Multimedia Review

Gr 2–6—Pamela Geiger Stephens' picture book (Crystal Prods., 2009) gives children a nice basic overview of the Impressionist Movement as artist Mary Cassatt teaches Puffer the Puffin about impressionism and several of the significant artists involved in the movement, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edouard Manet, Camille Pisarro, and Mary Cassatt. Jim McNeill's simple artwork accompanies the text and is combined with photographs of impressionist paintings. The DVD is based on the book, but there are significant changes in the order, dialogue, and level of information provided. McNeill's illustrations are simply animated, and the paintings are scanned to highlight specific details that enhance the viewer's understanding of the artwork. Additional background information on the artists is also included. Elementary teachers doing art units or teaching about the Impressionist Movement will welcome this interesting and informative production as a good introduction as well as a way to show the importance of artistic details such as light and perspective.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

PreS-K—Using four basic shapes and straight lines, this program teaches young children how to draw five different animals. It begins with a review of circles, squares, triangles, and ovals with children identifying real-world objects that take those shapes. Art teacher Emily Devey then explains that, by combining those basic shapes, children can draw many things, including animals. The lessons increase in complexity from a fish to a dinosaur, but none are too difficult for the intended audience. Devey clearly demonstrates each step of the drawing process, and at the end of each lesson, the creature she has drawn becomes animated and sails away, segueing into a song about it. Each song is accompanied by footage of children playing and exploring. A good introductory drawing program for preschoolers.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

PreS-K—Fireman Sam and a multicultural cast of delightful characters teach children fire safety rules and life lessons in this charming animated import from the UK that is featured daily on PBS Kids Sprout. Practical lessons are presented in five episodes. In "A Real Live Wire," squirrel wreaks havoc, causing electrical fires, while viewers learn how to properly treat electrical appliances. Norman and Mandy learn about proper supplies and safety tips for cave exploration in "Twist of Faith." In "Licorice Shoelaces," the importance of changing batteries in smoke detectors is emphasized. "Carnival of Junk" finds the residents of the village creating a carnival out of items that had been thrown away. "Joker Soaker" explains what to do during a water shortage. The animation is crisp and clear, and each fun-filled episode teaches important safety facts. A popular addition to public library collections.—Veronica Schwartz DeFazio, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS—The aim of this production, created by a speech pathologist, a music therapist, and an art therapist, is to help children with developmental speech delays or those learning English as a second language. Presented in five segments (balls, play dough, bubbles, dolls, and playground), six children representing a variety of backgrounds are featured along with the series' mascots, Katy and Bobby, who are adults with crude, extra large puppet heads. Their features are fixed, except for their mouths, which move, but not in a way that resembles humans speaking—an odd choice for a speech therapy tool. However, the child actors make up for this by dramatically emphasizing their speech. The cast models ways of playing with different toys while introducing words that beginning speakers typically learn first. Each segment includes cuts to a man performing the words in Sign as they appear printed on the screen. The children use Sign also, though learning it is not the purpose of the program. Simple songs reinforce the words in each segment. All of the action is performed before a backdrop screen of green hills and a blue sky with puffy clouds. While this video will adequately achieve its goals, the sets and songs are lackluster.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights/University Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 4–8—The importance of good self-esteem and ways you can improve your confidence are presented in this brief character education program. The lesson begins with upbeat music and McKenna, a teenager, introducing the basics of self-esteem. Clear examples and on-screen notes emphasize key terms and concepts. Holding a palette inside an art room, McKenna points out how each painting is different but has been created from the same paints. Similarly, like a painting, each person is unique. A playful but informative discussion takes place between developmental psychologist Dr. Rundman and McKenna on topics such as a person's self-concept, the impact of self-esteem, the role of confidence, and the importance of a positive attitude. The doctor suggest ways to improve one's self-esteem, such as "learn to accept praise, focus on your strengths, and learn from mistakes." McKenna concludes her examination of the topic on the basketball court with the high school basketball starter who explains how practice gives him confidence on the court and how he considers the choices he is given. An excellent resource for intermediate and middle grade students.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 7 Up—Lawrence Lawton admits to making many bad choices in his life, some of which led him to spend 11 years in prison for racketeering and other crimes. He lost his family and was denied many freedoms taken for granted by most of us. From the perspective of someone who has "been there," he developed this program as part of a broader series of services (realitycheckprogram.org) which aim to help teenagers and young adults avoid a similar fate. In clear and sometimes explicit language, he shares exactly what occurs in prisons on a daily basis as well as the long-term consequences of an arrest record and incarceration. His emphasis throughout is on good decision making, especially in the choice of friends. It's not as if young people haven't heard these warnings before, but this time they come from a person who speaks from first-hand experience. The program, which offers a chapter selection option, employs prison photographs which might be unsettling to viewers, but that's exactly the reaction desired. Lawton, who is now a paralegal, stresses that young people can easily lose many of their prime years in a hostile, threatening, and sometimes deadly environment and then return to an unforgiving society. The presentation sometimes seems preachy and canned, which may turn off some of those he is trying to reach, but getting through to even one potential inmate makes it all worth while. The film can be used in a variety of individual, school, and community settings. A careful preview is warranted before purchase, but school support staff members may welcome this title.—Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up—The use of smokeless tobacco products is increasing among male adolescents, and this film offers a persuasive message to deter them from using spit, snuff, chew, and more. The production follows a group of high school students who are working on a school video project to deter their peers from using smokeless tobacco. Disturbing and graphic images of oral cancers drive home the point. Doctors, other experts, and minor league ball players all weigh in on the risks associated with smokeless tobacco products and the symptoms of cancerous lesions that result from its use. The face-to-face interview with a disfigured young man whose treatment included radical surgeries to the jaw and tongue is difficult to watch. Close-captioned text is necessary because of his speech difficulties. This explicit and unsettling video will very likely have the desired effect of reducing the use of smokeless tobacco.—Patricia McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Gr 7–10—Students' heads will be spinning after watching this program that covers the entire research process in just 16 minutes. Several young adult hosts take turns giving advice about choosing a topic for various types of compositions, including expository, analytical, and argumentative. Preliminary investigation precedes researching primary and secondary sources in the library or on the Internet. Brief attention is paid to evaluating sources and choosing relevant information. The section on draft and revision tells students that engaging writing can be achieved by using a variety of sentences, an active voice, interesting transitions, and rhetorical devices. Students are warned not to rely solely on spell-checkers in word processors, and careful proofing for punctuation and grammar is recommended. Closing sections cover citing in styles such as MLA and APA. Technically, the film quality is above average, with professional touches evident in the smooth transitions, good audio, and vivid graphics. However, the content is delivered rapid fire, making it impossible to provide the detail or reinforcement needed for such projects. The workbook outlines the script and includes student handouts and quizzes. This program should only be used as a springboard for discussion about the elements of the research process, followed by more in-depth information.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

PreS-Gr 3—Ant has received an invitation to Lion's annual dinner, and she is on time and on her best behavior in this humorous picture book written and illustrated by Matthew McElligott (Walker, 2009). The other animals have terrible table manners; when Lion passes cake around for dessert, each guest in turn greedily takes half of what is on the plate. By the time the cake reaches Ant, there's only a crumb remaining. She offers to bake a fresh cake for His Majesty in the morning. Not to be outdone, each animal offers, in turn, to bake twice as many cakes as the one before. Ant presents the lion with a lovely strawberry cake the next day, while the others are struggling to finish up to 64, 128, and 256 cakes. To demonstrate the concept of halving and doubling, two sections are added to the story—the cake is shown being cut into successively smaller pieces and the fractional amount is labeled on each slice; as the number of cakes are doubled by each bragging animal, each item is pictured and labeled. The book's lively ink-washed illustrations are presented iconographically. Scott Nilsen gives each character a suitable voice, to the accompaniment of animal noises and lively music. In a conversation with the author, McElligott discusses the basis for his story and the techniques he used to create it. This tale teaches the basics of division and multiplication while presenting a lesson in character education.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

K-Gr 3—Inspired by the familiar Old Testament story and family car-ride games from Zachary Shapiro's childhood, this offering (Putnam, 2009) both instructs and amuses. After endless weeks of rain, the animals on Noah's cruise ship are cranky and restless. The ants are antsy, the bees are bored, and the camels are complaining. The llamas are livid, the rabbits rowdy, the toads tense, and the worms worried. Poor Noah—depicted with hard hat, pencil behind his ear, cell phone, and tool belt—finally exclaims, "We're all in the same boat!" The animals are stunned, but contrite. The ants apologize, the llamas laugh, the foxes tell fables, the giraffes make gifts, the penguins hold a party, and everyone assumes a sunnier disposition—which is rewarded by the sun's eventual appearance. Following the story, there is an alphabet drill featuring the lower case letter in each frame. Jack E. Davis's hilarious illustrations depict the animals in colorful cruise wear. In a conversation with the author, Rabbi Shapiro shares how he got the idea for the book, apologizes for "cheating a little bit"—the letter "X" is represented by oXen, eXasperated, and eXhausted—and explains how the story is ultimately one about feelings—"how our words and actions affect other people." While the iconographic images are pure whimsy, the film imparts a valuable lesson in getting along as well as an alphabet and adjective review.—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 9 Up—"O good Horatio…tell my story" (Act V, Scene II). Years after the events of Shakespeare's Hamlet, Horatio looks back and shares the highlights of Hamlet's story, shortening the play to less than half an hour. The cast consists of four people, a few mannequins, and a collection of marionettes. Nick Baldasare plays both Horatio and Hamlet, which is slightly confusing at first. The three other actors have minor roles and almost no speaking lines. The mannequins are stand-ins for several characters and add an eccentric, modern look to the tale. There are five chapters: "Ghost of King Hamlet," "The Play Is the Thing," "A Bloody Deed," "The Skull of Yorick," "Duel to the Death." A unique, abbreviated adaptation of one of the Bard's plays.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Library, UT

Gr 7 Up—Harriet Reisen's fine script and Nancy Porter's vivid production combine to treat viewers to a visually rich, well-paced, and intimate view of Louisa May Alcott's life. The story unfolds in well-paced dramatized vignettes, excellent scholarly commentary, clips from the original film of Little Women, and readings from Alcott's personal letters and from her biographer, Ednah Cheney, played with a marvelous spine-cracking correctness by Jane Alexander. Elizabeth Marvel deftly portrays the clever and determined Louisa. Daniel Gerroll and Dossy Peabody play her parents, Amos Bronson and Abigail Alcott, with conviction and pathos. Few details are spared in the portrayal of the family's sinking fortunes at the hands of the family patriarch, transcendentalist, and failed Utopian. Louisa's determination to provide for her family is inspirational and courageous, as for most of her short life, she struggled with poor health. The connections within the Alcott family and the Transcendentalist community are fascinating and complex, particularly in view of the rigid social expectations of the American Victorian era. Louisa exemplifies the contradictions and hypocrisies of reality versus image, as she makes a good living for her destitute family by writing pulp fiction for newspapers and magazines. The commentaries by world-renowned journalist/novelist Geraldine Brooks are engaging and insightful. The lesson plan and timeline for grades 6 to 12 is detailed and very useful. This seamlessly paced historical saga of the revered American author is inspirational.—Roxanne Spencer, Western Kentucky University Libraries, Bowling Green

Gr 9 Up—Although it has been 150 years since the publication of his controversial The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin remains at the center of debates concerning evolution. This wide-ranging program reviews his life from his youth raised in a religious environment through his provocative research and publications with a balance of narrated dramatic recreations and commentary by experts in history and science. Filmed on location around the world, this well-paced presentation utilizes crisp graphics, vintage black-and-white film segments, and a pleasing background music score. The documentary illustrates young Darwin's scientific curiosity and the encouragement he received from his grandfather to question commonly held beliefs, including religious ones. Darwin's original intent was to examine the relationship between science and religion, which led to his theses based on his background in both geology and biology. The observations made by the commentators question both the content and significance of Darwin's writings; the production company is aligned with Creation Ministries International (CMI), which does not support Darwin's theories. Bonus features include sections on the "making of" the program, in-depth interviews, and a subtitling option in 18 languages. There are also segments on CMI, which sponsored the program, and testimonies from former believers in evolution who now embrace creationism. The film's subtle bias tends to limit its usefulness in the public school arena despite the wonderful summary of purely historic information.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 5 Up—Originally created for exhibition in IMAX theaters, this film is narrated by actor Michael Douglas and does a stunning job of bringing to life many of the dinosaurs of the triassic and cretaceous periods. Filmed in 2D and 3D with added scientifically accurate CGI animation and 1920s documentary footage, the filmmakers take viewers dinosaur bone hunting with paleontologists from the past and today. The film follows a current dig in the Flaming Hills of the Gobi Desert with documentary footage of the first dig in the 1920s, and then moves to a dig in the Badlands of New Mexico. Interspersed are CGI reconstructions of the various dinosaurs in action, created using the latest fossil evidence for accuracy. Some action that was specifically designed for the 3D theater, such as the Jeep hood that is inserted in the frame to make viewers think they are riding in the vehicle and the shovel full of dirt that is thrown at the camera, is somewhat ineffectual on the small screen. There is a thrilling CGI fight between a protoceratops and a velocirapter that ends in a shot of their actual fossilized skeletons locked in death. Among the special features is a "Making of…" video which is every bit as interesting as the main feature. There is also a "Meet the Creatures" segment which features a short history and a picture of each creature with links to the scene in the movie. An educational and entertaining production for public library collections.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Cartersville, GA

Gr 3–9—Featuring stunning photography, clear narration, and loads of intriguing facts, this production explores migration patterns of several creatures, including in-depth look at the ocean migration of the humpback whales, the amazing overland journey of the wildebeest (which is one of the largest migrations on earth), and the very brief migration of the red crab which travels from the rain forest to the sea and back again in about a week. The incredible movement of sea birds and the well-known migration of the monarch butterfly are also explored. Throughout, the reasons various animals migrate are examined, focusing on those that migrate for food or to breed. The excellent narration is well-paced throughout the production. The DVD also includes an educator's guide that can be downloaded to a computer, a quiz, and a detailed presentation on the sea turtle. All aspects of the film work together to create an intriguing and entertaining educational experience.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 3–5—This short video provides a basic introduction to freshwater biomes. Questions about freshwater characteristics are posed, and narration and film footage illustrate the responses. Topics covered include how freshwater differs from saltwater; the plants and animals that inhabit freshwater; and a comparison and contrast of various freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, and wetlands. After a short summary, a "video assessment" poses questions about the topics. DVD extras include a glossary, slides, and English subtitles. A fine introduction to freshwater biomes for classroom use.—April Mazza, Wayland Public Library, MA

Gr 3–5—This film investigates the common characteristics of grasslands, including vegetation, climate, and animal life. Savannas and prairies are compared, the grasslands of North America are discussed in detail, and the uses of grasslands today are explored. The program concludes with a summary and video assessment. Visuals include live-action footage, illustrations, and maps that add variety and hold the attention of students. The narration is clear and well paced. The DVD version includes labeled slides, an iMovie project, and more. Correlated to National Science Standards, this production provides a good introduction to or review of grassland biomes.—Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA

K-Gr 3—The characters in Hop-a-Long Schoolhouse were created by Singapore American School Principal David Hoss to deliver content, curriculum material, and entertainment to his students. These three episodes focus on butterflies ("Flutterbies"), polar bears and the effects of global warming ("Bear Essentials"), and the responsibilities of pet owners ("Kitty Glitter"). Hosts Hop-a-Long and Shoo-Fly (two rod puppets with human heads) interact with two school-aged children as they explore different aspects of each topic. Basic information is provided about each topic as well as a music video, a story, and a relevant science lab activity. Humor is interjected via the shtick of the hosts, in the presentations of teachers Miss Susan and Miss Wendy and librarian Mr. Bookman, and in the antics of costumed kangaroo Ringo Roo. While the production values are good, the sets are amateurish and the students seem over-rehearsed. The disc closes with a bonus track of the music videos from each lesson. The CD includes all the songs and a poster with lyrics. While this teaching concept may have worked well as a live classroom performance, it doesn't succeed in this format.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Gr 7 Up—Sure to be a favorite with students and instructors, this extraordinarily well-crafted production delves into the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt's rulers and their attempts to reach the afterlife in their human forms. Masterfully narrated by actor Christopher Lee (whose credits include a role in the 1959 film The Mummy), the well-paced program utilizes Hollywood-quality dramatic recreations, crisp graphics, as well as clear and concise expert commentary to give viewers a wonderful overview of the topic. Beginning with an explanation of the need for mummification and an explanation of the late 19th-century explosion of interest in all things Egyptian, the producers have woven a tale of adventure and mystery around both historical and contemporary studies of mummies. It tells the story of the discovery of 40 mummies, including 12 kings, and focuses on the remains of Rameses the Great and its contribution to a greater understanding of Ancient Egypt's culture, religion, medicine, and daily life. Narration is available in English, French, or Spanish along with a useful chapter selection option. Special features include a "Making Of" segment, a brief quiz, and a unique "Meet the Mummies" track which summarizes the information about individual mummies from the program's content. The production was originally presented in IMAX format and it accompanies the Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs touring exhibition. This magnificent film should top every library's must-have list.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 4–8—The seven major body systems plus the five senses are covered in this entertaining production that is correlated to National Science Education Standards. Animated segments, live-action footage, and on-screen vocabulary help present the clear and detailed facts to help viewers understand each body system. For example, students experience an amusement park ride called The Alimentary Canal and see a rotating heart. DVD extras include practice questions, information about the food pyramid, and test-taking strategies. The clear graphics, science models, animation, and narration help guide students through the systems of the human body. However, the animated Marko the Pencil and photos of elementary age children might make older viewers tune out. A teacher's guide can be accessed at MarkoThePencil.com. The information presented is thorough and would serve as a good introduction or review for science classes.—Suzanne Libra, Silver Hills Middle School, Westminster, CO

Gr 6 Up—Nine brief episodes explain how discoveries in science and astronomy have changed how scientist think about outer space phenomena from comets to the dark sun. Documentary footage, cartoons, drawings, and a large dose of humor are combined to convey the facts and theories offered by three teenage presenters. They begin with Newton's three laws, move on to China where they discuss the possibility of seeing the Great Wall from outer space, and talk about the mistakes made by the Russian government. They also explain what happens to an unprotected body in space, what eventually happens to all the space junk we have sent into space, and discuss other space phenomena such as the sun's dark twin, comets, meteors, and zero gravity. This information-packed, light-hearted program is suitable for school and public libraries for individual or group viewing.—Cynde Suite Bartow County Library System, Cartersville, GA

Gr 6 Up—Bill Nye is a little older and a little grayer, but still the same enthusiastic teacher. He explores the backyard and explains how our quest for the perfect yard, such as a green lawn and a clean pool, creates pollution and other environmental hazards. Segments include "Garden Tools," "Herbicides and Frogs," "Charcoal Briquettes," "Peat Moss," and "Mosquito Coils." Nye conducts man-on-the-street interviews concerning some of these topics. He also visits backyards to show students the problems we can create and how we can minimize our impact on the environment. The science, as always, is good, the production values are high, and the explanations and solutions are age appropriate. While Nye explains the evils that arise from yard care, he doesn't preach and he strives to present practical solutions. Useful for science, health, and social studies classes that look at man's impact on the environment.—Suzanne Libra, Silver Hills Middle School, Westminster, CO

Gr 6 Up—In the final episode from season two of the series, four teams race to collect images of and data about tornadoes as the storm season draws to a close. Each team drives a different vehicle and employs different strategies to track a brewing storm in south central Nebraska. Tension develops as members of one team disagree about how to proceed. The pressure builds further as another group rushes to attempt to place a camera probe directly in the path of a tornado. Students unfamiliar with the Storm Chasers series will find some terms confusing, such as the names of the vehicles. In addition, weather terms such as RFD and power flashes are not explained. Although this film will leave students with more questions than answers, the dramatic presentation may spark interest in the topic.—Lisa Hubler, Memorial Junior High School, South Euclid, OH

Gr 7 Up—This outstanding set, based on primary sources, uses narration, re-enactments, dramatizations, and computer-generated battlefield maps and battle scenes to tell the stories of the Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Battle covers General Robert E. Lee's move into Union territory, the early skirmishes, and the three-day battle that culminated with Pickett's Charge. It discusses the decisions of the opposing commanders and Abraham Lincoln's frustration with the Union failure to follow up on the victory, closing with analysis of the battle's strategic and symbolic importance. Speech describes the battle's aftermath and explains how it shaped Lincoln's beliefs about the human costs and goals of the war and influenced his speech, which re-interpreted the Declaration of Independence and tied the Union cause of abolishing slavery to the founding ideals of the country. This segment opens with Lincoln, portrayed by an actor, traveling by train to Gettysburg to deliver the speech and then uses flashbacks to present the country's horrified reaction to the casualties, Lincoln's discussions with his cabinet and his African-American servant about the battle, and the design of the Gettysburg cemetery. It closes with Lincoln giving the entire speech, followed by analysis of its continuing importance to our nation's enduring concept of equality. Technical quality is outstanding throughout. Although there are many educational films about the Battle of Gettysburg, this set puts students into the battlefield action and helps them understand how the battle and Lincoln's commemorative words transformed both the war and our nation's identity. An exceptional program for all secondary collections.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 11 Up—In 2007, a group of prominent black leaders sat down at a Capitol Hill dinner, hosted by the Smithsonian's Museum of African-American History and Culture, to pay tribute to the long crusade for equality which would culminate in the election of our country's first African-American President the following year. This moving documentary retraces that struggle and examines the current challenges to continued parity and improvement in the overall quality of life for everyone, but especially minorities in our country. In attendance that night were successful individuals of diverse backgrounds in government service, the media, entertainment, religion, academics, and the civil rights movement. The bulk of the nicely-paced program features interviews with these leaders about their experiences as well as their perceptions of today's reality of the black community in the larger society. There are also conversations with ordinary citizens who tell their stories and express their hopes and concerns for their futures. Today's leaders emphasize that any successes they might have enjoyed resulted from two dynamics in their lives: an intrinsic emphasis on education and a family support structure that maintained high expectations and offered encouragement and praise. Laced throughout the program is a retrospective of the African experience throughout our history with a variety of still photographs as well as historical and contemporary film/video footage. Although there are no chapter selection options and the series of interviews might be overwhelming for younger viewers, this film will be a valuable addition to most high school media collections.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 1–6—This program offers a glimpse into the daily lives of two children from Mexico—Guadalupe, an 8-year-old girl living in a rural village, and Maurice, a 12-year-old boy from the city of Jalapa. The children, who narrate their own stories, share many daily routines with each other and with their American peers: they go to school, play with friends and family, and attend church. Yet their very different socioeconomic backgrounds demonstrate the rich diversity of Mexican lives. Guadalupe attends a free public school where she must buy books and a uniform. She explains that her parents sell lunch in the playground to raise money for the school. At home, Guadalupe bathes from buckets of water that have been carried from her grandpa's house. She goes to the market with her mother and plays computer games. Maurice attends private school and, like many middle-class North Americans, his family has a minivan, their home has running water, and he takes karate lessons. American children will learn about Mexican culture and also see that many aspects of these children's lives are quite familiar to them. An excellent look at the daily lives of children from a different culture for school and public libraries.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 6 Up—This fast-paced production uses the standard Cerebellum techniques of young narrators, hip language, humor, and graphics to briefly introduce and discuss notable events of American presidential administrations from George Washington to Andrew Johnson. Some of the presidencies, such as those of Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln, are covered individually; others, such as James Madison and James Monroe, and the presidents between Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, are covered in thematic groups. The topics are focused on presidential actions, and include domestic and international politics, the westward movement, slavery, and reconstruction. The young, ethnically diverse narrators are on-screen for much of the time, and they use humor and contemporary language to provide background information, describe events, and profile personalities. Their commentary is supplemented with graphics that define terms and list the main points, maps, animated caricatures, and "talking" portraits of the founding fathers. A CD-ROM provides curriculum materials, including high-quality handouts, worksheets, and quizzes. Although this production does not provide in-depth coverage, it does touch upon the most important events and issues of the early presidential administrations. Its fast pace and breezy approach will hold student interest. Content is aligned with state and national history standards. Chapter selection is optional. A good choice to introduce or review these presidential administrations for middle and high school classes.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 6 Up—Host/narrator Jack Turner guides viewers through four ancient cultures, walking through ruins and demonstrating ancient technologies. The contributions of the ancient Greeks to the fields of geometry, astronomy, physics, and mechanics are explored. In The Chinese, Turner explains how the Chinese developed gun powder and other advanced tools of warfare. The Romans were able to build the largest empire in history by adoption rather than invention. Each time the Romans overpowered a civilization, they learned from their captives and spread the technologies throughout their empire. The Egyptians developed irrigation systems that allowed them to harness the desert. Their religion and a desire for a comfortable afterlife spurred the development of organized labor while building pyramids. Each program features scenes recreating ancient times as well as beautiful contemporary footage. Turner relates ancient inventions to today's technology, providing stimulus for class discussion. A cross between a travelogue and a history lesson, this fascinating and entertaining series will enrich world history, mathematics, and language arts classes.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors' Web sites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.

K-Gr 4—Nutritionist and musician Jill Jayne presents 11 high-energy songs about healthy eating in various styles of rock, rap, R&B, jazz, and punk. Based on her multimedia health show touring schools across the country, the CD features terrific musicians on guitar, drums, trombone, saxophone, harmonica, piano, fiddle, violin, viola, cello, and upright bass. Jayne's objective—to convince kids in an entertaining fashion to eat right and exercise—is accomplished with song lyrics that are informative without being dogmatic or boring. "The Beat of Our Body" extols the virtues of exercise. "Slow Food" argues against eating fast food, while "Special Glasses" helps young people evaluate glitzy advertising. "Superpower Vegetables" explains their health benefits. Among the other songs are "Healthy Is Good for Me," "Water," "Energy," and "Soda Pop." This album would be a great enhancement to elementary health classes as well as a good library resource.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 6–10—Susan Spain's sensitive narration captures the strong emotional nature of Jacqueline Woodson's Newbery Honor book (Putnam, 2008) about the friendship between young girls and how their lives are affected by the music and life of rapper Tupac Shakur. The unnamed narrator reminisces about her life when D Foster was an important, if brief presence, and Spain conveys both the joy of that time and the sense of loss that it is now gone. D, a foster child who has seen it all, best understands Tupac Shakur's music—"he sings about what I'm living." While she resonates strength with her independence, she also longs for the stability that Neeka's family represent. The girls seem older than 12, but their lives have been full of tragedy. Neeka's brother is in jail, the narrator has no father, and D has often been abandoned by her mother. Spain captures Neeka's false sophistication, D's wistful longing combined with world weariness, and the narrator's affection for both friends. She even gets the false confidence of Tash, Neeka's gay brother who is trying to put a good face on his incarceration. Each disc begins with a bit of rap rhythm, giving a strong emotional beat to the narration. This is a compelling story about a time when three girls became friends and mourned the loss of a singer who seemed to understand their lives almost better than they did.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 7–10—In the second book (HarperCollins. 2009) in the series by Kelley Armstrong, Chloe Saunders is back and her necromancer abilities are getting scarier. Not only can she see dead people, but she can raise them. She's on the run again from the evil Edison group with her friends, Derek the werewolf, Simon the sorcerer, and Tori the witch. While on the lam, Chloe accidentally finds out that the Edison group has genetically altered her and her friends and have killed teens who were considered "failed" experiments. Chloe and her friends are probably next on the hit list, and they must find a way to get to the boys' father and safety. While a bit predictable, and with somewhat one dimensional characters, the story is filled with teen drama, adventure, a little bit of horror, and some romance. Cassandra Morris, master of teen female angst, expertly reads the tale, nailing the pacing and adding realism. Fans of Richelle Mead, Lisa McMann, and Melissa De La Cruz will love this fast-paced, action-packed story.—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

Gr 5–7—The living dead continue their hot pursuit of Derek Stone in Tony Abbott's sequel (2009) to The City of the Dead (2009, both Scholastic). Derek and his brother Ronny leave their native New Orleans for Bayou Malpierre. Derek must confront his worst nightmares in this rural Louisiana swamp, while he prepares to battle the zombie army that a train crash unleashed. This fight with the zombies is personal, for the spirit of Virgil Black has possessed Ronny's body. Eerie string music and slow, lumbering piano notes open and close each disc, creating a perfectly creepy mood for this tale. Nick Podehl reads at a slow pace that captures the sticky climate and laid-back lifestyle of south Louisiana. However, his attempts to read in a regional accent fall flat on Southern ears. For example, Podehl says "fye-ah" for "fire" and describes how Derek looks at photographs from "be-foe-ah the Civil Woe-ah." Still, the action-driven story is sure to be a hit with middle school zombie and horror fans, making it a strong choice for audiobook collections.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 9 Up—Ronald Earl, better known has "Little Texas," started preaching at the age of ten. Now he is 16 and, although he still feels the "power of the holy spirit," he has started to have a few doubts. His days are spent on the road with Church of the Hand family—Miss Wanda Jean, his great-aunt; Sugar Tom, an 87-year-old former evangelist; and his main confidant and friend, Certain Certain, a descendent from slaves. Ronald Earl's growing awareness of the opposite sex—and the physical manifestations it brings to his body—cause him to worry about his calling and his sinfulness. While he can still bring the congregation to tears with the impact of his message and his ability to heal, he wonders if he really wants to continue. When Lucy's parents bring her to him for healing, things start to change. The healing doesn't work and she begins to "haunt" him. Miss Wanda Jean arranges for a revival at a plantation where slaves were mistreated and where the "devil" appeared during a revival many years ago. Both Ronald Earl and the ghost of Lucy worry about what might happen and, in an uneasy alliance of boy and ghost, work to free the "blue people" who are trapped in death. R. A. Nelson's novel (Knopf, 2009), a marvelous blend of religion and romance, the supernatural and coming-of-age, works on many levels with its strong, colorful characters and the intricate plot's twists and turns. Narrator Luke Daniels nails Little Texas's Georgia accent as well as the voices of the other characters, making the book come alive.—Janet Hilbun, Texas Women's University, Denton

Gr 3–6—Ten-year-old cousins Jesse and Daisy are waiting for something magical to happen to them, so they are really excited when Jesse finds an unusually colored geode on the hillside. With the help of Daisy's father, a geologist, Jesse attempts in vain to break open the stone. To their amazement, it's an egg that finally hatches and a very loud, green dragon pops out. They name her Emerald, and the demanding dragon has the cousins scrambling. While desperately researching on the Internet and in the library what to feed her, the cousins discover a Web site, foundadragon.org, where they learn that they are now Dragon Keepers because they found the egg. Not only are they responsible for Emmy's care, they also must protect her from the evil Saint George. Although Kate Klimo's tale (Random, 2008) is sometimes two-dimensional and the children and their relationship could have been better developed, young dragon fans will probably enjoy this unique story. Walter M. Mayes's narration is low-key, but Emmy's voice is sometimes jarring and irritating. For larger collections.—Amy Olson, formerly Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 5–9—In Laini Taylor's sequel (2009) to Blackbringer (2009, both Putnam), Whisper Silksinger, the last of her clan, must protect the Azazel, one of the seven Djinn and makers of the world, from the devils who would destroy him and all of life. On her way to the Azazel's throne in the faerie city of Nazneen, Whisper is aided by the strange mercenary Hirik and is drawn to this member of a traitor clan. Also seeking the Azazel is Magpie Windwitch, whose job it is to wake the Djinn king from his long sleep and restore him to his throne. None of this will happen, though, unless the faeries can defeat the legions of devils who are pursuing them. Cassandra Campbell's lively performance places listeners in the thick of things. She is especially adept at giving the broad range of characters unique voices. This fast-paced tale is a must-have for middle school and public libraries with fantasy audiobook collections.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High, Baldwin City, KS

Gr 7–10—Seventeen-year-old Madison (Maddy) Stanton is confused, lonely, and dead in this novel (Balzer & Bray, 2009) by Amy Huntley. Where she is and how she got there is unknown, but in the expansive darkness that surrounds her, she discovers floating, luminescent objects she lost in her previous life. Maddy sees these items and feels that her "life is lying in a heap of memories piled on top of one another." Each object allows her (and listeners) to skip through her past life, proving that even seemingly insignificant items—a bracelet, a pine cone, a piece of popcorn—elicit memories. During her soul searching, Madison also discovers clues to her mysterious and sudden death. Tavia Gilbert is amazing in her ability to transition between numerous characters, from a silky, Southern drawl to a soused father to a complicated, contemplative teenager. This is as close as you can get to a full-cast narration with a solo voice. Huntley's fabulous, haunting debut novel is a ghost story, a mystery, and a love story that creates a unique twist on one of life's ponderables: what happens after we die? A compelling addition to teen collections.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Gr 8 Up—Cat, 17, is driven to succeed, especially in her science research class where her goal is to beat her long-time nemesis, Matt McKinney, at the science fair. Her idea of using herself as a test subject for an in-depth study of early hominids and their lifestyle leads to some interesting shifts in perspective, not only in how others see her, but in how she sees herself. As her project continues, her weight drops, her confidence increases, and Cat becomes "hot," garnering male attention and a boyfriend for the first time. But she still can't stop thinking about Matt. Cat is a believable, flawed character. Her odyssey from fat to hot and the slowly unfolding tale about why she and Matt, best friends since childhood, haven't spoken since the seventh grade science fair, speaks volumes about her values and her self-esteem. Kirsten Potter's top-notch narration of Robin Brande's novel (Knopf, 2009) has a distinctive flair, and she gives each character a unique voice. A conversation with the author and activist/cooking instructor Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, including a discussion about vegetarianism and teens, rounds out the recording. A great selection for both public and school libraries.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Gr 5–8—From Hercules' birth to his immortalization in the stars, Geraldine McCaughrean adds humanity and beautiful language to her retelling of the Greek myth (Cricket Books, 2005). As a young teen, Hercules is given a choice by the fates between a life of comfort and ease or one of sorrow and fame. Not knowing the importance of the question, Hercules chooses a life of struggle. He grows up, marries his stepsister Megara, and has children. Goaded to break his vow never to drink wine, Hercules drinks himself into a frenzy and murders his family. As punishment, Hercules is a bond slave for 12 years to petty King Eurystheus and his spoiled daughters. During this time, Hercules performs 11 impossible tasks, from killing monsters to stealing the belt of the Amazon queen. On the last day of his bond, he is commanded to bring Cerberus, the dog of Hades. He has accomplished many daunting feats, but can Hercules cheat death? Cynthia Bishop narrates this full-cast performance. Each member of the cast brings a unique flavor and character interpretation to the recording. A musical refrain divides the chapters and completes this polished production.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Library, UT

K-Gr 2—Houndsley (a dog) and Catina (a cat) are both sad. They are not unhappy about the rainy weather or the old sweaters with holes. Houndsley is sad because he doesn't know when his birthday is, and Catina confesses that she doesn't know the date of her birthday either. But it's not long before they find a way to cheer each other up—Catina arranges a birthday party for her friend, and Houndsley surprises Catina with a cake. Narrator Peter Pamela Rose is enthusiastic, giving unique voices to the characters in James Howe's story (Candlewick, 2006). Soft music and other background sounds enhance the listening experience. Page-turn signals are optional. Marie-Louise Gay's watercolor, pencil, and collage artwork adds to the charming story. Children will enjoy the adventures of these furry friends.—Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY

Gr 7 Up—Two stories from the Golden Age by L. Ron Hubbard are featured here: If I Were You (approx. 95 min.), and The Last Drop (approx. 30 min.). In If I Were You, Little Tom Little hates being a midget, along with his accompanying feelings of invisibility and powerlessness. He inherits an ancient set of books from an evil, dying professor containing the secret of switching bodies. Tom believes he has found the answer to his dream of becoming a visible, all-powerful circus ringmaster. He learns to migrate between bodies, and does so several times, encountering numerous dire situations. This is ultimately a tale about being careful about what you wish for. A concoction sent from Borneo that, when imbibed, causes drinkers to swell up in size, is the focus of the second equally fantastic story. The antidote causes the opposite effect. What makes these completely unbelievable stories so wonderfully entertaining is the excellent audio quality, the cast of talented performers, great sound effects (growling lions and tigers, murmuring crowds, etc.), and intervals of dramatic, ominous music that draws listeners into the tales and holds their attention to the end.—Mary Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 3–5—Tristan Benway has been the butler to the eccentric Bellweathers for his entire life. In fact, for the past 200 years, his family has been serving the family. When Horatio Bellweather saved the life of Tristan's great great great grandfather, Nigel, he created the "Benway Family Oath of Fealty" which is about to expire. Tristan is thrilled. He can't wait to get away from this self-centered cast of characters. The five Bellweather children and their parents create constant chaos with their outlandish and pompous antics. In order to fund his new life, Tristan is writing a tell-all memoir about his years of taking care of this cranky crew. The children discover his plan and scheme to show him how much he is loved. Narrator Michael Page as Benway is the epitome of the somber butler with a pitch-perfect haughty English accent. He is equally adept at voicing the wide range of family members, from the screaming, lunatic father to the secretive, conniving triplets. Recommend this amusing tale, filled with absurd escapades, to fans of Lois Lowry's The Willoughbys (Houghton Mifflin, 2008).—Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Library, Rocky Hill, NJ

Gr 9 Up—That Micah Wilkins is a self-professed liar is about the only thing you can be sure of in this gripping, engrossing novel (Bloomsbury, 2009) by Justine Larbalestier that begs for discussion. Micah's life is irrevocably changed when the boy she had a secret relationship with is found brutally murdered and she is considered a suspect. The narrative shifts between "Before" and "After" the murder with occasional breaks for "Family History" and "History of Me," detailing, among other things, the family illness that she claims is at the heart of all her lies. Micah takes the unreliable narrator to new heights, keeping listeners off balance by sometimes sticking to the "truth" for long stretches before coming clean and, at others times, admitting to lies only moments after telling them. Channie Waites delivers a very strong and believable performance as the complex and often frustrating teen protagonist, shifting moods as seamlessly as Micah does and revealing all of her attitude, emotion, and vulnerability. By the end of this extraordinary book, listeners will either be desperate to discuss it with others or ready to delve right back in to listen again in an effort to figure out the truth—and most will probably want to do both.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, Douglass Branch, IL

Gr 9 Up—Elizabeth Scott's gripping story (Simon Pulse, 2008), one of the most talked about books of 2008, is even more intense and chilling in audiobook format. "Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared. Once upon a time, my name was not Alice. Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was." These sentences offer only a glimpse of the horrific nightmare she has been living since being abducted during a school field trip when she was ten years old and forced to be Ray's sex toy and stay child-like. In short and punctuating chapters, Alice, now 15, speaks about the suffocating and paralyzing fear that keeps her with her captor, who has threatened to kill her entire family if she attempts to escape. It is only when Ray tells Alice that she must find a new little girl for him that she has the any hope that she will eventually be free of his grasp, even if that freedom means her own death. Narrator Kate Reinders becomes Alice, with her voice poignantly moving through the horror, desperation, anger, resignation, and pain that Alice feels. The story and the breathtaking ending are so vividly brought to life that it is at times difficult to listen.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 6–9—The ancient city of Agora has no currency, only a bartering system that those over the age of 12 participate in their entire lives in this first book (Roaring Brook Press, 2009) in a trilogy by David Whitley. When Mark's family falls to the plague, his father sells his only son to a doctor in the hope that his life will be spared. Mark is taken by his new master to the tower, home to the astrologist Count Stelli. The boy becomes friends with a serving girl, Lily, who has always dreamed of life beyond the tower. When Mark is discovered and is about to be banished from the tower, Lily intervenes and the two servants agree to trade masters. Mark becomes a prodigal astrologer and the victim of treachery. Lily becomes infamous for giving away food and shelter, angering some of Agora's officials. The pair become the focus of a prophecy set into writing in a document known as The Midnight Charter, and they learn that their fate is tied to Agora'. Whitley crafts a brilliantly thought-provoking and detailed world in his novel. Simon Vance provides distinct voices for all the characters. For fantasy fans and those who have enjoyed Phillip Pullman's Dark Materials series or D. M. Cornish's Monster Tattoo series.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 4–6—Fifth-grader Nathan Abercrombie suffers the usual humiliations of middle-grade life: rejection, teasing, gym class. Then one day his friend Abigail's scientist uncle uses Nathan as a test subject for Hurt-Be-Gone, a serum that makes bad feelings disappear. The unexpected side effect is that Nathan turns into a 10-year-old zombie who must weigh the pros and cons of being undead while his friends engage in zany hijinks to find a cure for his condition. Matthew Brown and Kathleen McInerney provide excellent performances, using different vocal inflections to give each character in David Lubar's humorous tale (Starscape, 2009) a unique personality. For instance, Nathan's friend Mookie speaks in a slow, slightly nasal tone that reflects his dopey, if well-meaning, personality. Abigail's dialogue is rendered in a confident, matter-of-fact tone. Although Brown often changes his pitch to indicate Nathan's feelings, he generally reads in a calm, resigned tone. Nathan's adventures are introduced with mock-eerie, synthesized harpsichord music which recalls cheesy, B-grade horror film scores. At the end of the novel, the author reads his short story, "Frankendance." This audiobook serves as an excellent introduction to Lubar's mildly creepy tales and is sure to appeal to reluctant readers. A first-purchase for public libraries where audiobooks are popular.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 9 Up—Returning from a summer in a wilderness program, 15-year-old Carly, who lives in a wealthy Atlanta suburb, begins to question her affluent upbringing and institute new rules to live by. Her younger sister Anna has spent the summer growing too, and her newly developed figure attracts unwanted attention from students and teachers alike. The rules as Carley sees them are challenged in many ways as the story explores themes of friendship, wealth, racism, elitism, beauty, family, and love. Friendships are tested as the girls wonder what exactly connects them with each other. Relationships with boys take many realistic twists. Lauren Myracle's wonderful story (Dutton, 2009) is brought to life through Julia Whelan's engaging and thoughtful narration. Her spot-on Atlanta and assorted Georgia accents enhance the telling. Fans of Carolyn Mackler, E. Lockhart, and Sara Dessen will rejoice in this story.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

Gr 3–5—Tragedy strikes in Avi's sixth tale (HarperCollins, 2009) of Dimwood Forest when Poppy the deer mouse's husband Rye dies after being out in a winter storm. She prefers to be alone in her grief, refusing even the company of her best friend Ereth, the cantankerous porcupine. Poppy is finally brought out of her mourning by one of her grandchildren, and is soon flying off on an unexpected adventure. Ereth, thinking his best friend is dead, plans her funeral and reflects on his life while unbeknownst to the wood's inhabitants, a fire is fast approaching Dimwood Forest. John McDonough gives each delightful character a distinct voice; he is at his best with the ever-cranky Ereth. His excellent pacing matches the action and emotion of the story, from Poppy's grief and Ereth's desolation to the excitement of Poppy's flight and the danger of the forest fire. Though billed as the final book in the fantasy series, new characters such as Poppy's grandson Spruce and the young bat Luci provide fresh avenues to explore, so we can hope that we haven't heard the last from Poppy and friends.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, Douglass Branch, IL

Gr 7 Up—In this paranormal thriller (HarperCollins, 2009) by Faye and Aliza Kellerman, Kaida Hutchenson, 15, is not excited to be on a school trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico with swimmer Zeke Anderson and smoker Joy Tallon. When their van crashes in the desert and catches fire, the teens barely have time to escape before it explodes. They take refuge in a cave to stay out of the rain, and are mysteriously transported to a parallel world. They wake up in their own beds in California like it was all a dream, except one thing is different—Kaida and Zeke watch a man get hit by a car and instead of an ambulance a cleanup crew takes away the body. The teens figure out that they now live in a world where there is no such thing as health care or medicine. Darwin's natural selection has been taken to extreme. The fittest survive and those who try to fight the "natural order" are thrown in jail. Jenna Lamia brings to life Kaida, the scared yet sassy purple-haired teen. Much of the story's suspense comes from her performance. Thoughtful listeners will find many gaps in the prism-like other world and the implications of no medicine.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Library, UT

Gr 5–7—Harvey from New York, Mistral from Paris, Sheng from Shanghai, and the hotel owner's daughter Elettra are four preteens who find themselves sharing the last empty hotel room in Room. They discover that they all have the same unusual birthday—February 29. When Elettra unknowingly causes a blackout with her strong electrical aura, they head out into the dark night for some fun. They meet a man who entrusts them with a briefcase. When they open it and find some odd clues inside, they embark on a wild goose chase through Rome searching for the mysterious and antediluvian Ring of Fire. Following a series of cryptic messages, their hunt leads them through the wonders of ancient Rome including libraries and hidden catacombs. Carrington McDuffie ably narrates this story (Random, 2009) by Pierdomenico D. Baccalario, translated from the Italian by Leah D. Janeczko, seamlessly switching between voices and doing a good job with foreign accents. However, that's not enough to save this awkward tale which suffers from shallow characters, clueless adults who offer the children large amounts of unsolicited information (Scooby Doo style), and unauthentic dialogue.—Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Library, Rocky Hill, NJ

Gr 6–8—Walter Dean Myers brings an obscure piece of history to light in this novel (Egmontusa, 2009). The year is 1863 and the United States is torn apart by the Civil War. The battle at Gettysburg has left citizens horrified, and the survival of the nation is still in doubt. New York City's large immigrant population—mostly Irish—believe that, with the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves, their jobs will be taken over by blacks making their way North. When Abraham Lincoln institutes the first draft, allowing the wealthy to pay $300 to escape service, this is the excuse that the city needs to erupt in violence. The story, told from multiple viewpoints in this full-cast production, centers upon Claire, a 15-year-old half Irish, half black girl who is baffled by the hatred that surrounds her. For several days in July, looting, destruction, and retaliation against blacks occur until Federal troops are called in to bring the insurrection to a bloody close. Myers formatted the book as a screenplay similar to his award-winning story Monster (Armistad, 1999; Listening Library, 2007). Listeners may be baffled by the stage directions (i.e., camera pans, cut to, etc.) which distract from the tale. This compelling story of the New York draft riots is more satisfying in print format.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 4–6—"Everyone is afraid of something." So begins each chapter of this unusual book (Little Brown, 2009) by Gitty Daneshvari. Madeline is so obsessively afraid of bugs that she lives in a cloud of repellent and will not venture outdoors. Neurotic Theodore is terrified of death, and outspoken Lulu is claustrophobic. Although he is a good-looking and successful sports figure at school, Garrison is so paralyzed by the mere thought of water that he breaks out in a cold sweat if he even sees a lake in the distance. These youngsters are sent to the School of Fear during the summer to overcome their phobias. The four "contestants," as they are called by the school's headmistress and only teacher Mrs. Wellington, have the scariest summer of their lives. Mrs. Wellington is an outrageous ex-beauty queen who hasn't the vaguest idea of how to teach students. The school is chaotic, secretive, and a terrifying conglomeration of the oddest doors and rooms you could imagine, including a "Fearnasium." Yet, by the end of summer, the four young people discover that they were wrong about Mrs. Wellington, the school, and themselves. Emma Walton Hamilton expressively reads the fast-paced action and witty repartee, giving each character a unique voice. The result is an amusing, intriguing, and slightly terrifying adventure, with a wonderful lesson for anyone who is afraid of something.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 5–8—Grandma Dowdel (A Long Way from Chicago [1998], A Year Down Yonder [2000]) is back in Newbery Award-winning author Richard Peck's latest novel (2009, all Dial). It's 1958 and the Barnhart family—12-year-old Bob, his two sisters, his preacher father, and his mother—moves into the house next to Mrs. Dowdel. The unconventional touches of the wise, 90-year-old woman are felt throughout this story from the moment she rescues Bob from a stunt pulled by the neighborhood bad boy. Told from Bob's perspective, Peck's characters are all fully voiced by Ron McLarty, giving listeners clear images of Bob's Elvis-obsessed older sister and the other quirky characters in this small Illinois town with a big heart. The lessons that Bob learns in the year that he is Mrs. Dowdel's neighbor are gently portrayed as listeners discover the true gifts she has given to the entire town. Fans of the previous books will not be disappointed, and new listeners will feel at home.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 8–11—Holly Hogan is about to turn 15 and has been given a chance to leave her group home behind. She's being offered a foster placement, but the prospect engenders feelings and issues she hadn't expected. It means leaving Miko, her key worker (live-in case worker) and her only friends. They may be dysfunctional, but they're a part of her. She knows that things would be better in Ireland, the land of her birth. Her mam's there and it's where she needs to go. She puts on a blonde wig that her foster mother wore during cancer treatments, and she feels transformed. She can escape her circumstances by donning the wig and becoming Solace of the Road. Her journey from London to Ireland is a mix of adventure, discovery, and introspection. Gritty, touching, and real, the teen's journey takes listeners along for the ride. Siobhan Dowd's novel (David Fickling Bks., 2009) is narrated by Sile Bermingham who conveys the subtlety of British regional accents to listeners. She also brings an honesty to the voice of a girl on the edge of womanhood and self-discovery. Sometimes she is a sophisticated teen with "slim-slam hips," and at other times she is a scared and lonely little girl who has manipulated her painful memories as a way of coping with her past. The audio format makes this story even more compelling.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

Gr 1–6—Six amazing women from all over the globe who have incredible talents from speed to cleverness to compassion are the heroines in this collection of tales. A Cambodian goddess outwits the ogre to gather a glass of dew, and the chase creates the first thunder and lightening. A young girl from Ethiopia grieves for her mother but learns patience and caring while seeking a whisker from a lioness. In "The Cleverest Tune," a folktale from Britain, a daughter wins her father's fortune by filling his house with music. In a folktale from Turkey, a lady helps trick a greedy judge into giving a poor man his rightful fortune. The "Reindeer Maiden" in Siberia uses magic to conquer the moon. In "Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind," an American tall tale, a girl amazes everyone with her physical skills and ends up rescuing Davy Crockett with a snake lasso. Each tale, narrated by a different actress, is introduced with original music and occasional songs or sound effects to emphasize the story line. These well-rounded and wonderfully produced stories teaches life lessons and introduces strong female characters in a very entertaining way. The tales could be used individually or enjoyed as a collection representing cultures around the world.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 10 Up—Life is difficult for Liga in Margo Lanagan's dark fairy tale (Knopf, 2008), a Printz Honor book. Liga lives in a dreary medieval village with her father who forces her into an incestuous relationship. She becomes pregnant, her father dies, and Liga gives birth to gentle, sweet Branza. Life becomes more tolerable until her home is invaded by a mob of boys and Liga is gang-raped. Liga is pregnant and decides to end her life, but magic intervenes and Liga is transported to her personal heaven where she is treated kindly and accepted by the people. She gives birth to a second child, wild Urdda, and Liga and her daughters find refuge in this peaceful world. From time to time the tranquility is interrupted when the border between heaven and reality is breached. Men appear as bears—some good, some not so good. Eventually Liga and her daughters must choose between the heavenly life with little passion and the earthly life with all its brutality. Anne Flosnik and Michael Page narrate. Flosnik voices the females with distinct voices, pitch, and pacing. Page's male characters are more difficult to discern because his strong Scottish accent remains constant, challenging listeners to determine which character is speaking. While the print version has been praised by reviewers, this disturbing dark tale of good and evil and what it means to be human is not likely to have wide appeal. The conclusion for Liga is disheartening and few listeners will endure to its bitter end. This story is simply too odd for a majority of teens to enjoy.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 9 Up—Melissa De la Cruz continues to combine vampiric mythology with the mysterious lives of the Manhattan and European elite in the fourth title (Hyperion, 2009) in the series. Schuyler Van Alen and Ollie Hazard (best friend and blood supplier) are in Italy fleeing for their lives from the New York Coven and attempting to get the support of the European Coven. Mimi now spends her time as a Venerator with her partner Kingsley Martin and also trying to get her brother to become bonded to her. Bliss is overwhelmed to learn that she is a Silver Blood and that her sister is missing. She is also beginning to believe that she is being controlled by an unknown source. Unlike the other titles in the series, the story rotates viewpoints between Mimi, Bliss, and Schuyler, giving listeners a more well-rounded story. There are messy love triangles galore, character surprises, plot twists, and international travel and espionage. Christina Moore does an exceptional job of bringing the characters to life, and skillfully voices the different accents. Recommended for fans of series such as Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, Ellen Schreiber's Vampire Kisses, and P. C. Cast's House of Night.—Amy Olson, formerly Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 4–6—Patricia Reilly Giff has worked her magic by writing a story (Wendy Lamb Bks., 2009) of displacement with a new feel to it. Lidie, a 12-year-old who loves to ride horses, moves from Brazil to New York to be with her father, who runs a stable at a racetrack, and brother, who is training to be a jockey. At the same time, Wild Girl, a young filly, is moved away from the farm in South Carolina where she was foaled. While Lidie deals with the disorientation of moving to a cold world where she speaks very little of the language, she also has to cope with a father and brother who remember her as a seven-year-old child. The filly is equally upset by the move and is having trouble adapting to the new environment. Eventually the paths of Lidie and Wild Girl intertwine, opening new vistas for both of them. Giff has done a wonderful job of researching the world of horse trainers and racetracks as well as the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture. Justine Eyre's narration brings Lidie and her family to life. Her voice is nicely modulated and her characterizations are well done.—Laura Davies, Kenton County Public Library, KY

PreS-Gr 3—The fifth album for San Diego-based band Hullabaloo is non-stop, countrified fun with three traditional and nine original songs. Songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Steve Denyes and percussionist/vocalist Brendan Kremer channel the sound of Johnny Cash on several tunes. There are guest musicians on other songs for a slightly different sound. Denyes's clever lyrics are particularly poignant on "High Roller" (a tune about preparing for an outing in a stroller), "Princess Bluejeans" (a two-step ballad about a soccer-playing princess), "400 Cupcakes" (a story/song about the consequences of inviting too many people to a birthday party), "Dinosaur in My Backyard" (a bluesy number about finding "proof" of dinosaurs in the backyard), and "Choo Choo Choo" (about growing up near the train tracks). Stephen Foster's "Oh Susanna!" and Woodie Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" get traditional treatment with a twang in the sound; the arrangement of "Old Dan Tucker" receives a welcome update. There's plenty of toe-tapping, knee-slapping fun to be found here.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Gr 1–5—A veteran of Noggin Channel and PBS Kids, Frezza created these eight exceptional rock 'n roll songs for elementary grade children who are too old for Raffi, but not old enough for adult pop music. From the bluesy rock of their remixed theme song "Big Truck" to the electro-pop of "Robot Dancer" and "Rocketship," Frezza and the band showcase their outstanding close harmonies and solid instrumental performances, which have won them numerous awards in the past. Frezza shows off her versatile vocals by belting it out on songs like "Rock Like This," and creating a soft, sweet tone for the gentle "Smiling Moon." The call-and-response "Hey-O" features Roscoe Ormanz (Gordon from Sesame Street) and brilliant guitar licks from Ivan Max. "Motorcycle Boy" and "Superman" round out the selections. A bonus music video of "Big Truck" is also included. An outstanding album featuring exceptional musicianship that will appeal to a broad age range.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Leeny (Ilene Altman) and Tamara (Tamara Hey) present 14 kid-pleasing tunes in swing, rock, pop, folk, and country musical styles. Several musicians perform excellent background music on keyboards, guitar, bass, saxophone, clarinet, flute, ukulele, percussion, drums, and fiddle. Tamara's sweet, almost girlish voice soars on "I Used to Be Shy." The duo's wonderful harmonies are showcased on "Singing Beach. "Ladybug" and "Your Epidermis Is Showing" have driving beats that will get kids moving. Listeners can easily learn all 50 state names in "Across the USA." Other songs include "Put on My Seat Belt," "Taking Turns," "Little Sister," "Dinah Sore Loser," and others. While this album is very kid-friendly, the music is sophisticated enough to engage adults as well. An excellent purchase.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 3—This package includes 14 songs by French-Canadian Gilles Vigneault and a picture book illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch. The title song, illustrated with ink-and-watercolor drawings in the book, is a lovely piece about a Cajun man who plays banjo as his Japanese wife accompanies him on the koto. They are joined by friends who play guitar, harp, and bouzouki and also by Buddhist monks who play the shamisen. Then, for hours, not a single note is heard until an owl hoots and, encouraged by a little mouse, the Buddhist monks applaud. The lyrics float on the accompanying delicate music and build as more singers join in. This is followed by a brief ditty in which a drunk and his dog "Both snort like a dog," punctuated with clucks and drunken hiccups. "One, Two Three, ABCD" resembles "One, Two Buckle Your Shoe," with counting in Japanese and French; the lyrics are about a cow who does nothing but pee and fart. In "The Great Big Kite," we hear: "Looking for the angry Evil Knight, We will destroy him, With a silent bomb and a silver knife, Fight with fire, blood and spite." "Sleep Tight My Love" and "The Poem of a Child" are lovely, but the lyrics are quite abstract for young children. Others songs, such as "Do You Have Some Coins?," are simple tunes that youngsters can easily learn. Many pieces are accompanied by sound effects, and the vocals are sung expressively. While the subjects of the songs will appeal to young children, the lyrics are often more appropriate for older listeners.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

PreS-K—Professional music educator Maryann "Mar" Harman adds another title to her list of recordings useful for the preschool crowd. Addressing her puppet Mr. Froggy, Mar opens this collection of 18 tunes with an invitation to join in and sing with her in "UnFROGettable." She makes use of piggyback songs to teach concepts and encourage gross motor moves. For example, "Over in a Place," to the tune of "Over in the Meadow," teaches about unusual animals found in different parts of the U.S.; "Child in a Circle," sung to the tune of "the Farmer in the Dell," is an all-inclusive activity; and "This Is the Way," to the tune of "This Is the Way We Go to School," gets children up and moving. Mar gives her own spin to some classic children songs such as "Chugga Chugga," "Here We Go Looby Loo" (done in a Cajun/zydeco style), "Name Song Games" (a medley of "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt," "Michael Finnegan," and "Sassy Sal and Happy Hal"), and "I've Been Working on the Railroad." There are also several original numbers with easily learned tunes and equally simple arrangements. A few of the songs seem a bit forced to make the words fit the meter. Otherwise, this is useful for inclusion in preschool classrooms.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Gr 4–8—Abigail Adams, the wife of one president and the mother of another, comes to life in this chronological narrative that is enhanced by diary entries, letters, and other primary documents. She was a patriot with a remarkable intellect and an independent spirit. While John was often absent while serving the Continental Congress, Abigail's letters to him during this period reflect what life was like in revolutionary America. During her husband's service as ambassador to France and England, Abigail wrote vivid accounts of her travels. Among John and Abigail's five children, the most information is provided about Abigail (Nabby) and John Quincy Adams. During John's years as vice president and president, their free exchange of ideas allowed her to support a better life for women and education for everyone. Jacqueline Ching's biography (Rosen, 2002) is read by Suzy Myers, whose well-modulated voice is comfortable with the cadences of 18th-century speech. Notes that clarify unfamiliar terms are read by a male. A time line at the end of the book is helpful in sorting out important events. A solid choice for school and public libraries.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 4–7—Josepha Sherman has done an admirable job piecing together the facts of Henry Hudson's four attempts to find the elusive Northwest Passage in this biography (Rosen, 2002). The early explorers hoped to establish a new trade route. Using the sketchy, primary source documents available, including Hudson's ship logs, the author often must use qualifiers in the text, guessing at the circumstances or motivations. Even the dramatic conclusions of ice and mutiny only speculate about Hudson's fate. Narrator Eileen Stevens maintains a pleasant and even voice throughout, describing how Hudson lost favor with England and was enlisted by the Dutch East India Company to continue his search. The quotes from primary sources are read as "notes" and "end notes" to delineate the difference in the texts. However, the audio version loses too much when the book's maps and illustrations are omitted.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI