Grades 5 & Up

Gr 3–6—For Tommy, the only question is whether or not Origami Yoda is real. Of course he's real as a small puppet on Dwight's finger. But does the oracle possess magic power? In order to find out, he decides to compile scientific evidence from the experiences of those who asked Origami Yoda for help. His friend Harvey is invited to comment on each story because he thinks Yoda is nothing but a "green paper wad." Tommy also comments because he's supposedly trying to solve the puzzle. In actuality, the story is about boys and girls in sixth grade trying to figure out how being social works. In fact, Tommy says, "…it's about this really cool girl, Sara, and whether or not I should risk making a fool of myself for her." The situations that Yoda has a hand in are pretty authentic, and the setting is broad enough to be any school. The plot is age-old but with the twist of being presented on crumpled pages with cartoon sketches, supposed hand printing, and varying typefaces. Kids should love it.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 5–8—Imagine it is 1890. No iPods, no cell phones, no jeans or tank tops, no electricity, and no indoor plumbing. This is the life that Gen Welsh has to endure for the whole summer, since her mother has decided that the family's vacation will be at a frontier-living fantasy camp near Laramie, WY. When they arrive, all modern conveniences are taken away, but Gen is granted her one wish: Clearasil. Secretly she has hidden her new cell phone in the product's box, and uses it to text her friends back home. They use her messages to start a blog, which takes off and gets media attention. Meanwhile, back at camp, a first romance and a good, clean girl rivalry are bubbling among the milking of cows and clearing of forest. As the families make their way through a difficult season, the teens discover their strengths and weaknesses. This fast read is humorous and insightful, with realistic characters that are refreshingly well rounded. Bell has captured a 13-year-old's voice, making Gen's unlikely situation feel very real. A solid choice for collections serving tweens—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 5–8—In Dugout Rivals, Jake Daley is looking forward to a new season of baseball. Since he was voted "Team's Best Eleven Year Old" last year, he's sure he is going to be the shortstop for the Red Sox. Then Adam Hull moves in. He can do it all: hit, field, and pitch. Suddenly, Jake has competition for the MVP trophy. Over the course of the season, he must come to terms with his shortcomings as Adam works through his own set of problems—his parents' bitter divorce and the uncertainty of moving again. During the championship game, both boys learn why there is "no 'I' in team." Similarly, in Hardcourt Comeback, Brett Carter is the big man on the courts, but after missing a crucial game point, forgetting the answer to an easy question in Brain Bowl, and becoming paralyzed with fear on the rock-climbing wall, his self-esteem is as deflated as an old basketball. Can he regain his confidence before the big game? While the characters are much more self-aware than most seventh graders (and families and coaches feel like they were made for a TV movie), Bowen's stories move along briskly with rapid-fire action sequences and end with surprising twists. Less-athletic readers may be unfamiliar with plays and sport-specific lingo. Both books conclude with a "Real Story" section that references real players' life events to underscore the motivation for coaching pep talks in the books.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 9 Up—This collection of 27 short stories, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Growing Up Filipino (PALH, 2003), reflects the impact of post-9/11 wartime sensibilities among Filipino writers living in the Philippines, the United States, and Canada. Although similar topics of family, memoir, and coming-of-age thread through both collections, the pieces are not grouped by theme, but nevertheless weave a constantly shifting tapestry of Filipino identity. The challenges and conflicts of unique ancestry and struggles for identity provide a rich background for modern urban realism. The brittle memoirs reflected in "Here in the States," "Nurse Rita," and "Hammer Lounge"; original legend in "A Season of 10,000 Noses"; and breathtaking tragedy in "How My Mother Flew," among others, are compelling reading. Some selections have terse, spare language; others are almost commonplace in their apparent simplicity; all capture moments and nuances of the modern Filipino experience that will envelop readers. Brainard has again selected powerful, evocative stories of family: of promises and disappointment, failure and resentment, tenacious and all-consuming love, anxiety and transcendent hope. There is plenty here to stimulate discussion and encourage an appreciation of Filipino writing and culture. This anthology is a worthy successor to the first volume and has appeal to an audience beyond high school literature courses.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 6–10—Jay, 14, is tired of everyone comparing him to his father, who deserted the family. He wants to distance himself from everything he associates with his dad, including karate, which he used to love. But when he runs into a girl who makes his heart jump, he finds himself in the middle of a lie: he tells her that he is also a green belt about ready to test for his next rank. Tinga invites him to take part in her test, and he has to swallow his pride and ask his father, a movie stunt man and karate instructor, to train him. Worse, he discovers that Tinga is actually the girlfriend of an old pal, and that he is on the road to stealing her away and breaking up their relationship—something his father would be inclined to do. The concerns of a teen wanting to express himself as an individual are universal. Using language authentic to the South of England setting and with an authentic narrator, the story is likely to appeal to reluctant readers, but the Briticisms might be difficult for that audience. The martial-arts angle will draw an audience in areas where karate is popular.—Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 9 Up—Fifteen-year-old Molly Biden is finished with being the good girl. Armed with a new look, she targets the mysterious, hot new guy, Grady Dillon. Fearful that she might be outmaneuvered by an older girl in the scramble for his affections, Molly makes a quick and fateful decision to have unprotected sex with him. Predictably (a clearly pregnant teen girl graces the book's cover), Molly becomes pregnant. She tells her story in verse, a format ripe for the emotional immediacy of an unplanned teen pregnancy. In this case, however, the format's potential is left untapped. Molly's voice does not ring true to a teen, and her words often feel forced into the verse. This clunkiness is heightened when free verse turns into specific poetic forms, which often feel incongruous with the subject at hand. Ultimately, Molly's story skims the surface, but never deeply immerses readers in the loneliness and depth of her current situation. For a deeper, raw glimpse into teen pregnancy and a fall from grace, steer readers to Ellen Hopkins's Crank (S & S, 2004) or Linda Oatman High's Planet Pregnancy (Front St, 2008).—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 5–8—Allergic to sun particles, Max Unger is forced to stay inside during the day with his caregiver, Mrs. Crumlin. He loves the night, since it has pleasant memories of his beloved grandmother, so he sneaks out and visits a silver owl and his new friend, a spirited girl named Rose. He knows that if he is caught he will be in trouble, for silver owls are evil in the eyes of the High Echelon. When Max discovers that Mrs. Crumlin and the High Echelon are preparing him for a sinister job, he makes a daring escape, taking Rose with him. The two follow the words of "the Silver Prophesy" to find the Owl Keeper and hopefully destroy the evil High Echelon for good. While Brodien-Jones fills her dystopic fantasy with many striking images and ideas, she leaves more questions than answers about her world. The prophecy at the beginning of the book echoes the one found in Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising (S & S, 1986), but Brodien-Jones overuses it to push the plot along rather than letting events happen organically. The characters aren't fully fleshed out, especially Rose, who seems more annoying than lovable. By book's end, this appears to be the first in a series. Jeanne DuPrau's "Books of Ember" series (Random) offers a much better dystopic vision for this age group.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 7–10—Melissa's father is dying, and the last words they share come as she shows him a piece of weathered glass that she and her friend Ryan found while riding in the wash behind their house. Melissa's world is further jarred as a new girl makes moves on Ryan, and she finds herself jealous. Also, her mother begins dating a cowboy she met at the beauty salon where she works. Now Melissa is clinging to every connection to her dad that she can, including a journal with a mysterious woman's name in it. Melissa worshipped her father; is it possible that he could have had an affair? In the end, when she is able to let the glass go, she is able to move on with her life. The Life of Glass is very much a page-turner and reads effortlessly. Its only flaw lies in trying to be more meaningful than it needs to be: not every interaction needs to be pivotal and every exchange symbolic, but that is easily forgiven. An absorbing read.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 7–10—Jacob Fielding shouldn't have survived the car accident that killed his foster father, but he did. A week later, he writes "You are indestructible"—Mr. Fielding's last words to him—on the wrist cast of Ophelia, a new girl at school, and soon after, she comes through a devastating skateboard crash without a scratch. With his final words, Mr. Fielding had gifted Jacob the power to keep death at bay, and the boy, along with Oh and his friend Milo, begins to play with life and death. Jacob can pass his power to others, and he does: first to Oh, and then to anyone the three can find who is in a situation likely to be fatal. What they don't know, and only discover when Oh's behavior becomes violently erratic, is that death cannot be stopped entirely. For every life they save, someone else must die. This page-turner is a natural choice for reluctant readers and fans of both adventure stories and supernatural thrillers. While Jacob and his friends seek out and shun death, they also explore the bounds of friendship and first romance. The story behind Jacob's power, an intriguing tale involving Harry Houdini, may encourage readers to delve further into the magician's history. Despite a few underdeveloped plot points, this novel will engage many readers.—Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 6–8—In their third adventure, elfling Sebastian and his companions, the tiny but mighty warrior Cornelius and talking buffalope, Max, lead an expedition through the jungle to find the legendary lost city of Mendip. Losing their two hired men to various dangers but picking up four more travelers from a primitive village along the way, the explorers find Mendip, where they encounter orphaned children, a boatful of treasure, and hordes of hungry zombies. As usual, Sebastian attracts much female attention, rather inexplicably as he displays very little personality or dash in this installment, although to his credit he remains true to his faraway love, Jenna. There is plenty of bloodshed, with both friends and enemies dying like flies; the interlude at the village is puzzling; and the zombies add shopworn thrills. The ever-vocal, ever-hungry Max provides comic relief, and Sebastian Darke's fans will likely enjoy the action, but this is the most disappointing entry of the series so far.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–9—Tiddy, 12, can't understand why she is being forced to leave her beloved family to go and live in a strange land. By 1938, anti-Semitism has taken hold in Germany and the Westerfields, "an old and once respected Jewish family of Stockstadt," are suddenly "filthy Jews." Grandmother refuses to leave, but Vati and Mutti fear for the lives of their daughters, so they send Betty to a family in Chicago. A year later Tiddy is put on a ship to America to live with her Onkel Jacob. She soon finds that her aunt and cousin do not want her there, and that her sister lives too far away to visit often. From her first day in her new home and school, Tiddy is stripped of her identity and connection to her homeland. She is horrified when Aunt Mildred throws away her beautiful handmade blouse. She faces the humiliation of being placed in first grade at the age of 12 because she can't speak English. The final cord is severed when her parents die in a concentration camp. The author has "given voice" to her mother, Edith Westerfield, in this fictionalized account of her immigration experience. In doing so, Chapman has created an engaging memoirlike novel.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

Gr 3–6—Sixth-grader Ben is racing off to class when he finds the janitor, Mr. Keane, in severe pain. The man gives him a gold coin from 1783 that has been passed down through the years by loyal janitors and can be traced to the first man hired by the founder of Captain Duncan Oakes School. It reads, "First and always/My school belongs to the children./Defend it." A few hours later, he is dead. The town council has sold the school to a big company to build a theme park, and there's something very fishy about the deal. With the words on the coin as his first clue, Ben studies the history of his school, which is 50 feet from the water's edge in a Massachusetts coastal town, and he convinces his friend Jill to help him explore it. Meanwhile, Ben is adjusting to his parents' separation and living at home with his Mom and on the sailboat with his dad. Expressive, dynamic full-page and spot illustrations rendered in pen and ink heighten the action. An exciting ending sequence features Ben participating in a sailboat race and becoming a reluctant hero. There are many questions to be answered in the next book. Good writing by an experienced author, likable characters, and a mystery to be solved make this a solid choice.—Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 5–8—Mom and Dad take an annual anniversary drive up the New England coast for a week, and this year, they let 18-year-old Lil and 14-year-old Dewey hold down the fort while they're gone. In an all-too-plausible scenario, though, the national fuel shortage hits crunch level, and there is no gasoline to be had. For the first several days that their parents are stranded near the Canadian border, nobody panics: the older kids get the five-year-old twins to summer camp each day, and Dewey and his younger brother, Vince, keep their dad's bicycle-repair shop running smoothly. But when cars can't run, the townspeople rely on bikes, and as days turn into weeks, Dewey is overwhelmed with the number of repairs coming in and with the parental responsibilities that he and Lil are sharing. And when parts start disappearing and it becomes evident that a petty thief is on the loose, things get even more complicated. Not wanting to worry their parents or admit that they are in over their heads, Dewey and Lil initially resist efforts by neighbors to help. It is only when things reach the breaking point that they both come to realize that there is no shame in trusting in others. While Connor has created a cast of quirky characters and a timely dilemma, she never fully engages readers the way she did in Waiting for Normal (HarperCollins, 2008). Even with Dewey's first-person narration, relationships come across as a little too good to be true, and the story never quite loses a subtle hint of didacticism.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 6–8—Seventh-grader Paul revels in his family's idyllic life on a small mountainside farm in Hawaii. His father, disabled in a lumberyard accident, raises beautiful, valuable fighting cocks that Paul and his best friend and closest neighbor, Sal, both love. He is also friends with Honey, who seems to return his interest. Only Sal's coarse-mouthed, 19-year-old brother, Raymond, darkens Paul's days with threats, put-downs, and general nastiness. When Ray virtually kidnaps Paul and Sal one day, taking them to see their first cockfight, Paul is emotionally and physically sickened by the violence, the illegality of the fights themselves, the gambling, and drugs being sold, but he hides his distaste in light of Sal's enthusiasm for what they've seen. Paul avers that cockfighting is abhorrent, and in talks with his gentle and religious father asserts that they must get out of the cock-raising business. Dad surprisingly concurs, but jobs are scarce and he feels constrained by his disabilities. Paul vows to find him a job. Conflicts with Sal, Honey, and Ray are plausibly, if not entirely realistically, resolved. Pidgin English and Hawaiian words used in context add local flavor to this interesting tale on an unusual topic.—Joel Shoemaker, South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 5–8—Nicky and his mother live in a tiny apartment in a less-than-affluent area near Boston since his parents separated. She says he acts more like a 40-year-old man than an 11-year-old boy. In the area of behaving responsibly, she's probably right. One night, instead of dinner, she brings home a former seeing-eye dog with a mysterious past, but Nicky doesn't want him. During their walks, Reggie tries to go in certain directions, so Nicky finally lets him, hoping to discover his former owner and why Reggie was at the pound. He meets new people, becomes familiar with a new neighborhood, and discovers some of the dog's history. Nicky also tries to fit into a new school with tough kids and is confused and hurt that his dad doesn't see him on weekends. The story is told in the authentic voice of a boy who is dealing with too much upheaval in his life, including his mother's depression about her new lifestyle. What he thinks and actually says are often poles apart, but kids will immediately pick up on the difference. There are a few crude words and the action drags a bit in the middle, but young people, especially those who have had to take on responsibility at home, will enjoy the story.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 7 Up—For centuries, the kings of Samorna have depended upon the immortal Shifter for protection. When the Crown Prince Rokan ventures into the Mistwood to find the Shifter, she again allows herself to be caught, to be tamed, and to be tangled into the deception and danger of the human court. The Shifter is uneasy, though. First she woke with no distinct memory of the past and now she finds that she is unable to change shape. As she adapts to palace life and painstakingly hides her inability to embrace her past abilities fully, she seems to become more the Lady Isabel as she is known in court, unwittingly displaying human emotions and hesitating in her bound duties to the crown. As Rokan becomes king, he is thrust into danger, seemingly from all sides. Isabel learns much more than she bargained for as she hunts among courtiers for conspirators and finds her loyalties divided. This story unfolds gracefully, mirroring the slow path Isabel must travel to begin understanding herself and her place in the world. Her journey in self-acceptance takes place within a country in turmoil. Fans of Megan Whalen Turner's "Attolia" books (HarperCollins) will be drawn to similar hidden political currents within the court, and fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling (Harcourt, 2008) will wholeheartedly embrace Isabel as a reluctant warrior heroine treading in unfamiliar waters of the heart. An excellent addition for all collections with a strong fantasy following.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 4–6—According to the introductions, dragons will eventually return to rule the world with the help of children who are just discovering that they have dragon blood. In Eye, after being beaten up by a gang of older boys on a street in Tokyo, Ren discovers that he can transform into a ferocious dragon. He swoops through the sky and scoops two of his assailants up in his large talons. But instead of harming them, he releases them on the ground in a gesture of forgiveness. Piatti's illustrations have an excellent play of light, darkness, and shadow, lending an impressionistic quality to some pages, a cinematic feel to others. Just the right touch of mystery and suspense prevails. In the second title, Noor, a Middle Eastern girl from a war-torn country, searches around in a crumbling library with her friend, Farah, who discovers a book that has a picture of a dragon with a birthmark on its arm that matches Noor's. When gun-carrying soldiers discover the girls, Noor becomes a fire-breathing dragon. Again, the art matches the atmosphere and mood of the story with predominant muted colors and splashes of tawny tones complementing the sandy rubble of the Middle Eastern setting. With the feel of graphic novels, and with their large type and very brief texts, these are gems for reluctant readers.—James K. Irwin, Evanston Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—In Datlow and Windling's latest short-story anthology on mythic themes, celebrated contemporary authors explore shape-shifters in fantasy. The stories run the gamut from humorous to tragic and have roots in old tales from many different parts of the world. In Hiromi Goto's "The Hikikomori," outcast Masako finds inner strength when she is transformed into a rat. In Midori Snyder's "The Monkey Bride," Salim's integrity is tested and found worthy by his shape-shifting wife, while in Tanith Lee's "The Puma's Daughter," Matthew Seaton's wild bride tests his credulity and loyalty. Not all are love stories—in Peter S. Beagle's "The Children of the Shark God," siblings Keawe and Kokinja risk perilous journeys to confront their absentee father. These tales and many others explore all manner of shape-changers, from werewolves to mermaids. Despite differing styles, the stories flow smoothly from one to the next. Windling's fascinating introduction details the history of shape-shifters in legends from around the globe. This collection will appeal to fantasy lovers as it provides both stories by beloved authors and exciting new voices to discover.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 9 Up—Desiring a fresh start, away from an abusive boyfriend, Seattle teen Amy moves to Great-aunt Mae's mobile home in the North Cascade Mountains. There, she discovers a mist-laden clearing promising further escape. Penetrating this seemingly permanent haze, Amy meets and falls in love with Henry Briggs, a World War II teen existing in an endless summer with his mother and grandfather. One terrible night in 1944, fueled by grief and fear, Henry prayed for a miracle and jump-started a summer that never changed—until Amy came along. Stumbling, learning, and healing along the way, a braver Amy, thanks to Henry, Mae, and two new friends, decides to move forward. Taking her cue, Henry is finally able to step toward his own unpredictable future. But what will the future mean for their love? Despite familiar elements, this tender, supernatural romance isn't Twilight (Little, Brown, 2005). It's a compact tale about embracing the future and the life-altering capabilities of love. Henry isn't perfect, but he's genuine, perceptive, and non-domineering. Aunt Mae is an attentive guardian. And Amy is a well-developed protagonist, simultaneously vulnerable and strong, occasionally self-centered, realistically guarded. Chapters alternating between Amy's and Henry's points of view offer a nicely paced plot. While the ending might not be what some readers hope for, it's still satisfying.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 4–6—Henrietta Hornbuckle, 12, lives, works, and breathes the circus. With her parents MoMo and Hortense and her extended family, she travels with Filbert's Traveling Clown Circus, a small company that often has to improvise to get the show on the road. Henrietta is a bold, quick thinker who is extremely loyal and proud of her background and way of life. When her father is killed in a hit-and-run accident, she is made to think about life outside her comfort zone of clowns, striped outfits, and pie throwing. The peripheral characters are a supportive family of misfits who join together as one when the need arises. This is a sweet story that doesn't end as readers might imagine.—Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—This story begins with an intriguing and promising premise: violent deaths leave a unique imprint on the victim and the killer, and Violet Ambrose can sense them. Add in the facts that her uncle is the local police chief and that a serial killer is on the loose, and you have the makings for an exciting suspense/horror novel. Unfortunately, The Body Finder never lives up to its potential. Instead, most of the book deals with the relationship between Violet and her lifelong best buddy, Jay, who has suddenly blossomed into the junior-class hottie. Does he know that she is attracted to him? Does he feel the same about her? Is he really oblivious to all of the girls throwing themselves at him? Could they, should they, will they be more than friends? These questions are mulled over ad nauseam. And when they are finally answered, the writing devolves into near-bodice-ripper style. "She surrendered to the onslaught of his deep, fervent kisses..."; "She heard herself moan and could feel the throbbing of her own pulse flickering hotly through her veins." There is a mystery and some suspense here, but the compelling scenes are too few and far between to redeem the book. Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely (HarperTeen, 2007) and Rachel Vincent's My Soul to Take (Harlequin, 2009) are much better choices.—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA

Gr 9 Up—Grace Divine, a pastor's daughter, doesn't think she lives up to the name that her father tells her means "heavenly help." Her brother, Jude, a church volunteer whose faith seems unshakable, has always seemed to be the more "graceful" Divine. When his friend Daniel returns to town after a long and mysterious absence, Jude recognizes Grace's attraction to him but urges her to stay away with unusual vehemence. Against his advice, Grace begins a relationship with Daniel, whose reluctance to discuss his disappearance piques her curiosity. As she attempts to uncover the mystery of Daniel's past, Jude discourages her investigations with oblique references to an ancient evil and a transforming curse. The novel builds to a dramatic climax involving the surprise revelation of a Divine family secret and a violent confrontation that suggests a possible sequel. Despain's first novel mixes romance and the supernatural and offers true love as the ultimate defense against lycanthropes. This long novel is a slow starter, but as Grace discovers unexpected local connections to the mystery of Daniel's absence, the pace picks up and the suspense builds. Although not a novel of Christian fiction, the book's thematic investment in faith and sacrifice distinguishes it from traditional supernatural romances.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 7 Up—Rock-star wannabe Henry Birnbaum is dumped by his girlfriend, abruptly ending his gig as bass player in her band. After a pity party with gal-pal Emma, he goes home to learn that his older sister has returned after an unexplained yearlong absence, along with four friends. Bewildered that sunny-as-ever Sarah won't reveal where she has been, and suspicious that his parents are keeping him out of the loop, Hen hits a new high where angst is concerned. Using bass lessons as a ruse, he grills Sarah's friend Gabriel about the mysterious lost year and, getting nowhere, impulsively steals the tight-lipped musician's diary. Hen shares passages with Emma, but the puzzle pieces don't fit, and no one seems surprised when Sarah disappears again. Readers will be emotionally invested in Hen, a somewhat frenetic music geek who connects every thought with a song title, band, or piece of rock trivia. Chapters are peppered with Facebook postings, pop-culture references, diary entries, and dialogue that is acerbic at times, vulnerable at others. Hen rides typical teen waves of rejection and acceptance, dodging critical parents, missing romantic cues from Emma, and willing to be led around by the nose by Petra for a second chance at stardom. Bass lessons with Gabriel morph into therapy sessions and, by the time Hen learns the truth about Sarah, there is a sense that he has regained control of his life. While the plot is a bit far-fetched, fans of Blake Nelson's Destroy All Cars (Scholastic, 2009) or John Green's An Abundance of Katherines (Dutton, 2006) will enjoy Ehrenhaft's similar witty style.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 5–8—To Samara, 13, who isn't in it for the money, setting up a blackjack table at lunch seems like a good way to make friends. Then, when she gets called to the principal, she proposes to use the school's electron microscope to show that she and the other kids are just the same, at the genetic level, so they should be punished in the same way. When Samara's DNA ends up looking like symbols in the ancient Phaistos Disk and the Voynich Manuscript, everyone has questions about her identity. These questions remain largely ignored when the results are stolen, with Samara and her pals Lily and Nathan the main suspects. Told in three alternating points of view, the story touches on issues of science versus religion (with both looking ridiculous). It is a funny, fast-paced read, with some lingering questions about belief, science, and the supernatural for readers to mull over.—Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

Gr 10 Up—In this sequel to Perfect Chemistry (Walker, 2009), Elkeles once again delivers a steamy page-turner bound to make teens swoon. After getting involved with a dangerous gang in Mexico, Carlos Fuentes is sent to live in Colorado with his older brother, Alex. Unwilling to straighten up and abide by Alex's rules, he soon gets into trouble when he is framed for narcotics possession by a drug lord with powerful gang ties. Carlos avoids expulsion from high school by living with Alex's former instructor, Professor Westford, and his family, and attending an after-school program for at-risk teens. Romance ensues when tough-talking, authority-flouting Carlos finds himself inexplicably drawn to Kiara, the professor's studious, outdoorsy, and vintage-car-loving daughter. Unfortunately, love is complicated, because while Carlos wants to be with Kiara, he is also struggling to extricate himself from the grasp of the drug lord who framed him. After he is seriously beaten up, he, Alex, and Professor Westford concoct a plan to bring the drug lord to justice. As in Perfect Chemistry, the brothers' dialogue is infused with plenty of Spanish, but it's clear in context. The ending is somewhat contrived and rushed, and minor characters are not as well developed. However, the passion between Carlos and Kiara, who tell their story in alternating narratives, is compelling enough to engage teens, especially those who were taken with Alex and Brittany's romance in the previous book.—Lalitha Nataraj, Chula Vista Public Library, CA

Gr 8–10—Grace Manning, 15, gets her first job at a local nursing home as a candy striper. She begins to enjoy herself when she meets Frank Sands, a resident with Lou Gehrig's disease. He encourages Grace's wit, teaches her to play poker, and is a surrogate for her father, who recently walked out on her family. Their relationship builds, and they have fun together in spite of their surroundings. And Frank asks a favor of her—"to help him die." Her inner turmoil about this request is played out against her everyday concerns of school and relationships with her sister, mother, and male best friend who is slowly becoming something more. The action moves along with few lulls, and the protagonist's voice is true for a girl her age. Readers will identify with Grace, cheer her triumphs, and empathize with her most difficult decisions and her belief that everyone finds comfort in pancakes. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti will rejoice at finding Epstein.—Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL

Gr 8 Up—A methodical start takes readers into the world of young thieves Demi and Baz. When Demi steals a precious ring from Senora Dolucca, the police captain's wife, the corrupt politics of the barrio and indeed the social structure of this nameless, timeless city begin to shift, resulting in complete upheaval. The teens are caught in the whirlwind. Baz has always trusted their den mother, Fay, but she feels betrayed when the woman sends Raoul to "the Mountain." Baz begins to question the foundation of her life. Her awareness grows—not only of the corruption at all levels of society, but also of the psychological landscape, how she and the other children are caught in the web by their need for affection, approval, and the idea of family. Demi appears to be unaware of what's going on, so it's up to Baz to find a way to get Raoul off the mountain and leave the barrio with as much of her family intact as she can manage. While not a fast read, the cover and the content will appeal to urban teens, particularly those reading on grade level or above. Fans of Brian James's Thief (Scholastic, 2008) and readers looking for a more in-depth story will find it here.—Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA

Gr 8 Up—Ten portraits interspersed with poetry draw readers into the lives of a variety of African-American teens. In "Getting Even," a boy copes with his grandfather's death and the desire to find who killed him. Jeffery, 16, gets thrown out of his Auntie's house with nowhere to go. Eric goes against his dad's command to stay home with his siblings and instead finds a girl, some fun, and some trouble; Justin writes in his journal about death, suicide, and sexual abuse. La'Ron is too afraid to tell his father he is HIV positive, so he writes him a letter, and his father writes back. The concluding story, "Pretty Mothers Are a Problem," is a chilling portrait of 15-year-old Jeffrey, seduced by a neighbor, and the devastation faced by her daughter. These complex and thought-provoking stories won't disappoint.—Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA

Gr 5–9—This taut, poetic story of Saipan, set before and during the U.S. invasion of the island in spring 1944, is narrated by the 13-year-old son of a local village chief. To the Japanese, who have occupied the island since 1922, controlling schools and stores, restricting movement, and enforcing curfews with violence, Joseph's people are gai-jin ("barbaric outsiders"). Still, he and Kento, son of Joseph's aunt and a Japanese administrator, have grown up as friends. Though Kento wants to be a samurai, he also longs to be an island warrior like Joseph, able to live off the land and protect his mother and sister. As war comes closer, the two trade lessons in island survival for lessons in Japanese characters. But their loyalties are tested. Before he leaves with the other village men to clear airfields, Joseph's father shows him the secret cave where his people have waited out generations of invasions—and when U.S. troops arrive, Joseph must lead his family there to survive the brutal crossfire. Short, well-paced chapters reveal the rich cultural life of the villagers and lead to a dramatic end that includes the shocking suicide march of Japanese citizens off the island cliffs. Joseph is an engaging and three-dimensional character. Compelling relationships form the heart of the story and aid his growth as he learns what it really means to be a warrior. A useful endnote separates fact from fiction. A unique and important addition to World War II fiction.—Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

Gr 5–8—Teddy Fitzroy, 12, yearns for a little excitement at FunJungle, an animal theme park in Texas where his parents work. When star attraction Henry the Hippo dies under mysterious circumstances, Teddy is convinced that it was murder. Colorful suspects abound, from Large Marge, the security guard, all the way up to J.J. McCracken himself, billionaire owner of FunJungle. Teddy teams up with J.J.'s daughter to ferret out the culprit even as animal-related accidents begin to threaten his safety. A decomposing hippo disaster denouement will fill young minds with equal amounts of horror and glee. Dense with animal trivia, Belly Up will suit attentive readers who love mystery and random facts. Teddy's first-person narration allows readers to solve the mystery along with him, but his voice is oddly adult. The content and expression of his thoughts emerge as extraordinarily calm and rational, far from the typical preteen sensibility. His dialogue sounds much more realistic. Gibbs handles issues of animal welfare in a fair way without being preachy, and his motley cast of characters holds its own with quirky personalities and memorable details. Overall, this first novel brings together suspense, wild chase scenes, and enough character development to hold children's attention, despite a few incongruities. Hand it to fans of Gordon Korman's Swindle (Scholastic) and Jody Feldman's The Gollywhopper Games(HarperCollins, both 2008).—Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 6–10—Extreme sport meets The Da Vinci Code as British 15-year-old Max Gordon witnesses the shooting of Brother Zabala, a Basque monk, while snowboarding in the French Pyrenees. Before the monk dies, he gives Max a pendant and entrusts him with a cryptic message about an impending disaster. Thwarted in the Junior Xtreme competition by a teen thug he calls "Sharkface," Max and his injured friend, Sayid, focus their efforts on investigating the monk's mystical prediction. Plot twists abound, as Max rescues a girl named Sophie who is stalked by mystery men who may have something to do with her father, an endangered-animal protector. Someone is framing Max for Zabala's murder and he retreats to a chateau occupied by his American competitor Bobby Morrell's grandmother. Sayid helps Max decipher some of the magic square numbers in the monk's secret code, but the pair is separated when Sayid and Bobby are kidnapped. Another clue leads Max to Morocco, where he is bitten by a monkey and convalesces at Sophie's father's animal park. When it is learned that an evil Russian physicist named Tishenko is the mastermind of an environmental cataclysm and is after Zabala's code, it is a race against the clock for Max to save his friends and avert a large-scale disaster. Reluctant readers will live moment to moment in scenes describing extreme sport action and harrowing encounters with wild animals and assassins, undeterred by the convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. Backstory about Max's parents, including his explorer father's slow recovery from an incident in Africa, refers to The Devil's Breath (Delacorte, 2008) and the door remains open for further episodes.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 6–9—Fourteen-year-old Lucía lives an easy middle-class life in 1961 Cuba, thinking only about clothes, boys, and dances. When Communist revolutionaries occupy her town, an escalating witch hunt against capitalists compels her parents to send her and her brother to the U.S. under the care of the Catholic Welfare Bureau (as part of "Operation Pedro Pan," which—the endnotes explain—was the largest-ever exodus of unaccompanied children in the West). Lucía eventually settles with a foster family in Nebraska, where she comes to terms with her duel identity as a Cuban exile and an American teen. She must also piece together a picture of what's happening to her parents and friends at home from interrupted phone calls, censored letters, and newspaper articles. This well-written novel has a thoroughly believable protagonist and well-chosen period details. It should be noted, however, that Gonzalez portrays the single sympathetic Communist character as increasingly brainwashed. Few readers will recognize the polemics driving this convincing story, but as an introduction to the history and politics of the Cuban-exile community, it could generate some excellent classroom discussions.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 5–9—At long last, the third installment in the subterranean "Tunnels" epic reunites Will, his errant father, and his resilient mother—briefly. Then, as she stays on the surface to battle, and then become a captive of the sinister order of Styx, the two squabbling explorers and various companions embark on a long fall to a fabled land at Earth's center that is lit by an inner sun and anchored by centrifugal force rather than gravity. No, science is not the strong suit here—nor is credibility, as Earth's innards are apparently riddled with tunnels and littered with conveniently placed, mysteriously abandoned military equipment—but the overall tale nonetheless gains momentum as it goes, propelled not only by chases, attacks, explosions, cunning deceptions, and acts of heroism and stupid bravado, but also by run-ins with the vicious Styx (a secret society poised to rid Earth of its environmentally destructive "Topsoilers" with a plague) and several types of deadly, eldritch creatures unique to the planetary depths. The occasional drawings of faces or objects add nothing significant, but that's a minor bobble in a fantasy that has yet to show signs of flagging despite its high page count.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—After being dumped in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park by owners who have an allergic child, a black cat is forced to fend for herself. Dark quickly befriends Rattail, a raccoon, and Casablanca, another stray, who teach her about the natural order in the park. This includes humans, whom the animals label as Cores (homeless park residents), Warms (friendly), Dangers (not to be trusted), and Blanks (oblivious to the animals and one another). Skeptical of humans after "the Dumping," Dark begins to change her mind when she encounters Warms Jack and Angie, who feed the strays, and especially Jessie, the son of a powerful district attorney. When coyotes begin to appear, both humans and animals are alarmed. Dark and her friends must help one another and adapt to the new threat to stay alive. Pulling elements of the story from her real-life experiences with cat rescue, Grabien touches on some animal-rights themes, leaving them open-ended for readers to consider. Plot development and pacing are sufficient, keeping the story moving along, and characters are fairly well defined, but the conclusion may fall flat for some readers. While young naturalists and fans of Erin Hunter's "Warriors" series (HarperCollins) may find this title of interest, the average characterization, development, and conclusion make Dark's Tale an additional purchase for most collections.—Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

Gr 5–8—When James, aka Jimbo, and his friend Charlie overhear two of their teachers talking in a strange language, their curiosity is piqued. They investigate the home of one of them, an elderly woman, and discover a note written in the mysterious language and a collection of brass bracelets. Then Charlie goes missing, and Jimbo and his sister embark on a trip to Scotland's Isle of Skye, where they discover that aliens are kidnapping science-fiction fans to repopulate their dying planet. Haddon explains in the foreword that this novel is a revision of his Gridzbi Spudvetch! (Walker, 1994, o.p.). Though this book targets a younger audience than the author's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Doubleday, 2003), the narrative is much more British, which adds a slight comprehension barrier to an otherwise accessible story. Readers of the "My Teacher Is an Alien" series (S & S) will appreciate Bruce Coville's influences. Adventure and quirky humor keep the pages turning, and readers will connect to Jimbo with little difficulty. If they can overcome some of the cultural differences, they will appreciate the simple and engaging tale.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Unlike the royalty she was named after, 16-year-old Grace Kelly spent two years in high school as a shy and awkward science geek. Yet, after one week away at college, and with the help of her new roommate, Jentry, she has been transformed into GK, the newest "hottie" pledge of the elite Alpha sorority. Almost immediately after her makeover, she attracts the attention of Charlie, a member of the Omega fraternity, who shares her intellect and passion for science. At the same time, she has also drawn the ire of Sloane, a rival pledge who conspires against her as they complete the Alpha Bet initiation tasks. GK's life is further complicated by the lies she has told her sorority sisters, which threaten to remove her from the sorority and could cost her the affection and support of Charlie. The ending is tidy and predictable. GK's voice accurately reflects her intelligence and lack of sophistication. However, at times her inner thoughts resemble a third-person perspective, which creates a stilted feeling. Still, teens looking for an entertaining read will find all the standard chic-lit elements in this novel complete with a fairy-tale ending.—Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

Gr 9 Up—Ellie Spencer wakes to the realization that there are empty beer cans at the foot of her bed and a boy on her floor. Neither is acceptable at her boarding school on the South Island of New Zealand. She remembers her promise to Kevin to assist with fight choreography for a production of Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by beautiful Iris Tsang, who, to Ellie's extreme annoyance, has a crush on Kevin. Ellie literally runs into mysterious and gorgeous Mark Nolan, receiving an odd shock in the process. He later warns her not to go out alone at night but then somehow causes her to forget their conversation while remembering his warning. On her way to practice one evening, Ellie crosses paths with a woman who sends a chill down her spine, only to find that this person, Reka Gordon, has been cast as Titania. Reka seems to have a power over Kevin that arouses Ellie's suspicions. In the background of all this strange interpersonal activity, news reports continue to cover the activities of a serial killer, the Eyeslasher, on the North Island. From this point, the weirdness and excitement increase exponentially. Healey has done a wonderful job of introducing Maori legends into modern life while using the play and Ellie's classics work to provide Shakespearean and Greek stories to bracket what, for most readers, will be a new mythology. This story starts off fast and strong and just builds from there.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 6–10—Alex Van Helsing always believed he was a normal teen who just happened to possess a legendary last name. All that changes when he begins to experience strange sensations and is involved in the bizarre death of a student at Frayling Prep. His parents decide to send Alex to Switzerland in order to attend Glenarvon Academy near Lake Geneva. Alex's dreams of a new beginning are shattered when he is attacked by a vampire on his second day. He must now face the realization that his instincts about supernaturals have been right all along and that they do indeed exist. Mr. Sangster, Alex's teacher, reveals to him that the Van Helsings have always been an integral part of the Polidorium, a secret organization of vampire-hunters. The Polidorium is in Lake Geneva to find the Scholomance, a vampire stronghold under the leadership of an ancient vampire known as Icemaker. When the vampires take captive two of Alex's friends, the 14-year-old must take action. Henderson references Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to weave a great story line full of action, suspense, and adventure. The satisfying story captivates readers with a modern-day spin of James Bond meets Dracula. It has lots of bite that will have readers thirsting for more.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9–11—Green, 17, who first appeared in Hoffman's Green Angel(Scholastic, 2003), continues in the wake of her family's and town's decimation by a group known as the Horde, who despise modern invention, the future, and any type of growth. Green, called so due to her ability to make things grow, has shown inner growth from the time of being isolated and brutalized, both by the events brought on by the Horde and at her own hand, to the present when she is now reconnecting with other survivors in the town. "Loss does different things to different people…I have planted a garden, reached out to my neighbors, begun to write down my story." And so she does, going on a soul-searching quest for answers about the nature of life, love, and the future. Four of the neighbors she speaks to are said to be witches, but they are the sages of the story who impart wisdom and gifts unto Green that serve her well on her quest. With the help she gains from their counsel, she sets off in an attempt to free prisoners from the Horde's prison, and also to test the waters of her own strength and capacity for love. Hoffman's spare language leads to a story sounding as if it were being told by a sage. It is a language and voice promising more stories from Green, more growth to be seen within herself and within the hearts and spirits of the people. If this makes for a Green Witch, readers will find her a welcome witch indeed.—Tracy Weiskind, Chicago Public Library

Gr 9 Up—"I was being strong. Even though I felt weak." Grounded, logical Mia is trying to cope with a summer that hasn't been what she expected. Her vacation in New York's tony Hamptons with her extended family was supposed to be about spending time with her firecracker cousin Corinne and her sympathetic aunt as relief from her mother's criticism and her parents' fights about money and status. But quickly the bubble bursts: her aunt is tense and preoccupied while jaded Corinne is more interested in drinking and her cool friends. Adrift, Mia can't help wanting to be part of Corinne's circle, even though she doesn't like these girls. Struggling to remain true to herself, she strikes up a friendship with Simon, the boy next door. Through late-night walks on the beach, the teens become more than friends. A skinny dip after a storm brutally ends Mia's summer—but not the growth she's achieved. Tailor-made for Sarah Dessen's fans, this novel mingles family drama and teen relationships. Over the course of the summer, Mia comes of age as she questions who she is and what she wants from the people in her life. Amid a cast of well-developed characters, her stumbles and achievements keep readers rooting for her. With a lyrical yet straightforward voice and a layered plot, this novel will live on for more than a summer.—Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick, MD

Gr 8–10—Fourteen-year-old Virginia is convinced that she's been visited by an angel and has been chosen to bear God's child. She shares her momentous news with Ivy, a childhood friend, whom she enlists to bear witness to this miracle. Ivy is concerned about Virginia, and begins to feel uneasy around her friend's strange family, who seem to be conspiring to keep the girls apart. Through italicized flashbacks, readers discover that Virginia's charismatic older brother, once a devout Catholic, is now head of an extremist church bent on violence to hasten the "End Days." The story begins slowly and plods along in sections, though it builds to a fairly suspenseful climax. Unfortunately the writing, particularly the dialogue, is pedestrian and often drawn out. Perhaps most annoying is the constant mention of all things avian. Near the beginning of the novel, a childhood rhyme about crows is related, "One is for bad news, two is for mirth, three is a wedding, four is a birth…" and on through 12. Every few pages Ivy sees or hears blackbirds that foreshadow the action. While it may be an interesting premise, the story gets weighed down and fails to take flight.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Gr 8 Up—In this novel best suited for contemplative teen readers, narrator Georgia, who is sturdy and studious, and Riley, wispy and artistic, have been friends since kindergarten in their Main Line Pennsylvania town. Winter break of junior year, Georgia learns of a summer service trip to Juarez, Mexico, talks her parents into letting her go, and pulls Riley into her plan. The latter two-thirds of the tale take place on the Good Works trip itself, as the characters slip past a boundary between the before and the after, highlighting the transformative power of such a mission. Riley has been whittling herself smaller and smaller to break the "average" mold her pampered and Botoxed mother has cast around her; and when Georgia notices that she is eating nothing while doing hard physical labor under a blazing sun, she breaks the code of silence and their friendship when she uses the A-word: anorexia. Riley turns away from Georgia, and Georgia turns to snapping photos of the people and landscape of their project: to construct a community bathroom for Anapra, a tin-roofed shanty town for border factory-assembly workers and their families. Georgia also watches and coaxes out of silence Drake, a boy as introspective as she, while she waits to see if Riley will come back to their friendship and acknowledge her eating disorder. Lyrically and philosophically written, the story is more message than compelling story-driven fiction. It's not likely to hook or hold most readers.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 6–9—The Great Recession has hit YA fiction. Jacki, a lovable middle schooler who dreads her piano recital as much as gym, is finally starting to see the effects of the financial crisis she keeps hearing about. When her Mom gets laid off, her family has to consider making some major changes by reevaluating Jacki's private schooling, her sister Brooke's college tuition, their big house, and even their presence in Los Angeles. While this background is serious, the story has a lot of humor and a bit of romance. Jacki's relationship with her supportive friend Emily is both realistic and admirable, but the interactions between Jacki and her family members take center stage. This novel offers readers likable characters and a personal narrative of economic woes. It will keep them turning the pages.—Emily Chornomaz, West Orange Public Library, NJ

Gr 8 Up—Sophie, 16, begins her second semester of high school feeling isolated and out of sync with her fellow British classmates. After witnessing the death of her older sister in a train bombing, she finds school pointless, her mother useless, and her friends a waste of time. Sophie begins to skip classes and leave early from parties only to become absorbed in memories of Emily. She is helped by a new student from Canada, who challenges her to write poetry, read books, and attend poetry slams. Despite anxiety attacks and overwhelming feelings of guilt, Sophie eventually saves herself through her journal entries and her words. The entire book is a series of journal entries as the protagonist describes life without her sister. Kuipers allows readers to gauge Sophie's feelings through her innermost thoughts and reactions to daily events. The teen's vocabulary and diction make the novel an easy read, great for reluctant or struggling readers. Touching and realistic.—Mary-Brook J. Todd, The Ensworth School, Nashville, TN

Gr 6–8—Readers still lamenting the conclusion of Meg Cabot's "Princess Diaries" (HarperCollins) will eagerly embrace this first volume in the adventures of Desi Bascomb. The 15-year-old is stuck in Sproutsville, ID, where she is tormented by her ex-best friend, Celeste, and is working a miserable job at Pets Charming, where she is forced to dress up as a groundhog. Then she spies an ad for a princess sub and meets agent Meredith, who informs Desi that she has a rare magical gift that will allow her to apply royal rouge and stand in for any princess in need of a break. Desi is sent on three missions for three very different young women, and though she is told not to interfere, at last she sees her chance to make an impact. Though the plot is predictable and concepts such as royal rouge and getting from job to job in a bubble are silly and contrived, overall the novel is frothy fun. Desi is constantly comparing herself to seemingly perfect Celeste, and it is only through her new job that she begins to discover her own worth. This is a fast-paced and humorous read with a dash of romance. It's sure to leave readers longing for the next installment.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 7–10—Conor is enjoying his life until the day his aunt shows up on horseback and tries to run him through with a spear. He and his father are carried off to Tir na Nog, where he learns that he is a prince and that nearly everybody he meets wants to kill him. With the help of the mother he has never met, the teen and his dad escape captivity, and Conor begins to learn more about the land he has been brought to and about his uncle's evil plot to destroy it. With the help of two new friends, one who rarely speaks and one who never shuts up, Conor sets out to defeat his uncle and save the ancient Celtic land. Along the way he meets a variety of imps, banshees, leprechauns, and elves—and one very pretty girl who, like so many others, wants him dead. The story moves quickly with a lot of action and humor, but occasionally background information and characterization are sacrificed to the fast-paced plot. Readers will enjoy Conor's romp through Tir na Nog but will not pick up a lot of detail about the mythology surrounding that legendary land. This is a fun tale for readers who are looking for another light fantasy.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 6–8—Inspired by her mother's poesiealbum (poetry album), which survived her childhood retreat from Nazi Germany, Levy has created a verse novel slim in length but long on beauty, power, and anguish. Jutta Salzberg lived a normal, happy life until 1938. Although Hitler's reign is in its infancy, Jewish Germans already face severe restrictions in their lives; segregated schools, shops, and curfews are already the norm, with stories of the public humiliation of elderly Jews and concentration camps to follow. This book is comprised of actual entries in the poesiealbum penned by Jutta's friends, interspersed with verses in 12-year-old Jutta's voice that respond to and even challenge the sentiments conveyed within each poem. Although her entries get darker and more frightful during Germany's descent into madness, there is still some joy to be found in birthday presents, friendships, and gymnastics lessons. Jutta, based upon Levy's mother, is a character to whom many preadolescents and adolescents, on the brink of questioning spoon-fed platitudes, can relate. The foreword, explaining poesiealbums, and the afterword, detailing Jutta's post-immigration life, are essential reading. The author's extensive research, including tracking down the fate of the majority of Jutta's classmates, is detailed in an understated yet moving tone. A time line including pre- and post-World War II dates, as well as important dates within Jutta's life, is included, as are eight pages of family photos. An outstanding and emotionally taut read for children not quite ready for Jennifer Roy's Yellow Star (Marshall Cavendish, 2006) and other, more graphic depictions of the Holocaust.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Gr 5 Up—Now the King of Lyonesse, Idris Limpit must rescue his sister, Morgan, from the far-off realm of Aegypt, and return to Lyonesse by the Darksolstice to reclaim his kingdom from Fisheagle, who is destroying it. The journey Idris takes leads him to a group of thieves and rogues who will become not only his friends but also his Knights of the Round Table. After travels that involve imprisonment and unlikely escapes aided by similarly unlikely allies, Idris and his band arrive in Aegypt only to discover that Morgan may be dead. He now has to learn the truth of his sister's fate while the clock ticks toward the time for his return. Readers familiar with Arthurian myths, and particularly the legend of the Lost Land, the sunken land used so effectively in Susan Cooper's Silver on the Tree (S & S, 1977), will enjoy Llewellyn's take on the story. As an Arthurian retelling, this can't match Philip Reeve's Here Lies Arthur (Scholastic, 2008), and Llewellyn's storytelling sometimes skips over important plot details too quickly. Some of the language used in this world, such as "zupper" for "supper" seems arbitrary and unnecessary. The depiction of the final battle, however, achieves a level of heroism and tragedy that makes this a worthy addition to Arthurian fantasy. Certainly fans of the first book will want to follow Idris's quest, and will want to continue his journey in the next one.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 9 Up—Part mystery, part morality tale, The Less-Dead preaches tolerance through a story about a serial killer murdering gay teens. In Lurie's convincingly drawn corner of Austin, TX, youth groups and church camps dominate the social scene. Noah Nordstrom, son of radio personality Bible Answer Guy, is as much a rebel for his anti-evangelism as for the drug offense that got him sent to an alternative school. When a local gay teen in foster care is murdered, with a quote from Leviticus left nearby, Noah suspects that a homophobic caller to his father's show is responsible. His interest in the case becomes personal when he meets Will. Although Noah wants to respect gay people—both for moral reasons and to annoy his father—he is initially uncomfortable and hostile when Will reveals that he is interested in him. Then Will is killed. Noah uses his unique knowledge of him, including a journal of his poetry stolen from the crime scene, to investigate. Unsurprisingly, Noah learns there is more than meets the eye to a variety of characters: the tough-looking kid at school, the member of a homophobic church who is arrested for the murders, and, of course, the person who turns out to be the real killer. This is an adequate mystery, but savvy gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens, or those who already have LGBT people in their lives, may be underwhelmed by the message of tolerance.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6— Twelve-year-old AP and his older sister, Kate, discover a miniature time-traveling device in the form of an abacus. They travel to Arthurian England, the American West (in time for the battle of the Little Big Horn), and to ancient Egypt. AP uses his amazingly broad knowledge of science and history to get them out of various predicaments. Meanwhile, they are stalked by a bumbling nemesis, Snakebite, who seeks the abacus, even though he can time travel without it. His last appearance leaves no doubt that a sequel is in the works. This novel suffers from trying to do too much at once. The author wants to engage children in history and science in addition to telling a good story. Although the action draws readers onward, the characters are not well drawn and the multiple time-travel sequences are too sketchy to satisfy. An audience spoiled by Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Treehouse" series (Random) may find that they don't remain in a period long enough to become fully engrossed. Moreover, AP and his sister are too blasé about time travel and the people and places they see. The period characters all speak like modern kids and have decidedly modern sensibilities. The book includes (actually pretty cool) instructions to duplicate the science experiments found in the story.—Corinne Henning-Sachs, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME

Gr 6–10—High school sophomore Marshall Seaver is being haunted by a figure out of his imagination in this fast-paced fantasy thriller. The skeletal character he obsessively draws, the Gravedigger, has come to life and is threatening him. He's also seeing other frightening images that don't make sense. Marshall was supposed to spend his summer vacation with his best friend, but Coop is forced to go to his family's lake house instead. Then he disappears, and Marshall is the only person who believes that his friend is in trouble and hasn't just run off again. Coop's snobbish older sister is unwillingly drawn into helping him figure out what's going on after she experiences some of the same impossible visions that he has. Marshall's narration gives the plot credibility. Readers experience what he is feeling as the suspense builds and events spiral out of his control to the twisty ending. In this first book in the trilogy, major plot threads remain unresolved but, hopefully, they will be explained in the rest of the series. Like MacHale's "Pendragon" books (S & S), the writing and characterization are secondary to the action-packed plot. Most readers will be hooked from the first line to the last and will be anxiously awaiting the next book.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 7–10—With the camera that her mother's colleague gives her, 14-year-old Samantha records a portrait of life in Mississippi during the year 1962–1963. Perry teaches her how to use it and in many ways how to see. He also sets a powerful example through his activism and determination to do the right thing. Sam begins her freshman year somewhat unaware of the racial tensions that exist around her. By the end of the school year though, she becomes acutely aware of the situation, and she and her mother are directly impacted by those struggles. Sam's personal life has its own pressures as she and her mother cope with the loss of her father in Vietnam the previous year, Perry and her mom grow closer, and Sam meets a boy who seems to be at odds with her views on racial equality. McMullan's characters are authentic to the time and place. The themes come through naturally, as do the imagery and symbolism of the camera. Like many novels that have civil rights at the center of them, this is not an easy read, but it is worth the effort. McMullan's well-chosen words realistically portray the conflicts that Sam, her mother, and those around them face. The truths the teen learns are timeless, allowing readers to identify with her. Make room on your library shelves for this one.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Gr 9 Up—Set in 1169, The Wager is a retelling of a traditional Sicilian fairy tale. As the story opens, Don Giovanni is a well-to-do spendthrift who gives little thought to anything but his own pleasure. An earthquake and subsequent tidal wave change his circumstances dramatically, and he is soon wandering the land as a vagrant. In classic Faustian style, the devil appears on the scene to offer a wager: he will provide Don Giovanni endless wealth in exchange for relinquishing his beauty—he may not change his clothes, shave, comb his hair, or wash for three years, three months, and three days. The devil provides the don with a magic purse, and the game is on. Suffice to say, the rot that grows on this hero is truly foul. Readers will be engrossed by descriptions of his decay, including vermin, worms, and open sores. Obviously Don Giovanni undergoes a dramatic change in how he treats the lowliest members of society. Evocative of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha, this marvelous story is well told, and the rich, sophisticated language will grip skilled readers.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 7–10—In a dystopian world of the future, apprentice midwife Gaia, who has served the Enclave faithfully along with her parents, is thrust suddenly into a crisis. She delivers her first baby independently of her midwife mother and takes it to the Enclave inside the Wall as the first of her monthly quota of three newborns. Then her parents are arrested and she learns that they will soon be executed. Gaia springs into action and smuggles herself into the Enclave to rescue them. What follows is an exciting, almost breakneck adventure, as Gaia tries to discover what information the Enclave wants from her and her mother and tries to save both of them from prison. Along the way there is a mildly romantic turn to the story as Gaia develops a friendship and attraction to one of the soldiers, a man with a mysterious past. This world is one in which a small society, composed of an elite inside the Wall and a subservient class outside, is completely cut off from knowledge of anyone or anything outside of its borders. The rulers are authoritarian and mysterious and resemble a monarchy rather than the strictly ideological communitarian system in Lois Lowry's The Giver (Houghton, 1993). The cliff-hanger ending sets up the action for a sequel. Readers who enjoy adventures with a strong heroine standing up to authority against the odds will enjoy this compelling tale.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 4–6—Michael, 11, has never taken an interest in children his own age. Although he is certainly different, he is not necessarily lonely. He has befriended the old men in his neighborhood who share his interests—a jeweler, a bookbinder, and a junk dealer. When he moves from New York to Jerusalem with his less-than-attentive parents, this pattern continues as Mikha'el, as he is now called, develops a wonderful relationship with his grandfather, a former antiques dealer. Like his grown-up friends in the States, his grandfather pays close attention to details and the souls of things and people. As the two grow closer, his grandfather shares a very special gift with the boy, the ability to take him into his dreams. The two have all sorts of adventures in their sleep, although not all of the dreams are good ones and ultimately Mikha'el is being gently eased into accepting what life will be like after his grandfather is gone. This book is truly a work of art. The subtlety with which Orlev writes is absolutely mesmerizing. He draws readers in, thinking that they are back in the "really real world" until suddenly they realize that they are not at all, and instead are immersed in another incredible dream sequence with Grandpa and Mikha'el. There are additional plot elements involving his parents, the housekeeper, and the question of inheritance, but all of that fades away and becomes secondary when Mikha'el enters the old man's dreams.—Kerry Roeder, The Brearley School, New York City

Gr 8 Up—For Scarlett and Rosie March, the world is not what it seems. Werewolves, called Fenris, live among them in the form of good-looking men who prey on pretty young girls. When a Fenris attacked the March girls, it killed their grandmother and left them emotionally and, for Scarlett, physically scarred. Since then, they have taken action and revenge. With the help of a friend, Silas, the girls are on a mission—to destroy as many Fenris as they can. This goal becomes more complicated when they try to unravel the mystery behind the pack and prevent the next "Potential" from transforming fully into a soulless, evil monster. Pearce is on the mark with this modern-day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Told by the sisters in alternating chapters, this well-written, high-action adventure grabs readers and never lets go. Rosie and Scarlett are true heroines; smart, tough, and determined, but their special bond is put to test when Rosie and Silas's relationship becomes more than just friendship. A satisfying read with a fantastic cover.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Daelyn Rice has been bullied her entire life, whether it was for her past weight problem or because she currently does not talk and wears a neck brace. She has attempted suicide several times in several different ways and is now more determined than ever to end her life. Daelyn discovers a Web site called Through-the-Light, which is for suicide "completers." There she communicates with others who share the same goal. The members share stories of bullying, molestation, etc., and encourage each other's ultimate goal. Meanwhile, Daelyn meets a boy named Santana. She wants nothing to do with him; his presence and determination to draw her out of her shell only annoy her. Over time and as new information surfaces (he has cancer), however, she finds herself drawn to him. Will their connection be enough to make Daelyn realize that her life is worth living? Readers are left not knowing what she will do. This novel is disturbing in that the teen bluntly discusses her desire to kill herself with little to no emotion. She has a plan, and she is eager to carry it out. Also upsetting are the suicide methods that are explicitly detailed on Through-the-Light. However, Santana's presence is welcome, as he softens the unsettling subject matter. This book is definitely worth the read, but for older, more seasoned teens.—Sarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA

Gr 4–6—While preparing a salad one afternoon, sixth-grader Abby Carnelia makes the astonishing discovery that when she tugs on her earlobes, she can make a hardboiled egg spin. The library and Internet research give her no insight into this seemingly useless power. Then her dad suggests that she attend a summer magic camp. Abby hopes that it might help her find out why she is able to cause this strange phenomenon. Pogue's first novel for children has an original enough concept to keep readers entertained. Short chapters and plenty of dialogue move the story along, and Abby is a protagonist many readers can relate to as she tries to discover if there is something more sinister going on at Camp Cadabra. Marred only by a slightly schmaltzy ending, this book will please fans of Bruce Coville's "Magic Shop" series (Harcourt) or other readers looking for a little magic.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 6 Up—By age 12, Alessandra Giliani has learned that "half the trick of being a smart girl is learning how to hide it," for fear of being branded a witch. Set in 14th-century Italy, A Golden Web follows her as she ditches the trappings of her wealthy family and retires to a convent to avoid marriage at age 15. Alessandra has a love of science and finds herself "excited by things that no girl has the right or need to know." With the help of her older brother, she leaves the convent disguised as Sandro, a young medical student, and engages in the fledgling study of anatomy in Bologna. Sandro is quickly seen as a brilliant student, and she becomes a prosector. After overcoming her initial squeamishness, she devotes herself to dissection and the study of the human body, not only with the close observance of corpses, but also by reading the few available books and venturing into the midwives' district to learn from the "women healers" as well. Sandro's secret is threatened by a jealous student, and again when a study partner stirs romantic feelings, and the ending is not one of happily ever after. At times focused on historical detail, at others resembling a toned-down bodice ripper, this novel is a quick read for those who like romantic fiction.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

Gr 8 Up—Surreptitiously living in Hello Yellow, the school bus her mother drives as a part-time job, Amber Appleton is an upbeat Catholic who spreads joy and happiness while keeping her own difficulties at home very quiet. Her dog, Billy Big Boy, is her companion whenever possible. Routinely, Amber teaches ESL to the KDFC, dubbed the Korean Divas for Christ, with Father Chee on the piano; visits Private Jackson, a Vietnam veteran and haiku specialist; and regularly stops at a nursing home where Old Man Linder backs her corner in her ongoing war of insults with Joan of Old, a Nietzschean cantankerous grump who inevitably smiles in the face of Amber's upbeat humor. The teen and her friends comprise the Franks Freaks Force Federation, ostensibly a school marketing club, but really a place for them to gather. AA's unending optimism in the face of difficult circumstances is well depicted with snappy dialogue and inner musings. When real tragedy hits and Amber is unable to cope, the stark difference between the Amber of the past and the present is delivered in extensive white space and short paragraphs. Amber feels blank. Her reemergence is abrupt, but like a musical, it provides the feel-good ending that rolls on until every bow is tied, every bad guy is given a dose of the Amber spirit, and all of the people in her life are brought together. This book is the answer to all those angst-ridden and painfully grim novels in the shortcut lingo of short attention-span theater. Hugely enjoyable.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

Gr 9 Up—Fifteen-year-old Kendra is being stalked by someone who wants her dead, and she is overwhelmed by the compulsion to cut herself. She is dealing with shadowy memories of sexual abuse from her early childhood and wonders why she cannot recall her rapist's face. Kendra is a tough, vulnerable, troubled teen, a survivor who will win readers' hearts as she struggles to deal with her life. While her biggest challenges may be extreme, there is much that any teen can relate to: frustration with a clueless mother, delight as her friendship with Meghan grows into love, and the struggle for identity and self-knowledge. Watching, guiding, and caring for this emerging young woman are three adults who offer emotional support rather than answers: a gay mentor, a therapist, and a teacher who knows true artistic talent when she sees it. Particularly well written are the scenes with Kendra's therapist; there's no miracle working here, just the long hard slog through pain and uncertainty. And when the revelation comes, there is no cardboard villain in the shadows, but rather a complex person whose cruelties and self-deceptions are believable and deeply sad. The excellent resource section covers widely respected books, Web sites, organizations, and help lines for youth seeking information on extreme abuse, cutting, same-sex attraction, and dissociation. This book will be a particular comfort and source of insight for teens facing any of these challenges, but whatever their life experience, they will be on the edge of their seats, rooting for Kendra to unravel the mystery that shadows her life. This is one heck of a good book!—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 3–6—Athena, 11, lives in the Bahamas with her marine archaeologist father. She has been a sea baby since birth, learning to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive at the same time she learned to walk. At age two, when she falls off of her parents' boat and into the ocean, she spouts the story of a barracuda who spoke to her. Later, her mother falls off the sailboat, disappears in a whirlpool, and is presumed drowned. One day Athena discovers that she can understand the language of sea creatures. She learns that her mother still lives and that they are related to the undersea king, Triton. The story begins with more setup information than is needed for this age group. The real story seems to begin around page 35. Also, the writer has difficulties with determining appropriate activities and thoughts for a three-year-old; they are much too advanced. When Athena encounters the sea turtle that leads her on her undersea adventure, the dialogue seems simplistic and the descriptions clichéd. By the 13th chapter, the story finally begins to capture attention and flow smoothly. But once again, the final chapter loses its focus and turns philosophical, then simplistic.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 4–7—Homer Pudding is a luckless 12-year-old who dreams of hunting treasure like the uncle he idolizes. When his uncle is eaten by a killer tortoise, Homer gets swept into the middle of a treacherous race to locate a pirate's treasure. A whimsical narration and sometimes comical dialogue add a light touch—but perhaps not quite light enough, as the boy's initial cheerlessness makes him hard to warm up to. The pace picks up when he arrives in The City, however, and gets himself out of danger more than once by using his wits. He is aided by Dog, a peculiar basset who turns out to have surprising sleuthing skills of his own, though readers will figure this out long before Homer does. The main villain is appropriately over-the-top: she's a ruthless museum director who seeks the treasure for personal gain, rather than sharing with the world. Occasionally silly plot contrivances make Homer's journey less than gripping, but they match the consistent mix of silliness and action. The boy's growth from hapless loser to skilled treasure hunter is fairly convincing; Homer uses his uncle's advice and the story of the Odyssey for inspiration and steadily gains confidence. The supporting cast is quirky and mildly amusing, if not especially memorable. The perky homeless girl who aids, and then betrays, Homer is more intriguing, though; the conclusion sets her up as a potential rival or possible friend in future installments.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 9 Up—"Evangeline," Longfellow's tale of Acadian lovers separated on the eve of their wedding day only to reunite tragically after years of longing, provides the springboard for Shaw's modern retelling. Chapters narrated by Eva alternate with those told by Gabriel. She tells the contemporary story of her growing awareness of and ensuing impassioned bond with an old childhood friend. Her love, Gabe, who is grappling with a family tragedy, scribbles in a notebook incessantly. It is not until they are separated that Eva reads the notebook, which turns out to be a close retelling of the original tale (Gabriel's words that comprise the alternate chapters). This plot structure is quite seamless in execution. Eva's voice keeps the book grounded in modern sensitivities. Like Longfellow, Shaw gives nature high importance through descriptive passages of his chosen Maine setting and pays homage in many other small ways from incorporating original lines into dialogue and transplanting subtleties of characters' personalities. He is in no way, however, a slave to Longfellow, delivering both a couple of steamier scenes and potential for happiness in the end. The blustery landscapes and their intimate connection to the characters' plight are reminiscent of Helen Frost's The Braid (Farrar, 2006) and even, at times, of certain scenes spent in seaside forests by a similarly thwarted vampire/human teen couple. It is this very power to evoke both admired historical fiction and hot teen literature that will prove this novel's success.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 9–11—Connelly Sternin, 16, moves through her New York City high school on cruise control. She is an average student who doesn't get into trouble, doesn't sit with the cool kids, and has a quiet home life. She fantasizes that she is living in a fairy tale and sees herself as Rapunzel, confined in an Upper East Side tower amid college applications and SAT scores. She sees wealthy Jeremy Cole as the prince of their school: loved and respected by all. What she doesn't see coming is a friendship with him based on tragedy—his younger sister has leukemia—and secrets—Connelly is preoccupied with learning how her father died. Jeremy knows more about her life than she does, and together they find the fortitude to face the present and the past. Although the narrative concerns death and lies, this first novel is not dark, but instead full of small moments and quiet realism. Connelly and Jeremy's friendship, which may turn into romance, is realistically portrayed as deepening over time. The story's pace is steady. Although the buildup to the climax—Connelly confronts her mother about her father—is better paced, and more creative and satisfying than the conflict itself, overall this is a terrific alternative to the clique-y high school novels that are all sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 7–10—Sixteen-year-old Haley has traveled to Iceland with her geologist father to see where her mother disappeared a year before. Hoping to retrace her mother's steps in order to find her, she is drawn into the magical legend and life of her Nordic ancestors, beginning with Hallgerd, a young woman skilled in sorcery who was determined not to be forced into a loveless marriage. The repercussions of Hallgerd's actions affect all of her female descendants from her own daughter to Haley. Simner has done her homework. This appealing novel centers around and embellishes Icelandic legend—specifically Njal's Saga. Simner takes the old stories and brings them into the 21st century in this cyclical novel about the powerful relationship between mothers and daughters. It would be great to pair it with Jonathan Stroud's Heroes of the Valley (Hyperion, 2009) for an examination of Norse mythology.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 4–6—This is Sonnenblick's third and final book about fifth-grader Willie and his imaginary friend, Dodger, a blue chimpanzee. In this installment, Willie's dad, a self-help writer, has come up with a brilliant idea for his new book: he'll have each family member follow the advice from one of his previous books and document the results. Willie's assignment is Kid on a Quest: Be Your Own Hero. His opportunity comes when he, his friend Lizzie, and the student council join forces to prevent the woods next door to their school from being destroyed by developers. Of course, the problem is less straightforward than it seems; these are magical woods, containing Dodger's Field of Dreams, and before the quest is over, Willie's sister is kidnapped by leprechauns. But with a little magic and the help of his friends, Willie becomes a hero in his own right. In addition to plenty of humor, this fantasy offers realistic relationships and an environmental message. Give it to old fans and be prepared to help newcomers locate the first two books in the series.—Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 4–7—Bindi's life is pretty normal. She loves to read and has good friends and a loving extended family. This normalcy ends when her parents announce that they are separating and that her father is moving to another city to look for a job. Told entirely in verse, the story relates the sixth grader's experiences, her feelings, and snippets of her daily life. Bindi and her mother move to an apartment above The Dancing Pancake, which Bindi's mother and aunt open shortly after school lets out for the summer. The cafe is populated with interesting staff and customers, many of whom help the girl create her own definitions of friendship and empathy. Bindi's growth and self-realization help her cope with the situations that the grown-ups in her life face and allow her to accept her father back into her life when her parents reconcile. The poetic structure of this novel succeeds in capturing the child's voice and deepest feelings. The verse also provides sound development of secondary characters. Lew-Vriethoff's lively pen-and-ink illustrations add texture to the story and offer touches of humor. Contemporary issues, including the homelessness of Bindi's favorite customer, are balanced by lighter themes of silly little cousins and first crushes.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

Gr 4–6—It is his father's first trip back to Vietnam since emigrating to Australia, and 11-year-old Andy cannot help but take stock of both the cultural differences and the changes in his dad's behavior. Even on the plane ride there, his normally thrifty, casually clad father has been replaced by a diamond-ring-wearing Viet Kieu (the term for anyone returning to their homeland) in a business suit. Once in Hanoi, the obvious differences in amenities, prices, and customs continue. Particularly troubling are the street children who hover around the foreign visitors. As Andy gradually gets over his culture shock, he gains a better understanding of his family relationships, thanks in part to his cousin Minh, a resourceful and determined girl. Minh and Andy provide a vivid tourist and insider portrayal of Hanoi, with especially tantalizing descriptions of food at the family-owned restaurant. Do not read while hungry.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–9—When his high school announces that all students will be getting uniforms, Ian can't be bothered to protest. He doesn't care all that much. Then, in his social-justice class, taught by the principal, he learns that many of his favorite things are made on foreign soil by exploiting the poor people of those countries. When he finds out that the uniform he's being forced to wear is manufactured by a company that is considered one of the worst offenders, he decides to take a stand and tries to get the board to change its mind, even thought there are consequences. While the overall theme is a bit heavy-handed, the plot does moves quickly, making for a quick read. A good choice for libraries looking to add to their hi/lo collections.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY

Gr 10 Up—Weaver continues the story of Trace Bonham, a teenager who was chosen to be the driver for a Super Stock racing team. Team Blu is sponsored by an energy-drink company, and Trace is feeling pressure from his corporate handlers to conform to the image they want to project. In addition, Trace continues to be troubled by the breakup of his parents' marriage; his on-again-off-again relationship with Mel, a girl also involved in the stock-car scene; and, most importantly, by his ongoing suspicion that his team is illegally tinkering with his engine to give him an edge on the competition. Trace is a flawed but appealing character who clearly enjoys the perks of being a celebrity even as he wrestles with the moral dilemmas inherent in his situation. (Weaver includes a quote from legendary NASCAR driver Darrell Waltrip suggesting that cheating is endemic in stock-car racing.) This is a good choice for car-mad reluctant readers, although a couple of non-graphic sex scenes may limit it to a slightly older audience than that for previous books in the series.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 4–8—This book picks up where Mackenzie Blue (HarperCollins, 2009) left off. The seventh grader and her friends in Mr. P's music class are going to form a band and put on a rock 'n' roll musical based on Romeo and Juliet. Mackenzie hopes to be the lead while her big crush, Landon, plays opposite her. This sequel is full of elements tweens can relate to, such as texting, mean girls, embarrassing moments, and references to popular culture. The tone is light and positive. Mackenzie texts and emails her friends and writes in a journal. An "Online Glossary" is included, and playful illustrations appear throughout. Fans of Lauren Myracle's Luv Ya Bunches (Abrams, 2009) and Meg Cabot's "Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls" series (Scholastic) will enjoy this one.—Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Gr 4–6—Olive Dunwoody and her mathematically minded parents move into an old Victorian home complete with the deceased owner's furnishings. Olive first notices that something is wrong when she can't take the paintings off the wall. She sees things moving in them. Then, while rummaging through the drawers, she finds a pair of glasses and tries them on. Olive can now enter the paintings and talk to the people in them. She is warned by a talking cat named Horatio not to spend too much time in there or to lose the glasses. She meets Morton in a painting and learns that he was forced into it because of a conversation he overheard. Olive is determined to find out more about the house and its history. But who can she trust? Her neighbors, the talking cats, or the people in the paintings? The expressive black-and-white illustrations contribute to the overall spooky mood of the story. The plot moves quickly as Olive pieces together clues. Recommend this book to reluctant readers and fans of Neil Gaiman's Coraline (HarperCollins, 2002).—Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT

Gr 8 Up—Sixteen-year-old Evie is an outsider with a vivid imagination. She makes up stories for herself and others to make life in her small Midwestern town tolerable. When a childhood friend, Zabet McCabe, is murdered, Evie is thrust into a story beyond her wildest imaginings. Her little habitual deceptions, usually so harmless, get her entangled with grieving Mr. McCabe and Zabet's emotionally unstable and reckless best friend, Hadley Smith. Hadley is obsessed with finding Zabet's killer, and Evie lets herself get dragged into her increasingly paranoid and dangerous investigation. This dark and suspenseful coming-of-age story builds steadily to a violent climax. Evie is a skillful storyteller, perceptive and thoughtful, with a dry sense of humor. She is especially sensitive to disingenuousness in others, particularly in her mother, with whom she has an emotionally distant relationship. As a result, she fixates on the only genuine person in her life: taciturn Jonah Luks, on whom she has an unrequited crush. Evie adds beauty and excitement to the mundane with her fantasies, but only grows as a person when she faces reality and reaches out to the people around her. Readers who have ever felt like they don't fit in will find it easy to empathize with the teen's struggle to connect to others, and anyone can relate to the disillusionment that comes with growing up.—Erin Carrillo, formerly at Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 4–6—Sixth-grader Mitch Mathis, whose professor father studies cockroaches, is the new kid in a town called Hollywood. Everyone he meets seems to be involved in show business, but Mitch doesn't know much about TV or movies. Still, to fit in he tries his luck in a talent search and auditions for Fizzy Whiz Soda. When he is hired to do a series of comic commercials, Mitch finds that he enjoys the filming, the crew, and the animals that appear with him. In classic Hollywood rise-and-fall fashion, the star neglects his friends, only to be jolted awake to the value of his previous life. A government study on junk food places Fizzy Whiz at the top of the list of products with heavy sugar concentrations. As the face of Fizzy Whiz, Mitch is now all over TV, but not the way he envisioned. How he gets out of the commercials and what he does next make for a satisfying conclusion. An entertaining read.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 5–8—Jane Eyre meets Lemony Snicket in this smart, surprising satire of a 19th-century English governess story. A witty omniscient narrator speaks directly to modern readers and follows 15-year-old Penelope, recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, to British country manor Ashton Place, where conniving Lord Fredrick has discovered three wild children apparently raised by wolves while hunting in his vast forest property. To Lord Fredrick, who's named them Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia Incorrigible, the children are trophies and property ("Finder's keepers, what?"); to young Lady Constance they're savage nuisances who howl, chase squirrels, and gnaw on shoes. Enter Penelope Lumley, charged with taming them in time for a Christmas party, and bolstered by her top-notch classical education and an endless supply of platitudes from Agatha Swanburne. She also comes armed with a cherished book of poetry and her favorite fiction series, "Giddy-Yap, Rainbow!" There are stock characters, and there are mysteries. Most of all, without taking itself too seriously, there is commentary on writing itself, the dangers and the benefits of relying on books for moral courage, and the perils of drawing false expectations of the world from literature. Penelope shows growth, confronting issues of social class and expectation versus reality, and eventually realizing her own capacity for insight. Humorous antics and a climactic cliff-hanger ending will keep children turning pages and clamoring for the next volume, while more sophisticated readers will take away much more. Frequent plate-sized illustrations add wit and period flair.—Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

Gr 4–8—This self-proclaimed "number one book on number two" takes readers inside the fascinating world of excrement, ranging across the historical spectrum from "Hellenic Hygiene" to "How Do Astronauts Use the Toilet in Space?" Albee's focus is not only on bodily functions, but also on the larger public-health challenges created by mass urbanization in the ancient and modern world as well as the ability of societies to deal with these problems, which provides readers with an excellent introduction to social history. With a focus on the Western world in general and England in particular, the author touches on an array of topics from diseases such as cholera and plague to the development of increased sanitation in large urban areas such as London. The exciting format is comprised of a two-color (pastel green and blue) layout with numerous illustrations and photos. Interesting sidebars describe occupations and "hygiene heroes" such as Edwin Chadwick and bathroom fashion. The fluid writing style that ensnares and holds readers' attention from beginning to end. By bringing history alive, this captivating work is without a doubt an essential purchase.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 3–6—These titles provide an enticing introduction to the countries and cultures of the world. All of them have color photographs, maps, insets, Web sites, and, of course, recipes to provide a feast of information about distant places. The authors give overviews of the history of the country's food, the agriculture, culture, religious celebrations, regional specialties, and the global influences. Readers learn how climate and soil influence what people eat, and how other cultures impact their customs. At times, what we might call "foreign food" in the United States is our own distorted adaptation. For example, Americans invented chop suey and fortune cookies, and much of our "Mexican" food was created in Texas. Religious influences are prevalent. The Chinese beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism dictate balance in meals, resulting in contrasting flavors, textures, temperatures, and colors. The Rastafarians in the Caribbean eat no pork or shellfish. Some recipes are quite simple, such as the dodo oni-yeri in Nigeria, calling for plantains, eggs, and peanut oil. A few others have ingredients that won't be readily available, such as the rose water used in muhallabia (Lebanon). Most recipes look like healthy choices, such as the tropical fruit punch in Caribbean. They also suggest adult help with chopping and cooking steps. The Web sites are useful and undoubtedly well researched.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 7 Up—This revised question-and-answer book was not designed for life in a children's room. While some of the answers are simple enough, others are for adults. For example, one of the definitive characteristics of a dinosaur is described as "...an elongated deltopectoral crest on the humerus...and a well-developed ascending process on the astragalus," phrasing that is all but unapproachable without a scientific dictionary. However, dinophiles willing to sift through the text armed with said dictionary will find a lot to satisfy them, including the last chapter, which leads to information on digs, excavation techniques, equipment, fossil preparation, and educational requirements, plus a heap of further readings (many adult) and Web sites. Many small photographs and computer-generated images and some reproductions are scattered throughout, as are information boxes expounding on more common questions. A serious, often scholarly examination of a fascinating topic.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 6 Up—Girls well versed in the world of magazines will find themselves on familiar ground with this book. Bergamotto draws from her beauty-industry experience to discuss every conceivable skin-related issue: protection from the sun, figuring out skin type, best cleansing rituals, hair removal, etc. Particularly helpful are the makeup primers that include an overview of the products and comparison of different brands, a realistic response to pimples (it is a bad idea to pop them, but since you can't resist, here's the best way to do it), and simple recipes for concocting at-home facial treatments. There's something for every girl here, whether she's just had her first breakout or needs a refresher on which sunscreen to use and when to reapply. Colorful spot art decorates the pages and gives the book an open, attractive look.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Bisbort begins with a time line associated with the Beatniks, and then follows with a series of articles about the subculture, profiling major figures of the period. Appendixes address the movement in movies, magazines, jokes, and "Precursors" and "Progeny" of the Beats. One chapter contains primary-source documents–mainly quotes. Punksfollows the same basic format. Both books have some photos but they are few and far between and are all black and white. While these titles are solid overviews of historical movements in American history, the information is available in other sources.—Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX

Gr 10 Up—The 20 essays in these compilations explore classical works of literature—novels, plays, short stories, letters, or speeches—with a common thematic thread. Sources analyzed in Civil Disobedience include excerpts from George Orwell's 1984, Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener," Arthur Miller's The Crucible, and speeches by Malcolm X. Excerpts in Enslavement and Emancipation discuss Toni Morrison's Beloved, the Declaration of Independence, various slave narratives, and some of Elie Wiesel's novels. Both titles address Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the poetry of Langston Hughes, modeling for readers how to approach literature from different theoretical and thematic perspectives. Entries include seminal analyses from scholarly journals and books, as well as pieces written for these volumes. The latter are far more accessible for readers new to literary criticism. Fortunately, the other essays open with helpful introductions that outline the authors' arguments, central questions, and point of view. A handful of entries include section headings to guide readers through dense critical material. Background knowledge is needed to comprehend Bloom's series introduction and his take on the "perpetually crucial" topics covered in the books. Extensive bibliographies are a goldmine for further research, and some essays introduce the critical volleys between literary scholars. Solid selections for Advanced Placement curricula.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 4–7—This is a wide-ranging, brisk overview of the game. Sections briefly skim baseball history, hitting, pitching, defense and baserunning, and the World Series. Each major league team is introduced in a thumbnail sketch, denoting team highs and lows, number of World Series titles, "funky facts," and rising stars. Other topics include baseball slang and nicknames, the 11 ways to get on base, and the author's choices for the best defensive players of all time, including the legendary Ozzie Smith at shortstop. Buckley writes with a lightly humorous touch that should appeal to fans and browsers. The bare-bones packaging (three-color text and graphics, black-and-white photographs) is minimalist, but won't deter fans from gobbling up this up-to-date resource.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 3–6—With concise and accurate information, these books are good for beginning Texana researchers. Civil War discusses the state's involvement in the war, the Battle of Galveston and the Battle of Sabine Pass, as well as influential leaders. The Alamo follows the chronological events leading up to the battle, but the book's main focus is the leaders. Biographical information on Houston, Bowie, Crockett, and Travis is provided. Missions tells why the Franciscans built missions in Texas from the first one in 1632 to their demise in the early 1800s. The failure to convert the Native Americans led Spain to abandon the concept. Native Americans covers tribes by area. A few noteworthy leaders such as Geronimo and Quanah Parker are given tribute. Appearance, clothing, food, and shelter are briefly outlined. Large historical and modern photos, illustrations, and maps, most in full color, appear on every page. Captions are detailed and include additional tidbits. Attractive and useful for Texas libraries.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Gr 6–10—These titles do a good job of making clear the issues facing the Muslim world, and those facing Muslims throughout the world. They also show the diversity of thought and opinion within Islam, separating radical Islam and radical Islamists from the majority. The only title in which this separation becomes somewhat confusing is Islam, Law, and Human Rights, which deals more specifically with the countries governed by Muslim law and not with Islam as a whole. In it, Sharia law is juxtaposed against the provisions in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Cairo Declaration. Each title includes numerous black-and-white and color photographs and reproductions. The series will be most effective as a set, since none of the titles paints a clear picture on its own. However, as a unit, the books illustrate the diversity of Islamic faith in a clear and unbiased manner—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 9 Up—Making use of a large number of scientific studies and observations, Casper analyzes the impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity. There is no question that animal patterns of behavior are being altered by the changing environment. The challenge is to understand what these changes mean for the future. The author addresses this question in Changing Ecosystems by examining boreal and tropical forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and Arctic and marine environments. Within each section, specific problems such as drought, fire, and the extermination of species are considered, as is the resulting economic impact. The concluding chapter addresses the possibility of adaptation by animal species and vegetation and the need for decisions by qualified policy makers working in conjunction with knowledgeable scientists. A lengthy section in Greenhouse Gases deals with carbon sequestration—a strategy of carbon-dioxide storage meant to mitigate global warming. Both the positive aspects and potential drawbacks are addressed. Valuable sidebars examine a variety of topics. A sobering concluding chapter focuses on mitigation and adaptation to global warming. Both volumes have lengthy chronologies, bibliographies, and lists of useful Web sites. Some of the illustrations are decorative, but the many charts and maps are useful. Students will find these volumes technical and complex, but beneficial to a full understanding of the current debate.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 7–10—Though there is some variation in these slim volumes, the basic format is a two-column page. Each one is devoted to a description of one battle or offensive that took place during the war. Arranged chronologically, each narration is followed by a tinted fact box that lists location, date, commanders and forces, casualties, key actions, and key effects. There is an average of 13 maps per title, which is not enough for readers with limited background. Many of the maps, especially in World War I and World War II, are inadequate, as they don't show places indicated in the text. Others are sized so that there is no indication as to their location in relationship to the surrounding area. Each title is liberally illustrated with photos from the era. Those in Vietnam are in color. While the battle information contained herein appears to be accurate, wrong verb tenses and typos are found in all three titles. World War II correctly states that the Senate voted to declare war, but there is no mention of the House having done so. Vietnam refers to President John F. Kennedy, Jr. While entire volumes have been written about many of these battles, these titles may serve as brief introductions to specific battles. Need should definitely determine purchase.—Eldon Younce, formerly at Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 6–10—These concise discussions of controversial pop-culture media will be inviting to casual readers and provide plenty of content for reports as well. Bright, bold backgrounds frame text boxes that are accompanied by large photographs. You Can't Read This! focuses on censorship and censored books, but only briefly discusses the subject of the subtitle, "Why Books Get Banned." With the plethora of censorship books piling up, this one can be skipped. Gamers, the strongest title, covers the history of video games from Pong to Nintendo Wii. It discusses the expansion of the audience for the games, which now extends from cradle to grave, and the development of the ESRB rating system. Play It Loud! follows the history of music as a form of countercultural expression against oppression and the mainstream, highlighting the rebellion of artists from J. S. Bach to Tupac Shakur and focusing on the impact freedom of expression had on music and the time period. Graphic Content, which covers the history of comics from short newspaper bits to the modern formats of graphic novels, manga, and Web comics, touches on censorship and the role of comic-book heroes like Captain America in portrayals of modern warfare.—Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY

Gr 4–8—After spending his first four years in an African city, the author's parents sent him to live with his grandparents in a small Malian village. Grandma Sabou was a respected herbalist and healer with a gift for storytelling. Grandpa Samba owned a mango plantation and was one of the few men in his village who knew how to cook. Together, they schooled Diakité in catching catfish, cultivating crops, and coexisting peacefully with nature, all the while instilling in him their virtues and values. When Grandma Sabou finally decided he was "educated," she acquiesced to his request for more formal schooling where he channeled his childhood experiences into a career as an artist. Diakité's story is poignant and well written, and his reverence for his homeland is apparent. The accompanying colorful illustrations, created on earthenware tiles, are beautifully rendered, and the seamlessly interwoven ancestral fables lend authenticity to his story.—Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL

Gr 9 Up—These volumes address rapidly changing global economies and financial institutions crucial to students' understanding of current events and the ability to manage their own money. Both are comprised of approximately 50 A-to-Z articles ranging in length from two to four pages. Economic Literacy provides clearly outlined historical perspectives on international trade, socialism, and tariffs, balanced with newsworthy items. For example, the entry on business ethics describes Bernard Madoff's financial fraud and, in the entry on corporate governance, there is a discussion of the hot-button issue of CEO compensation. Articles on globalization, service economy, and sustainable development look toward future developments and include links to organizations, reports, inflation calculators, and more. Personal Finance focuses on what readers will encounter in their daily lives, such as debit cards, credit history, job search, pricing, consumer protection, and interest rates. An entry on bundling goods and services looks at its pros and cons and includes a diagram of a computer connection and repair service. The numerous graphs, flow charts, maps, political cartoons, and tables help make sense of complicated concepts. For example, an illustration of a patent application clearly shows the importance of technical drawings, and a mock-up of a credit report has an explanation of each part. Links to financial forums such as Motley Fool's Web site and organizations such as the Better Business Bureau are appended. Both volumes are invaluable to economics and business curricula and will aid general readers in developing key financial literacies.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—This book knocks you over the head with its message—that public spaces are a valuable part of every community, be they urban, suburban, or rural—and that's not necessarily a bad thing. That teenagers are the intended audience is surprising for a book on this topic, and the authors do an excellent job of defining public spaces, providing the historical context for them, and enumerating exactly why young people should care. The writing is contemporary and relevant, offering up real examples at every turn that represent the best and worst of public spaces around the world, such as comparing the success of two different city parks, one in Philadelphia and one in Rotterdam. By providing plenty of information, the authors encourage teens to advocate for themselves, take to the streets, as it were, and become involved in both the design and use of public spaces. The format of the book and the illustrations, in particular, are engaging and informative, complementing the text without overwhelming it. Pair this in booktalks or displays with titles on city parks, skateboarding, city murals, and/or Frederick Law Olmsted for an intriguing look at spaces open to all.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 4–7—These titles are meant to introduce readers to aspects of life in ancient times. Each one begins with a fictionalized story such as a young pre-Columbian boy who goes into the woods to hunt as part of a coming-of-age ritual. The stories are followed by information on such aspects as religion, family life, eating, the role of women, etc. The chapters are short, and each page contains one or two illustrations or photographs of artifacts, architecture, or paintings to enhance the discussion. Additionally, FYInfo pages dispersed throughout go into depth about specific events or topics. These volumes all have an informal style and constantly compare life in ancient times to today's world instead of presenting the lifestyles on their own merit. The facts and descriptions often feel superficial without getting to the complexities of the societies. The books attempt to cover a great deal in a few pages, which is particularly obvious in Pre-Columbian America since a huge stretch of time as well as all the diverse peoples in early America become confusingly consolidated. These titles have a great concept and some merits, but the presentations are not of the highest quality.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 5–9—These books offer vivid detail as well as historical and political context for these events. Farrell starts with the Munich Olympics but quickly backtracks to offer an explanation of the conflicts in the Middle East surrounding the creation of the State of Israel, and the rise of terrorism in response to these conflicts. The kidnapping and murder of the Israeli athletes is then described, along with the apparent bungling of rescue efforts. The book concludes with chapters on the response to the killings by Israel, as well as attempts at brokering peace in the region among the various countries in conflict. Recounting the Hindenberg crash, Sherman captures readers' attention with an opening chapter devoted to the actual crash. She then paints a full picture of the invention of the zeppelin and its uses and development. The author then works her way back to a full description of the crash and a discussion of the theories around its cause. Both titles have pertinent sidebars with primary source material. Archival photos add to the dramatic narratives. Good choices for any collection, both for research needs and as interesting nonfiction selections.—Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 6–8—Feinstein describes the travels of Marco Polo from Venice to China and back, covering the later half of the 13th century. A route map is provided. Full-color illustrations include medieval tapestries, reproductions, and photographs of the regions today. This title will support units on world history and exploration and is suitable for reports. However, it doesn't compare to Russell Freedman's Adventures of Marco Polo (Scholastic, 2006) or Demi's Marco Polo (Marshall Cavendish, 2008). Both are certainly better books, especially for reading and enjoyment of a biography. Feinstein's work is not as interesting to read (or as easy) as Joan Holub's Who Was Marco Polo? (Grosset & Dunlap, 2007). Unfortunately, this type of book is what teachers often want kids to use for reports, even though it isn't the best education model. For high-quality presentations, stick with Freeman and/or Demi.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

Gr 4–6—In each book, an introduction includes an overview of the scientific method and safety guidelines; five reproducible experiments; and several supplementary ideas to test. Most of the projects use common household items. In Bones, for example, the recipe for "blood" calls for warm water, red food coloring, and sugar to thicken it. Readers may test how angles affect the spatter pattern of blood. When an experiment uses chemicals, "an adult" is listed under "things you will need." Steps are precisely numbered, and "Who Dunnit?" scenarios are posed for practical application. Brief biographies and factual asides are sprinkled throughout. Sections are distinguished by brightly colored borders. These books are more accessible for beginners and half the size of the "Forensic Science Projects" series (Enslow), and contain more visuals.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

Gr 9 Up—Even though body image is adequately covered in many titles, and there are plenty of books that address issues such as plastic surgery, eating disorders, and body building, this one is different. The author takes a holistic approach to the topic, focusing on more than just girls wanting to be thin and boys wanting to be muscular. There are also chapters on dwarfism and weight bias. The writing is easy to understand and flows well. The book is full of first-person accounts of what it is like to be overweight/short/disfigured, etc. Each chapter includes copious endnotes and a list of resources. A few black-and-white photos appear throughout. A serviceable but not inspired choice.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 4–6—Exciting stories about people who survived attacks by cougars, crocodiles, or rattlesnakes will draw readers to these books. Accompanying photos include fingers swollen after snakebites, a forearm caught in a crocodile's jaws, and cougars devouring (nonhuman) prey. Text boxes feature quotations from witnesses and survivors. Yet, Hamilton does not limit her text to sensational incidents. Each book provides information on where the animals live and explains physical characteristics that make them successful predators. Although she notes that human deaths are relatively rare, the pages devoted to advice on avoiding and surviving attacks at the end give a final adrenaline rush. Readers will need additional resources for a complete picture of these predators, but these titles offer a dramatic way to start the exploration.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 4–6—"You can read many things in her face," says Joseph Bruchac in describing Aunt Molly Sky, a venerable Native American storyteller. Aunt Molly is one of 16 people, varied in age and ethnicity, whose everyday lives are reflected in this picture-book anthology. Faces figure prominently in some poems as Hopkins and Soentpiet celebrate America's diversity. "Amazing Face" belongs to a chortling Asian baby who is addressed by a blond mother, and the concluding poem, Langston Hughes's "My People," is paired with a multiracial crowd waving flags in a city fireworks scene. Some of the voices and warm watercolor portraits are necessarily specific—Chinatown's child who lives "above Good Fortune/where they catch crabs fresh" or "Latina, abuela, she is everyone/of us come from otherwhere." Some experiences—dreams, loneliness, the heroism of a returning soldier or a smoke-smudged firefighter—are universal. Varied in shape, each poem is set on an ivory half-page next to a broad scene—sometimes a single child, other times a small group or an energetic crowd. This appealing package of poetry and ideas will be enjoyed by children, parents, and teachers. There are many bits to savor, and the underlying theme is so well executed that it could easily stimulate interest in finding more people in poems.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 4–8—This is the story not only of a remarkable terrier but also of the natural African landscape and the people who wish to educate others about the value of animals. Bulu, "wild dog" in the local Nyanja language, was at first unresponsive and unlike the other puppies in his litter. Steve and Anna Tolan were warned about having a pet in the wilds of Africa but they saw something different in him. He soon became a part of the family and helped as the Tolans set up a wildlife education center in Zambia. Bulu acted as a foster parent to orphaned animals and survived against great odds. With vivid descriptions of the land and encounters with wild animals, this book will appeal to dog lovers as well as to readers who like adventure. Easy to read, with short chapters and black-and-white photographs throughout, this true story will hold the interest of even the most reluctant readers.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 4–6—Using current data (some ideas derived from contemporary critters), Judge presents an interesting and attractive introduction to the world of dinosaur young. Her readable text touches on eight Cretaceous dinosaurs, from smallish Psittacosaurus to gigantic Argentinosaurus, describing fossil finds of eggs and embryos, nesting colonies, and possible/probable parenting scenarios. The full-color illustrations are realistic (but not photographic in style) and depict a variety of big-eyed babies, from freshly hatched Saltasaurus facing an uncertain future on their own, to young Maiasaura being fed in their nest, to a T. rex guarding a smelly mound of vegetation covering her eggs. Rich color and inviting layout of text are eye-catching, as is the cover. A time line and further data on the featured dinosaurs are appended. A surefire hit for dinophiles.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—This well-done primer will help guide girls through the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up. Using straightforward language and a no-nonsense approach, Katz's text explains puberty in a relaxed tone. The comprehensive section on nutrition, or "fueling up," is particularly good. Melnychuk's wonderful multicultural illustrations stand out as well. They are beautifully global and strike a great balance between cartoon and realistic art. These renderings combined with Katz's reassuring tone make this basic guide one of the better additions to the genre.—Elaine Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 6 Up—Kor relates memories of life in the village of Portz, Transylvania (Romania), where she was raised on a large farm, "never aware of the anti-Semitism [that pervaded the country] until 1940, when the Hungarian army came." Six-year-old Eva and her identical twin, Miriam, the only Jewish children in their small mixed-grade classroom, suddenly found themselves taunted and beaten by once-friendly classmates. At 10 years of age, the twins and their family were forced to live among seven thousand other Jews in a fenced-in field, protected from the elements only by tents made of their own blankets and sheets and by the clothes on their backs. They were soon taken on a four-day train ride to Auschwitz, standing all the way, with no food or drink. There the sisters were "selected" to be victims of Dr. Josef Mengele's medical "research." Eva's amazing fortitude and her desire to protect her sister helped her to survive a horrible disease brought on by an injection. Both twins endured a terrifying daylong separation during a forced march between camps; the remaining Auschwitz prisoners were liberated by Soviet soldiers, and the girls found a way to go home in search of family survivors. Kor's straightforward first-person narrative is unusual because it details life in the concentration camp through the eyes of a child who lived among children. In an eight-page epilogue, the author talks about her discovery, 50 years after liberation, of the importance of forgiveness ("a seed for peace"), and of what she has done to teach young people the positive lessons of life garnered from her horrific experiences.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 4–6—Krohn traces the performer's life from his Indiana childhood, his rise to fame with The Jackson 5, and his solo career to his death in 2009. Factual yet descriptively written, the book sets the scene with eight-year-old Jackson about to perform in his first talent show with his older brothers. Accompanied by large, colorful, and clear photographs throughout, the narrative takes readers on the journey of Jackson's incredible success and fame while handling the more difficult aspects of Jackson's life, such as molestation charges and drug abuse, in an age-appropriate, straightforward manner. A wide-ranging look at the celebrity's life and legacy.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

Gr 5 Up—This free-verse retelling of Homer's Odyssey, first published in Milan in 2007, is presented in picture book/graphic novel format. Landmann recounts the events in chronological order, leaving out none of the hero's encounters but stinting somewhat on the activity at Ithaca. The spare verse moves the story along quickly with echoes of the original's power despite occasional choppy sections. The full-color images are rendered in a dark palette and in a rather primitive style. The artist provides arrows to direct readers through the variously sized and shaped panels, but many of the elements are so small as to lose detail. In one of the final scenes, Landmann writes that the suitors are without their weapons when Odysseus finally attacks but his large illustration includes swords at the sides of many of the corpses. This rendition of Odysseus's tale is a fine introduction but might work better with other versions to flesh out the story. Besides offering a translation of The Odyssey itself, librarians and teachers should consider Adèle Geras's Ithaka (Harcourt, 2006) for a different view of events. Choices for younger readers include Padraic Colum's The Children's Homer (S & S, 2004) and Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden's splendidly illustrated The Adventures of Odysseus (Barefoot, 2006).—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 3–6—Extraordinary photographs of individual snowflakes are the true highlight of this informational book. With crisp detail and lit up with colored light, the crystals are mesmerizing in their clarity and brilliance. Libbrecht uses a first-person narration to describe the microphotography process that he uses to create the images and then goes on to outline the life cycle of a snowflake. Some elementary science is included in the text, such as the water cycle and the crystallization process, which explains why no two snowflakes are ever alike. Details about why snowflakes always have six branches and why they vary in size so much add interest and depth, offering readers more than just the basics. A solid addition to any science collection, this book will draw in young enthusiasts, and the beautiful photographs will engage casual browsers. Team it with Jacqueline Briggs Martin's Snowflake Bentley (Houghton, 1998) and Snow Crystals (Dover, 1962), Bentley's own collection of snowflake photographs, for an intriguing lesson on snow.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 5–8—Loxton uses a combination of Q & A and exposition in his conversational text to explore the process of evolution. He even makes reference to religion, stating that while science, exemplary in explaining the functionalism of the natural world, "can't tell us what those discoveries mean in a spiritual sense." Topics addressed include whether it is possible to see new species evolve, the evolution of flight, and the dearth of many "transitional" fossils. Other facing-page units discuss evolutionary compromises, Darwinian theory, and the fact that "survival of the fittest" may often be the "survival of the adequate." Colorful illustrations and diagrams appear on every page, and the book uses a variety of faces/heads with each "question," giving the impression they are asked by individuals. More difficult than Steve Jenkins's Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution (Houghton, 2002), almost on par with Robert Winston's Evolution Revolution (2009), and simpler than Linda Gamlin's Evolution (2009, both DK), this title will appeal to researchers.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—Well organized and straightforward, this biography is appealing with its bright photographs and bold, easy-to-read font. Starting with Sotomayor's childhood in the Bronx, the author covers the justice's life and career up to her nomination to the Supreme Court. She focuses on her subject's hard work and ambitious dreams, which led to her astounding achievements. The book includes a glossary but also defines select words within the text, making it accessible for all reading levels in the targeted age group. An informative, interesting, and, most of all, inspiring read.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

Gr 10 Up—Maczulak capably (though dryly) covers the many ways countries are trying to save and create new power sources. Although most of the information is available in other sources, this volume pulls together facts on recycling, biorefineries, green building design, and other topics into one convenient place. Colorful captioned photographs and diagrams, bulleted lists, or sidebars appear on almost every other page and help break up the tedious text. The charts, most of which are clear, often summarize the text. While their sources are listed, they occasionally contain abbreviations or acronyms that are not defined. Students will not read this volume from cover to cover, but it will serve to supplement textbook studies. The book includes a serviceable glossary, an extensive list of further reading (quite current), and five appendixes ("Top Oil-Consuming Countries in 2009," "Predicted Worldwide Energy Consumption," etc.).—Denise Schmidt, San Francisco Public Library, CA

Gr 5 Up—Molnar re-creates memories and family stories of living in postwar Romania, fleshing them out with dialogue that, while not exact, remains true to the essence of her experiences, resulting in a readable, informative, and engaging book. The only child living in a crowded flat with seven adults representing three generations, Eva is often the center of attention of her frequently squabbling anti-Communist relatives. Her life becomes more complicated when she discovers at the age of seven that she is Jewish. She tries to understand what this means, particularly in light of her father's undiscussed but hinted-at war experiences, but for once gets little help from her family. In the late 1950s, Eva's family begins the long process of applying to immigrate to Israel, and their applications result in nerve-racking visits from Communist government agents who search their apartment. Once the grandparents leave, a non-Jewish family is assigned to their room, making it unsafe for the family to communicate with one another at home. The drama isn't over when Eva and her parents finally get the chance to leave; a less- desirable route and her father's return for a missing camera cause some tense days. Enough history and background are included to help today's readers understand the context of Eva's family's situation without detracting from the story. The book would make an interesting pairing with Peter Sís's The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain (Farrar, 2007). Photographs of Molnar and her family are included.—Nancy Silverrod, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Most teens recognize the references to This Is Spinal Tap in the Guitar Hero video games or know where the phrase "You talkin' to me?" originated, and this is the book for them. Described as a "cinematic cheat sheet," it discusses 50 classic films from 1938 to 1991 that have had major influences on pop culture. The movies are listed in chronological order, and each entry includes a synopsis and cast, lists of other films by the director or stars, famous lines, discussions of why the film is significant, references to it in pop culture, and interesting trivia. Small black-and-white photos are included. This book is enormous fun for movie buffs to page through and talk about, and there will be inevitable disagreements about films that were included or excluded ("What? They have Harold and Maude but not King Kong?"). This would be a terrific addition for nonfiction leisure reading. Note that because a number of the movies discussed are R-rated, some of the quotations are as well.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 5–8—Each book features 12 topics-for example, "Color, Shape, and Composition" in Objects and "The Story of Silk" in Textiles—with activities and investigations that include research and writing, Web site extension resources, ideas for discussion, and recipes and suggestions for projects. Art-oriented terms appear in red within the texts and are defined in the glossary. The emphasis is on looking at fine art to develop artistic skill by emulating techniques: making thumbnail sketches, keeping journals of ideas and materials, experimenting with media, observing, asking questions, and investigating. Images include full-color paintings, tapestries, sketches, architecture, sculpture, and photography, paired with photos of children working on related pieces. A cartoon bubble often describes what they're doing. Boxed insets suggest additional activities. A final note for teachers and parents provides specific ideas and resources to explore. While not every Web resource works perfectly, they are useful links. Unlike Joyce Raimondo's "Art Explorers" series (Watson-Guptill), these books do not focus on specific artists with the intent of emulating an individual style or artistic movement, but they do follow the dialogic techniques to understand art. Also similar to Sue Lacey's "Start with Art" series (Copper Beech, 2000), Ogier's books offer numerous ideas for discovery and make great classroom/teacher resources.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Pasachoff incorporates criticism of the major Brontë novels within a biographical summary. Though certainly abbreviated, the story of the siblings' writing endeavors from the time they were children paints a picture that begins with imaginative isolation. As each of the sisters branched out to become teachers, tutors, or governesses, readers are given an understanding of the struggle to write versus the necessity to support the family. Pasachoff's opinions are frequently bolstered by quotes from personal letters of the Brontës and their close associates. Individual chapters are devoted to Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and the works of Anne Brontë. One of the final chapters discusses Charlotte's disdain for her sisters' work and another looks at the Brontës' legacy. The information presented here is far less sophisticated than that found in collections such as those edited by Harold Bloom.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY

Gr 4–7—These introductions provide general information on how blogs and social networks are important resources. Clear, well-organized content discusses the history of, and key people involved in, the development of weblogs, online diaries, journals, and social networking sites. Captions and sidebars offer short facts throughout; relevant color photographs will hold readers' interest. Both books cover microblogging on Twitter. Raatma does not describe how to create a blog or set up an account on a social networking site, so the books will appeal to those curious about the technology rather than those who wish to use it.—Melissa Smith, Green Valley Library, Henderson, NV

Gr 3–6—Using the same tawny palette as in Down the Colorado (Farrar, 2007), Ray has painted soft-edged backdrops for her lucid exposition of the life work of Earl Douglass, fossil-finder extraordinaire. Benefitting from the Cope/Marsh "Bone Wars" and the deep pockets of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Douglass embarked on a1909 expedition to the Uinta Basin (Utah) to find Carnegie's demand for "something big." What he found was BIG—a bone bed that ultimately became Dinosaur National Monument. The readable text is bracketed by large illustrations and smaller diagrams, charts, maps, and, most importantly, direct quotes from Douglass's field journals. Added for readers' edification is a cast of characters of 10 Jurassic dinosaurs found at Dinosaur Mountain, a large map of the monument (which spreads across the Utah/Colorado border), an extensive author's note, a brief bio of Douglass, and an even briefer one of Carnegie. With its sand-colored pages, the warmth of the palette, and the brown script of the journal notes, this is a vibrant window into the burgeoning world of American paleontology a century ago. A rich find.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 3–8—This handsome volume introduces beings powerful enough to "push the seasons forward, forge mighty civilizations, and shape the very earth." Six gloriously illustrated spreads, each graced by a dramatic paper-sculpture centerpiece and additional fold-out booklets, provide a glimpse at gods and heroes from around the world along with appetite-whetting tidbits of myths and legends. Represented are the deities of ancient Egypt, the Greek pantheon, mortal champions of the classical world, Norse gods and goddesses, Asian and Polynesian divinities, and the "Great Spirits of the New World." The artwork, set against pastel backdrops, combines traditional images with modern sensibilities to stunning effect. An airy pop-up of Olympus includes all 12 primary gods; a pull-tab flips miniature pages to reveal Herakles's 12 labors; a 3-D Thor swings his famed hammer down with a powerful thrust; hot-headed Pele emerges from a volcano base; Spider Woman weaves a celestial web out of silver cord; and more. The text covers a lot of ground but is well written and works hand-in-hand with the striking, innovative illustrations to encourage further exploration. Use this attention-grabbing overview to brew up reader interest and launch studies of ancient cultures and mythology.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 6–9—Although these books are by the same author, they vary considerably in interest, readability, and appeal. Attila, an average production, has inadequate maps. Clovis is by far the worst; it's wordy and uses archaic, often unintelligible language. Eleanor is disappointingly condensed and limited, providing more information on family members than on the queen herself. It's woefully unbalanced (40 crucial years of her life are covered in 5 pages), and there are numerous omissions. All three titles assume basic knowledge, of the Roman Empire or Middle Ages. Each one features unappealing illustrations. Suggested pronunciations are given for only a few words, and the glossaries are incomplete. Finally, Rice offers nothing about the influence of these individuals or their place in Western culture—what is the value of studying them? No young adult biography of Eleanor can compare to Polly Brooks's excellent Queen Eleanor (Houghton, 1999).—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 5 Up—This is not simply a how-to-train book; it is also a guide to cultivating a respectful relationship with your dog. The excellent information is comprehensive, and it is presented in a clear and detailed style. The author covers different training methods, discussing the tools needed from food to collar selection. Using this manual, dog owners can move through the basics (sit, down, etc.) to obedience competition and fun tricks and activities. The high-quality, full-color photos, featuring 4-Hers with their pets, are exceedingly well matched to the text. They capture the unique bond between the dog and its owner as the pups often gaze in rapt attention at their person. A good sampling of sizes and breeds appear in the photos. Even some unique skills such as turning off lights and pulling clothes out of a dryer and putting them in a basket are illustrated and explained. Readers who are serious about learning how to train their dog effectively will find this book an invaluable and interesting resource that will make that special bond even more rewarding. This guide is definitely Best in Show quality.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 6–9—Sawyer follows Tubman from a humble enslaved childhood to her adult life as a free woman and as a guide to lead others to freedom. Along the way, readers gain an appreciation for her brave and extraordinary actions as an abolitionist. In an age when many of her compatriots were treated as chattel, Tubman owned land, rubbed shoulders with the rich and powerful, and openly challenged the institution of slavery. Containing a wealth of photographs and illustrations, this attractive biography provides good general background information, helpful definitions, engaging sidebars, and a visual time line.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI

Gr 7 Up—Once readers get past the grammatically questionable title, they'll find that this is a practical book for those who aspire to create their own graphic novels. Slate brings a lot of experience to the table. She is fair handed with the advice she gives to writers as well as artists. The assumption is that readers will try to do both, but she recommends collaborating with someone so that writers and artists can complement one another's talents. Some of Slate's most helpful advice applies to the general creative process, such as dealing with "Creative Block," going outside your circle of friends and family members for honest feedback, and eavesdropping on conversations for dialogue ideas. She also includes nuts-and-bolts advice that will be helpful for readers who are looking for more structure, like demonstrating how to create a "bible" for each character. One of the best practical tips entails using index cards and sticky notes for plotting, as well as color-coding for each character. The instructions and illustrations are easy to follow, and the format is colorful and eye-catching. Slate's examples of completed panels are excellent, but the chapter of teens' work will be even more enticing to a young audience.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Spanning from 1966 until Mao's death a decade later, China's cultural revolution remains "one of history's most horrific political and social upheavals." Starting with a brief history of 20th-century China, the book discusses the political paranoia and machinations that set it into motion. Slavicek clearly explains this complex and confusing time for readers with little to no background in modern Chinese history, covering the social, economic, and political aspects of the era. The book is at its best when explaining Mao's political maneuvering. Numerous pull-out boxes provide context about and excerpts from primary sources. The final chapter offers a short overview of post-Mao China, explaining the country's economic growth and continued political oppression. In addition to the cited academic sources, the further-reading list gives many books and Web sites appropriate for students. With the number of memoirs coming out for middle grade and teen readers, such as Moying Li's Snow Falling in Spring (Farrar, 2008), Da Chen's China's Son: Growing Up in the Cultural Revolution (Delacorte, 2001), and Ji-li Jiang's Red Scarf Girl (HarperCollins, 1997), this welcome title provides much-needed context.—Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

Gr 4–8—Divided into four sections ("Cookies and Baked Goods," "Doughs," "Cakes," and "Pastries"), this volume has more than 50 recipes and an attractive and colorful design. The majority of the dishes are sweet, with several savories also included. Recipes are clearly labeled for difficulty, prep time, and cooking time. In addition, there are safety tips, cleanliness advice, a decent glossary, and a spread with decoration ideas. Variations are given for many of the dishes, a feature that might spark individual creativity. The wonderful photographs clearly show many of the steps of the sometimes complicated but tasty-looking recipes. With so much going for it, it's too bad that a close look reveals some detail problems. In the front matter, the author states that the recipes provide both Imperial and metric measurements, which doesn't translate well in every case. For instance, the one for cornbread calls for 4 oz (125 g) of cornmeal or polenta. This leads to a volume vs. weight debate, and, since a kitchen scale is not specified in the list of tools needed, the cook might assume that it mean half a cup—or does it? Is white bread flour the same as white flour? Will a recipe for marble cake that's made in an eight-inch square cake pan really make 25 servings? Should a recipe for pizza dough that requires 7-10 minutes of kneading be labeled "Easy"? In any case, if you have Rose Dunnington's Bake It Up!: Desserts, Breads, Entire Meals & More (Sterling, 2007), you're in good shape and can take a pass on this one.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 4–6—Each book features a national landmark and provides nearly as much information as a guided tour by a park ranger. All begin with the story of how the place came to be, and where it fits into U.S. history. Information boxes offer additional background and some surprising facts, such as the stages an immigrant would pass through at Ellis Island and the origin of the name of Mount Rushmore. The final chapter shows the landmark today and includes maps and photographs of the visitors' center and some of the things individuals might see or do while visiting the site. Much information is packed into these slim books. Excellent supplements for state reports or to complement U.S. history units.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

Gr 4–8—With a plethora of first-rate soccer books capitalizing on the anticipation of World Cup Soccer 2010 in June, Stewart and Kennedy have risen to the occasion. Covering the history of the sport as well as amazing, wild, and weird goals, they include a multitude of meaty, one-paragraph profiles of male and female stars and organize them chronologically from the late 1800s to the present. The writing is enhanced with historical photographs and reproductions of several players' soccer cards from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Readers will pick up tidbits of conversational facts such as how the phrase "Bend it like Beckham" originated and how Pele helped to popularize soccer in the United States. The authors show a great respect for goalkeepers as well as the scorers throughout the narrative. Even though there are at least two new series of books published this spring, including Rosen's "World Soccer" and Heinemann's "World Cup," a large amount of information is contained in this slim, engagingly readable book. Consider where one book will suffice, rather than a series.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA