2004, Gleeson met with a group of young Muslim expatriates. They shared their stories of persecution in their homelands and their arduous journeys to safety in Australia. Mahtab's Story, a work of fiction, is based on the experiences of an Afghani teenager. When readers first meet Mahtab, her family has been torn apart by the Taliban and she, along with her father, mother, and younger siblings, is preparing to make a dangerous escape by way of Pakistan. Her father eventually separates from the group and treks ahead, leaving the rest of the family to live in a one-room hideaway where they depend on the kindness of a stranger they refer to as "Hairy Man." Eventually, the family tires of waiting and decides to continue on to Australia, though they've not heard from Mahtab's father in months. The journey is both sad and inspiring. Gleeson has created a protagonist with the strength of a woman yet the naïveté of a child. Her writing style is fluid, and it captures readers' attention from the very beginning. This is a striking piece of literature.—Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL

Gr 7–10—This sequel to Blue Flame (Walker, 2008) begins in 13th-century France with Raimon barricaded in the mountains. The weather is miserably hot, and he and his people are starving. Meanwhile Yolanda, believing Raimon is dead, has been taken to Paris as the unwilling fiancée of Sir Hugh. When she learns that Raimon is still alive, she tries to find a way to return and help save the Blue Flame and the Occitan from the French king. The story is written from the point of view of the Amouroix, a county in the Occitan. This unusual narrator directly addresses readers, and as a result the writing is slightly self-conscious. There are also some inconsistencies, such as a gagged character who is suddenly able to speak. Despite these flaws, this is a much better book than the first. Grant clearly has a gift for description and uses phrases such as "black-toothed acres of mirth" as an image of laughing soldiers. There is also more character development in minor characters such as Sir Hugh, which creates some ambivalence about which side is in the right. The real treasure in this book is a wonderful new character: Laila. This smart-mouthed, kleptomaniac servant with dyed hair and painted skin becomes Yolanda's unexpected ally and friend. Fans of the first book will enjoy the nonstop action and the historical content of this book and will be anxious to get their hands on the final volume of this trilogy.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 7 Up—In this visually appealing guide, readers learn the secrets of the world of vampires, their behavior, necessary etiquette, and the possible hazards facing them. The table of contents breaks the information into three distinct segments: "Leaving the Mortal Realm," "Living the Undead Lifestyle," and "Armchair Vampire." Each segment begins with a quiz to test readers' persona, style, and knowledge of the undead. The book then discusses types of vampires, with each one illustrated, how to be turned, how to feed, forming covens, dressing the part, travel hot spots, famous real-life vampires, and the vampire in film and literature. The striking art, including many full-page, full-color photos, along with the captivating layout and design, sets an eerie tone. A true temptation for all who love vampires and the supernatural.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 5–8—Race driver Eddie Stewart has made it onto a team headed for the Indianapolis 500, but a series of mysterious "accidents" wrecks their cars and threatens lives. Despite the danger, Eddie and the crew keep on, uncovering a mole and hitting the checkered flag. Racing enthusiasts will enjoy the play-by-play and the technical details, and newcomers to the sport may be amazed at the strength training necessary to build stamina for a race. Both will admire the hi-tech efforts in fine-tuning cutting-edge racing machines and keeping them on the road at speeds well over 200 mph. While the plot is not terribly complex, Hampshire's writing is engaging enough to keep readers going, and for some of the boys who balk at books, this may be just the thing.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 8–10—In this first book in a planned trilogy, 15-year-old Nya and her younger sister, Tali, who were orphaned during the recent war that nearly destroyed their city, both have the gift of healing. Unlike Tali, though, Nya can't harmlessly shift the pain she takes from the sick and wounded into enchanted pynvium metal. Instead, she must shift it from person to person, a dangerous talent that she keeps hidden from the ruling Baseeri and from the Healer's League where Tali is an apprentice. Scrounging to make ends meet, Nya resorts to odd jobs and the occasional theft to stay alive. When a young soldier discovers her secret and implores her to save his dying father, Nya is forced to choose between protecting herself and acknowledging her ability to save others and perhaps her entire city. First-time author Hardy has written an inventive coming-of-age tale about a likable young woman whom readers will cheer throughout her exploits. Her appealing narration chronicles her expanding worldview as she progresses from a self-interested survivalist to a reluctant heroine to a determined rebel. Fantasy fans and those who just love a good story will enjoy this fast-paced novel and eagerly await book two.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 5–10—At 10, Halima leaves her Pakistani village and moves to London with her family, where she attends school, learns English, takes up debate, and befriends independent Kate. When she enters City University at 18, Halima learns that her despotic father long ago arranged her marriage to a distant relation in return for a personal favor, and she finds herself caught in desperation between loyalty to her family and the dreams she has for her own future as a politician. With the aid of Kate and a sympathetic teacher, Halima resists her family's pressure and flees, going into hiding. Her rejected bridegroom's family retaliates by having her kidnapped in a tensely dramatic climax. In this tale of clashing cultures set against a backdrop of strong family ties and traditional Muslim faith, Hayes writes clearly and concisely, switching the narrative voice among the characters and letting the dynamics of the story simmer and build realistically. The novel is based on a true story.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 8 Up—Fans of The Devouring (Little, Brown, 2008) will eat up this chilling sequel. Six months earlier, Reggie saved her younger brother from the demonic Vours, evil spirits that possess humans on the winter solstice. Now Reggie's uneasy life is disrupted by the ghoulish reappearance of Quinn, her Vour-possessed past crush back from the dead, who seeks her help in stopping the Vours from taking over on the fast-approaching summer solstice. Reggie's ability to enter the "fearscape," or personal hell, of one possessed by a Vour and bring the human spirit back to life pits her against the Tracers, who simply kill the person to exterminate the Vour. Nightmarish imagery and unexpected plot twists move the story along as Vours and Tracers are continually revealed among the population of Reggie's rural Massachusetts town. Fear and tension will keep fans of the first book turning the pages right up to the cliff-hanger ending, despite weak character development and workmanlike prose, but those who missed the earlier volume may feel lost.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 6–10—Alex Rider is only 14, but that hasn't stopped MI6, the British espionage organization, from recruiting him for dangerous missions. Here, Alex is enlisted in a seemingly quick and easy mission of downloading computer data while on a school trip to a lab immersed in the genetic engineering of plants. While there, he discovers a sinister plot involving a criminal turned preacher and philanthropist. As in the earlier installments, the book is chock-full of excitement and suspense from the first page to the last. It starts with a bomb at a nuclear plant in India, and along the way there is a charity black-tie card game, poison needles, car crashes, bullets, and exploding gel pens. Most of the backstory is explained, so no prior knowledge of the earlier books is necessary. Great for reluctant readers.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO

Gr 5–8—Eli, 10, spends the summer of 1976 riding bikes with his friend Edie, reading Anne Frank's diary, talking with his Aunt Nell, and watching his Vietnam-vet father experience flashbacks. He observes his mother trying to ride out various storms: 16-year-old Josie's rebellious attitude; the anger between her husband and his sister, Nell (who protested the war); and the flashes of violence and despair that wrack her spouse. Eli is curious, thoughtful, and not above eavesdropping or snooping through personal letters to find out things that his family would prefer to keep private. He learns that Nell came home with cancer; that he and Josie do not share a biological father; and how his father felt after killing a man in the war. Nell nicknames him Eli the Good, and he is. He is a decent kid, just trying to understand his family and the world around him. He makes mistakes, but he learns from them, and simply wants the best for those he loves. House writes beautifully, with a gentle tone. He lays out Eli's world in exquisite detail. A Bicentennial celebration, along with mentions of pop songs and clothing styles, sets the stage, but never takes over the narrative. The story flows along as steadily as a stream, carrying readers and Eli to the end of summer and beyond, into a coda where he is an adult. Eli is good company and children will enjoy accompanying him on his journey.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—In this final book in the trilogy, Johnson returns to Heaven, OH, where Sweet, aka Shoogy, leaves home without a plan. Sometimes she drives by her house and thinks about her family, but she never misses the confines or the rules. When her truck runs out of gas and Curtis, who used to live next door, offers her a few gallons to get home, she feels sure that she is home—with him. From that point, they live simply together in his cabin in the woods. Sweet attends school and works part time. Curtis goes to college, is in the reserves, and has nightmares he doesn't want to discuss. Then the army comes calling for him and he takes off, unable to stand the thought of returning to Iraq, resulting in a tragedy. Conversations about relationships and war are sure to follow the reading of this engrossing novel. While teens will appreciate the inclusion of characters from the earlier books, this one can stand on its own. Johnson does a good job of creating a love story that will attract teen girls, but because of the army aspect, boys will be interested as well.—Emily Garrett Cassady, North Garland High School, Garland, TX

Gr 7 Up—Fifteen-year-old Scarlett Martin and her unconventional hotel-dwelling family are back. Following the success of her brother's theater troupe's staging of Hamlet at a run-down Manhattan hotel in Suite Scarlett (Scholastic, 2008), Scarlett continues her work with socialite cum talent agent Mrs. Amberson to find her brother work as an actor and to secure the agency's second client. As Scarlett and Mrs. Amberson woo Chelsea, the teenaged star of a bad Broadway musical, Scarlett attempts to get over a failed romance; reluctantly befriends Chelsea's brother; and handles family crises involving her brother's sudden semi-stardom and her sister's return to her former (and very wealthy) flame. While the novel may be enjoyed for the light if slightly madcap romance that it is, it is notable for its attention to social class and to the Martins' struggles with money. As the proprietors of a fading art-deco hotel they can neither afford to keep nor sell, all of them must make sacrifices, and Johnson's sympathetic portrayals of their financial woes save the novel from its own cuteness. The story ends not only by resolving Scarlett's brother's dilemma but also by introducing a troubling resolution to Scarlett's sister's romantic predicament, nearly ensuring a third volume of Martin family madness.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 8 Up—Luce must spend her senior year at reform school after her boyfriend dies in a mysterious fire. She suspects that the dark shadows that have tormented her all her life had something to do with it. When she meets supernaturally gorgeous Daniel, she feels a familiar longing, making her believe they have met before. Although Cam is clearly interested in her, Luce only wants Daniel, who runs both hot and cold. He tries to keep Luce at a distance, telling her that the truth would kill her as it has many times before. The first chapter is gripping and foreshadows the supernatural elements to come. The plot revolves around lovers who find one another, only to lose one another over and over again in a story that spans centuries. Instead of vampires, though, these are fallen angels. Many elements are not resolved, such as the cause of the fire and why angels are at this school. Still, fans of supernatural romance will be lining up for this book despite its flaws, and begging for a sequel.—Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Gr 5–8—Matt, 14, and his younger sister Becky have been living on the edges of the Elfin city Ljosalfar while their parents and baby sister are held captive. The elves have been preparing Matt for a quest to the North Pole that's supposed to help him rescue his family; what they haven't told him is that if done correctly, it will also cost him his life. Accompanied by Tuava-Li (an Elf) and Tomtar (a Troll), Matt heads back to the human world to search for maps. Meanwhile, Becky and Princess Asra start off on their own journey, stalked by Asra's presumed-dead former fiancé, Prince Macta. At the same time, an evil entity named Jal-Maktar has agreed to impersonate Macta and help gather a thousand human children for a grand sacrifice, for the small payment of a human soul every day, and the odd internal organ of almost-Mage Jardaine. Complicated, dark, and filled with strange illustrations in which it's hard to tell the humans from the otherworldly beings, this second book in the trilogy doesn't stand alone and probably won't attract many new readers. Buy only if the first is popular.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—In his first children's book, the former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner tells an environmental story about a plastic grocery bag as it is blown out of a landfill, over a considerable distance, and eventually into the hands of some people who reuse it. Young Margaret picks it up to carry discarded cans she sells for scrap metal. A woman uses it to block a draft under her door. Two street people pick it up but eventually drop it. A man bundles it with other bags and sells them to a woman who runs a secondhand store. The story comes full circle when Margaret buys a baseball glove and ball there and carries her purchases home in the very bag she had initially found. Root's watercolor and gouache paintings, often golden-hued landscape spreads, follow the bag from its bright early-morning wanderings, through the day and shadowy night, and into the daylight once again. Long, compound sentences flow smoothly as they describe the bag's protracted journey, offering poetic images such as "clouds like enormous black leaf bags" that race across the moon. Older children who can listen to the lengthy text will benefit from hearing the beauty of the language and, in addition, will learn about recycling plastic bags from the informative author's note.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 7–9—In Plymouth, England, in 1609, William Thatcher snatches an orphan off the streets, renames him Robin Starveling, and proclaims that the boy will serve him in Virginia. Onboard ship, Robin soon discovers that Thatcher carries clues to a "Golden Treasure" in his sea chest, and that he has planned a stop on the way to Virginia that will lead him to his fortune. Robin eavesdrops on Thatcher's conspiratorial meetings with the senile Sir Thomas Boors and foul-smelling Proule and makes his own plans to find the treasure. He and the cabin boy, Peter Fence, sneak into Thatcher's chest to try to decipher the clues. Soon the ship sails directly into a hurricane that all too conveniently strands them on the Isle of Devils, exactly where Thatcher planned to be. Robin and Peter salvage the chest and spend their days unlocking the secrets of the emblems within. Through a series of events, the boys end up on a neighboring island, where they finally discover the treasure. The plot moves at a snail's pace, and readers will tire of the overdone descriptions of gross bodily functions, irritating characters, and the abuse the adults inflict on Robin.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

Gr 4–6—Blind in one eye and shouldering a fair share of work as part of a family of sharecroppers, 10-year-old Ludelphia Bennett is no stranger to hardship or determination. Though her small town of Gee's Bend is geographically isolated by the Alabama River, she sets off on her own to Camden, 40 miles away, to find a doctor for her sick mother. Constant throughout her arduous journey is a stitched-together fabric, and she both physically and mentally chronicles her experiences as she pieces a quilt together. This is the way Ludelphia tells her story, of seeing white people for the first time, of encountering kindness and hate, and it is also the way Latham pays homage to the community spirit that historically fostered a heritage of artisan quilt-makers. While there is a bit of a reliance on coincidence, what shines through is the characterization and sense of place. Rural Alabama of 1932 is brought to life, complete with characters' prejudices and superstitions that are eventually overcome thanks to Ludelphia's indomitable strength. Here is a story that is comforting and warm, just like the quilts that make Gee's Bend famous.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Courtney Condon, a junior at "Dull-Val" High School and founder of a club to promote abstinence, awakes to a disturbing phone call from her friend Andy McElroy. The current president of the club, and a thorn in Courtney's side, and two other members completely disrupted the weekend dance by taking pictures of "lewd" behavior of those dancing and making out and slapping panty liners on people's clothes with messages such as "Respect Yourself" and "Say No to Sex." And thus the war between the "Prudes" and the "Lewds" begins. Courtney's life becomes more complicated when the editor of the school paper assigns her to write a column about the issue with the hottest guy in school. The expected ensues—Courtney develops a major crush on him—which causes her to question her stance on abstinence. Add to this a sexually repressed mother with issues from being abused as a child and who has alienated the entire family, a dad who lives in the basement, and a brother who has been basically disowned for moving in with his girlfriend, and you have the setup for this convoluted tale. While the book itself is howlishly funny at times and surprisingly undidactic, its impact is ruined by the insertion of Courtney's version of a diary, her conversations with "the Big V," especially when her virginity replies. Most teens are going to read her first conversation with the Big V and put the book down.—Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Denton

Gr 5–7—Harry Yakamoto lives with his father and grandparents above the restaurant they operate in Seven Cedars, CA. His prized possession is a signed baseball from Joe DiMaggio. As Japanese-Americans in the early 1940s, Harry and his family often face discrimination, but things get worse after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Yakamotos are forced to relocate to the Manzanar Internment Camp, where they live in close quarters, eat meals in a mess hall, and share a communal bathroom. Determined to make the best of the situation, Harry organizes a baseball team and improves his pitching, thanks to a kindly guard who gives him some pointers. The setting is brought to life with vivid descriptions of life in 1940s America and in the internment camp. Baseball is woven seamlessly throughout the story and will appeal to sports fans. However, sometimes the narrative can seem a little too much like a history lesson. For example, when Harry is leaving the camp, he summarizes several events that occurred there in a manner that seems a little too mature for a 12-year-old. Overall, this is a solid, but additional, purchase.—Kristen Oravec, Flint Hill Middle School, Oakton, VA

Gr 8–10—Even though Margot Jean Johnson, 16, wrote a manifesto detailing her plans for success after middle school, none of her goals has come to fruition. All she has is the scorn of Amanda, head cheerleader at Salesian high; the love of Baron, total geek; and the loyalty of Sybil, her best friend. She has her eye on popular Dirk, but everyone knows that he'd never go out with her. But when almost everyone at school suddenly becomes a zombie, Margot gets her chance, and, with the blessing of the principal, she takes over. She becomes head of the yearbook and prom committees and head cheerleader. She even tries to train Dirk to be the perfect zombie boyfriend, using raw meat to keep him satiated. However, it soon becomes clear that someone at school has an ulterior motive and is responsible for the zombie infestation. Now that Margot has everything she's always wanted, will she give it all up to solve this mystery? Loyalties are tested and new relationships are formed as the truth is uncovered. This tale has some major flaws. Margot's insistence on running the school no matter what makes her unlikable and the principal's demand to proceed as if nothing were wrong strains belief. The moral of the story is hammered home as well, leading to a tedious read.—Laura Amos, Newport News Public Library, VA

Gr 4–6—This slim sequel to Cyberia (Scholastic, 2008) begins with a caged Zane counting down the minutes until his release from his room, which has become his prison. He has been confined for the past two months for trying to thwart evil veterinarian Dr. Gristle and his attempts at animal mind control. Once Zane is released, the doctor gives him a bird with a chip implanted in it that will brainwash the boy as he sleeps with the hope that Gristle will learn his secret of how he communicates with animals. At first Zane doesn't notice the brainwashing as he's so caught up in his deepening abilities, but his dog, Hugo, is instantly suspicious. When the doctor gives Zane's family a monkey as a servant, it is up to Hugo and Zane to ward off Gristle's attempts at mind control and figure out a way to set the animal free. This book has little of the humor and techno-talk of the previous book and it fizzles rather than sizzles. The plot doesn't go anywhere, and much of the story feels like filler for the next book. Very few of the plot threads come together in the end, and the monkey seems completely pointless, especially when so much of the story focuses on Zane and the bird.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 9 Up—Two girls, BFF, discover, at 15, that the "forever" part may be F for "finished" instead. Lovely Sophie and shy Mia take ecstasy at a party, both thinking the experience will provide something different—and it does, but not the way they anticipate. Told in alternating voices and chapters, the girls' divergent paths unfold, each filled with poignant hope, illusion, and ultimately pain and peril, as one momentous decision takes them down separate, life-changing roles. Mia gathers her own friends and thinks she's finally made it with the in crowd, and cuts off her relationships with her family and with her best friend since kindergarten. Sophie, who knows that a pretty face is only part of who she is, finds herself fending off the perceptions of others, at great cost. The quicksand of gossip and popularity, spite and jealousy, the ever-growing shadow of drugs and the kids that indulge and abuse them, sweep Sophie and Mia into a maelstrom of brutal tragedy and painful awareness. Mia sinks deeper into the trap that she has stumbled into, existing in a drug-induced haze. McCaffrey's characterizations, dialogue, setting, and plot build steadily and believably. It is easy to be frustrated with and empathetic to the girls' dilemma, and teens should find the circumstances compellingly realistic. This is a cautionary wake-up call to the dangerous snowball effect of recreational drug use, cloaked in a well-written character novel.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 6–9—A charming tale about Pepper Roux, whose jealous and cruel Aunt Mireille foretells, at his birth, his death at age 14. A devout Catholic, she insists that he learn Last Rites rather than nursery rhymes. When his 14th birthday arrives, Pepper runs away to sea in an attempt to stay a step ahead of death. He steps into many different lives, largely because, as the author repeatedly points out, people see what they expect to see. Pepper becomes the captain of a coffin ship, has a brief career as a journalist who will only write good news, and joins the Foreign Legion (until he realizes that he'll have to kill people). Each role is an adventure that leaves chaos in its wake and good-hearted Pepper one step ahead of getting caught. The story is set in France and has a 1930-ish feel. While the episodic plot may not be its strongest draw, the memorable characters and lyrical prose make the novel hard to put down. Pepper, in all his endearing innocence and goodness, will capture readers' hearts, and Duchesse, the cross-dressing steward, may be the most hilarious yet wise character in children's literature this decade. McCaughrean tackles big issues here: families, faith, loss, jealousy, and the expectations of others. The question with this book may be one of audience: Will kids understand its subtleties and some of the references, particularly the religious and political ones? But in the hands of the right child, this novel will be savored.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 8 Up—Four teenagers, Jena, Skye, Owen, and Dakota, come together and cross paths during a vacation in the Caribbean. A quarter of the book is devoted to each teen's perspective. Jena tells about her feelings of inferiority when around beautiful Skye, the daughter of her mother's best friend. Skye wants to figure out the truth about her father and the suicidal depression that turns her away from auditioning for even one more film. Dakota drinks, is sexually pushy with girls, and deals with his girlfriend's death in a car accident when she was with another guy. Owen, Dakota's younger brother, hides his insecurity behind the safety of his blog and general computer nerdiness. All four lives become "tangled" together while at the resort and after they reach home, and the way the tangles twist and unfold allows these teens to discover their true selves and find personal satisfaction. Mackler expertly creates believable characters, plots, and settings. The teens are good people who have obstacles to overcome and problems to face. Whether realizing it directly or not, they help one another because of their chance relationships. As powerfully depicted as in Emily Wing Smith's The Way He Lived (Flux, 2008), the various viewpoints weave together to create a compelling and cohesive whole. Themes of understanding, respecting others, and the power of good communication are carefully and effectively woven throughout a story that begs for discussion.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO

Gr 9 Up—This sequel to Cycler (Random, 2008) brings back the same characters, though Tommy's fans will be disappointed by his brief appearance. Freshly arrived in New York City, Jill and Ramie are looking for balance between grueling jobs and busy social lives. It's a bigger challenge for Jill, who still shares her body for four days out of the month with her brother, Jack. While Jack's happy dating Ramie, Jill's looking for someone new to mend her broken heart. However, the siblings' irregular schedule starts to fray their relationships with Ramie, and when they find themselves abandoned, each looks to a different place to find comfort and strength. Readers will need to have read the first book, since there are many plot points that carry over. Brief moments of discussion regarding gender, identity, and perception are so spare that casual readers may overlook them. McLaughlin's own voice occasionally creeps into the tale and dominates the narrative, but she soon relinquishes the flow back to the characters. Jill and Jack each receive a signature typeface, which is a nice visual cue rather than a boring gimmick. Moments of quirky humor help move the narrative along, but it feels slow at times. Fans will enjoy the open ending and eagerly anticipate the next book, but most other readers will quickly place it back on the shelves.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This latest installment is a wonderful mix of love, loss, loyalty, and betrayal. Half vampire and half human, Rose Hathaway's world is torn apart when the love of her life, Dimitri, is turned into a Strigoi, one of a group of evil, undead vampires out to destroy the Moroi, who are living vampires. She drops out of St. Vladimir's Academy and journeys to Russia to save Dimitri from himself. In St. Petersburg, she befriends Sydney, a member of a secret group of alchemists who aids in her quest. Together they track down Dimitri's family in Omsk; her stay there gives her time to heal as well as to make an important discovery about her relationship to her friend Lissa, a Moroi princess with healing abilities. When Rose confronts Dimitri, he takes her hostage and puts her to the ultimate test. The story features strong character development and an action-packed plot full of many twists and turns. A well-written and satisfying story that will leave older teens wanting more.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Jonah is determined to break every bone in his body, and to this end he stages accidents that are quite disturbing and painful to read. His friend Naomi encourages him and videos the sickening stunts, which include jumping into an empty 14-foot-deep swimming pool. Jonah's dysfunctional activity stems from family dynamics: parents who argue; an infant brother who wails incessantly for no known reason; and a 16-year-old brother who has life-threatening food allergies that frequently land him in the ER. Jesse is a constant worry for Jonah, who believes his brother is primarily his responsibility. There's plenty of teen angst and drama, but the resolution feels rushed and somewhat implausible. Jonah escapes from a juvenile psychiatric unit with the help of Mackenzie, a teen volunteer at the facility who has access to the isolation unit and knowledge of security codes. Mackenzie is enamored with Jonah's explanation of his self-destructive actions, calling them "adorable." Later that evening Jonah learns that Jesse and Naomi are a couple; this inexplicable union is also crucial to the climax. Despite its shortcomings, the unique, emotional story line may draw in teens who want a quick read and are willing to overlook some of the unlikely plot twists.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Gr 10 Up—Kaden, 15, gets a letter from his older brother and best friend, mailed after he was killed in Iraq. Kenny urges Kaden to "go see what…is out there," so Kaden leaves his parents and girlfriend behind in rural Iowa and spends a wild and life-changing week in San Francisco with his cousin James, a successful author. Kaden is fascinated by the hedonistic lives of James and his friends, but disgusted by the selfishness and shallowness of their relationships. He's especially disturbed by James's unrepentant infidelity to his girlfriend, for whom he develops feelings. As Kaden immerses himself in their bohemian lifestyle and learns some shocking secrets about his own family, he comes to respect the unconventional life James and his friends have made for themselves. This engrossing and thought-provoking coming-of-age story follows Kaden as he discovers the complex motivations behind relationships and is forced to reflect on and take responsibility for his own actions. Set in lovingly depicted neighborhoods of San Francisco amid a cast of richly drawn characters, the novel pursues with subtlety and nuance its themes of relationships and responsibility. Narrated in the fusion of West Coast and hip-hop slang and raw language spoken by most of the characters, Kaden's account is frank and contains graphic depictions of violence, sex, and drug use. Music is an important element in the story, with characters frequently discussing and listening to hip-hop, punk, and metal.—Erin Carrillo, formerly at Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 9 Up—Todd Hewitt, 13, is locked in a tower in New Prentisstown, a space colony, and separated from Viola, after the dramatic cliff-hanger in The Knife of Never Letting Go (Candlewick, 2008). Tracked down by the manipulative mayor of the all-male community he escaped, he is unaware that Viola is also under guard and recouping nearby. The noise that clatters through men's minds makes it difficult for Todd to keep any secrets about his intentions to find Viola and accompany her on a mission to contact her people, who are on their way to colonize this unsettled and fractured new world. The previous war, which killed most of the women and made slaves of the aboriginal alien Spackles, has pitted the survivors against one another. The "Answer," comprised of women and a few men who lost daughters and mothers in the war, come to blows with the "Ask," the mayor's group of fundamentalist men and their Spackle slaves. The story breaks into alternating narratives, in different fonts, as Todd is forcefully commissioned into the "Ask" and Viola into the "Answer." Their quest to reunite will keep readers focused on their relationship and moral motivation in this graphically violent and dystopian world. Lacking in this episode are lighter moments shared by Todd and his dog, who has been replaced by a less personable horse. Science fiction lovers will be looking for the next installment in this fast-paced and imaginative series.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 6–10—Norris captures the drama of The Iliad by recasting the Greek epic in a modern-day football rivalry between two neighboring high schools. When school districts are reset and Elena Argos is sent from Lacede High (home of the Spartans) to Troy High, an all-out war erupts after she dumps Spartan Lucas Mennon for Trojan Perry Prince. Perry's younger sister, the outcast Cassie, is thrust into the thick of a conflict she doesn't even care about, and she has the awful feeling that things are only going to get worse. Students familiar with the epic will recognize the characters: Hunter Prince as Hector, who leads the battle despite the whole war having been caused by his irresponsible—even cowardly—brother; Greg Mennon as Agamemnon (here, Cassie's best friend); Spartan football star Ackley as Achilles, who seeks revenge for an ankle injury inflicted by Hunter; and more. Like Cassandra, Cassie's protestations go ignored, but her "Can we please grow up and forget this rivalry?" line gets repetitive and seems trite in the face of the escalating pranks. Still, she grows in her understanding of the cost of friendship and love, and unlike her namesake, gets her happy ending. While The Iliad story line lends richness to the narrative, the book stands alone, and readers unfamiliar with the classic will still enjoy the war between high schools, started over a beautiful girl.—Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 5–9—Designed in the style of such books as Ernest Drake's Dragonology (Candlewick, 2003), this large, colorful, well-illustrated volume has many foldouts and removable pieces. It is an attractive browsing item, although it may not hold up well in long-term circulation. The cover, which looks as if it were bound in the scaly blue skin of Eragon's dragon, Saphira, adds a slightly creepy touch. The drawings, while not spectacular, are nicely done and appealing. The Guide's contents, presented as if written by Eragon, introduce readers to the peoples and creatures of the realm—elves, humans, Urgals, Dwarves, and Dragons—along with quick overviews of the series' history and culture. While not necessary for fiction collections, the book will be popular wherever the "Inheritance" series (Knopf) is in demand.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 9–11—As she ponders what she calls the "social mystery" that makes some kids seem to belong and others not, Viola, 16, wishes she didn't feel quite so invisible. Ever since her boyfriend confided in her and came out to his high school class, she has felt neglected and alone, while Lawrence has been adopted by the school's Royal Family of popular kids. When Viola accidentally summons a jinn, she contemplates the three wishes he offers to grant her, while Jinn considers Viola herself. Told in the alternating voices of Jinn and Viola, this story is a romance first and a fantasy last. After she wishes herself into the arms of popular Aaron, Viola finds herself comparing him unfavorably to Jinn, while Jinn, uncommonly critical of Aaron, struggles with his blossoming feelings for Viola. Though the first-person prose is easy to read and the romance is satisfying, the genre blending is less successful and might lead fantasy fans to judge the novel in harsher terms. The human/jinn romance ultimately comes off as a bit unbelievable, but the fantasy element draws attention to the wish-fulfillment trope at the heart of any romance novel.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 9 Up—Johanna, 17, watched her mother die while her older sister escaped to college, and she fantasizes about a relationship with Reeve Hartt. Reeve's mother is a junkie prostitute, and her mother's boyfriend, no surprise, physically and sexually abuses Reeve. Reeve is hypersexual and violently angry, and she beats Johanna. The abuse in the Hartt house is so public and over-the-top that real-world children's services would have removed her long before the novel takes place. Everything happens too fast here, with YA tropes—battering, drug abuse, sexual confusion, abandonment—in place of deep character development. Both the plot and pace of Rage are so frenetic that there's no time to feel anything for the characters. The only vivid character is Robbie, Reeve's intelligent, deranged brother. Teens may feel set up, though, when Peters martyrs him. Johanna's fantasy segments are forced instead of sexy, intrusive instead of illuminating. Though Peters exposes girl-on-girl abuse, Janet Tashjian's Fault Line (Holt, 2003) and Chris Lynch's Inexcusable (S & S, 2005) remain better choices.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This convoluted and contrived story shuttles between contemporary Chicago, Russia during the reign and downfall of the Romanovs, and the enchanted world of Baba Yaga. Ann, 17, who lives in Chicago, and Ethan, a handsome 18-year-old who mysteriously enters her world, share the narration. She is attracted by his beauty, and she soon develops strange magical powers. Ethan has powers as well; he can protect people and places. Readers eventually learn that he is actually a man who died in 1918 during the Russian Revolution. Ann begins to hear Anastasia's voice in her dreams and sees Baba Yaga and her frightening antics. Supposedly Ann is the one who can save Anastasia Romanov from Baba Yaga's clutches, where she has been since her family was brutally murdered by the revolutionaries, and Ethan has come to enlist her help. After a great deal of mystery about Ann's connection to the Romanov legacy, readers learn that she is the great-great granddaughter of Victor, Anastasia's illegitimate brother who has also survived since 1918. He is trying to stop Ann and Ethan from rescuing Anastasia; if she is found, Ethan and Victor will become mortal and die. In spite of the confusing back and forth, persevering readers might forge ahead to see how the story concludes, but it is a difficult read. Also, the contemporary scenes between Ann and her friend Tess contrast sharply with the book's main focus, and Tess's bitterness over the loss of her virginity awkwardly intrudes on the main plot.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 6–9—Eric Hayes has moved from Ohio to Long Island, NY, with his mother and younger brother. His schizophrenic father left long ago. Eric soon meets Griffin Connelly, a handsome kid with natural leadership, lots of charisma, and a real mean streak. While Griffin is the perfect bully, David Hallenback is the perfect victim: beaten down and willing to do anything to get Griffin's approval. At first, Eric is a bystander, not participating in the bullying but not doing anything to stop it. However, several events move him out of this passive role: Griffin steals from him and reveals Eric's confidences about his father; adults at school address bullying; and Mary, a girl he likes, takes a stand against it. Eric realizes that his silence makes him complicit and speaks out, only to become Griffin's next victim. Preller has perfectly nailed the middle school milieu, and his characters are well developed with authentic voices. The novel has a parablelike quality, steeped in a moral lesson, yet not ploddingly didactic. The action moves quickly, keeping readers engaged. The ending is realistic: there's no strong resolution, no punishment or forgiveness. Focusing on the large majority of young people who stand by mutely and therefore complicitly, this must-read book is a great discussion starter that pairs well with a Holocaust unit.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 8–10—Missing the dead mother she barely remembers and feeling that she's a disappointment to her father, Mardie, 15, has embarked on a path of self-destruction. She is arrested after getting drunk at a party, is letting her grades slip, and is finally busted for shoplifting. Her salvation is a girls' boxing club that she joins on a whim, but it quickly begins to give focus and purpose to her life. As she gains confidence in her abilities, Mardie learns to accept herself and others. First-time novelist Pyron gets many of the details of high school life right, and Mardie's smart, sassy narration rings true. There may be a few too many story lines what with a boyfriend who's pressuring Mardie for sex, a gay brother whom she outs to their family, a friend who thinks she's pregnant, another friend whose father is deployed to Iraq, a bully who wants to beat her up, and an inspiring disabled child whom Mardie works with at the center where she's doing community service. On balance, though, this solid effort may well attract an enthusiastic, if not overly large, audience.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 7–10—Emily the Strange, evil genius and skateboarder extraordinaire, has invented many things in her time—golems, working cat translators, great names for bands. But the duplication device may have been a mistake, especially when an accident produces an identical Emily. At first OtherMe is cool and useful, but it quickly becomes apparent that she is evil and will take over the world if not stopped. Emily's second journal, a sequel to The Lost Days (HarperCollins, 2009), is a dark delight, filled with all kinds of Strangeness: a broken leg, a Strange Manifesto that causes the entire town to go loony, an ex-spymaster neighbor, and an oddly understanding and absurdly patient mother, all described with demented wit and great relish, and accompanied by manga-style black-and-white cartoons. Does it all make sense? No, not really. Does it matter? Not at all. Fans of the first book and newcomers alike will thoroughly enjoy the zaniness and clamor for more.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–8—This thrilling addition to the shiver-inducing arsenal will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. The book contains dozens of short (most are one to three pages long) tales that range from silly (Adam Rex's one-page graphic comic) to grotesque (M. T. Anderson's "An Easy Gig") to morbid (Faye Kellerman's "Deep Six"). Unlike many short-story collections, this anthology forms a cohesive unit based on its purpose—scaring children silly. It possesses that delicious campfire quality of urban legends and lame jokes told late at night when everyone wants to be entertained. Youngsters may choose to read it straight through or to browse the stories, folktales, poems, and illustrations that make up this eclectic yet unified volume. Chock-full of selections by notable contributors such as Lane Smith, Neil Gaiman, Kenneth Oppel, Jack Gantos, James Patterson, and R. L. Stine, Half-Minute Horrors is the perfect choice for that smirking child who disdains fiction starring happy puppies or home-run heroes.—Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 9 Up—A story based on a real Russian teen, Tania Chernova, who served as a sniper between the years 1942 and 1943, defending Stalingrad from the invading Germans. Riordan's attention to detail in both the military and civilian arenas creates a seamless narrative that almost reads like a diary. Elements such as the differences between the sounds of a Russian aircraft and an enemy aircraft, the palpable anxiety felt by Russians when speaking ill of the government, and the survival techniques used by civilians and soldiers alike strengthen readers' connection with Tania Belova and her environment. Riordan's development of her character, from a girl uncertain about her duties as a sniper to one who, after seeing the death of her comrades and a loved one, has the courage to defend her people at all costs; his realistic portrayal of war; and his well-integrated historical facts make this work remarkable. The book concludes with a note about the real Tania and others from her story. Readers who choose to delve into the sniper's world will not be disappointed.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Gr 5–8—Best friends Gene and Vince go on rollicking adventures to track down and interview aliens who are living on Earth incognito. Though no one believes that the stories they write for their self-published newsletter are true, the boys know that these unusual individuals—cleverly named for their physical characteristics (e.g., Mold Man)—are the real thing. When the teens discover that the aliens are disappearing, they find themselves embroiled in an intergalactic plot that involves Vargon, the universe's most evil and frightening warlord. After meeting a school guidance counselor named Walter, they discern that he is actually Vargon's peace-loving nephew. Gene's desire to boost the newsletter's credibility causes him to print an article exposing Walter's identity, bringing the boys to the attention of Vargon's most frightening henchman. Meanwhile, Gene has been exhibiting some very unusual physical characteristics. Wrapped up neatly at the end with a surprise twist, the book is brimming with humor (Gene's tender first kiss comes right when he first sprouts tentacles from his shoulders), compounded by the theme of adolescent self-discovery. Wonderfully refreshing is Gene's character growth as he learns to become more thoughtful and caring and redeems himself by helping Walter fight the alien thugs. Quirky and imbued with a touch of romance, Alienated should resonate well with middle school sci fi fans.—James K. Irwin, Evanston Public Library, IL

Gr 6–8—Fresh from his victorious campaign in Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones (Scholastic, 2008), Alcatraz anticipates a triumphal return to his ancestral home. However, all is not well there. A deputation of Librarians, led by the fearsome She Who Cannot Be Named, is demanding that the realm of Mokia be handed over as a concession for ending their longstanding war, and Alcatraz suspects that the delegation is part of a more sinister Librarian scheme. Meanwhile, his friend and ally, Bastille, is facing disgrace as a result of their previous adventures and has lost her title of full Knight of Crystallia. Something is seriously amiss in Crystallia as well. With the help of a "recovering" Librarian and a hero-worshipping Prince, Alcatraz and Bastille must try to uncover the plot before the Librarian brute squad gets them all. As in his earlier adventures, Alcatraz frequently "breaks page" to address readers with side comments, instructions, and, occasionally, complaints and insults. Character relationships depend heavily on the previous books, although good and evil roles are less rigidly defined this time around. Alcatraz's changing perception of his parents is particularly interesting. He begins to sense love from the Librarian mother he has feared and hated, even as he grows concerned that his father may pose an unexpected threat to the Kingdoms. The rather complicated plot can be challenging to follow, and plenty of threads are left dangling for yet another sequel. Beneath the wild humor, there are surprisingly subtle messages about responsibility and courage.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 4–6—It is 1945; Fritz, 10, lives with his mother, sister, and father's parents in Soviet-occupied Germany. War has stolen Fritz's father from the family, while every day refugees travel the main road, heading west ahead of the Russian troops. As word arrives of Hitler's death, Fritz's Nazi-sympathizer grandparents hang themselves, and loss blankets the family again. Hope for a better future proves harder and harder to find with each upheaval. First-time novelist Schröder pulls readers through a harrowing period in the life of a young boy, engaging them in episodes taut with danger and uncertainty. This specific transition in history—from the chaos of World War II to the oppression of Communist occupation—is not often covered in children's fiction, making this book an asset to most collections. Its pace, emotion, and eventual hope also make it a powerful, inspiring read.—Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD

Gr 7 Up—For 18-year-old Algonquin "Alley" Rhodes, living in an era in which vampires, werewolves, and zombies are the norm is not what it's cracked up to be. Unlike most human girls at her high school, dating, especially the undead variety, is the last thing on her mind. Alley just wants to leave Cornersville Trace, go to college, and make something of herself. But then, while critiquing a local band for the school newspaper, Alley the Ice Queen falls head over heels for the guest singer. Like Alley, Doug truly loves music, and she feels as if he is singing just for her. They begin dating, and Alley overlooks what is obvious to everyone else. Doug isn't just a Goth—he isn't even human—he's a zombie. As Alley's world is turned upside down, she must make decisions with major ramifications for her future. The story is original, funny, unpredictable, romantic, and tragic. Selzer explores some basic teen issues like love, friendship, acceptance, commitment, and loss in a way that is realistic and that will make readers question their own values. An excellent addition to libraries with an occult following.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 6–8—Emmy is infected with the HIV virus, and her mother, infected before she married Emmy's father, dies of AIDS at the beginning of the book. Angry and alone, the 13-year-old moves in with her semi-estranged father and newly pregnant stepmother. At a loss for how to help Emmy recover from her grief and alienation, they send her to a summer camp for girls with HIV and AIDS. There she realizes that she is not alone, not the only person to take handfuls of pills on a daily basis, not the only girl who worries about the complications of dating with the virus. She returns home with a new perspective, welcoming her half sister into her life and admitting her newfound desire for a happier, more "positive" existence. Emmy refers to her condition alternately as being HIV positive and infected with AIDS, which may confuse readers grappling to understand the difference. What does come through is her very real anger and her fear about her future. Some readers may find the plot development slow, but Emmy's situation is compelling and underrepresented in YA fiction.—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School

Gr 4–7—Eager to find work after his hungry family arrives in Mumbai, 11-year-old Gopal ends up locked in a one-room "factory" making beaded frames with five other boys so beaten down they don't even talk to one another. Gopal's story is not uncommon: a bumper crop year drove prices down, money was borrowed to pay for medicine, the farm was lost but the debt remained, and the family was forced to flee to the city to find work. Gopal stores up his memories of his rural Indian village, with its pond, fruit trees, and bird songs, contrasting them with the noisy stink of their new home at the end of a sewage-laden lane in an overcrowded shantytown. Readers quickly come to care for this clever, perceptive boy who tries hard to do the right thing. Suspense mounts as it becomes clear that escape from the sweatshop will not be easy: the other boys need to be convinced. Storytelling is the key to winning them over, and Sheth includes bits of tales both familiar and new. The author includes more about child labor at the end of this well-told survival story with a social conscience.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 9 Up—Music is the center of Sammy Bojar's world, despite his therapist mother's urging that he pursue a more profitable career and stable lifestyle. Though he is now sinking into dementia, Sammy's grandfather, a jazz musician, is still able to encourage his grandson to follow his dream: "You're like me…. Always reaching for the moon." When Sammy's band decides to enter a competition that could result in a chance to record in a real studio, he fluctuates between his extravagant dreams of rock-star fame and his nagging fear that the group is far from ready to perform. Meanwhile, he struggles with the realization that a longtime friend wants to be his girlfriend. When it becomes clear that their romance is about to become more physical, Jen5 responsibly blurts out a reminder not to "forget to…uh…go to the drugstore before you come over." The resulting hilarious scene in which Sammy is utterly baffled by the vast variety of condoms on display is just one of the narrative's many entertaining depictions of the turmoil of growing up. A playlist identifies the songs mentioned in the text, while a classroom scene in which Sammy's teacher reads aloud from Macbeth makes the origin of the book's title clear. This debut novel will find an audience not just with music fans, but also with those who appreciate a good coming-of-age story.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 6–9—Sonnenblick's Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie (Turning Tide, 2004) told the story of eighth-grader Steven Alper and his struggle to deal with his four-year-old brother's leukemia diagnosis amid the normal drama of being a teen. This sequel is told from Jeffrey's point of view. Now Jeff is in eighth grade and just as he's getting his first girlfriend, wondering why his best friend and fellow cancer survivor is acting so weird, and trying to cope with some post-cancer disabilities, Steven, his rock, has dropped out of college and gone to join a drumming circle—in Africa! In a year of emotional and physical challenges, heartache, humor, and love, Jeffrey learns to depend on himself and live life to the fullest. Sonnenblick's intimate first-person tale of survival is a solid stand-alone novel that will leave an emotional, uplifting imprint on readers.—Terri Clark, Smoky Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 8–10—With a blizzard raging around her, Chass trips over something in the snow and is horrified to discover the body of her music teacher. Through the whiteout, she sees a man wearing a hood and sunglasses staring at her. After 16 years on the run from the man who killed Chass's father, her mom takes no chances and prepares to leave town. Determined to solve the mystery rather than move again, the teen begins to track down clues to what turns out to be several mysteries. In between being shot at, trapped in burning buildings, blindly groping through whiteouts, and avoiding wolf attacks, Chass pieces together the evidence and closes in on solutions while the killer is closing in on her. The plot winds through a number of turns and red herrings, and the thriller aspects are appropriately tense and briskly paced. The one disappointment is in the setting: Chass and her friends spend the majority of the day walking around town in whiteout conditions and subfreezing temperatures, but there is no palpable sense of the cold or the isolation that a whiteout should bring. This is a minor flaw in an otherwise enjoyable page-turner. While there are some gaps to Chass's personal history, Sorrells provides sufficient bullet points in this third installment in the series to familiarize new readers with the overall premise.—Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA

Gr 4–7—Ethan Cheeseman, genius scientist, has invented the Luminal Velocity Regulator, a device that supposedly enables travel that is faster than the speed of light. Unfortunately, when spies, corporation thugs, and shady governmental organizations hear about the machine, they try to steal it, killing Ethan's wife in the process. The scientist and his children (ages 8, 12, and 14) have been on the run ever since, relying on their clairvoyant dog, Pinky, to keep them one step ahead of the bad guys. When the family finally finds a town in which they hope to settle, the villains swoop down to steal the LVR, but the kids, their new friends, and a busload of circus sideshow performers save the day. There is plenty of quirky, offbeat humor and little pathos in this tale. However, the narrative bristles with asides and bad jokes, and the author interrupts the story with short chapters giving advice on tattoos, choosing a doctor, and other matters. The inanity can be wearing and the characters (except for the youngest Cheeseman's sock puppet, Steve) don't quite gel into fully realized people. Still, those who enjoyed Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" (HarperCollins) will find some of the same surreal qualities in this first book in a series—and a bit more warmth besides.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Told from alternating perspectives, this novel captures a snapshot of life in Depression-era Chicago. The story opens with the police looking for the hand of a five-year-old girl who has been raped and murdered. Each successive narrator sheds a little more light on the circumstances, allowing readers to guess the identity of the perpetrator before it is revealed at the end. Zane, the minister's son, spends his days "slumming," hanging with his friends from school, predominately immigrants, who live on Kenmore Street. Maizy, a heavy girl with low self-esteem, is wholly in love with him, even though she's not sure that their one sexual encounter wasn't a rape, and she becomes pregnant. Fred is a friend to everyone, the moral center of the story. This tight narrative is evocative of Sharon Draper's or Angela Johnson's work, but the historical setting will draw reluctant readers into a whole new era.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 8 Up—Engrossing historical fiction, set during the Great Frost of 1683–1684. Fifteen-year-old Kit and his "simple" twin, Christy, live in an Essex village with their mother and younger brother, Michael. Having no wood to burn, Kit's mother demands that Kit find "a little charity," in other words, go begging among the neighbors. Tragedy strikes when Michael dies; Kit and Christy go into service, where the slow boy is mercilessly beaten for his mistakes. Desperate to find a way out for them both, Kit escapes to London, where he finds work with a pious and fashionable tailor. London is teeming with excitement, danger, and temptations. Readers will quickly empathize with Kit; his conflicted feelings toward his brother, a mixture of great tenderness and shame, are sensitively drawn. He experiences the beginnings of his sexual awakening in scenes that are occasionally ribald but never gratuitous. Sturtevant invokes the cacophony of noises, smells, and sights of London, along with the sorrows and kindnesses found in daily life. The demanding conditions of apprenticeship, as well as the misfortunes that often befell the servant class, are movingly told. A satisfactory ending brings the novel to its hopeful conclusion. Sturtevant's fans will delight in another well-crafted story, while newcomers will certainly seek out her other novels.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to Double Crossing (Cinco Puntos, 2005), brothers Lemmel and Shloyme, little sister Hannah, and Mama finally join Raizel and their father in America. Raizel, given the name Rose at school, must help them acclimate to their early-20th-century Lower East Side environment. She guides her brothers through their first days of school and her mother in the realities of a less religiously observant Jewish lifestyle. This first year of the family's reunion is difficult. Papa loses his job, and Lemmel's unrecognized learning disability hampers his bar mitzvah preparation. He becomes rebellious, skips school, and runs away to a life of crime on the streets. And Mama, in her Old World ways, refuses to acknowledge her daughter's dream to become a teacher. She expects her to drop out of school at 14, work in a factory, find a hardworking husband, and raise a family. Raizel's effort to juggle work, school, and a budding romance is deftly juxtaposed with Lemmel's precarious low-life existence. His ultimate arrest and trial shame the family, yet his truthful confession, sense of ethical behavior, and redemption bring them all together in an effort to right several wrongs and begin anew. Told in the alternating voices of Raizel and Lemmel, the story offers a realistic and poignant picture of a bygone time.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 8 Up—Martin Stokes is awaiting trial at Rikers Island, a New York City correctional facility. His alleged crime is steering: telling an undercover police officer where to buy marijuana in his neighborhood. Riding back to Rikers on a bus after his court date is rescheduled, Martin gets caught between two boys fighting and is cut in the face with a blade. He is assigned to a new unit, and the cut is both the first thing the boys in Sprung #3 notice about him and a metaphor for the indelible mark that prison will leave. In the new unit, Martin attends school for the first time on the Island. The plot is episodic, reflecting both the repetitiveness of daily existence in jail and its instability: one day the house is enjoying the fruits of its commissary visit; the next, the boys are being strip-searched after an apathetic teacher loses his metal chalk holder. Volponi, himself a teacher on Rikers Island for six years, brings to life a believable range of teachers, COs, and inmates and portrays power, hierarchies, and race relations both outside and inside the jail walls with unflinching realism. Martin's narrative voice is frank, conversational, and sometimes angry, and his language, including cursing, is perfectly suited to his character. Physical violence, masturbation, and suicide are all addressed honestly, and teen boys will relate.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 8–10—10102001. That's Jem's mother's number. Jem saw it whenever she looked into her mother's eyes, but it wasn't until four years after the woman's fatal heroin overdose when Jem was 11 that she realized that the number was the date her mother would die. And it's not just that number that the teen sees—she knows when everyone will die by looking into their eyes. Isolating herself from the rest of humanity seems to be the only solution until Spider, a freakishly tall, twitchy mess of a boy, refuses to leave her alone. In spite of the fact that she knows his death date is only months away, she can't resist his overtures of friendship. One afternoon, while ditching school, they head for the London Eye tourist attraction. When Jem realizes that several people standing in line are fated to die that very day, she panics and takes off. Newspapers and television pick up the story, and Jem and Spider, targeted as the terrorists responsible for destroying the Eye, or at least witnesses, are on the run in a stolen car. Ward's debut novel is gritty, bold, and utterly unique. Jem's isolation and pain, hidden beneath a veneer of toughness, are palpable, and the ending is a real shocker. Teens who read Charles De Lint, Holly Black, and Melvin Burgess will take to this riveting book and eagerly await the upcoming sequel.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Gr 7–10— Crashed can stand alone, but teens who have read Skinned (S & S, 2008) will find themselves more invested in Lia's newest conundrum. She is a mech, a skinner. Her mind has been downloaded and her memories placed in a mechanical body. It is the only way she could survive after an accident demolished her body. She has left her family to live with other mechs because they understand what she is going through. Now a new threat has arisen: The Brotherhood of Man. This organization considers mechs to be against the will of God, and they have no problem killing innocent people in their quest to prevent any more from being "born." However, there is more to the Brotherhood than appears on the surface, and as Lia and her mech friends dig deeper, they find a conspiracy with far-reaching implications. This installment in the trilogy has intense action, a fast-paced plot, and interesting characters, even if they can't "feel." Give it to fans of Mary E. Pearson's The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Holt, 2008) or Nancy Farmer's The House of the Scorpion (S & S, 2002).—Emily Garrett Cassady, North Garland High School, Garland, TX

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Pete Sullivan's world is turned upside down when a mysterious runaway girl shows up at the nature preserve where he works. Nora claims to be the niece of Pete's coworker and mentor, Abe, and says that Riverside was built in her father's memory. Pete struggles to determine if it's worth the effort to dig through Nora's hostility and get to know her. Along the way, the two discover buried secrets about their pasts, what it really means to be a family, and a little about love. Nourished by the wilderness surrounding Riverside, Pete, Nora, and Abe all learn what it means to start over, to evolve, to change and grow, and, finally, to emerge from their protective cocoons and fly free. Characters are engaging and engrossing, and the well-written descriptions of rural Michigan are detailed and gorgeous. Readers easily become mesmerized by the gradually unfolding plot and the growth and development of the main characters as they discover who they really are and what they mean to one another. However, the backstory is overly complicated and the ending leaves as many questions unanswered as it manages to resolve.—Wendy E. Dunn, Fort Worth Public Library, TX

Gr 8–11—Attempting to avoid vicious, former "frenemies" (and their influence), Charlotte Healey starts her high school career in neighboring Harmony Falls, hoping for a clean slate. Things look promising when she makes friends the first day and awkwardly reunites, after three years, with ex-best friend/boy-next-door-turned-crush Will. Unfortunately, people from Charlie's past keep turning up, like Nidhi, former target of the nasty kids at her old school. Charlie and Nidhi reconcile and score a column in the school paper on the freshman experience. Trying to find romance and their niche in the social hierarchy, Charlie and company survive the familiar highs and lows of high school and friendship in a place where traditions, both exclusionary and dangerous, reign. Charlie learns that both sexes are equally capable of cruelty, manipulation, and susceptibility to social pressure, but she's no longer one to keep quiet when the bullies and their enablers need to be taken to task. Wiseman's fiction debut has recognizable situations and archetypes, though Harmony Falls's students and authority figures sometimes come off as stock, superficial, or stereotypical. Fortunately, Charlie proves a flawed, humorous, and perceptive narrator as she matures, standing up for herself and others. There is occasional swearing, some forced dialogue (heavy on the exclamations), and a discussion-worthy ending. While high school can seem "life and death" dramatic, Wiseman reveals the nasty business of bullying and the ugly (sometimes life-threatening) turns that questing for acceptance can take.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 9 Up—Prompted by an incident in which the Washington High cheerleading captain was publicly humiliated by an "other woman," the squad, now led by Tessa Crimson, doubles as the Society of Smitten Kittens. At the request of girls who suspect their boyfriends of cheating, SOS will launch full-scale investigations, complete with surveillance equipment, and, if they find corroborating evidence, provide said evidence to their clients. So far all of the boys have been guilty. In the meantime, Tessa's relationship with her boyfriend, Aiden, is increasingly troubled because of her frequent absences on SOS business and her secrecy about it. Things are complicated further by the arrival of Christian Ferril, who begins a romantic pursuit of Tessa, and his sister Chloe, who has her eye on Aiden. This premise has great comic potential, and the Cheater Incident Reports from SOS to their clients, as well as the rules and guidelines detailed in its official handbook, are the most entertaining parts of the book. However, Tessa and the other cheerleaders aren't particularly sympathetic or likable characters. Tessa frowns upon use of profane or obscene language, preferring to use odd expletives such as "Jolly Green Giant!" and "Apple dippers!" to express her dismay. She and Aiden have an active sex life with no mention of birth control. Their relationship seems solely based on the fact that he's the captain of the basketball team and she's cheerleading captain. Likewise, Christian's motives in pursuing her are never fully explored. Additional, at best.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7 Up—Lia and Alice buried their father on a rainy day in the fall of 1890. His death was sudden, and strange happenings are keeping the twins from resuming their wealthy, well-educated lives. Lia begins to dream of flying and Alice, while reserved, does not appear to mourn her father. Lia's boyfriend, James, uncovers an ancient tome that cryptically tells of two sisters, one the Gate and one the Guardian. One has the power to return Satan to Earth, the other the responsibility to keep her sister in check. As Lia investigates the prophecy, a fortuitous trip to a fortune-teller, Sonia, unlocks new doors. With school friend Luisa joining in the adventure, the cast of characters is complete. Lia, Sonia, and Luisa band together to solve the riddle while preventing the increasingly malevolent Alice from discovering their findings. Zink's choice of first-person present sadly emphasizes her lack of character development. None of the perils the heroines face invoke fear or sympathy, as they are all half-explained and resolved too quickly for real concern to set in. Pass this title over for better historical fantasy fare.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, formerly at New York Public Library

Gr 4–8—Through the eyes of a fictional apprentice, the life and work of the master artist is revealed in bits and pieces. Using a diary, the 10-year-old apprentice describes day-to-day activities in the studio, from grinding pigments to accompanying the master to the palace. Glimpses of encounters with art patrons, revelations about Leonardo's specific interest in human and animal anatomy, and his work on war machines are all described. The diary portion is an engaging read, blending fact and fiction. The second half of the book focuses on life during the Renaissance, primarily in Italy, and goes into more depth about Leonardo's life and his work both as an artist and an inventor. This section provides the details that report writers will be looking for. This highly visual book includes reproductions of Leonardo's drawings and paintings and photographs from around Italy, and the journal portion is peppered with original full-color artwork depicting scenes from the apprentice's narrative. The design of the oversize book has the vague feel of the "ology" series without all the flaps, pull-outs, etc. Booktalk this title with Jean Fritz's Leonardo's Horse (Putnam, 2001) to offer up a fun glimpse into the life of one of the world's great artists.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 9 Up—This title refers to the "pieces" that adoptees must identify, gather, and put together properly in order to make themselves whole. It is a compendium of poems, essays, drawings, quotations, and photos created by adoptees, from 12 to 60+, intended to "offer practical insight and hope" to other adoptees. Each contributor is introduced in a brief biographical sketch that provides readers with background information that helps place each work in context. A few contributors describe their delight at finding someone who "looks like me," while others explore the agony of being rejected, or ignored, by a birthparent. Several adoptees express regret for the suffering they inflicted on their adoptive families, who were often caring and loving. Although many contributors are adults, they focus on their experiences as teens. The raw emotions exposed here make this a rather painful, but extremely powerful read. Suzanne Slade's Adopted: The Ultimate Teen Guide (Scarecrow, 2007) offers practical, factual information as well as some first-person narratives. However, its tone is more restrained and matter of fact. Pieces of Me should be considered for older patrons who are adoptees, as well as adoptive parents.—Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA

Gr 4–8—These books chronicle the achievements of biracial Americans within the context of their multiracial identity and its influence on their approaches to life. The books include interesting facts, personal stories, and direct quotes, as well as black-and-white and color photographs. Beyoncé Knowles's parents, who are of African-American and Creole descent, grew up during segregation. Readers will learn that she credits their experiences with giving her the education and strong work ethic needed to survive in a world that can still be difficult for a person of color. Halle Berry discusses how the actress felt the sting of racism when she was frequently called a "zebra" and "Oreo" while growing up. Washington describes how the man's determination to succeed despite his birth as a slave and the low expectations that white society had for him make his accomplishments even more impressive. The differences among these subjects, including their times, occupations, and goals, are vast. However, the authors' focus on their strikingly similar experiences adds insight and clarity to their stories.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 4–9—Forty years as a sportscaster gives Berman plenty of experience to choose the 25 greatest sports moments. His writing is lively, humorous, and informative—just right to sustain kids' (or adults') interest. Quality photos throughout are another plus. Each of the entries for the individuals chosen includes a brief biographical profile with birth date, birthplace, height, weight, and a fact about their accomplishments. Other boxes feature interesting trivia such as the price of a baseball ticket in the 1930s being a little more than a dollar. Another describes the amazing typical breakfast for swimmer Michael Phelps. An audio CD that includes many of the moments as they were broadcast live is part of the package. A "Listen to the Moment" icon appears in the text to cue readers. Another positive is that definitions of various terms (e.g., horse racing's Triple Crown) are in the text instead of in a separate glossary. Of course, there are a few minor details that aren't so great, too. Only two women: Nadia Comaneci (her perfect 10 performance in the 1976 Olympics) and Billy Jean King (her highly publicized match against Bobby Riggs in 1973) and one women's team (1999 U.S. Women's World Cup Soccer) are highlighted. Arthur Ashe's profile (his 1975 Wimbledon Championship) omits the cause of his early death and his fight against AIDS discrimination. Nonetheless, this is an excellent choice for anyone who is into sports.—Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI

Gr 6–9—Bolden uses the myriad programs of the New Deal, collectively called "alphabet soup" because they were known by their initials or acronyms, as a metaphor to describe how Roosevelt's policies and legislation gave vital nourishment to the American people and created permanent changes in the government and economy. She opens with a discussion of the unprecedented crisis of the Great Depression and Roosevelt's subsequent election, but devotes most of the book to the creation and implementation of New Deal agencies and programs, and includes quotes and primary-source excerpts to show how different segments of the population, such as workers and investors, viewed Roosevelt and his policies. The author views the New Deal positively, but does discuss how it polarized the American people and drew opposition from both the left and the right. The narrative is supplemented by numerous sidebars and facing-page inserts that provide additional information and well-captioned, high-quality reproductions of period photos and artifacts. Bolden's writing style is contemporary, with brief sentences, short paragraphs, and vocabulary that uses slang and abbreviations that may not win adult approval but will appeal to teens. The book is more focused on the New Deal than Edmund Lindop and Margaret J. Goldstein's America in the 1930s (21st Century Bks., 2009), which offers a more comprehensive overview of American life during the decade.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 9 Up—In this volume, readers are skillfully guided through the critical episodes of this period and introduced to colorful characters of American history ranging from military hero Douglas MacArthur to the notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. The work is prefaced by a lucid general introduction covering the history of the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, and American arts and culture of the time. Each signed chapter focuses on topics from the fabric of daily life such as social attitudes, religion, transportation, labor, and education and concludes with a valuable list of titles for further reading. Sidebars present key figures and concepts while numerous well-chosen black-and-white photos, maps, and charts add depth to stunning social commentary. Whether exploring the wartime home front or the dislocations of the Depression, this volume presents readers with the compelling and harrowing stories of America's "Greatest Generation." With a combination of excellent writing, manageable length, and compelling subject matter, it will be an indispensable resource for research papers and AP classes. It will also serve as a companion to titles in the "Daily Life through History Series" (Greenwood).—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 3–6—Stunning images of undersea life including sunken ships, tropical fish, and marine exploration highlight this diverse work packed with information ranging from the discovery of the sunken slave ship Henrietta Marie to discussions of the wondrous array of sea life that makes its home within such wreckage. Cerullo describes the assortment of knowledge and technologies employed by oceanographers such as side-scan sonar and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle), and shows how ocean currents aid in their search for hidden treasures. One such treasure discussed is the immense, Victorian-style wooden steamship Portland that sank off the coast of Massachusetts on November 26, 1898. The work culminates with an insightful discussion of how readers can get involved in the preservation of these environmental sanctuaries. Combining well-captioned photos, bold text, and a fluid narrative covering a range of ocean life from manatees to zooxanthellae (one-celled algae living in the tissues of reef-building corals), Cerullo has produced a unique look into these underwater communities. Interesting topics, detailed sidebars, and eye-catching photos will draw in readers with an interest in ocean life.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 9 Up—These volumes provide in-depth looks at the origins of diseases and their paths throughout civilization and history. Because HIV/AIDS doesn't have the historical past of the other two illnesses, it emphasizes the impact of society's behaviors on the spread of the virus, the ability of the virus to mutate, and the other ailments that result from infection, as well as continued worldwide efforts to stop the spread. Malaria begins with an explanation of the development, the cycle, and conditions conducive to spreading the disease through a parasite, which is clarified with an accompanying illustration of the life cycle. The book continues with a chapter on the relationship of farming practices and land characteristics to the spread, and how the disease affected past civilizations. In Plague, Cunningham provides details of archaic medicinal practices and the eventual misuse of plague in biological warfare and research. Color, as well as black-and-white photos, illustrations, and diagrams with captions scattered throughout the books assist in the understanding of these well-written texts.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 6–9—This scrapbook-style book is a wonderful addition to Dahl's original biography, Boy (Farrar, 1984), the full text of which is included here. The stories of the author's life are interspersed with photographs, drawings, letters, school report cards, postcards, and memorabilia, which help to illustrate his fascinating life experiences. Readers can see how eccentric family members have made their way into his novels. Dahl's many fans will eat up this glimpse into his world, and history lovers will appreciate the detail of his record keeping. This is a great recommendation for middle school libraries in which engaging biographies are few and far between.—Mairead McInnes, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, NY

Gr 3–6—A series of illustrations of a country riverbank are accompanied by the final paragraph about Darwin's groundbreaking On the Origin of Species. The paintings show a young boy and his dog as they explore the flora and fauna that populate both the river and the area surrounding it. The lush, detailed watercolors provide plenty for readers to discover. There is movement and life throughout, and the large font and white space help to create a visually pleasing book. However, the text is complex even with the illustrations to help interpret it and the definitions of terms in the back matter. It is difficult to identify the audience for this one. Complicated concepts and an old-fashioned sentence structure ("There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one...") will derail sharing this book with groups, but individual children may find something in the pictures to keep them absorbed. As a vehicle for the artwork, the book does work, but as a means of introducing Darwin or his ideas, it falls short.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 4–6—In all three titles, each page features a different animal (or, in Arctic, a plant, a person, or a natural phenomenon)—one for each letter of the alphabet—and is comprised of one or more paragraphs of text set against the background of a sharp, full-page color photograph. Birds (mostly North American species) and Insects (worldwide species) describe the key characteristics of 26 creatures in their respective classes. Both titles have boxed inserts with the animal's scientific name, vital statistics, diet, geographical range, etc., as well as smaller photos of different species or developmental stages. Arctic briefly explains some natural features of the region, discusses the characteristics of a few typical plants, and describes the distinctive characteristics of 20 animals, highlighting the physical and/or behavioral adaptations that help them survive in the far North. The photography in all three titles is well composed and sharply focused, with a nicely varied layout from page to page. While the texts are clearly written, the amount of information provided is, of necessity, limited. Wendy Pfeffer's Arctic Frozen Reaches (Benchmark, 2002), Steve Parker's Peacocks, Penguins & Other Birds (Compass Point, 2006), and Laurence Mound's Insect (DK, 2007) have a broader scope and offer more detail on animal physiology. Still, the alphabetical format is accessible, the subjects are well chosen, and the photography is first class.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 6–8—In each title, the topic is introduced, background and historical information are provided, and then the debate surrounding the issue is discussed. The opposing viewpoints are intertwined throughout rather than presented as separate chapters. The titles conclude with summaries of salient information, time lines, and sections titled "Essential Facts" and "Source Notes." Thorough sources are included for each chapter. The titles include a few photographs as well as sidebars that highlight additional facts. Geared for middle school students, the books for the most part reach their target audience, although Genetically Modified Foods assumes some knowledge of genetics. Particularly interesting are the chapters titled "The Evolution of Cosmetic Surgery" in Cosmetic Surgery and "Sex Education in U.S. History" in Sex Education in Schools. The titles succeed in providing balanced viewpoints, successfully incorporating historical information with current concerns. Teaching Intelligent Design and Genetically Modified Foods both do a particularly good job placing the controversy in a social, economic, and political context. Visually, the titles are less successful. The marbled-paper borders on each page are old-fashioned, and the white space at the end of some chapters seems to call out for graphics, or at least a tighter layout. Useful for reports.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 4–6—These books are nearly identical to the titles in the "I'm the Chef!" books (Crabtree), which were written by the same authors and feature many of the same recipes and photographs. Each one includes more than a dozen recipes, with a generic warning on the contents page about always having an adult in the kitchen to help and to be careful when using knives or a stove. Each recipe has a brief introduction, an ingredient list, utensils needed, tips and tricks, and step-by-step illustrated directions. Many of them involve chopping, dicing, and mincing. Ingredients are readily available in a supermarket or specialty food store. The photography is exceptional, with children engaged in the cooking process. The recipes include both easily recognized dishes and holiday fare, as well as several that are more challenging. A few recipes contain raw eggs. Chinese Cooking states that orange is regarded as the color of good luck. Red is considered good luck, while giving oranges is considered a good-luck gesture. Children, and the adults who assist them, will spend hours together mastering the techniques for tagliatelle, tiramisù, sole meunière, profiteroles, churritos, spring rolls, and more.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—The opening chapters cover the influence of ancient Greece and Rome on the English alphabet and language. Later, German dialects of invading Angle and Saxon tribes mixed with Celtic and Latin, and Old English emerged. William of Normandy's rise to power in 1066 brought an influx of French words. Warfare between the Arabs and Europeans in the 1100s and 1200s led to further exchange of language and ideas. Simultaneously, Old English evolved into Middle English. In the 1500s, the Protestant movement, coupled with printing-press technology, led to the dissemination of English-language Bibles. English in the New World was influenced by when and where settlers came from, as the language evolved yet again. Source notes and a selected bibliography provide plenty of more-detailed sources to explore. The black-and-white illustrations include maps, portraits, and pencil drawings cued to the text. Exercises throughout the book could easily be adapted for classroom activities, e.g., matching definitions to words borrowed from Italian. The author achieves a blithe, conversational tone but sneaks in the occasional warning about how carelessness and sloppy mistakes can damage the language. This volume has more student appeal than Bill Bryson's The Mother Tongue (HarperCollins, 1991) and will make a nice supplement to SAT prep and vocabulary programs.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 3–6—What distinguishes this title from other alphabetic art books is the surprising collection of works that the authors have chosen to showcase. Guéry and Dussutour venture outside the canon to feature artists such as Robert Combas, Robert Delaunay, and Kazimir Malevitch, and lesser-known works by the likes of Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso. Readers are challenged by representational and abstract paintings spanning seven centuries, as the text encourages close inspection of the art. The letter "R" can be found in Magritte's The Art of Conversation, and an "L" hiding in Hieronymus Bosch's The Wayfarer. Further, each painting encourages discussion about content, style, and intent. The works are reproduced in full at the back, with the letter highlighted and including an explanatory paragraph about the artist or the painting. Facing each piece of art is a page with a large representation of the letter to be looked for, the title and artist of the work, and text that gives a clue about how the letter is to be found. This rich, well-thought-out book can be paired with Bob Raczka's 3-D ABC (Millbrook, 2006) for a broad representation of art forms.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 6–9—These books feature brief chapters and "FYInfo" page-length sidebars that provide additional information. Captioned photos and illustrations, chapter notes, and bibliographies supplement the texts. In Brown v. Board, Hinton devotes separate chapters to the five cases that were combined for argument and decision in the Supreme Court and then discusses and analyzes the ruling and its impact. Although this approach allows students to better understand that school segregation was a nationwide problem, the book has neither the background information nor the dramatic story found in Students on Strike: Jim Crow, Civil Rights, and Me (National Geographic, 2008) by John Stokes, who was one of the Prince Edward County, VA, students who was a plaintiff in one of the Brown cases. FDR describes the financial meltdown of the Great Depression, provides a brief biography of Roosevelt, and lists the landmark legislation of his first hundred days in office. It also discusses the successes and failures of the New Deal and closes with a brief comparison of the Great Depression and the financial crisis of 2008–'09. It does not have the detail found in many of the numerous extant YA books about the Great Depression and New Deal. A supplemental purchase.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 5 Up—Finding connections to and inspiration from Charles Darwin's work, the editors of this anthology encourage readers to consider the shared ancestry among all living things. Divided into nine sections, this impressive collection begins with the theme "Oh, Fields of Wonder" and ends with poems that remind readers to "Hurt No Living Thing." Classic works by Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, and the like, and selections from contemporary poets are included, as well as translated works. Hoberman and Winston cleverly pair titles such as D. H. Lawrence's "Hummingbird" with Rachel Field's "Something Told the Wild Geese." A thoughtful introduction describes the origin and organization of the book. Many pages contain footnotes that provide additional information about the poet, poetic terms and form, and suggestions for further consideration and discussion. A CD of poets reading their own work and poems written by others is included. This handsome collection is especially appropriate for classroom use and instruction along with Constance Levy's A Crack in the Clouds (S & S, 1998). From the playful to the profound, the poems invite reflection and inspire further investigation.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

Gr 5–8—An introduction to paleontological careers via the work of a half-dozen real-time fossil hunters digging away from Mongolia to Madagascar. The six men and women featured are passionate about their jobs and their finds, sharing their enthusiasm (and some good career advice) in personal quotes. Enhanced by full-color photos, well researched, and anchored by numerous chapter notes, but a tad dry in tone, this volume will appeal to dinophiles for its dino-data as well as to adventurers dreaming of an Indiana Jones-style career, battling sandstorms and coping with incoming tides. Green information boxes scattered about cover such topics as continental drift and the care and transport of fossils from field to lab. A chapter on preparing for a career in paleontology is appended.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 6 Up—This eye-opening and information-rich first volume in the series shows that ancient human beings were quite knowledgeable about health and well-being. This book discusses medical advances from prehistoric times through the Roman Empire. Information is provided about the treatment of diseases; early dentistry, surgeries, and gynecology; herbal treatments; and the creation of the first vaccines. Coverage is global with discussions of Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Islamic, Indian, and Roman civilizations' contributions to medicine. More than 40 color photographs and sidebars are integrated into the text, and an appendix contains the translated text of the Hippocratic Oath along with the standard back matter. Readers will gain a deepened appreciation of and insights into modern medicine by examining this book. Because of its inclusion of new research, it is recommended as a first purchase for most libraries.—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

Gr 3–6—This updated and redesigned edition of a 1992 title includes new materials such as instructions on how to design a solar system model. The front matter includes a list of 12 safety rules, such as asking an adult to help and labeling poisonous chemicals; a page on how to think like a scientist; and practical guidelines for young scientists to follow. Activities, which are presented on a page or a spread each, cover a broad range of topics, including chemistry, light and sound waves, colors, and botany, and are interspersed with general information. For example, in the chapter on movement, an entry explains "How Birds Make It Off the Ground." Green boxed areas provide a list of items needed; most can be found at home. The activities include creating an indicator out of red cabbage to test acids and bases, making an electric lemon, building a simple camera, and designing a terrarium. The directions are presented in easy-to-follow, numbered steps, and simple color drawings appear on every page. The book concludes with a section offering information for parents and teachers and a detailed explanation of how to keep a science notebook. This title offers a variety of simple projects that could be used as a part of the school curriculum or at home.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 5–8—These books give inquisitive readers facts about different elements of fantasy traditions throughout the world. Accompanied by a few pictures, but mostly focused on text, the explanations and history behind well-known fantastical creatures such as witches, fairies, and monsters will provide satisfaction for readers who want to know more about these familiar characters from myth, fantasy, and folk and fairy tales. Brief and concise, the information only skims the surface of what's been written about these creatures, but extensive bibliographies and further reading provide curious readers with directions for where to go for more.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

Gr 9 Up— Information Technology talks about the technical side of things—programmer, analyst, technician—while Internet focuses on the more creative jobs in the technology industry—animator, game designer, blogger. Both include self-assessment quizzes to help students identify, based on their strengths and weaknesses, which vocation would be a good fit. Each career entry includes personal accounts of people working in the field; helpful explanations of the career; mileposts to keep track of as readers move into their 20s, 30s, and beyond; and additional resources. On the whole, these are quality introductory handbooks for those seeking careers that require more specialized schooling. They include useful end chapters on how to impress employers and how to network, as well as basic résumé and interview tips. However, they are a bit dry; teens might be turned off by the outdated graphics and textbooklike feel. Purchase for libraries that have healthy career-development sections or where YA nonfiction shares a space with adult nonfiction.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

Gr 7–10—Both Krueger and Mussari offer easy-to-follow, scene-by-scene plot summaries as well as insightful commentaries that help to demystify the characters, themes, motifs, symbols, and language of the Bard's later plays. Most specialized dramatic terms, such as "unities of time and space," and literary devices, such as "alliteration," are explained in the texts, identified through example, and/or defined in the glossaries. Both titles begin with a generic introduction by Joseph Sobran—a brief view of Elizabethan England, Shakespeare's theatre and oeuvre, and annotations of films inspired by his plays. A brief chronology of the playwright's life, source notes, suggested essay topics, and a quiz on plot details follow the analytical material. The cover art, occasional graphics, and overall layout will appeal to reluctant teen readers, and the photos are of good quality and well placed within the text. Sobran's background information matches that which can be found in most introductory Shakespearean texts. However, in Othello, the final two sources cited refer to paragraph numbers that don't exist on the specified page. Finally, because the glossary is the same in all series entries and does not reference particular lines or even plays, its usefulness is rather limited. Although these problems mar the overall effectiveness of the books, the analytical material is worthwhile and will provide quick insight into the plays for a less sophisticated audience than that accustomed to Harold Bloom's books.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 5–8—These books provide biographical information on scientists who made a positive impact on the planet. Fossey, Earle, and Carson are especially appropriate role models for readers interested in perusing careers in environmental science. The writing is clear and informative; the authors attempt to present the women's lives and work in highly engaging narratives, though they are occasionally bogged down by a recitation of factual information, perhaps included to make the books as research-friendly as possible. Color photographs are relevant and of good quality. Fossey provides suggestions for discussion and further investigation, and Carson includes a section on pursuing a career in environmental science and activism. All of the books do an excellent job of incorporating and documenting quotes and research from outside sources. Good choices for biography sections.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 3–7—In an effort to tap into children's inquisitive nature, Law has produced an attention-grabbing work concerned with many of the "really, really big questions" youngsters ask. Inquiries about science, philosophy, and morality are presented in an engaging style that avoids leading readers to any preconceived answers, instead encouraging them to either arrive at their own conclusions or imagine a variety of possibilities. Everything from "What is the meaning of life?" to "What is it like to be a bat?" is addressed. The dichotomy between those questions science attempts to answer ("What is stuff made of?") and those of morality ("What makes stealing wrong?") leads readers into a noteworthy exercise of reason. Many of Law's selections emerge from today's scientific headlines, an example of which is the question "Is it wrong to design a baby?," which certainly evokes much-heated debate. Through a combination of vibrant colors; hip, retro illustrations; and interesting quotes, Law has produced a stimulating work for young minds that is sure to spark conversation and, of course, more questions.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 4–6—This book is a combination of narrative and concepts about physics, similar to Lee's The Great Number Rumble (Annick, 2007). Jeremy and his friends are distraught when the local summer fair is canceled in order to host a physics conference. While Jeremy helps his uncle campaign to save the fair, his new neighbor, Aubrey, sets out to prove that physics isn't only necessary, but also fun. The text is chatty and accessible to students. Topics include "Physics and Sight," "Physics and Sound," and "Physics in Motion." Each chapter profiles a featured physicist, from Albert Einstein to Richard Feynman. A discussion of baseball and pitching illustrates the concepts of aerodynamics and momentum. Theme-park rides are used to explain gravity and acceleration. Cartoon illustrations help to explain concepts such as the water cycle and wave patterns. Photographs are scattered throughout, and boxed areas highlight specific topics. This title would be especially useful for students wanting a good introduction to physics.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 7–10—Feynman was instrumental in the development of the atomic bomb, but he may be best known for serving on the Presidential Commission that investigated the Challenger shuttle disaster. Information is presented on his life from his childhood in New York City to his death in California. LeVine balances details of Feynman's scientific work with the forces that hold nuclei together with his personal life. The layout is appealing, featuring photographs and illustrations on most spreads. This title would be a solid addition to most collections as there is little written about the physicist for this audience.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 4 Up—The walls in a stone farmhouse literally talk in this first-person narrative that deals with the ravages of time and their effects on the structure and its inhabitants. After a brief history, the house (constructed in 1656, "a plague year") fast forwards to the dawn of the 20th century, when children discover its ruins. The quatrains, one to a spread, alternate between an AABB and ABBA rhyme scheme, thus avoiding singsong predictability. The formal tone, sophisticated vocabulary, and preoccupation with life's inevitable losses register the sensibility of an older and somewhat melancholy speaker: "From wife to widow…and the depths of grief./My furnace burns as children leave for school,/Bundled in virtue, books, and classroom fuel./How beautiful their innocence, how brief." Adults will connect to the sentiments, while children will pore over Innocenti's marvelously detailed spreads, composed in an oversize, vertical format and set in an Italian hill town. Readers see a family rebuild, move in, celebrate marriage and childbirth, and mourn their dead. Winnowing, grape harvesting, military and refugee occupation, and hippies picnicking on the terraced hills of the once again crumbling property are among the activities captured in the watercolors. The viewer's perspective is fixed, but the light, weather conditions, and human interventions create fresh worlds on each page. Innocenti's whimsy surfaces in the 1999 do over. In the subset of books dealing intelligently with the effects of time on a single location, this is a provocative choice.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 6–8—These titles spell out many of the problems relating to climate change. In Challenges, the possibility of worldwide energy shortages is the focus, with suggestions for sustainable solutions. When discussing China and its rapid industrial growth, the building of hydroelectric dams, including the controversial Three Gorges Dam, is shown as a positive step without further exploration of the environmental problems caused. Catastrophe offers an outline of the causes, impact, and possible future solutions to this international worry. Normal cyclical temperature variations as a possible cause are considered, but the bulk of the discussion involves greenhouse gases, overpopulation, increased carbon production, and land-use changes. Deforestation explores the loss of trees and habitat as an aspect of climate change. As in all three volumes, case studies provide further information on specific aspects of the problems being considered. Full-color photos, maps, and charts help in understanding the complex situations under discussion, but some of the language might be a tad more complex than the format of the series suggests.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 8–10—Marsico uses primary sources to show "conflicting vantage points" to provide an objective, reasoned account that places the Cherokee relocation and the Trail of Tears into the context of American history. She opens with well-written background about the "principal people," as the Cherokee called themselves, and then discusses how the post-American Revolution expansion created conflict between the Cherokee and white settlers, the divisions that assimilation efforts and resistance to relocation caused within the tribe and its leadership, and the disastrous removal to Oklahoma. However, in keeping with the series theme, the author provides a longer perspective by describing how the Cherokee adapted to life in Oklahoma and their misguided alliance with the Confederacy, which led to further loss of land. She concludes by celebrating the tribe's resilience and its 20th-century cultural and linguistic rebirth that allows the Cherokee to live as assimilated Americans while maintaining their culture and identity. Throughout, Marsico includes information about the motivations and actions of white settlers, political leaders, and soldiers who moved the Cherokee west. The text is supplemented with illustrations, period art and photos, and brief sidebars. While this topic has been covered in John P. Bowes's The Trail of Tears: Removal in the South (Chelsea House, 2007), Marsico's book will help students better understand the tragic events and their place in history.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 4 Up—This small collection of mostly enjoyable anecdotes is loosely organized into four categories: "Unusual Stuff," "Magical Stuff," "Painful Stuff," and "Traditional Stuff." The brief accounts of pranks, miscues, and stunts are frequently amusing, such as the player who, after stealing second base, attempted to confuse the infield by running back to first (it didn't work). Martirano ranges widely in the annals of baseball lore, skipping back and forth in time and featuring famous and not-so-famous players. He also covers aspects of the Major League experience: mascots, home-field traditions, and anthems. The prose is often dense and jumbled, as in: "Time may heal all wounds, but what Red Sox fans know and Cubs fan [sic] hope to realize is that a World Championship is better than any antibiotic at fighting the infection of failure." Diehard fans will find something to like here, though others will be deterred by the wordiness and lack of order. Zack Hample's engaging Watching Baseball Smarter (Vintage, 2007) covers similar territory and adds perspective and context.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 4–8—Each of these eight tales is preceded by information and interesting facts about the country from which it originated. A basic map of Africa helps orient readers to the location of the various countries represented. Extensive source notes are appended. While the first folktale is one of the blandest of the bunch, there are many choices that could be read aloud or told using a call-and-response format. The book design, from the page borders to the endpapers, is a feast for the eyes. Griffin employs a collage technique using colored beads, sewn fabric, and textured papers, and incorporates them into shapes and faces of animals and humans. However, several sections of text superimposed upon darker fabric are difficult to read. Overall, this compilation contains a wealth of information and will enhance folklore collections.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 5 Up—This handy reference book is filled with nifty ideas to live green and save the Earth. After a brief introduction that encourages readers to get outdoors and partake in the social and spiritual offerings of nature, the book is divided into five sections: "Get Started: Cool Ways to Embrace Nature Today," "Go Further: Projects, Plans, and Outings," "Get Smart: Be Green Consumers—and Eaters!" "Get Active: More Than Just the 3Rs," and "Get Involved: Take a Green Stand." The 150 ideas are simple and direct. Suggestions range from recycling bottles and shoes, to toy exchanges, to building owl and bat boxes. This book can be used by classroom teachers across the curriculum as a source for activities and is sure to inspire budding environmentalists.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 7 Up—A collection of poems written in various forms, each narrated in a different teen voice. According to the author's note, Mora envisioned the flow of the poems as that of a symphony with four movements—an opening focus on love's initial rush, followed by a few bumps in the road, healing after loss of love, and finally the joy of finding new love. This cohesion is indeed delivered. Peppered with Spanish, the selections define the emotion in countless ways. The quiet lyricism of some lines will prompt many readers to roll them over and over on their tongues; this is a world in which a simple smile can make a boy feel as if he's "swallowed the sun" or one's worst fear might be a kiss "dull like oatmeal." Where relevant, poetic form is indicated, defined, and discussed on the adjacent page. For all its beauty, this collection is also, in some ways, hard to pin down. The jacket copy and title might lead one to expect a focus on the intensity of teen romantic love. The love here is neither hot and heavy nor clichéd, however, but rather a glimpse into the last remaining innocence of the teen years. At times, the narration even slips a bit astray from an authentically teenage voice. Those expecting a more typical raw, edgy approach to love with poetry akin to the ramblings of a teenager's journal will be better off elsewhere. Teachers in need of a fresh new avenue for teaching poetic form, lovers of language, and teens in search of a broader definition of love will find it here.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 8 Up—Neither of these books is child-friendly. The organization and writing are more suited to textbooks and, in fact, read like them. The author has obviously done extensive research. She covers common events like Easter and Thanksgiving in various countries, but the more interesting information is in the lesser-known celebrations like Navruz, a spring festival celebrated by people of the Zoroastrian faith, and Jaanipäev, a Midsummer celebration in Estonia. Teachers and older students will find the information useful, but elementary-grade children, who are the most likely audience for the books, will find them intimidating. The good-quality, full-color photographs add much to the presentations but are not enough to carry them.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

Gr 5–9—The mantra of the environmental movement is "think globally, act locally," and this book offers examples of local heroes who are helping to save the planet. Maps, illustrations, and photographs are used to good effect. Each of the 12 chapters tells the story of a person doing his/her part to preserve our environment. Debby Tewa works to bring solar energy to Indian Country, and Sarah James speaks on behalf of the Gwich'in Indian Peoples of Alaska and Canada who want to save the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling. Judy Bonds, a community activist in West Virginia, works to bring an end to mountaintop removal mining; and Omar Freilla founded ReBuilders Source, a New York City-based company that recycles building materials. Stories come from all across America and include a diverse group of men and women, making this volume of interest to a broad audience. A final section offers information on how readers can get involved in their own communities.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 5–8—This activity-based guide reveals how African Americans played crucial roles in helping the United States gain its independence. Sanders includes well-known figures such as Phillis Wheatley, Crispus Attucks, and James Forten in her narrative, but also enriches traditional accounts of the period by explaining the contributions of lesser-known patriots. For example, she talks about black troops who fought at Bunker Hill and Valley Forge. She also tells the story of James Armistead Lafayette, a black soldier who spied on Benedict Arnold and Lord Cornwallis. Most of the activities help make this period real to young people. The "Explore Your Family Tree" project gives print and online resources that can help readers discover the roles their own ancestors may have played in the American Revolution. This book also includes information about how African Americans created social and political networks to support one another during the earliest days of the Republic. Sanders makes excellent use of primary sources, providing the original texts of documents and petitions that demanded equal rights and the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. She then explains these documents in language contemporary children will understand. A solid resource for teachers and librarians who wish to engage children in this formative period of American history.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 8 Up—In the style of acclaimed writers Jon Stewart (The Daily Show) and Steven Colbert (The Colbert Report), this witty, comedic, and appealing volume abandons the world of historical dates and battles to fill in some of the gaps in young Americans' knowledge of their country's history. Readers learn of General Washington's rebellion against the "basic rules of boating safety" as well as encounter James K. Polk's mullet ("Business up front, party in the back, baby.") while benefiting greatly from the book's efficient presentation of pivotal themes and events such as the American Revolution, Civil War, and Civil Rights Movement. This clever and informative work follows a chronological arrangement from early exploration to the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009. Each chapter concludes with a "Some of the Stuff We Missed" section, essay questions such as "Who was the bigger jerk, Hitler or Stalin?"; vocabulary words; and multiple choice "End-of-Chapter Questions" that range from "What do you think happened to those Croatoan guys—and what gave you that idea?" to "What Civil War guy had the best nickname?" Small black-and-white photos and reproductions appear throughout. The companion Web site contains supplemental information, links to relevant documents and other sites, and "Assignment Alerts!" for further exploration. This informal approach is sure to appeal to even the most reluctant of readers.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 9 Up—This inclusive, clearly written overview traces the desire for a dignified death from ancient times to its evolution into the hospice movement. Chapters include "Death and the Dying Process," "Euthanasia," "Assisted Suicide," "Refusing Medical Treatment," and "The Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment." The definition of brain death, organ transplants, mercy killing, the Nazi abuse of euthanasia, treatment of the mentally disabled, and even cryonics are addressed. Central figures, such as Jack Kevorkian and Dame Cicely Saunders (founder of hospice), are profiled. Information is provided about religious viewpoints, Supreme Court decisions, and societal polls. Several of the cases that have garnered public attention are discussed as well—Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan, and Terri Schiavo-all leading to the conclusion that society needs legislative guidelines to handle what remains an extremely thorny issue. Students needing basic report information and statistics will find them here.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY

Gr 3–8— Touchdown offers a conversational and engaging history of football, along with details on 10 of the touchdowns that the authors feel are among the greatest of all time. Other chapters include brief biographies of players who have brought their own unique twist to the touchdown and a few memorable bloopers. There are plenty of action shots and posed football-card shots of the players of yesterday and today. Whether readers are Monday-morning quarterbacks or have just started following the game, this title offers something for everyone. Similar in scope to John Madden's Heroes of Football (2006), the book is nicely organized. The blend of history, trivia, and statistics is ideal for browsing, and readers who want to learn more can refer to the appended list of print and electronic resources. With its eye-catching cover, this volume won't spend much time on the shelves.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7 Up—This book will have a lot of teen appeal with its trendy fashions created by veteran designers and newcomers alike. Legendary names such as Karl Lagerfeld are intermixed with the latest fashion moguls to give readers advice about how to plan for a career in the industry. Future-minded readers will learn about design, modeling, styling, and photography through interviews, pictures, and lively layouts of tips and photos. "Essential Items of the Pros" are included at the end of each section. The exceptional photos and spreads of questions and answers are attractive and fun to look at, but at times the bold colors and busyness overwhelm the solid text. Regardless, young people considering a career in the business will find plenty of encouragement and useful tips. The fashions and ideas are up-to-date, including Michelle Obama's nontraditional sleeveless dresses described as "bringing the First Lady into the modern era, in which glamour is defined by Hollywood and the red carpet rather than protocol and tradition." Even if teens only look at the pictures and boxes of text, they are sure to learn plenty.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Gr 3–7—Ten familiar myths—the stories of Pandora, Arachne, Midas, Perseus, and others-are embellished with humor, the gory parts glossed over, and served up in blazing color for fans of either comic books or Percy Jackson, or both. Most of the stories come with a moral, although some (Persephone, Pyramus and Thisbe) take the form of just-so stories. Conversational, up-to-date language and broad jokes help to make the stories accessible and coordinate well with the simple, cartoon illustration style. The artist has deployed a wide array of bright solid colors in such a way that contrast between foreground and background is maintained. The tone, as well, is somewhat unrelenting, with much shrieking, sobbing, yelling, and spinning eyeballs. Charles R. Smith's The Mighty 12 (Little, Brown, 2008) would be an interesting contrast.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 5–8—In 2000, Whitfield won a gold medal in the inaugural triathlon race held in the Sydney Summer Olympics. He was an unheralded contender, ranked 26th in the world; when he returned home to Canada, he found that he'd become an overnight sensation. He soon began to feel pressure to prove that his surprise win wasn't a fluke. The ensuing eight years held a few wins and a number of disappointments until he won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Whitfield's prose is wordy, breathless, and relentlessly upbeat: "Athens forced us to take a step back and realize we needed to take care of the little details and rediscover the joy of sport that was lacking." Still, he tells his story with candor, and he sheds light on the dark side of early success and the pressures athletes face. Sidebars offer more information on the sport of triathlon, and scrapbook-style color photographs enliven the tale. Participants and fans of track and field will enjoy Whitfield's insider's perspective and cheer his determined comeback.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 5–8—A casual, lighthearted, yet ultimately frustrating examination of angels. Some of the information is fascinating but much of it is confusing (Gabriel is referred to as both Jibrai and Djibril), and a large amount is incomplete (the description of Jacob wrestling an angel has no contextual information and no scripture reference) and/or inaccurate (Raphael and Uriel are not mentioned in the Book of Revelation, as Young claims; in fact, they're not named in the Bible at all). The glossary is inadequate, and there is no index. Young's writing style verges on glibness, and the book's numerous sidebars and quotations create a mishmash of trivia. Though many places and much art are discussed in the text, the black-and-white drawings are mainly limited to depictions of angels. The many errors reveal a basic unfamiliarity with the Bible, and only a few scriptural citations are given; documentation in general is insufficient, with only six source notes for the entire book. Stuart A. Kallen's Angels (ReferencePoint, 2009) is better organized and more thorough, but it assumes basic religious knowledge and, like this title, contains errors and inconsistencies.—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY