Grades 5 & Up

Gr 11 Up—For this collection, each author was asked to write a story about a paradigm shift, a turning point when the world changes. It is an intriguing concept, and issues such as global warming, recycling, technological advancement, and political revolution are given interesting treatments. Ted Kosmatka's "N-Words" tackles cloning, racism, and evolution. Blake Charlton's "Endosymbiont" will be enjoyed by fans of Mary Pearson's The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Holt, 2008). Tobias S. Buckell's "Resistance" is an eerie take on voter apathy, while K. D. Wentworth's "Drinking Problem" is a hilarious look at recycling taken a step too far. All of the stories were written specifically for this book, and the selections give a good sampling of a wide range of science fiction voices. It also aptly illustrates the fact that this genre, while set in the future, can often be inspired by issues we face today. Each story is preceded by a biographical sketch of its author. An introduction by the editor unifies the concept of the anthology. While short-story collections can be hard sells, larger libraries with avid science fiction readers will want this title.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6 Up—A well-written opening to a paranormal series. Chloe, 15, has the ability to see dead people, but before she can figure out what is happening, she has a breakdown, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and placed in a group home. She befriends some of the teens at Lyle House and tries to accept her treatment. However, two of her more mysterious housemates suggest that maybe she isn't crazy. Derek tells her to look up necromancy on the Internet, and she finds out that it's the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead. He appears to have superstrength, and his foster brother has magical powers. Chloe's roommate, who causes things to fly around the room when she becomes angry, is taken away to a hospital and never heard from again. When she returns in Chloe's visions, Chloe suspects foul play, a misgiving confirmed when the dead speak to her again and reveal that they were "supernaturals" who were experimented on, killed, and buried in the home's basement many years before. Together with her new friends, Chloe escapes Lyle House, only to be betrayed. This suspenseful novel sets up a secret underworld where some people support and help supernaturals, while others persecute them. Armstrong combines bits of horror, teen relationships, and a dash of mystery to create a page-turner. Readers will look forward to the next installment.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Fifteen year-old Miriam feels tired, average, and ordinary in her small German town. She passes the time daydreaming in class, arguing with her mother, smoking in the girl's bathroom with her two self-obsessed friends, blasting music, sitting/sulking in her room, and sneaking into bars. She is waiting for something new, something big to happen to her. Then she is attracted to a new classmate, attentive and engaging Laura, and Miriam comes out of her shell. As Miriam starts to embrace the more serious turns of their relationship, Laura becomes hesitant and circumspect, leaving the changed Miriam devastated, but ultimately not alone. Bach's writing and Tanaka's translation offer well-drawn, familiar characters and prose that's spare yet descriptive. Miriam's narration, alive with Bach's insightful handling and clever turns of phrase, provides a sense of depth to the highs and lows of teenage emotions like Miriam's small-town claustrophobia, her impatience, confusion, concerns, fear, anger, elation, and heartbreak. Underage drinking, profanity, drug use and sexual situations make this a book for mature teens.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 6–9—From the premise that Titania's night with the donkey-headed Bottom-as depicted in A Midsummer Night's Dream—resulted in a halfling child, Baker spins this modern fairy tale. Although she's used to being different, 15-year-old Tamasin is surprised when wings suddenly sprout from her back and her parents reveal that she was adopted. Meanwhile, in the land of the fey, Jak, another halfling, struggles to fit in with his goblin family. When his uncle sends him to the human world on a special mission to find and bring back a particular girl, he seizes the chance to prove himself. Jak meets Tamasin at school and invites her to a Halloween party. Together they fall through a gate and into the middle of a rebellion in the fairy world, pitting her birth mother, Titania, against his goblin uncle. Jak and Tamasin's friendship grows as they learn about one another and try to remain alive. Readers experience events from both teens' perspectives as the third-person narrative moves back and forth in time, alternating points of view. The author has left open the possibility of further adventures for Jak and Tamasin, but awkward transitions and far too many coincidentally helpful magic abilities make it hard to believe in this particular fairy world.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 9 Up—Kurt, a Canadian teen, is spending his senior year as an exchange student in Germany. His grandfather, Jäger, emigrated from Germany during the aftermath of World War II and refuses to talk about that part of his life. Kurt hopes to find out about his past, yet is afraid of what he might learn. The first 100 pages of the novel move slowly, and the metaphor of Kurt, a runner, running from his problems is tedious. The pace quickens when he meets Herr Brandt, the grandfather of his love interest and childhood friend of his grandfather. Herr Brandt's stories about himself and Jäger as members of Hitler Youth, as soldiers on the Eastern Front and the brutal fighting with the Russians, and remembrances of Germany in the fever of nationalistic pride preceding the war are well done and intense. Brandt, in his recollections, is a Casanova, and while the descriptions are tame, he does have several sexual encounters. Bass creates believably complex and sympathetic characters in Brandt and Jäger that, while in no way diminishing the horror of the Holocaust, makes it understandable how two naive young men could get caught up in Hitler's lies and dreams. The ending is too neat, but the book will have some appeal to fans of war novels.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

Gr 9 Up—Joseph, a 14-year-old living in an Australian suburb, draws a portrait of a reclusive neighbor for a school assignment. A Vietnam vet, Tom Leyton lives in his family home with his outgoing sister, Caroline, and devotes his time to raising silkworms. A nosy neighbor warns Joseph and his mum about rumors that Tom was asked to leave his teaching position due to improper behavior toward a student, but Joseph perseveres, with Caroline's encouragement. At first almost noncommunicative, Tom gradually opens up to shy Joseph, who in turn shares secrets regarding his absent father. Threaded throughout the tale is Joseph's fascination with the Running Man, a homeless person who jogs through the streets, and about whom he has nightmares. This nearly plotless story features strong character development and delves into the post-traumatic stress syndrome afflicting Tom. However, when he finally tells Joseph about the events in Vietnam that have left him so scarred, the dialogue becomes stilted and unnatural. Bauer's writing style veers between reserved and stiff, and the silkworm metaphor—"All their lives in a box!"—is troweled on too thickly. The Running Man, introduced early on, does not reemerge until late in the story. The explanation for Joseph's father's absence, especially as the underlying reason for the teen's reticence, is introduced so late that it merely interrupts the flow of the narrative instead of enhancing the climax. While this novel will appeal to students seeking a thoughtful psychological character study, it is marred by more telling than showing.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 9 Up—During spring break, overweight Riley Swain, 16, is headed to New Horizons, a school "for young ladies" specializing in body-image issues and eating disorders. Despite her best efforts to hide the truth from all of her rich Manhattan friends, a rumor has circulated that she is going to fat camp. She even lies to her best friend, Michael, with whom she is in love, about where she is headed. Upon her arrival at New Horizons she meets Eric, the son of the program director who is totally not her type, but to whom she is attracted. As she and Eric begin to develop feelings for one another, she begins to question her relationship with Michael. Riley is not a likable character and even though she changes drastically, her transformation seems forced. She has been painted as so shallow that it is hard to imagine her doing any type of soul searching. The plot is full of holes, and it becomes confusing to keep track of which boy she likes and why. The author never really addresses the issues of body image, and the story about this teenage love triangle is disappointing at best.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 6–9—This unusual debut novel is a fantasy set in the modern day. Teenaged Medford Runyuin has never really felt accepted by the island community where he's been raised. Orphaned after his parents drowned, he's being raised by Boyce, a wood-carver, and is training to follow his trade. Even though they trade with the Mainland for necessities, the community is self-sufficient and disdainful of technology. Its residents only name or create useful things, and their surnames denote what they do, like Baker or Tailor. When their children reach age 14, they Transition to adulthood and the Council Elders assigns them a permanent job and last name. Everyone's life is guided by "The Book," a compendium of household and etiquette tips handed down for generations and followed religiously. Citizens can be banished to the Mainland for committing infractions like making Unnameables—frivolous items. Despite the consequences, Medford has been secretly carving and hiding away beautiful wooden objects for years. One day, a part-man, part-goat washes up on the shore near his cabin. The Goatman can call up the wind but cannot control his gift so he was sent to the island to learn to master it. Both know it's just a matter of time before their secrets are discovered. The setting and the dawning rebellion of the island's inhabitants against tradition and conformity are well done. This novel, with certain plot points reminiscent of The Giver, will not appeal to all fantasy readers, but those who try it will find it has a style and charm of its own.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 5–8—On the island of Tatenland, in 1787, all of the men have mysteriously been turned to stone, and male babies are taken to the statue garden when they are born to meet their fate. When Lucy's brother is born, she is determined to save him, and after meeting with a local wise woman, she sets out for another island where he will be kept safe. Along the way she meets Snowcap, the orphaned daughter of the governor, who is herself on the run from the regent and steward who are intent on killing her. At first the 12-year-old girls don't get along, but they eventually band together to save themselves and solve the mystery of how the native men came to be turned to stone. While an interesting premise, the story seems to meander from one minor adventure to the next, and the climactic battle between the girls and the evil steward is snuffed out before it can fully flame. Lucy and Snowcap are nicely developed, but the villains and other minor characters lack substance. This is a serviceable story, with interesting characters and some adventure that will hold the interest of fantasy fans.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 6–9—Vladimir Tod wants be popular like his friend Henry and cool and carefree like Henry's cousin Joss. He would so enjoy putting bullies Tom and Bill, who have been tormenting him for years, in their place. And, of course, he longs to tell Meredith about his feelings for her. All of this should really be a piece a cake for him. He is, after all, the only vampire "living" in Bathory, and he possesses extraordinary powers. Unfortunately, luck does not seem to run his way. What is working for him is the opportunity to go to Siberia with his Uncle Otis to be trained by Vikas, one of the oldest vampires around. Vikas sharpens Vlad's skills, especially in the area of mind control, and educates him on vampire history, language, and culture. Vlad also learns about the prophecy regarding the Pravus, a powerful vampire born from a human mother who will not only rule over all of vampirekind but also enslave the entire human race. Upon his return to Bathory, he is pursued by a vampire slayer and attacked by another one. Could Vlad, whom readers have come to love, possibly be this evil Pravus? Brewer does an excellent job keeping readers on their toes with an intense plot full of many twists and turns. Her writing style is original, witty, and on target. It has a different intensity than series like Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" (Little, Brown) or Richelle Mead's "Vampire Academy" (Penguin), but teens will eat up this installment and be ready to sink their teeth into the sequel.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 6–9—Nathan Fox, orphaned gypsy and actor extraordinaire is recruited by England's spymaster general, Sir Francis Walsingham, to enter the service of Queen Elizabeth I. The 13-year-old is to accompany seasoned agent and ladies' man John Pearce on a mission to Venice in order to form an alliance with Italy against Spain. Nathan soon learns that his older sister, Marie, is a spy, as is his friend Will Shakespeare. Set in 1587, this novel covers a largely undocumented period in Shakespeare's life, allowing Brittney plenty of leeway to develop a story that places the boy in the position of intelligence gatherer for the playwright as well. Nathan is first sent for training in the art of defense. This portion of the plot, though necessary, drags a bit and may have readers jumping ahead to the "real action." Then John, Marie, and Nathan, under assumed identities, set off to Venice to meet, among others, general Othello and Desdemona. Through the interplay of the characters, readers are treated to a rich telling of the story of Othello. The author masterfully creates and sustains a mood of suspense and intrigue through the use of action and dialogue and builds strong characters. Nathan grows from a boy actor into a man as he witnesses firsthand the horrors of war and becomes embroiled in betrayal and murder plots. Brittney also brings to the surface relevant issues of gang violence, religious persecution, and discrimination. As the subtitle foretells, this is Nathan Fox's first mission, so readers can look forward to further adventures.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School Library, Fulton, NY

Gr 5–8—In a small town near the Canadian border, 12-year-old Sam has to make his own entertainment, often leading to encounters with Sumas's lone police officer. After the latest incident, he meets PJ, Officer Myrmidon's 17-year-old son. When they disobey PJ's father and steal a police car to investigate something suspicious at the border, the boys find something much more dangerous than they imagined: goblins. PJ, with the help of the guardians-a secret society dedicated to keeping the goblins from discovering the upper world and humans from discovering UnderEarth—must rescue Sam from the clutches of the great General Goblin, Eww-yuk. Set mostly underground in the creatures' lair, the book has lots of adventure, fights, and spilled blood that will attract middle-grade readers. Keep this on hand for those who want lots of action with some mild gross-out scenes.—Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 6–9—Summertime in Salt Lake City finds four friends falling in and out of love and lust. Ed, the goofball, works in a local DVD rental store with no-nonsense, regency-romance-loving Scout, who happens to harbor a major crush on him. Enter gorgeous, vivacious Ellie, who sweeps Ed off his feet with one toss of her hair, and for whom he devises a sexy, Brazilian alter ego named Sergio, as in Mendez, to impress. Meanwhile, Ed's computer geek BFF, Quark, pines for Scout. Crushes, confusions, mistaken identities, and lighthearted humor run amok in this well-written, clean, simple romance. The characters aren't exactly memorable, but they're cleverly drawn in broad strokes of jokingly concise dialogue, most of which will sound familiar to teen readers. They are bright, intelligent, and mature beyond their years. In the teen book world, unfortunately, this doesn't necessarily add up to attention-grabbing plot tension. What results is a solid, safe book that doesn't push any buttons, which may put off readers looking for something more dynamic.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—In a short introduction, Chen describes an ex-convict who was both an outcast and a sage in the village in China where he grew up. It was from this man that the author first heard the story he tells here. That prologue is immediate and vivid, placing readers in the world where Chen was a child. Unfortunately, the style changes in the novel, and the story of Miu Miu, who must avenge her father's death at the hands of the emperor, is never as personal or vibrant as those initial pages. The 15-year-old martial artist leaves home, disguised as a boy, with the intent of killing the emperor. On the way she meets Tong Ting, another martial artist to whom she was promised in marriage as a baby, and they work together to face the emperor. When they are unable to overcome him, the destiny written for them is death, but Miu Miu believes that her father would want her to live. There is likely to be a cultural disconnect for American readers, as the novel features the traditions of warriors drinking each other's blood as a pledge and widows hanging themselves as honorable deaths. If the character development were deep and genuine, these cultural gaps would fill easily, but the people in this story never become more than folktale figures. For its folkloric quality, the novel is certainly worth reading, but students looking for tales of kung fu and magic might be better off with Lawrence Yep's "Tiger's Apprentice" series (HarperCollins).—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 4–6—The cockroach clans have always felt at home at Pop's Corner. The venerable jazz venue has plenty of dark hiding places, an abundant food supply, and, best of all, no health inspectors. But now the elderly owner is heavily in debt and the club faces foreclosure. He refuses to tell his family, not wanting to worry them. The Elder Roach Council mobilizes for action, calling on the worldwide roach society for financial help. Meanwhile, young Impetuous (Impy) and his friends resolve to save their home. They hatch a plan that involves dropping hints to the humans and requires the help of the old man's grandkids—and several grateful jazz artists who got their start at Pop's—but can they pull it together in time? The idea of a secret cockroach civilization is amusing, particularly the contention that most human art and science originated with the insects. Although Impy gets title billing, the perspective shifts among various bug and human characters. While the multiple viewpoints can be distracting, they also allow considerable insight into the emotions and motivations of the peripheral characters, especially Pop himself. The black-and-white illustrations—full-page and vignette—present an engaging bug's-eye view of the action and help to "humanize" the insect characters. An acceptable choice for animal fantasy fans.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–8—Jomar, 14, and his younger sister have been forced to go to the city of Ur to bring income to their poverty-stricken family. Jomar will be an apprentice to a goldsmith, but Zefa has little talent for anything other than playing the lyre that her brother has made for her. He considers the instrument a toy and a burden, but Zefa's talent charms the siblings' way out of one dangerous situation after another. When they finally reach their destination, Jomar is warmly greeted, but Zefa is accused of stealing and runs away. The goldsmith's wife accuses her of stealing and she runs away. It is not until Jomar begs the help of a high priestess that he is able to clear the girl's name and entice her to play the honored temple lyre. This well-researched historical drama opens readers' eyes to the perils of starving farmers in ancient Mesopotamia. The simple story line, colorful descriptions, and endearing characters result in an entertaining tale.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 4–7—Sixth-grader Josh may be taking his love of the Captain Major comic books too far, or so the adults in his life believe. He is convinced that everything that happens to Captain Major's sidekick, Mascot, also happens to him. So when Josh discovers that the comic book's creator plans to kill off Mascot, Josh believes he could die as well. Enlisting the help of his friend Kelsey, aka "Large Lass," he embarks on an adventure that helps him cope with his father's disappearance and realize that people will like him even if he isn't a real-life superhero. David clearly understands the prepubescent male experience and successfully brings to life a character whom boys will relate to. Likewise, female comics fans will enjoy the way Josh casts "Large Lass" into a superhero's role. Additionally, David uses a voice-over technique for the moments when Josh imagines that he is actually Mascot, which is very funny. Josh and Kelsey do find themselves in slightly implausible situations but, given the superhero premise of the story, it's easy to suspend belief. Doran's comic-strip illustrations are action packed and dynamic, but there are too few of them. Is this great literature? Hardly. Will boys read it? Definitely. This is perfect for comic-book fans who are ready (or being pushed by adults) to move on to novels.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—Delacre has dedicated this slim volume to "all grieving teens," and while it is published as a work of fiction, the author's note explains that her 16-year-old daughter did, in fact, die in a car accident in 2004. She relates how her mourning process involved interviewing many of Alicia's friends about their relationship with the pint-sized, exuberant Puerto Rican American. Resources on teen grief and teen-driver safety, as well as a photo of Alicia, are appended. Though the point of view shifts from chapter to chapter, the narrative begins and ends with Alicia's mother, starting with the fateful night of the teen's date with a boy who speeds, loses control, and crashes into a telephone pole, killing her instantly. The chapters that focus on her friends, including the driver who survives the crash, don't provide any kind of cohesive narrative, reporting instead memories and events that form a two-dimensional portrait of Alicia: a perfect angel of a daughter, a true and fun-loving friend, a gifted dancer, and someone who always gave more than she took. Throughout the book, faint line sketches appear like shadows beneath the text. While reading the 13 nearly indistinguishable teen accounts of Alicia might be good bibliotherapy for those who have suffered a loss, this afterimage turns into an overexposure of pain that appeals to a sense of pathos without providing satisfaction as fiction.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–9—A solid and satisfying conclusion to the "Ember Saga," set in a post-disaster future. Hostilities have died down between the citizens of Sparks and the refugees from the underground city of Ember, and all are working together to survive the brutal winter. A roamer brings forth the barest remains of a book that intrigues Doon and Lina because it alludes to a mysterious device that may still be in Ember. They decide to go back to see if they can find any answers or, if nothing else, food. What they find is the Trogg Family, travelers who have taken over the remains of the city, scavenging supplies and making grand plans. Doon is caught and shackled, leaving Lina to try and make her way back to Sparks to get help. Once again, the teens, both remarkably self-sufficient and imaginative, are able to save themselves and figure out at least a small part of the mystery left behind by the Builders. In doing so, they help their community and ultimately the entire planet. And the epilogue gives the answer to a question raised in the series' prequel, The Prophet of Yonwood (Random, 2006), namely, what Hoyt McCoy was up to with that telescope of his. All the loose ends are tied up neatly and everything ends on a positive, hopeful note. Satisfying, indeed.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–7—Twelve-year-old Samantha, the narrator of this novel, is uncomfortable about escalating battles over her brother Evan's behavior. As a high school freshman, he continues to have difficulties meeting his teachers' expectations. His mother has long ignored their requests that he undergo testing for learning disabilities. Evan's parents expect him to be like his high-achieving, sports-minded older brother. Eventually, he discloses that he cannot read and reveals what he has long suspected: neither can his energetic, highly involved, civic-minded mother. Readers will appreciate the gently hinted-at optimistic ending: Evan's painting of owls in flight in the woods near his Orinda, CA, home earns a second-place ribbon in a local art contest he secretly entered. In acknowledging Evan's artistic talent, his parents open the door to getting him help as they start to confront his mother's secret. In spite of the cover illustration, which makes both Samantha and Evan look much younger than they are, readers will find a sensitively told story about the toll that hidden illiteracy has on one family. While the author clearly foreshadows the mother's inability to read, the theme does not overpower the story. More obvious is the symbolism of the owls in flight as a way for Evan to rise above his turbulent home life. An obvious choice for a classroom read-aloud or as a discussion opener on a topic uncomfortable for many families.—Ellen Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 6–8—Matt Stevens is a seventh-grade Sam Spade who attends a middle school with an organized crime ring run by Vinny Biggs and his goons. Biggs traffics in forgeries, stolen exams, and candy, and has his competition regularly put in the "Outs" with humiliating water-pistol stains to the pants. A kid in the Outs is outcast for life—so when Nikki Fingers, Biggs's most-feared former hit woman, is taken down by an unseen assailant, Matt is hired by both her sister, Jenny, and Biggs himself to find the culprit. The result is a punchy, clue- and twist-filled plot that falls somewhere between Bruce Hale's "Chet Gecko" (Harcourt) and Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War (Knopf, 1974). Ferraiolo cleverly adapts hard-boiled whodunit roles to a slightly cartoonish middle school arena (Joey "the Hyena" is framed for the crime; Katie Kondo is the vigilant hall monitor chief; Jimmy Mac heads the school paper; Sal Becker runs a root-beer version of a dive bar in his toolshed). Matt's strained relationship with Kevin, a former best friend who's now working for Biggs, brings depth to his character, as do his crushes on both Jenny and Kevin's sister. An intriguing personal mystery involving Matt's father, who disappeared years earlier, remains unsolved by the end of the book, and Matt's mother has secrets yet to tell. Well paced, funny, and suspenseful, with some real commentary on bullying and mob mentality, this book will have fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this faux noir detective series.—Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

Gr 7 Up—In the range of things that can make one a misfit in high school, having a father who has been arrested on suspicion of being a serial killer is probably at the top of the list. Kevin Windor, 17, finds himself in that situation when his dad is apprehended at a crime scene where a woman has been brutalized in the manner of the DB25 Monster, a killer credited with 11 murders. Kevin cannot imagine how his loving, tech-savvy father could possibly be guilty, but lingering secrets about his parents' marriage and divorce and Dad's past eventually convince him that these ugly accusations may be true. His social relationships fall apart as the world dubs him Monster Junior; his dream girl ends up in his best friend's arms; he gets suspended several times; and tension grows as he and his mother face this horror. The guilt or innocence of Greg Windor remains a mystery through most of the book, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Some of the dialogue seems strained, and Kevin's reversal of opinion about his father halfway through the story is abrupt. Still, fans of Sean Olin's Killing Britney (S & S, 2005) and Elaine Marie Alphin's Counterfeit Son (Harcourt, 2000) will be pleased to discover another novel that will raise goose bumps on the backs of their necks.—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School

Gr 9 Up—When Dora is left on her own for the summer, deserted by her boyfriend and her two best friends, she takes two jobs to alleviate the boredom. As an assistant at an animal shelter, she is in dangerously close proximity to an extremely cute veterinarian as well as an abandoned cat in need of a good home. And, as a waitress at an exclusive Brooklyn racquet club, she meets captivating but morally vacant Stella, who instantly becomes her new best friend. With no one else to turn to, Dora learns some important life lessons as she temporarily embraces the party-girl lifestyle, gains and loses new friends, and, without realizing it, grows up. Dora is a wonderful character, a perfect balance of sensitivity, strength, and sass. Frankel effectively conveys the importance of her problems and still maintains a wicked sense of humor, keeping the mood of the book fresh and realistic.—Jessie Spalding, Tempe Public Library, AZ

Gr 5–8—The cast of The Mother-Daughter Book Club (S & S, 2007) is back. Now the girls are in seventh grade, each responding to the social and academic challenges of middle school and impending teen years. This year, the club is reading books by Lucy Montgomery, starting with Anne of Green Gables. Each member and her mother find something to relate to in the books, even the snarky Becca Chadwick who, with her dictatorial parent, joins the club. Different perspectives are provided as each chapter is told in the alternating voices of Emma (writer), Jess (farm girl), Cassidy (athletic tomboy), and Megan (fashion diva). The pace is fast, the concerns and emotions real. The girls are gutsy problem-solvers, with plausibly presented emotions. Adult characterizations, however, are almost clichéd (Emma's mother, for example, is especially bright as she's a librarian, and the patience of Cassidy's mom's love interest doesn't falter until the final pages). The resolution is a bit romanticized but satisfying. As in the first book, Frederick connects a classic title to contemporary problems.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 4–7—Though most girls love horses, Sophie has had only negative experiences with them. Mom had purchased a pony several years ago for Sophie's older sister to ride, but Really turned out to be a mean-spirited biter. Sweetheart, a trick-playing Arabian, and Fancy Free, a huge and intimidating Western Buckskin, were acquired soon after. Sophie is frightened of them. Though schoolmates at first befriended her to ride her horses, the truth about these particular critters soon gets out. Only stubborn Melissa, who is determined to ride Sweetheart, and Rachel, who has no interest in the animals, stick around long enough to become true friends. Sophie has a stubborn streak herself. Finding inspiration in heroes like Lawrence of Arabia, she dreams of galloping across the beach at her island home in Maine. She is determined, and, after numerous riding lessons, ultimately successful. Charming but infrequent cartoons accompany the text. Though there are some flaws with the pacing, the book eventually hits its stride. The horses' personalities shine through, and they become the real supporting cast. Sophie narrates her adventures with self-deprecating humor and genuine emotion as she faces her fears, confronts a bully, and learns the importance of self-reliance, and her well-developed character makes this short and sweet tale memorable.—Jane Cronkhite, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 5–8—A well-told ghost story with plenty of twists and chills. Eleven-year-old Zack believes that his mother, who died from cancer, haunts his New York City apartment, continually disapproving of his behavior. He is immensely relieved when Dad marries Judy, a kind woman, and they move to Connecticut. Unfortunately, Zack cannot seem to escape the dead. Shortly after arriving in North Chester, they meet Gerda Spratling, the last survivor of the town's founding family. The abrasive woman mourns the loss of her fiancé, making a weekly pilgrimage to the crossroads outside Zack's yard where a massive oak marks the spot where Clint died almost 50 years ago. When Zack sees this tree, he fears that something evil is trapped within, and after the oak is split open by lightning, it soon becomes apparent that a malevolent spirit has been set free. With the help of Judy and a new friend, Zack takes on the menace that is plaguing their town and riling up a plethora of ghosts. This riveting tale is written in short, easy-to-read chapters, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. Throughout the story, the main characters grow closer to one another and gain heroic traits while the "bad guys" reveal greater depths of wickedness and insanity. Readers will relate to Zack and enjoy the book's scare factor and adventure.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 5–8—This thoughtful coming-of-age novel, set sometime in the past in a world of privilege, tells the story of a pivotal time in the life of 12-year-old Cecile. Her family is once again spending the summer on tiny Gull Island at her grandfather's manor-like residence, and she's looking forward to swimming and soaking up the rays with her older sister. Unfortunately, Natalie, 14, has other plans that mostly involve locking lips with William, an "Interloper" who is vacationing on the island with his family. Despite Cecile's continued protests that she will never become obsessed with boys and appearances like Natalie, she finds herself facing changes as she buys her first bra, attends a dance at the club, and longs to catch the attention of a particular young man. Cecile is a likable and sympathetic individual who wants things to go back to the way they were last year, before her parents were fighting and puberty took her sister away. Readers on the verge of crossing the line between childhood and adolescence will relate to her internal struggles. In the end, Cecile realizes that while she cannot stop herself from growing up, she can do so at her own pace and in her own way, not necessarily following in Natalie's footsteps. The well-written book introduces a memorable main character.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—A lively companion to Just Ella (S & S, 1999). Cecilia, 14, has a secret. Despite her peasant appearance, she is the true princess of Suala, hidden from birth to protect her from the conspirators who murdered her parents. To evade capture, she leaves her village with her friend Harper and heads for the capital city to claim her throne. Imagine her surprise when Desmia, the figure-head princess, reveals 11 other "true princesses" locked in the palace dungeons. Visiting from Fridesia, Ella turns up to help Desmia, Cecilia, and Harper unravel this political intrigue. Palace of Mirrors sits nicely alongside Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 2007) and Shannon Hale's Princess Academy (Bloomsbury, 2005). Much of the humor stems from Cecilia's misconceptions, and from the wit of her friend-turned-beau, Harper. The plot will be a familiar one to genre readers, but they will happily travel it again to see Cecilia's identity unfold. The suspense builds to a well-paced climax and conclusion with few pauses in an action-packed story. While the setting is less defined than the characters and plot, readers will be too focused on the protagonist's many concerns to notice.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—Brianna, a high school senior, lives with her devoted motorcycle-fixing dad and has two popular best friends. A verifiable math wizard, she is sure to be accepted at MIT. Unfortunately, she also has cystic fibrosis and begins each morning with a chest-pounding, courtesy of her father, to loosen the mucus coating her lungs. The death of Molly, a friend who also had CF, haunts Brianna and she fears that she will be next. With her body slowly failing her, she sometimes doesn't see the point of applying to college or thinking about her future. Comfort comes from two unlikely sources. Adam, a dorky new friend from math class introduces her to Love, a 1960s band whose lyrics speak to her. Mr. Eccles, her calculus teacher, also facing his own mortality, teaches her about infinitesimals. These quantities are important in calculus: "Something which seems to be nearly nothing turns out to be crucial to everything." Brianna finds strength in this idea when confronting her own mortality and the value of her life. Although the end wraps up too quickly and offers little hope for people with CF, this is a heartbreaking story of courage, friendship, and acceptance, with some great math concepts to boot.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 7 Up—By day, chunky 14-year-old Shermie Thuff works in his grandfather's ice-cream parlor, but at night he dreams of reaching competitive-eating stardom. Only thing is, he can't handle more than 10 hot dogs before he barfs, literally. To break the record, he deduces he's got to lose weight fast, so he enlists his friend Gardo, a member of the school wrestling team, to help him drop the pounds. The story is a subtle cautionary oddity that's probably too long for its own good, and has a niche audience, particularly with the competitive-eating theme. On a broader scale, it's a story of a young sportsman with an eating disorder, which is a rare find in teen fiction. The only trouble is that the plot is probably much too winding to reach this audience, and, instead, will likely find its place among a much younger crowd, who may or may not be patient enough to sit through Shermie's huffing-and-puffing inner dialogue. The gross-out factor promises plenty of puke, however, and that may be enough in itself to hook readers.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up-Marianne and Opal, two African-American girls, have grown up like sisters and sheltered one another from the racism of their small Pennsylvania town. Now in high school, Marianne has revealed a wild side. She skips school, uses drugs, and fools around with boys. Opal makes good grades and enjoys reading. Opal loves Marianne in a way that Marianne does not return. Suddenly, Marianne is dead. It's unclear whether it was an accident or suicide, but it doesn't matter. Opal is devastated and draws into a shell of remembrance of the good and bad times the two had shared. She copes by recalling a legend her family told to both girls about a slave who escaped from a Maryland plantation and fell in love during her journey north. After her lover gave his life to protect her, Hannah magically flew over a ravine to escape slave catchers—the same ravine in which Marianne died. In this coming-of-age story, Opal finds that time, family, and ultimately love actually can begin to heal wounds. Hegamin's first novel is richly imaginative as it deals with difficult subjects. Opal's and Hannah's parallel stories of love and loss blend seamlessly in this small book that packs a big wallop.—Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman's University, Denton

Gr 9 Up—Rico Fuentes, 15, hasn't had an easy life. He spent part of his childhood in a hospital, his mother blames him for her misery, his loving father is a drunk, and, because of his light Cuban skin, he's hassled by peers. With escalating problems at his 1960s New York City school and his friend Jimmy spiraling dangerously out of control because of drugs, Rico decides to run away, taking Jimmy with him. They head for Wisconsin and Gilberto, who's gone off to college and is living on a hippie farm. There, in the "land of milk and honey," Rico saves Jimmy's life and finds acceptance—by others first and, ultimately, of himself. The protracted narrative is by turns sentimental, humorous, and sad, but Hijuelos creates a memorable character who will resonate with readers wrestling with their own identity issues.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 8–10—Fifteen-year-old Lindsey's life is in shambles. Before the novel even begins, her father's psychiatry practice is closed by a malpractice suit, her older brother is killed in a car crash, and her mother has left for the other side of the country, leaving her ill-equipped father in charge. Lindsey's always been considered the good girl-an outstanding student and a responsible, respectful child, nominated by her principal to serve as the school's sophomore ambassador. With the recent upheaval in her life, she struggles to maintain her spotless reputation. Frustrated with her family and friends, she begins taking money from her father's wallet and shoplifting lip gloss in an effort to be noticed. Her problem begins to spiral out of control when school-wide locker thefts attract the attention of the police. The fast-moving plot doesn't allow for extensive character development, but its pace should appeal to reluctant readers. Although teens will find the subject matter interesting, there are almost too many issues to deal with in a book of this length. Occasionally, the conversations among the teens seem forced, but readers will likely overlook it for a plot that contains plenty of angst and a touch of romance.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 7–10—This reissue of a pulp-fiction Western from the 1930s, one in a series of many, has all the clichés required at the time for a successful shoot-'em-up. Lee Weston is a gunslinger from Wyoming who comes to town at the behest of his father, who sends word that he is having trouble with the local big-money character named Dodge. Lee arrives just in time to learn of Pa's death, and now he is riding hard to find the mangy dog who shot him. Along the way, he meets and falls for Dodge's beautiful daughter, so there is a bit of Romeo and Juliet woven in as Weston fights off the bad guys and tries to win the girl. In less than 100 pages there is a lot of action, blazing 45s, and cowpoke language. The glossary of period terms and phrases, a history of pulp fiction, and the biography of Hubbard are a big part of this book's attraction. Put Branded Outlaw in the hands of reluctant readers. The fact that they know exactly what to expect and that the characters are simple and straightforward can be a bonus for them.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School Library, Loveland, CO

Gr 5–8—Tally, 11, attends Delderton, a progressive boarding school in the Devon countryside, and though she doesn't want to leave her loving father, London in 1939 is not very safe. As it turns out, she thrives there, good-naturedly setting herself to solving the problems of students and staff alike. When Bergania, whose king has refused to let Hitler's armies march through his (fictional) country, announces an international children's folk-dancing festival, Tally convinces her school to attend. During their visit, the king is assassinated, and she and the Delderton troupe rescue 12-year-old Prince Karil and smuggle him to England. Kept virtually imprisoned by his snooty wellborn relatives, Karil longs for a normal life, and eventually finds a way to escape his royal obligations, attend the school, and be reunited with his friends. Tally has a bit of Sara Crewe about her; she is singularly compassionate and generous, beloved by almost all who meet her. Her worries and imperfections make her wisdom lovely rather than irritating. Prince Karil and several adults receive meticulous and fascinating character development, but many others remain one-dimensional, known mainly by their eccentric traits. The unsympathetic characters are easy to dislike, so unremittingly negative is their depiction. Although the battle between good and evil is painted with a broad brush, Ibbotson treats most issues with a wise, subtle, and humorous touch; her writing is sublime. The satisfying epilogue, set six years later, will have readers giggling through their tears.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This book sends strong positive messages about making a difference without hitting readers over the head. At its core is a mystery: who is "defiling" or D-listing girls at Harewood Technical? Shrimpy Sherman Mack loves girls in more than just the way typical ninth-grade boys do, though he clearly has all those urges and obsessions, too. He stands up to champion some of those whose photos have gotten posted in school bathrooms with the D-mark of the pariah and who have had to endure a particularly nasty level of the high school inferno. When lovely, artistic outsider Dini starts dating a mega-popular lacrosse player, Sherman tries to warn her off. He takes up the case as a sort of teen private investigator in training, in part because he wants to help the victims, but also because his friend Vanessa admires his efforts—and he admires Vanessa. Vivid supporting characters add depth to Sherman's world: his way-too-hot bartender mother, whose hobby is burlesque dancing; his enthusiastic cooking teacher, who encourages his dinner-party project to fast-track him into the school's professional courses; and a range of eccentric friends and acquaintances from a variety of social classes and cliques. As if appealing to both genders and espousing integrity weren't enough, the story is often funny, with an endearing main character. Getting the Girl is a pursuit worth undertaking.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–6—Philippa Fisher's life is a disaster. Her parents embarrass her in front of her friends; they are party entertainers and drive a bright yellow VW camper with pictures of clowns and jesters and rabbits painted on the side. Then her best friend moves away and she feels totally alone. She is so miserable, in fact, that the ATC (Above the Clouds) sends her a fairy godmother from 3WD (the Three Wishes Department). But Daisy, the fairy godmother (called a godsister because of her age), has serious attitude and is vexed at being paired with a human. She and Philippa get off to a dreadful start when her charge unknowingly leaves the transforming fairy with a limp and bruises. Just wanting to get the job done, Daisy delivers three wishes that give the girl the opportunity to change her life forever, which results in near disaster. Philippa, a self-conscious 11-year-old who desperately wants to be part of the popular crowd, is forced to rethink what friendship and parental love are all about. It is her choices and the consequences that make this story so moving. Equally as charming is the way fairy magic has been modernized with MagiCell messaging and a fairy facing her own trials and errors. The gentle storytelling and theme of finding oneself will resonate with girls gong through their own emotional awakenings.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 6–9—In 1861, the Confederacy has just declared its independence from the Union, but life goes on much as usual in the quiet town of Gettysburg. Fifteen-year-old Lizzie Allbauer and her cousin Rosanna, recently arrived from Virginia, have big plans to attend the Ladies' Seminary together in the fall. Then Lizzie's father and brother enlist in the Union army and she must stay home to help her mother run the family butcher shop. Rosanna flees back to Richmond after a Gettysburg beau is killed in one of the early battles. Torn between her romanticized view of the war and her parents' conservative rules, Rosanna impulsively agrees to marry a former beau, John Wilcox. Within a month of marriage, he is injured, and Rosanna rushes to meet up with the Virginia Infantry so that she can care for him. Realizing that she has a gift for healing, she stays on with her husband's company as a nurse. Chapters alternate between Rosanna's journal entries of her life as a Confederate nurse and Lizzie's accounts of the events leading up to the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. While Klein's extensive research is evident, the alternating voices have only limited success: readers will be drawn to Lizzie's genuine warmth, but frivolous Rosanna's leap to the ultra-responsible wife and nurse and the stilted dialogues in her journal entries stretch credibility. Still, Klein's weaving of the young women's stories to a shared conclusion gives a fresh perspective on the complexities of the Civil War.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 10 Up—Ryan, a high school sophomore, is mourning the death of his younger sister, Molly, by smoking dope, semipermanently connecting to his iPod and disconnecting from his parents. When Charlotte, a popular schoolmate, falls from her horse and into a coma, Ryan is drawn to the hospital to talk to her. During his many visits, he meets the young patient next door who claims he can go to "Deadville" and talk to people in that limbo between life and death, including Charlotte. This prompts Ryan to begin to face his grief and explore the meaning of death. While the teen's introspection slows the pace of the story, Koertge masterfully maintains reader interest with rich, right-on dialogue and details about teen life, attitudes, and relationships. Some of the scenes in which Ryan and his friends get high are funny while others show the problematic consequences of each and every joint. Ryan's metamorphosis is clearly illustrated through changes in his choice of clothes and friends without being trite or clichéd. His choice of music goes from "What's Got Me Down?" by U.S. Mail Band to a Celtic folk song that, when shared with his dad, symbolically bridges the gap between them. Deadville provides some realistic, thought-provoking ideas about dealing with the death of a loved one. Readers who enjoyed John Green's Looking for Alaska (Dutton, 2005) will find another Miles Pudge Halter in Ryan as he eventually concludes that there are no simple answers about death and accepts that ambiguity.—Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School Library, Livonia, MI

Gr 9 Up—Sophomore Lily Noble, a privileged, private school "lifer," feels that she no longer fits at Vaughn, her academic home since preschool. Her parents agree to let her board there to see if she can sort things out. In the process, she befriends Hazel Tobias, a transfer scholarship student who challenges her to look at the school, her family, and her friends through new lenses. Lily is intrigued both by Hazel's attitudes and by her very different life circumstances-she was orphaned at age three, raised by her then-teenaged gay brother, and has jumped from school to school. Lily virtually disowns the life she has always known and goes in search of herself, entering Hazel's world. Koja's well-paced novel invites readers into the world of elite boarding schools. Narrated by Lily, the story is juxtaposed with personal reflections about the vagaries of the Vaughn experience as seen through the eyes of some of the secondary characters. Six of the chapters are told in flashback, referring to the months prior to the June Convocation, while the final episode propels the story into the following academic year. Thus, it is possible to see in retrospect the changes in the girls' relationships and the decisions that they both ultimately make. This is an excellent character study of both Lily and Hazel and an in-depth look at how real friendships demand a soul-searching dive beneath the nature of one's own feelings while trying to understand the complexity of another's.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 6–9—LaFaye presents a solid example of alternate-history fiction set in Mississippi in 1866, imagining what it would have been like if some Southerners had tried to treat African Americans with justice and respect. Fourteen-year-old Stella's mother just died from yellow fever, and now the bank will repossess Oak Grove unless she can find her father's will and payment book. The townspeople refuse to deal fairly with her as she shares his views about the evil of slavery; in fact, he had promised to sign over ownership of the plantation to the black workers. Her only hope for keeping Oak Grove and fulfilling her father's vow is to find a Yankee to buy the property at auction. Enter Mr. Dooley, a Philadelphia lawyer. At first skeptical about Oak Grove's management—the workers hold meetings to vote on issues—he gradually comes to respect and appreciate Stella's views, and the two become partners. While not all of the characters are fully realized, the Reconstruction-period details are spot-on. Side plots dealing with the personal lives of ex-slaves lend glimpses into the heartbreak inflicted by slavery. Stella's ideas and actions are extremely modern but readers feel her frustration at the social constrictions she faces as a girl and her bewilderment and anger at the racism she witnesses.—Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA

Gr 9 Up—A traumatized teen mother magically escapes to her own personal heaven in this daring and deeply moving fantasy. The characters, setting, much of the action, and even the very words of the title are taken from the Grimm Brothers' "Snow-White and Rose-Red," a sweet story of contrasting sisters who live deep in the forest and whose innocent hearts are filled with compassion for a lonely bear and an endangered dwarf. In the novel, Liga's daughters—one born of incest, the other of gang rape—first flourish in Liga's safe world. But encounters with magical bears and the crusty dwarf challenge them to see a world beyond their mother's secure dreamscape. Eventually the younger one, Urdda, and subsequently her sister and Liga are drawn back into the real world in which cruelty, hurt, and prejudice abound. But it is also only there that they can experience the range of human emotion, develop deep relationships, and discover who they truly are. The opening chapters vividly portray the emotional experience of a boy's first sexual encounter, mind-numbing abuse by Liga's father, and a violent gang rape. It's heavy fare even for sophisticated readers, but the author hits all the right notes, giving voice to both the joys and terrors that sexual experience can bestow without saying more than readers need to know to be fully with the characters. While the story explores what it means to be human, it is at its heart an incisive exploration of the uses and limitations of dissociation as a coping mechanism. Beautifully written and surprising, this is a novel not to be missed.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 7–10—With segregation still ruling the rural South in 1946, the friendship between Ansel Anderson, who is white, and Willie Benton, who is black, faces many obstacles. After the town eccentric offers the boys an opportunity to leave their homes and pursue their dreams, the 14-year-olds consider their options. However, when Ansel's father helps a mob lynch Willie's father for the murder of a white girl, the teens must pursue their destinies separately. After many years, Ansel stops by his hometown and encounters Zeph Davis, the actual killer. Lester's unconventional opening momentarily confuses readers, but they are soon drawn into the narrative. "Trees remember…. But some trees do not speak…because they are ashamed." Poignant and powerful phrasing overshadows spare character development and helps satisfy readers' desire to explore the deeper motivations for some behaviors. The understated violence, coupled with reflections on lynching, heightens the horror. Back matter includes an author's note that explains the genesis of the story, an appendix with lynching statistics broken down by state, and a bibliography of lynching-related titles. Detailing the death of a friendship and the drive to succeed, Lester's compelling tale is an excellent purchase for most libraries.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—In his third book set in South Brook High School, Lyga introduces Kevin Ross, the hometown hero revered for rescuing a local classmate from a serial killer. However, with each accolade and reward bestowed upon him, the teen becomes increasingly more depressed and filled with self-loathing. Only he knows why he was at the right place to save Leah Muldoon from "The Surgeon." Kevin's life becomes even more complicated when a local reporter photographs him throwing out "Support the Troops" magnets. Instead of explaining why he tossed them, the teen becomes politically engaged as he debates the relevance of the Pledge of Allegiance and examines what it means to support the troops. His unpopular opinions bring up his father's questionable past and ostracize him from his classmates and the community. As Kevin struggles to refine his opinions, he also questions his relationship with his estranged mother in California as well as with the Catholic Church. Readers will be interested in the mystery surrounding Kevin's obsession with Leah Muldoon and his father's dishonorable discharge from the military. Kevin's anguish and guilt are palpable; however, some of the situations, including the all-school assembly for an impromptu debate between Kevin and a classmate he has antagonized, stretch believability. Also, the plot takes on too many issues. Still, Lyga's fans will be rewarded by his authentic teen characters, his willingness to tackle tough issues, and, most importantly, his ability to encourage a dialogue that is crucial to democratic participation.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 4–6—Zane lives in a future in which everything is networked and microchipped. His bedroom talks to him, reads his temperature, and informs him when he will next need to go to the bathroom. His parents are wired, too—both are network broadcasters with studios at home—although Zane never sees them unless he makes an appointment. His best pal is his dog, Hugo, who wears a microchip installed by the family vet that allows him to talk when Zane wears a special earphone. But Hugo tells Zane things he isn't supposed to know—for example, that Dr. Gristle has been performing twisted techno-experiments on an entire lab full of animals, and that the boy is the only one who can rescue them. Techno-savvy kids will chuckle at this goofily satirical look at how adults use technology to keep their children "safe," and how that technology can also turn around and—literally—bite them.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 3–6—In this companion novel to No More Nasty (Farrar, 2001) and No More Nice (Scholastic, 1996), 12-year-old Parker is stuck on his great-aunt and great-uncle's ramshackle farm for the summer while his parents embark on a trip around the world. He can't get his cell phone, iPod, or computer to work and there isn't even a telephone in the house. Worse yet, Aunt Mattie and Uncle Philbert expect him to help feed the various critters, split wood, and fish. He's never done a chore in his life. When they refuse to sell the farm to make way for an impending interstate, Parker's lack of physical activity and excess of cowardice are put to the test as neighborhood tormentors young and old threaten both him and the farm. Hilarious antics ensue as the boy matures and realizes that there is more to life than the latest video game. Black-and-white line drawings enhance the lighthearted text. Children will treasure the larger-than-life characters, and they may even realize that their dependence on electronics is overrated.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Gr 4–6—It comes as a shock to 11-year-old Elijah to find his Aunt Serena and Aunt Agnes descend upon his family since his mother had never told her husband or son that she had siblings. Fifteen years earlier, the women had quarreled, were under a curse, and had broken a magic cauldron. And now the aunts have come because they needed their nephew to reverse the spell. These truly evil women "remove" his parents, kidnap him, and take him to their fiendish, squalid house to do their dastardly deeds. Unable to escape, he is put under spells, but discovers that he, too, has magical powers. It's a good thing because time after time Elijah and his new friend, Dez, are in deep trouble and need magic to escape. Set in 1927, the book has continuous action and piles of demonic atmosphere. While it lacks the sardonic wit found in Roald Dahl's gleeful tales about witches, it does have lots of suspense. And, at the end, timid, resourceful Elijah turns into a hero.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Val, friendless and adrift, finds Francie and adopts her religious devotion to slutty ensembles and shoplifting. Off-kilter humor, moody narration, and twisted psychology make this sardonic exploration of suburbia thrilling—like pocketing lip gloss and walking right out of the store. In Madison's hands, tacky becomes fabulous and wrong weirdly morphs into holy. The girls rock conservative Sandra Dee High with gold lamé hot pants, big boobs, bigger hair, and heavy eyeliner. They travel daily to the glimmering Montgomery Shoppingtowne Mall to perfect the black art of stealing. Val and Francie zealously try to strip the place to its cement foundation. Contempt for false edifice and for the superficial frameworks behind home, school, and the mall fuel their obsessive devotion to thievery. Analytical readers will recognize metaphorical expressions of teen malaise throughout. A circuitous creek strings together teens living inside cookie-cutter houses with unnaturally green yards. However, Madison's metaphors, while fascinating, often remain too murky, and character motivations remain unclear. When Val finally dumps Francie, readers aren't exactly sure why. Francie's unfunny blond jokes and even Val's mysteriously dying brother never feel fully worked out, perhaps even in the author's mind. But Madison's tinkering with unclear, unexplained happenings also provides this imaginative novel with its wild-haired beauty. Dreamy collisions of reality and fantasy, of the nonsensical and impossible, make for a magical, slippery read.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—Being the new kid in school is often hard enough, but Annabelle finds that dealing with the idiosyncrasies of sixth-grade boys is truly daunting. She misses her friends and doesn't know how she feels about her mother's live-in boyfriend, Ted. Then her mother and Ted surprise her with a puppy and a dog-training manual that proves to be a partial answer to some of her school dilemmas. Annabelle discovers that strategies in the manual can be transferred and tweaked to solve some of the boy issues at school. Using a mixture of confidence, ingenuity, and some excellent Swiss chocolates, she begins to change some difficult situations and behaviors for the better. This clever and humorous premise is deftly handled to create a believable and enjoyable tale with a likable and resourceful heroine whose trials, tribulations, and triumphs will have others wanting a training manual of their own.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 9 Up—With heartbreaking honesty, Martin's debut novel gets into the mind of 16-year-old Nick Severson. Still dealing with the effects of his parents' divorce, he plans to have a vacation with no commitments. However, the summer takes an interesting turn when Sasha Jasinski enters the picture. Nick is intrigued by the connection they seem to share but also put off by Sasha's initial disappointment with his behavior. To the shock of his friends, Nick stops seeing Dani to pursue Sasha. They grow closer both emotionally and physically. When things start to get too complicated for her, she breaks off the relationship only to discover a few weeks later that she is pregnant. What raises this novel above the many other teen titles dealing with sex and pregnancy is the authentic voice and emotion of the protagonist. Readers struggle with Nick as he deals with the loss of his first love and the decisions related to Sasha's pregnancy. His story challenges stereotypical notions of reckless teen sex and careless abortions; teen boys will especially applaud this portrayal of a devastated and conflicted young man who makes the right decisions, but still finds that his mistakes have repercussions. Sex, drugs, alcohol, and abortion are each portrayed realistically, and the novel gives invaluable insight into the adolescent mind and the world in which teens live.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 5–9—The lives of three young people intersect and transform against the backdrop of a total solar eclipse. Homeschooled Ally has grown up at the remote Moon Shadow Campground, which her family runs. An eclipse, which can be viewed only from this site, is approaching, and ahead of it come Bree, an aspiring model obsessed with popularity, and Jack, a reclusive artist and avid sci-fi reader. Ally's sheltered world is about to open up as she discovers that her parents plan to cede management of the campground to Bree's parents after the event. Neither Ally nor Bree is excited about the prospect, but as the teens interact they come to terms with the changes they face. Meanwhile, introverted Jack finds himself making friends and becoming a leader. As they go their separate ways, all three approach the future with a newfound balance between their internal and their external lives. The characters are well drawn and likable. Even the seemingly shallow Bree reveals hidden layers as the story progresses. The campground setting affords the youngsters independence, allowing them to interact freely and make their own choices. The astronomical details are fascinating and lyrically incorporated into the narrative. An author's note includes the date of the next solar eclipse in the mainland United States and additional resources. Readers who like quietly self-reflective novels like Lynne Rae Perkins's Criss Cross (HarperCollins, 2005) or Jerry Spinelli's "Stargirl" books (Knopf) will also enjoy this compelling and thought-provoking story.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 8 Up—In this fairy tale of India set during the early 1900s, Raka, a young bride who is awaiting certain death at the hands of her evil husband, spins a story for Lalit, a servant in the Rajah's house. In her tale, a con man and a thief, Farhad, is recruited to rescue the Hindu god Krishna's daughter from marriage to a demon king. He is aided by a sacred white tiger and carries a bloodstone that almost causes his death. As the two stories intertwine, the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred. The plot is fast paced and exciting, and the story gives an excellent overview of the conflicts of India at the time of British occupation, and of Hindu religious beliefs. The factual background adds to the overall feel of a wildly colorful and diverse country. The character development is also admirable, as readers see Farhad grow from a scared 16-year-old thief to a hero willing to die for his cause. What is most amazing about the story is the beautiful language and phrases that make readers feel as though they are sitting in India listening to Raka's story. A distinguished book for older fairy-tale fans.—Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Gr 7–9—When Daze discovers an animatronic version of her deceased mother's head in her father's laboratory, she sneaks in twice a week to talk to her but is quickly disappointed by the head's programmed responses. On one of these visits, she learns that her dad has a new girlfriend. When days later her mother's head goes missing, she is convinced that her dad plans to destroy it and embarks on a frantic search to save it. The story reaches a climax when Daze confronts her father and begins to deal with the circumstances of her mother's death. Realistic first-person narration draws readers into this short, fast-paced read. The author's use of technology to spark the characters' emotional revelations provides a unique plot element to this part realistic, part science fiction tale. Secondary characters, such as Daze's little brother, add to the narrative. Daze is a well-realized character, and her story gives readers the opportunity to speculate on the impact of artificial intelligence on future generations.—Kim Ventrella, Ralph Ellison Library, Oklahoma City, OK

Gr 6–9—On a future Earth, the people's way of life and technology have been turned back in a Reversal, and the very geography of the planet has been rearranged. The Users, who one might assume are today's superpowers, caused much destruction and the Reversal centuries before, and their books hold all of their dangerous knowledge, the Lost Art. In order to prevent such a tragedy from recurring, the books have been hidden away in a remote Russian monastery. Now, they have been stolen. The monastery is destroyed, the monks slaughtered. Only Va, a former soldier and assassin and now-repentant monk, survives. He sets off on a mission to recover the volumes. Meanwhile, Benzamir Mahmood and his enemies, traitorous former friends whose ancestors had escaped the User's destruction centuries earlier, have returned to Earth. Benzamir is seeking the books and his enemies in order to prevent them from interfering with life on Earth. Ultimately, Va and Benzamir join forces. Along with their various traveling companions, they go to the African desert where a final confrontation between Benzamir and his enemies occurs. What starts off as a promising novel is, in the end, disappointing. The idea of the Reversal, the Users, and the changes to society where there are pale Ewer slaves and Middle Eastern and African countries appear to be dominant is interesting and another way to convey the dangers of modern technology and our world. Yet the overly long story tends to drag in places, and there are too many competing story lines and characters, making it difficult to connect or empathize with any of them.—Jennifer D. Montgomery, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 6–8—Joseph Flood's mother's problems with drugs, alcohol, and men have kept them in a near-constant state of chaos. The 15-year-old's loving father tries to help, but his military career and repeated overseas deployments—the latest to Iraq—have made it difficult for him to do much to intervene. The turmoil reaches a new low with a move into a homeless shelter. With the help of a sympathetic and stable aunt and uncle, Joseph must navigate the difficulties of adolescence while learning to handle a mother who is in a continual state of adolescence herself. Despite Moses's earnest efforts at creating a realistic voice for her protagonist, Joseph's story never seems to get off the ground; the first-person narration is flat, too young, and strangely monotone, with none of the authenticity of a real adolescent dealing with a troubled family life. It's unclear who the intended audience is. Short, simple sentences and a limited vocabulary make this slim novel accessible to struggling and reluctant teen readers, but the book's lack of sophistication may fail to hold their interest. Meanwhile, the age of the main character and more teen-appropriate issues like (implied) sex and drug abuse may make the plot too mature for younger readers. Ultimately, Joseph just doesn't ring true as a coming-of-age story.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 4–6—Stanley Buggles returns to Crampton Rock, where another adventure awaits him. His discovery of a valuable amulet called the Ibis in The Wooden Mile (Roaring Brook, 2008) has awakened the Stormbringers, two pirate ghosts intent on reclaiming the artifact. Stanley receives help from the talking pike and the ghost of his Great-Uncle Bart as he tries to prevent the pirates from succeeding at all costs. Though even if he does, there is a risk that the Ibis's presence could create a greater threat, setting the scene for bigger adventures in future books. This offering has a more coherent and linear plot than the first title, moving through the action without the gaps and abrupt plot additions that plagued that book. The focus is still on action without much in the way of character development, but there is more substance. Fans of Philip Ardagh's work may find some similarities that will attract them. Mould's black-and-white illustrations are well done, particularly those of the characters.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 8 Up—Lost gold treasure, African royal ancestors, and betrayal are the foundation of family legends that Zac Baxter has been told repeatedly by his beloved grandfather. Zac loves the man but is skeptical about his stories until Sam Baxter's brutal murder convinces him otherwise. He promises himself to finish what his grandfather started no matter what the outcome. Zac is depicted as a regular British teen of African descent. He is likable, resourceful, and often terrified as his life is threatened at every turn. The British government clearly wants him out of the way. The characters he meets on his quest, both friends and villains, are unique and fully developed. This exciting narrative takes place in England and Africa; in jungles, dark caves, and on the sea. The Gold Coast slave trade comes alive with Zac's every historical discovery, while the parallel story told of the harrowing experiences of his ancestors puts a personal touch on the inhumanity of slavery. Zac begins his journey wanting vindication for his grandfather and personal gain for himself. However, he ends it with respect and pride in his heritage, confidence in his abilities, and finally with a sense that his grandfather would be proud and at peace with his accomplishments. Overall, this is a complex, masterful story for confident readers.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 6–10—In the Florentine countryside, Monna Elisabetta struggles to become the noblewoman she's destined to be. Although her father is challenged to keep his silk business thriving during difficult economic times, Monna's mother is planning to give her an elaborate 13th birthday party in order to meet a suitable husband. But upon Mamma's sudden death, the event is canceled, and Monna turns her grief into preparing meals and working alongside her father. His friend Leonardo da Vinci has introduced her to Giuliano de' Medici, who becomes smitten with her smile. When her father remarries into nobility, Monna is forced into an arranged marriage, despite the fact that she has given her heart to Giuliano. This tribute to the woman behind Leonardo's masterpiece is another wonderfully researched and well-crafted novel from Napoli. Artfully blending fact and fiction, the author tells a tender story of a girl coming of age during a turbulent time. Readers will be moved by the plight of this three-dimensional protagonist.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 4–8—This story unfolds in alternating chapters, written from the viewpoints of two young members of an Amazonian tribe. On their 13th birthdays, Takunami boys must face a rite of passage into manhood, guided through danger by a spiritual connection with their fathers, whose identity remains a secret until after the trial. Though they have lived very different lives, Tirio and Luka are both preparing for this mentally and physically demanding test. Considered weak because of his disabled foot, Tirio was placed on the river in a "corpse canoe" by his mother at age six and rescued and adopted by an American anthropologist. Now almost 13, he feels drawn back to his village and longs to prove himself a Takunami man. Though Luka has been training for the test his entire life, he wrestles with unexpected events that threaten his success. A clever plot device links the characters and their personal struggles together. The setting is strikingly described and provides a vivid backdrop for the action. The language, rituals, and beliefs of the Takunami are well developed, and will have many readers looking for further information about them. Youngsters may feel duped to discover, in an appended author's note, that the tribe is imaginary, "based on an idea, and not a representation of any known Amazonian people." Nevertheless, this is a fast-paced and remarkable adventure story with surprising twists along the way.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 9 Up—Todd Hewitt lives in a world in which all women are dead, and the thoughts of men and animals are constantly audible as Noise. Graphically represented by a set of scratchy fonts and sentence fragments that run into and over each other, Noise is an oppressive chaos of words, images, and sounds that makes human company exhausting and no thought truly private. The history of these peculiar circumstances unfolds over the course of the novel, but Ness's basic world-building is so immediately successful that readers, too, will be shocked when Todd and his dog, Manchee, first notice a silence in the Noise. Realizing that he must keep the silence secret from the town leaders, he runs away, and his terrified flight with an army in pursuit makes up the backbone of the plot. The emotional, physical, and intellectual drama is well crafted and relentless. Todd, who narrates in a vulnerable and stylized voice, is a sympathetic character who nevertheless makes a few wrenching mistakes. Manchee and Aaron, a zealot preacher, function both as characters and as symbols. Tension, suspense, and the regular bombardment of Noise are palpable throughout, mitigated by occasional moments of welcome humor. The cliff-hanger ending is unexpected and unsatisfying, but the book is still a pleasure for sophisticated readers comfortable with the length and the bleak, literary tone.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Sam knows that he is dying from leukemia. He has decided to write a book that includes his thoughts on the matter as well as his lists and his questions, particularly those that no one ever answers like, "Why does God let kids get ill?" Through his writing, Nicholls has drawn a portrait of a family coping with a child's terminal disease. Readers meet Sam's mother, father, and younger sister, each of whom is dealing in a different way with his illness. Well researched and beautifully written, the book is equal to the best of children's literature about death and dying, Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia (HarperCollins, 1977) and Deborah Wiles's Each Little Bird That Sings (Harcourt, 2005). Sam knows that his father rushes off to work each day because he cannot admit to himself that his son is dying. He knows that his mother keeps Ella home from school during an unexpected snowstorm in March so they can have one last sledding day together. But, he does not verbalize this knowledge, just as his parents and Ella don't speak of his death. Sam is a child whom readers would want as a friend and he will be missed when the book is done.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 6–8—In this sequel to Dragon Magic (Tor, 2006), Shilo's father has died and now she is stuck in Wisconsin with her grandparents. In going through some of her father's childhood toys, she discovers a puzzle with four dragons on it. As she puts it together, a dragon that doesn't appear on the cover of the box is formed. Suddenly Shilo is pulled back through time to ancient Babylon where she must figure out how to survive long enough to return home. Called by the dragon, she learns how she can help to rescue not only the dragon's eggs but also her own world from being overtaken by demons. It will take bravery, friendship, and stealth to succeed. Ancient Babylon is vividly described with small details bringing the world to life. The characterizations are rich and varied as well. This book's concept was created by both Norton and Rabe just before Norton's death in 2005. Readers familiar with the earlier books in the series will enjoy the connections here, but readers new to the series may not be as intrigued.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 7 Up—Nightshade, CA, is downright strange and full of the unexpected. When the girl-to-be, cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, begins the school year with a completely new look, Daisy Giordano gets suspicious. The fact that Samantha appears dead doesn't seem to bother anyone, and before long looking dead becomes the rage. Being dead takes on a whole new meaning when a girl is mysterious attacked and turns up in the morgue, and other cheerleaders are stricken with seizures. Daisy and her psychic sisters get to work investigating the goings-on and learn that the culprit is really a vampire, and Daisy is determined to get to the bottom of things. This is the witty and humorous first installment in a series; it provides romance, mystery, friendship, adventure, and the supernatural all rolled up in a fast-paced, plot-twisting story. Readers will identify with Daisy and her struggle to accept and appreciate who she really is and what she has to offer. The slapstick humor and tough attitudes mixed with the occult make this an entertaining choice for teen libraries.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—Ashley has it all—good looks, smarts, a winning personality, and even a great boyfriend. Everything turns when Brandon decides he wants to "take a break," beginning a spiral of improbable events for the teen. Her divorced father has met a new woman, Gabriella, who gives Ashley an opportunity to become a professional model. She decides to jump at this chance of a lifetime, starting with a convention filled with headshots, commercials, and runways. She meets Kayla, a seemingly nice but secretly destructive model, and Justin, possibly the boy to make her forget about Brandon. She gives up her volunteer position at the animal shelter, something she truly loves. Ashley constantly second guesses herself, and when her integrity is questioned during a photo shoot, and her mom's breast cancer resurfaces, she wonders if this new life is really for her. With the same sincerity as Painting Caitlyn (Lobster, 2006), Peters captures the fragility of the teenage soul and creates an honest character in Ashley. Situations such as her parents' divorce, her mom's illness, and a broken heart will resonate with many teens.—Nichole King, Morgan Hill Library, CA

Gr 5–9—Fourteen-year-old twins Rachel and Adam, fresh from Manhattan, arrive in a sleepy English village to spend the summer with their grandmother, away from their divorcing parents. On the surface, Triskellion seems like a charming place, but that perception quickly changes as they are thrown into the middle of a complicated power struggle involving local folklore and history, recent family scandals, and archaeological fever. The twins, who can communicate telepathically, begin to share dreams of a maiden, who looks like Rachel, and a knight, who looks like Gabriel, a mysteriously attractive boy who keeps leading them into trouble, but saving them as well. Ultimately, everything hinges on the search for the three blades of the Triskellion, an ancient artifact that involves a local beekeeper/amateur archaeologist; the fanatical son of the village leader and his followers; and the cast and crew of Treasure Hunters, a popular reality show. There's a fair amount of violence, but nothing gratuitous. Mysteries abound, and explanations are sometimes a little murky (what exactly is Gabriel?), but these questions may be resolved in the further installments of the planned trilogy. The plot moves along at a brisk pace, and there's plenty of adventure, dark and creepy atmosphere, and a touch of the paranormal. Recommend this to fans of Neil Gaiman and Neal Shusterman.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Faced with the possibility of losing his overachieving girlfriend, self-avowed slacker Caleb reluctantly joins a new school club centered around a highly touted self-help book (based on Rhonda Byrne's bestseller The Secret). Led by charismatic Ethan, members attempt to practice The Rule of Won: "if you can completely imagine you've already achieved some goal in your life, you will win it." At first, their positive thinking seems to bring about positive change: they wish for funding for Screech Neck High and the school receives a large grant. However, as the group becomes more popular and powerful, its members begin to bully those who don't share their beliefs, and their "Craves" (wishes or goals) become morally suspect. Caleb is increasingly troubled by the assertions that people bring evil on themselves by their own negative thoughts, and that positive thoughts alone are enough to achieve aspirations. When he discovers that Ethan has been helping the Craves with criminal acts, he realizes that he will have to take a stand. Caleb is a likable character, and his slightly self-deprecating first-person narrative is filled with humor and insight. Readers will be rooting for him in his final confrontation with Ethan. The book is fast paced and gripping enough to draw in reluctant readers; sections depicting "Craves" posted to a discussion board are both comical and frightening. Raising questions about issues such as personal responsibility, freedom of speech and the press, and standing up for unpopular beliefs, this novel would be a terrific choice for book-group and class discussions.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7–10—Ninth-grader Will Reid, obsessed with ants and the science fair, wears a turtleneck dickie under his shirts. His only friend is Katie, a girl he has known since elementary school. Awkward and strange, he is the school bully's primary target. Shane has two lackeys—Brad, who is equally as sinister, and Devan, who goes along with the crowd even though he knows deep inside that it is wrong. The book is filled with stories of tormenting Will, from smashing his prized ant farm, to locking him out of the locker room naked. Told from the perspectives of Will, Devan, and Katie, the book delves into the psychology of the characters from a realistic standpoint. Devan battles with both his crush on Katie and his need to disengage himself from Shane's aggressiveness, and Katie wants to protect Will but also to maintain her relationships with her other classmates. When one particular prank goes haywire, Will ends up in a coma. However, the book ends on a positive note, and the short chapters and high-paced drama are sure to engage even the most reluctant readers. Unfortunately, the story tends to generalize the reasoning behind Shane's behavior (he is abused by his father). There are also subplots, such as the deaths of most of the characters' parents, which draw away from the focus of the story. Still, teens will empathize with the characters and see the personality types inherent within themselves or in their schools.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—In Lowmoor, diminutive humans have adapted to a world in which flowers loom over their heads. Assassins, gold diggers, madcap performers, and errant preachers all populate this place. The most dangerous characters are twins who take pleasure in manipulating others—with deadly consequences. Teenagers Jewel and Thorn set out independently to avenge their families against the twins. The winding and intertwining paths they take to track down their sworn enemies lead them to conflicts both philosophical and physical. Fans of elvish bildungsroman and classic adventure stories will appreciate the elevated diction and enigmatic characters. Although the book's not short, even reluctant readers may be drawn in by the scenes of gambles gone awry and battles with crayfish. The cliff-hanger ending promises a second book in the saga.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 4–7—When their beloved Aunt Grace dies, Dan, 11, and Amy, 14—along with other Cahill descendants—are faced with an unusual choice: inherit one million dollars or participate in a perilous treasure hunt. Cahills have determined the course of history for centuries, and this quest's outcome will bring the victors untoward power and affect all of humankind. Against the wishes of nasty Aunt Beatrice, their reluctant guardian since their parents' deaths, Dan and Amy accept the challenge, convincing their college-age au pair to serve as designated adult. Pitted against other Cahill teams, who will stop at nothing to win, the siblings decipher the first of 39 clues and are soon hot on the historical trail of family member Ben Franklin to unearth the next secret. Adeptly incorporating a genuine kids' perspective, the narrative unfolds like a boulder rolling downhill and keeps readers glued to the pages. As the siblings work together to solve puzzles and survive dangers, they develop into well-drawn individuals with their own strengths and personalities. Supporting Cahill cast members come across as intentionally exaggerated caricatures, adding to the tale's breathless fun. The book dazzles with suspense, plot twists, and snappy humor, but the real treasure may very well be the historical tidbits buried in the story. Part of a multimedia launch including a Web site, collectable game cards, and a 10-title series (penned by different authors), this novel stands solidly on its own feet and will satisfy while whetting appetites for more.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 6–9—When the Barry family decides to stay at the Laurel Oaks Plantation in Louisiana, considered by the Smithsonian Institution to be one of the 10 most haunted places in the United States, a harmless bit of fun becomes a life-altering experience for Lila, 13, and her 14-year-old brother, Gabe. As they take part in the spooky evening tour of the house, Lila senses and sees what Gabe thinks are all gimmicks and Disney-style special effects. The presence of spirits is strong and one in particular is reaching out to Lila. It is the spirit of Daphne, a slave girl who was accused of poisoning her master's wife and two daughters. Is Lila the one who can put things right for Daphne after all these years and allow peace to come to Laurel Oaks? This plot-twisting ghost story is full of history, friendship, romance, betrayal, and jealousy. Lila's and Daphne's stories are revealed through alternating chapters, shifting between today and the 1840s. While this technique works well, at times it is distracting and seems to make the plot drag needlessly. Overall, this is an interesting read with considerable potential but its ending loses steam.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Maxie, 16, is surprised when Roddy Nash turns up in her chemistry class. They were pals back in grade school, when they collaborated on elaborate mousetrap designs, with Roddy inventing and Maxie drawing the diagrams. She distanced herself from him during sixth grade, when she was called a "fag hag" for being friends with him. Roddy left school after being brutally attacked by bullies, and she hadn't seen him since. Now he's back, and though he now calls himself Rick, he still attracts the same negative attention. Maxie finds herself liking Rick, but soon discovers that dangerous waters lurk beneath his surface. Meanwhile, her cousin, Sean, is having a secret relationship with a popular boy who has yet to come out. She also feels alienated from her best friend, who has become a stoner snowboarder. While Maxie's voice captures the insecurity and wish to fit in that color the adolescent years, other characters come across as one-dimensional. This book is strongest when dealing with Maxie's questions about how she should pick her friends, but tries to cover too many topics in too few pages, bringing up issues like bullying, coming out, violence against gays, white privilege, racism, child abuse, school violence, and drug use. While some of the themes are addressed more fully than others, many subplots are not satisfactorily resolved by story's end. Maxie's cartoon doodles appear throughout.—Natasha Forrester, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 5–7—The annual spelling bee at Gordon Liddy Community School is a big deal. The local newspaper and television stations cover it and the whole town shows up. This year, the hoopla is even bigger than usual. There is a new, formerly homeschooled, student in sixth grade who some people fear may win. A student's father broke into the school and attempted to steal the master word list. Tensions are running high. Sixth-grader Chrissie works for the principal, gathering dirt on her classmates, but when information she gathers is used to prevent an innocent student from participating in the bee, she realizes that the administration may be corrupt and she uses her detective skills to get to the bottom of the big buzz. Framed as Chrissie's case notes, interview transcripts, and emails, this funny, light mystery covers the weeks leading up to the competition. The characters are set types—class clown, stressed-out brainiac, bad boy with a heart of gold—but they grow and change by the book's end as the kids try to do the right thing, avoid the adult corruption, and just enjoy the bee. This is a fun, silly read with a casual, conversational tone befitting all the different characters' voices. The hijinks may be wacky, but kids will want to keep reading to find out what happens at the climactic event.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 8 Up—Amber Borden is clever, ambitious, and tired of being seen as a nobody by the popular crowd at her high school. She's convinced that her ticket to success is to be an A-list talent agent, and her first big break is in convincing Trinidad Sylvenski to let Amber manage her. Unfortunately for Amber, her life literally spins out of control. After discovering what the most popular girls really think of her, she has a near-death experience when she is hit by a mail truck. In the "heavens," she meets her loving grandmother and loyal dog who give her words of encouragement, the promise of better things to come, and instructions on how to return to her body. Amber is so excited with this encounter that she takes a wrong turn and winds up in the body of beautiful, wealthy, and popular Leah Montgomery. It doesn't take long for Amber to realize that Leah's life and family are in major turmoil. All she wants is her old life back, and she will do whatever it takes to make this happen. What she learns along the way are the experiences of a lifetime. This page-turner has wit, love, courage, adventure, and remarkable insight. Amber is truly a teen heroine whom readers will identify with and learn from, who brings new meaning to the word "dead." A must-have purchase for fans of the supernatural and the occult.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Betrothed teens Kevork and Marta have been apart since being removed from their orphanage in Marash, Turkey, during the Armenian Genocide of 1915 when they were marched into the Syrian Desert without food or water. Separated by distance and the necessity of hiding, neither of them knows if the other is still alive. Kevork, rescued by nomads and now disguised as an Arab, is determined to return to the orphanage but faces many obstacles, including the opportunity to help smuggle funds and resources to the Armenians in concentration camps. Marta, meanwhile, had been taken in by a Muslim family in Aintab and forced to be a concubine. Now pregnant, she returns to the orphanage and helps protect its residents, still hoping to be reunited with Kevork. Because the story is told in alternating perspectives, readers know that both teens have survived, which removes some dramatic tension but allows the author to explore the development of the characters. Such is the universality of their feelings that a deep understanding of the historical context is not necessary, but would be helpful. Fortunately, a fairly detailed historical note and map provide context for readers who have likely heard very little about the second-largest genocide in history. This is a powerful, often harrowing novel that will appeal to those who appreciate books about people surviving in spite of grave injustices.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 5–8—Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes's 14-year-old sister takes on a new case, this one involving Lady Cecily Alistair, the champion of the poor and working classes of London. The Holmes brothers continue to be concerned about Enola's lack of a "proper" upbringing and she continues to evade them by disguising herself as Ivy Meshle, secretary to the nonexistent Dr. Leslie Ragostin. Enola finds that Lady Cecily is being held against her will, at her father's behest, by her two dragon-lady aunts to be married off to her foppish cousin. The girl employs numerous clever disguises, is found detecting by Sherlock, and narrowly escapes with her life. Springer's knowledge of the restraints placed on Victorian women, especially those of the upper classes, is used both for humorous entertainments (a pink tea) and to give authenticity to Enola's determination to remain an independent young lady. Her fans will welcome this latest adventure.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 4–7—Strickland continues to add to Lewis Barnavelt's adventures, originally created by John Bellairs. School's out and it's the beginning of summer in 1950s New Zebedee, MI. Uncle Jonathan has given a party, complete with a spectacular magic show, for Lewis and his friends. Then Lewis sees a ghostly figure dressed in red robes disappearing behind the garage, and sinister things begin to happen. The boy becomes fascinated with the "rule of threes," and soon he is knocked out by a foul ball, sprains his ankle, and loses his allowance. But the real troubles, which threaten his uncle's magic and life, arrive when Jonathan's cane and magic disappear. The usual cast of characters is joined by a new, slightly nervous character, Hal Everit. For readers who enjoy trying to solve the mystery as they read, there are abundant clues including an anagram. A quick, exciting read.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 8–10—Eli Smyth, 15, doesn't like her mother. She has many reasons: the woman talks to anyone and everyone, she's much too frank when it comes to sex-ed lectures, and her decorating style involves items salvaged from the neighbors' garbage. Topping the list of offenses is the giant rubber French fry costume her mother wears to work at Burgers 'n' Frize. The teen rarely talks to her, and makes it painfully clear that she vastly prefers her father's affection. She thinks her life can't get any worse, but then her parents drop the bomb: her mother's not only embarrassing—she's also pregnant. Eli's stress level skyrockets, and she begins to experience panic attacks. Adding to the insanity is a new boyfriend with problems of his own. Readers will relate to Eli's conflicted feelings about her mother and her struggle to mend the deepening cracks in their relationship. Certain elements of the plot are predictable, but that's forgivable as Eli's internal battle is realistic. Recommend this one to fans of E. Lockhart's "Ruby Oliver" series (Delacorte).—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 5–8—A 12-year-old girl is running through the woods with no memory of who she is or why she is running. Her identity is up for speculation throughout the book: Is she a princess? An animal turned into a human? The missing daughter of a couple in the village? All of these possibilities seem to revolve around an old witch who escaped the village mob with a baby the same day the girl appeared in the woods. The woman and her husband are convinced that the girl is their missing Isabelle, taken from the village by the witch six years earlier, but their older daughter, Honey, is skeptical and even hostile in her reaction. As the tale unfolds, some even suspect that the youngster is actually a creation of the old hag who was sent for evil purposes, and Isabelle wonders whether she really wants to know the truth. This is a solid fantasy and mystery that builds in intrigue and suspense as more layers are added to the story. The protagonist's true identity comes as a fantastic surprise and will have readers looking back for clues even as they shudder at the chain of events that brought about her appearance in the woods that fateful day. Like the witch, Vande Velde weaves a spell around her readers with this well-written tale.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 7 Up—Readers unfamiliar with Escape the Mask (Abrams, 2008) will have a hard time following this installment in the trilogy. The slaves' escape is short-lived. The children are recaptured by the Spears just after boarding their ship to freedom. Instead of being returned to the Diggers to endlessly recover shards, the boys are taken to the Grove to begin their training as Spears and face the Separation. Corki and Thief excel as Spears. They are offered honors, homes, and high positions if they remain. Should they remain Spears, participating in missions they don't agree with, or should they take the chance of escape that they are offered? A fast-paced story about the choices that people make while finding the courage to grow up and walk their own paths.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 4–6—Weatherill uses events and characters from Robert Browning's "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" in this novel that begins with the mesmerizing Piper leading the town's children away. They follow him through a magical door that opens to a place inside Hamelin Hill. Right away, their excited giddiness turns to panic and fear. They're trapped. "When the door closed, summer had been left behind. In here it was winter." For the first 50 or so pages, the main character is a girl named Marianna, whose disabled brother, Jakob, can't keep up with the others and becomes, at least briefly, the only Hamelin child not trapped inside the Hill. Then, the story shifts to tell the backstory of the Piper. Readers learn that he is half human, half elf, and has been cursed to turn into a beast whenever the moon is full. His salvation can only come from a child with special powers in a town overrun by rats. Classic fantasy themes like loyalty, transformation, and sacrifice are part of this interesting book. Especially intriguing are the scenes of Marianna changing into a fox and experiencing the world as a wild animal. But the plot suffers from multiple points of view—from Marianna to the Piper, and then on to Jakob and even Marianna and Jakob's father—that aren't done in an integrated way, giving an overall disjointed feel. Buy if you have an avid fantasy following and/or a large collection.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 7–10—The teenage descendant of Sir Lancelot featured in The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp (2005) and Alfred Kropp: The Seal of Solomon (2007, both Bloomsbury) returns for another adventure. Alfred has died and been restored to life, is looked after by Archangel Michael, and can heal others with his blood. He is trying to live a normal life with his legal guardian, the former Operative Nine (top agent) of OIPEP (Office of Inter-dimensional Paradoxes and Extraordinary Phenomenon). When Samuel is shot in a surprise attack, Alfred pursues the perpetrator and an intense chase leads to the death of several police officers. The teen is arrested and placed in a psych ward. He is soon offered a deal by OIPEP's new Op-Nine, Nueve: they will help him escape if he gives them the Seal of Solomon. Can Alfred trust OIPEP? Who is trying to kill him? And what is the thirteenth skull? Fast paced from start to finish, with numerous chase scenes (by car, horse, and other means), flying bullets, betrayals, and more, this is a great book for action fans and reluctant readers. However, though Alfred briefly summarizes previous events, kids will want to read the other titles first to best follow the plot. —Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT

Gr 4–8—Each book uses the context of an imaginary youth conference to bring together students from six or seven countries to talk about a cultural problem. Although the series title touts a "global" perspective, the texts are more "multi-viewpoint" than representative of the whole world. The uncluttered format includes straightforward, easy-to-read texts highlighted by full-color photographs depicting a variety of cultures. Poverty and Racism do the best jobs of presenting objective information. Racism discusses overt behavior as well as more subtle assumptions, such as lumping people together in groups without getting to know the individual. Although the students discuss various problems that women face in Women's Rights, the viewpoint remains largely American in comparing the roles and expectations of women in other countries. The cultural and/or religious history of why some traditions are upheld is not explained. Loeb acknowledges educational methods from other countries. However, when discussing Native Americans, their physical abilities are emphasized over their intellectual ones, saying that the "Native Americans taught the explorers and colonists important hunting and survival techniques" and "Christian missionaries taught Native Americans new languages, new forms of art, and new customs." These books would be useful for debates and class discussions when additional perspectives are needed.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 9 Up—Arnold covers some of the early history of Iraq before focusing on Saddam, who appears from the first as destined for a life of thuggery. Sidebars point out his involvement in murders and assassinations, his "wandering eye," and his cohorts' predilection for torture and chemical weapons. What is missing from this history of a corrupt man and his regime is a sense of objectivity: for example, Saddam "cunningly" deals with coalition powers; he also fails in an assassination attempt due to inexperience, but is later referred to as "an experienced assassin." Additional.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 9 Up—Aronson and Campbell have collected an outstanding array of essays, interviews, blog posts, articles, song lyrics, short stories, and letters from people directly involved in war. The book is broken into sections called "Deciding About War," "Experiencing War," and "The Aftermath of War." A former soldier writes an open letter to young enlistees, hoping they will scrutinize their reasons for joining up. The U.S. military recruitment contract is minutely examined by a high school social studies teacher. World War II reporter Ernie Pyle's articles on D-Day are reprinted. An essay about women soldiers who served in Iraq is excerpted from Helen Benedict's forthcoming book, The Lonely Soldier. And a memoir by poet Fumiko Miura, survivor of the atomic bomb at Nagasaki, is included. The volume closes with a short play and a short story about the aftereffects of war. The editors make it plain that they are antiwar, but they have made an effort to convey a variety of experiences. Overall, however, war is shown to be brutal, life-changing (not for the better), and ongoing. Aronson notes that humans have gone to war for all of recorded history and show no signs of stopping now. Many books about war for young people make it seem glamorous, exciting, and noble. This powerful collection shows its inglorious, perhaps more realistic side.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 6 Up—Building a mousetrap-powered model racer is more complex than it first appears, and Balmer uses this project as a springboard for teaching principles of physics such as energy, forces, torque, friction, and traction. Given the recommended tools and potential hazards (mousetrap springs, superglue, a drill press), it's clear that this activity is not intended for young or unsupervised children. The author's enthusiasm for the topic and for teaching are apparent throughout, and his focus on safety is consistent. The thorough instructions are complemented by clear, captioned, full-color photos and line drawings and diagrams that illustrate each step of the construction process. The book contains directions for four racers, with possible variations and modifications added in a section on advanced techniques. Principles of mousetrap racing are presented along with related lab experiments, formulae, tables, and calculations suitable for science fairs. An attractive introduction to a challenging, educational hobby.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 7 Up—An engaging selection of informative articles about the prevention and treatment of sports injuries has been compiled in a coherent sequence. Many of the chapters are direct reprints of articles or pamphlets found on the Web sites of reliable organizations like National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Center for Sports Safety, and KidsHealth.org. Others are excerpts from print publications of equally authoritative associations including the National Institute of Health. The value of this book is that the articles have been vetted and are often augmented with inserts of useful facts, definitions of technical terms, and quick tips. Sensitive topics like injuries to genitalia are discussed openly and responsibly. This revised edition contains updated articles and defines sport more broadly than the first edition. It includes more substantive treatment of dance, cheerleading, and hiking and recreational pursuits. The book begins with a chapter about choosing a sport, and concludes with a helpful index and a thorough list of contact information for sports-injuries-related institutions.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School Library, Lancaster, PA

Gr 4–6—Block skips back and forth through China's history since 1900 to spotlight various events and developments (SARS, the One Child Policy, the Four Modernizations) that have led to change. Due to the breadth of the subject, the discussions are lacking in contemporary and historical context. Large, quality photos and somewhat poorer graphics do little to clarify matters. Modern China devotes eight pages to China before 1900, which seems a poor use of space when other books in this series cover that time period in greater detail. The "China Today" section includes a map that shows provincial borders, but nowhere are the provinces and autonomous areas listed by name. Especially vexing is the section on China 1900–1949, in which the author doesn't inform readers of the motives of the Boxers, the name of the Empress Dowager, or the circumstances of the Emperor's death in 1908. There is no explanation as to why demonstrations had been declared illegal in Tiananmen Square in 1989, or what the demonstrators were protesting. Covering roughly 10,000 years of history, Changing China reads like exam notes. Illustrations (and in at least one case, text) recycled from other Heinemann publications create a cobbled-together feel. National Geographic Investigates: Ancient China (2006) offers a more nuanced look at the topic. In Culture, food, religion, art, music, opera, literature, Chinese medicine, ethnic groups, festivals, and sports are explained in a paragraph or two. Large, clear, pertinent photographs enliven the text, but it is hard to imagine that there is enough here on any particular subject to satisfy curiosity or even write a report.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 5–9—In an effort to discover the real story of Thanksgiving, or rather the true first Thanksgiving, Colman conducted research that included firsthand accounts, proclamations, magazine and newspaper articles, museum exhibits, and interviews. The first section of the book discusses the history of the holiday and its various observations; the second half describes the traditions that have evolved around it. The writing is clear and readable, and a number of the black-and-white photos and reproductions enliven the text. This title is similar to Laurie Hillstrom's The Thanksgiving Book (Omnigraphics, 2007), which contains even more primary sources. Colman's title should be considered as an additional purchase where there is a strong need for books about the holiday.—Geneva Reeder, Lower Dauphin Middle School, Hummelstown, PA

Gr 10 Up—This volume, the first of a planned set of two, covers major conflicts from 500 BCE to CE 1783, with discussion of 22 wars in all parts of the world. Some of them, such as the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Crusades, and the American Revolution, are widely covered elsewhere, while others, such as the first Jewish-Roman War, the Imjin War, and the Manchu conquest of China, are less well known. Each chapter includes a "chronicle" that surveys the conflict; a time line; a lengthy "turning point" section that describes a decisive battle; biographical sketches of the commanders; and a "dossier" of several short articles that discuss weapons, tactics, and the national or religious cultures of the combatants. Cummins is objective about the conflicts and incorporates recent scholarship into his commentary, but provides only limited analysis of how they changed history. The text is illustrated with large color reproductions of classical paintings of battles and leaders. Although this book does provide concise discussions of these conflicts, it has some significant weaknesses. The biggest problem is the lack of either geographic or battlefield maps, which will make it difficult for students to locate the warring countries or groups or understand the action of the turning-point battles. Also, Cummins uses military jargon that will be unfamiliar to many students. These factors make the volume an additional choice for libraries that need research material on military history.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 9 Up—From America Ferrera (of Ugly Betty fame) to the artists of Maroon Five, 50 Americans encourage young adults to make their voices heard. This collection, comprised of vignettes, essays, interviews, and poems, ranges from the humorous (an essay by the editors of The Onion), to the sacred (an interview with Ryan J. Bingham, 25-year-old mayor of Torrington, CT, whose dedication to politics is almost religious), to the slightly profane (an expletive-filled diatribe from Adrian Grenier, star of TV's Entourage). Though the contributors all take decidedly different tacks, their common goal is obvious: to persuade young people to research the candidates and cast their votes on Election Day. The supplemental materials at the end of the book are plentiful and pertinent, including instructions on how to register to vote, ways to get involved in one's community, a comprehensive glossary of election-related terms, and a general overview of the United States Government. Though this book is obviously more relevant for the 2008 election season, it would be a solid additional purchase for both high school and public libraries.—Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School Library, Glen Ellyn, IL

Gr 9 Up—Of the many collections of Dickinson's poetry available for young people, this one is unique in that most of the selections deal with death and loss. The first poem, "There's a Certain Slant of Light," sets the tone for the volume. "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" and "I Felt a Funeral in My Brain" continue the melancholy theme. The poems all run together and are printed without titles, making it difficult for readers unfamiliar with Dickinson's work to know where one selection ends and another begins. As a result, the impact of each poem is somewhat obscured. Arsenault's masterful mixed-media illustrations reflect the book's mood. The angular and shadowy pictures are either black and white or black on sepia, with only an occasional hint of color. A representation of Dickinson, in her characteristic white dress with her hair pulled back in a severe knot, haunts nearly every page. Because of its mature theme, this volume will interest older teens, and it could be seen as a balance for other collections that ignore Dickinson's fascination with death. Jeanette Winter's picture book Emily Dickinson's Letters to the World (Farrar, 2002) is lighter in mood and more likely to appeal to younger children.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 6–9—These books are concise and highly readable. In Cuba, the author explores how the country's communist government provides free and mandatory education for its young, and mostly poor, citizens, thus distinguishing itself from neighboring countries. Additionally, readers will learn how growth in Cuba's tourism industry is changing the country's economy and that competition for highly coveted jobs in this sector is fierce. Clear, colorful photos and sidebars on a range of topics provide further context. Peru highlights the huge discrepancies in lifestyles among teens from different income groups as well as those from rural and urban communities. A glossy photograph of young people picking through trash in a Peruvian shantytown is juxtaposed against a group shot of fashionable students sporting peace signs and a digital camera. The author clearly demonstrates that while all teens strive for educational success, the poorest rarely finish school and struggle to make living wages. These titles will enrich young adult collections.—Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ

Gr 4–7—Dunham provides honest answers to girls' most pressing (and embarrassing) questions. The text reassures girls entering puberty that their changing bodies and feelings are perfectly normal. Breast development, body hair, and menstruation are explained along with practical information about bras and sanitary products. The later chapters discuss the emotional side of entering adolescence—one's changing relationships with friends and family and the effects of surging hormones. The author maintains the neutrality of a good healthcare provider and does not waver into a lecture. However, the "Notes from a Real Girl" passages don't always ring true. They sound like a real girl who was an adolescent in the 1980s. Overall, the book's tone and lively cartoon illustrations are friendly and nonthreatening. While this title does not stand out as groundbreaking or new, it's still a solid choice for basic information about puberty.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 5–8—Readers are asked to imagine when flight across the Atlantic Ocean was just an idea, a pipe dream as seemingly impossible as a trip to Mars. It was during this era, the 1920s, when Raymond Orteig offered $25,000 to the first person who could fly nonstop between New York and Paris. Finkelstein focuses on the players in this race, details how they prepared, documents their successes and failures, and records the world's reaction to the feat once it was accomplished. Charles Lindbergh is the most famous figure, but the efforts of others, including Commander Richard E. Byrd, Clarence Chamberlain, and Charles A. Levine are also chronicled. The author writes in an engaging storytelling voice. Period photos that show the key players and details of the planes break up multiple pages of text. Despite the images, there is a textbook look to the layout. Readers are left with a sense of the significance of the accomplishment and of the period between the World Wars when the pilots were embraced by the French and the Germans, and celebrated in America and worldwide for proving that flight had progressed to more than a novelty for thrill seekers. An excellent addition to collections on the history of flight.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 5 Up—This title examines green building and eco-friendly architecture and introduces readers to the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EnergyStar designations. Each of the four chapters focuses on a question: Is eco-architecture beneficial to humans? How does it impact the environment? How can eco-architecture be encouraged? How is it being implemented? Topics include Sick Building Syndrome, a 2400-square-foot straw-bale house, "McMansions," the pros and cons of urban sprawl, and eco-friendly schools and hospitals. The chapters are composed of five or six articles, and each one begins with a short summary and ends with questions to be considered. An outstanding feature is the periodical bibliography appended to each chapter. The volume concludes with "For Further Discussion," an annotated list of organizations to contact, and a good-size bibliography. Sidebars and graphs are scattered throughout. A welcome addition for most collections.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 7 Up—The isolated tundra town of Barrow, AK—traditional home to an Inupiat Eskimo whaling community—might not seem like the ideal place to start a football program. But, faced with escalating teen dropout rates and boredom-borne substance-abuse problems, the superintendent of North Slope Borough Schools stubbornly worked to create the Barrow High School Whalers. The team first suited up and began practicing on their barren, rock-riddled gridiron in 2006—once, that is, they had actually figured out how to put on their pads. With a team presumably more prepared to hurl harpoons than 30-yard touchdown passes, and the nearest "crosstown" rival hundreds of seemingly impassible miles away, the Whalers drew the attention of ESPN, which aired a human-interest piece on their improbable initial season. The segment drew the attention of one Floridian football mom who, convinced of the sport's redemptive powers in channeling youthful energies, raised enough money for an artificial turf field and attendance at a football camp in Florida. Her pigskin philanthropy seemed to galvanize once-wavering community support, and what follows is a game-by-game account of their emergent second season—one in which the team learns to win and to lose as a cohesive unit, and does so with nearly perfect dignity. Though the book probes a bit less into the individual teen lives potentially salvaged by adopting a completely alien Lower 48 sport than one might have hoped, it does, nevertheless, provide rare insight into adolescent, academic, and family life on America's quickly changing final frontier.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 3–8—In this story collection, Hague loosely defines "wizard" as anyone with magical powers: sorcerer, shaman, or witch. The selections range from well-known tales like "Baba Yaga" to the lesser-known story of the early life of Taliessen and the Icelandic folktale of the Black School, clearly a Hogwarts precursor. He even takes on Shakespeare's The Tempest and the story of Circe and Odysseus. Hague favors ornate language, so readers will need to cope with vocabulary like "fortuitous," "arboreal," and "lithesome" with little syntactical support. Full-page illustrations are brilliantly colored and feature characters with shockingly malevolent eyes, ramping up the drama of the stories. Readers who expect the illustrations to match the text precisely will note that Baba Yaga's dress of "grayish-brown homespun" morphs to red and gold in the illustration and that a dragon's "serrated" teeth are actually individual sharp points. Storytellers will find a lot of good material here, and lovers of magical battles of yore will find plenty to enjoy, too, and may even pick up a few thrilling new epithets: "you pock-faced, craven doer-of-evil-in-the night."—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 4–6—Colorful, appealing page layouts; a brief, enjoyable text broken up with numerous captions, boxes, and sidebars; and engaging interruptions, such as imitation board games and occasional cartoon stories, combine with current, eminently instructive information to make this book a winner. Four main sections cover the history of money, expenses/income, the basics of economics, and the world of work and business. Brief profiles of eight wealthy entrepreneurs and their paths to prosperity and eight significant economists and their theories are included. The lively writing features real-life examples that will be meaningful to students and is presented in a balanced, nonjudgmental style that encourages them to decide for themselves among the various ideas concerning economic policies. Along the way, readers will learn about credit, stock markets, cash flow, smart purchasing, supply and demand, taxes, fair versus free trade, and up-to-date concerns such as telecommuting, globalization, conservation, and business ethics. Color photos and graphics excel at conveying the concepts presented and represent diversity well. Hall's presentation of this sometimes dull topic is remarkably vibrant. Tamra Orr's "Money Matters" series (Mitchell Lane) covers much the same territory for the same level in a more traditional format; Hall's approach is distinctively eye-catching without sacrificing accuracy.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 7 Up—Capturing readers' attention from the very first page, this book is an excellent resource for both teenagers and their teachers. From the development of characters, setting, voice, style, and plot, to the end with rewriting and polishing, readers are able to hone their writing skills. By using the "building your story" activities at the end of each chapter, they have opportunity to apply the techniques presented and experience the whole process. Hanley uses examples from familiar novels and authors such as "Harry Potter" and Stephenie Meyer's Twilight (Little, Brown, 2005) to illustrate elements of writing. The book concludes with interviews with young adult authors, in which they include advice to aspiring young writers. This book is an excellent resource for creative writing classes as well as individuals.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 4–6—These serviceable biographies offer basic introductions to two historical figures. The books are nicely formatted, with small color photographs and reproductions throughout. The writing is clear and informative with a minimal amount of fictionalization and an even treatment of the subjects' positive and negative traits. The pages are text rich (often 300 words or more) so they contain more information than many other biographies of the same length. Both books have detailed chapter notes. TIME for Kids' Clara Barton (HarperCollins, 2008) has a livelier format with informal fonts and more colorful page borders. However, it offers a more idealized view of Barton and glosses over some of her shortcomings. Mike Venezia's James Madison (Children's Press, 2003) has more information about the man's political influence than this offering and is better suited for students interested in that aspect of his life. For libraries needing mid-length biographies on these two remarkable Americans, these books are good choices.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 7 Up—Through a series of "he" and "she" poems, Holbrook and Wolf detail the range of emotions when a childhood friendship become a teenage romance. The relationship goes from shy uncertainty to blissful togetherness, dark rejection, and, finally, a return to friendship. Most of the poems are complementary and conversational, such as the excellent opening selections: "What to Do When She Looks at You?" and "What to Do When He Looks at You?" These deliciously readable poems, accessible and compact, bring to light recognizable feelings and use a variety of forms, including sonnets, free verse, luc bat, villanelle, tanka, and terza rima. An appendix briefly explains each form and refers to famous poems written in these styles. The book's appeal is limited somewhat by an unattractive cover and grainy black-and-white photos and graphic artwork, but teachers and readers alike will savor this innovative approach to an ever-popular topic.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 9 Up—Kamara's account of the atrocities she suffered at the hands of rebel soldiers in Sierra Leone is both harrowing and hopeful. The young woman had a typical childhood in her small rural village until she came face to face with rebels bent on destroying everything in their path. After bearing witness to the torture and murder of several townspeople, one soldier chopped off both of her hands with a machete and left her for dead. Summoning all of her courage, she found her way to a nearby hospital where she was reunited with her surviving family members. There, the 12-year-old discovered she was pregnant and was reduced to begging in the streets to keep herself and her son alive. When journalists arrived to document the horrors of life in her country, Kamara was understandably wary. However, being featured in their stories led to benefactors wanting to find a way to take her to a country where she could heal mentally and physically. After landing in Canada, Kamara found a home and a surrogate family who encouraged her not only to obtain an education, but also to share her story with the world. Her narrative is honest, raw, and powerful. In the same vein as Ishmael Beah's A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (Farrar, 2007), the book sheds light on a plight of which many people are still unaware.—Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School Library, Glen Ellyn, IL

Gr 7 Up—This offering represents the most up-to-date information available on an array of topics including abstinence-only sexual education and pregnancy-prevention methods. The facts are drawn from reports and other materials produced by organizations as diverse as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Pregnancy Association, Planned Parenthood, and more. Due to the variety of sources, there are differences in tone, preferred spellings, and the like. Yet the range of coverage—from puberty and anatomy to sexually transmitted diseases—is thorough and extensive. Each chapter includes a bibliographic citation, and the three back sections containing additional resources, further reading, and the index are all first-rate. The few illustrations and diagrams range in quality from good to excellent. This volume will be well used by students in need of the facts, whether for educational or personal reasons.—Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick, MD

Gr 5–9—Through this fun and inviting book, readers can begin to explore the world using a microscope. Students are encouraged to learn the basics in the two first chapters and then undertake the 41 hands-on activities in the next eight chapters. Activities are presented in manageable one- or two-page uniformly formatted modules. Each one starts with an attention-grabbing title, such as "Charlotte's Parlor" or "Sounds Fishy to Me," and is then divided into three sections covering "What You Need," "What to Do," and "What Did You See?" Twenty-first century learners will like the crime-scene-investigation themes and the many informational sidebars and full-color visuals integrated into the text, including photomicrographs.—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

Gr 6–8—Each title seemingly covers the most important aspects of each leader's life and tries to separate fact from fiction. However, more coverage is given to history than to the featured person. The writing is often stilted and can be confusing as many historical figures are introduced. Full-color maps, photographs, and illustrations give readers a visual understanding of the regions, architecture, and art associated with the individuals. Overall, the books are best suited for readers interested in general information about these periods than for reports.—Karen Scott, Valley Intermediate School, Pelham, AL

Gr 3–6—Wells was born into slavery in 1862 in Mississippi. Myers follows her remarkable life from raising her siblings after the death of her parents, to her rise to national fame as a writer and speaker who worked tirelessly on behalf of African Americans and suffrage, and against the horrors of lynching. Throughout the book, her words, taken mostly from her autobiography, The Crusade for Justice, are highlighted in bold text and emphasize her strength of character and commitment to justice: "I'd rather go down in history as one lone Negro who dared to tell the government that it has done a dastardly thing than to save my skin by taking back what I have said." Readers will learn that long before Rosa Parks made history on a Montgomery bus, Wells refused to move from the ladies' coach on a train, was forcibly removed, then sued the railroad. Christensen's detailed and historically accurate watercolor illustrations bring the story of this amazingly accomplished and courageous woman to life. An important and inspiring book.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 6–9—This thoroughly researched book successfully places Lockwood's many achievements within a larger social and historical context. Norgren begins with her subject's early years and how her family scoffed at her plans to go to college. As a young widowed mother she decided to take destiny into her own hands and get an education. With determination Lockwood became not only one of the first women lawyers of her time, but also the first woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court. Committed to equal rights, she was also the first woman to launch a full campaign as a candidate for president in 1884. She explained, "I cannot vote, but I can be voted for." At the end of her career she represented the Eastern Cherokee Indian Nation, helping her clients win a five million dollar settlement from the U.S. government. The archival photographs, reproductions, and political cartoons are interesting and appealing. Through a clear and engaging text, this biography shows how Lockwood, a relatively unknown historical figure, was an inspiring pioneer of the equal-rights movement.—Mari Pongkhamsing, St. Perpetua School, Lafayette, CA

Gr 4–7—Simon has been cruising through the human body for a number of years, and here he pulls all the pieces together and adds a bit to the mix as he presents a cool look at the human interior. Lavishly illustrated with large computer-colored X-rays, MRI scans, computer artwork, and diagrams, the book is an eye-catcher. The text is clear and informative. While human reproduction is mentioned, as is fetal development, the photos provided depict a colored SEM micrograph of a human egg and sperm, a close-up SEM micrograph of a sperm fertilizing an egg, and a six-week-old human fetus floating in amniotic fluid. Simpler than Richard Walker's ever-so-detailed Encyclopedia of the Human Body (DK, 2002) and a nice introduction to Simon's earlier, more specific works, this book is handsome and informative.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 6 Up—In clear prose, Skurzynski traces the history of unionization in the United States, beginning with the first work stoppage at Jamestown, a result of denying a group of Polish carpenters the right to vote. The carpenters stopped building, and they shortly won the rights they wanted. Following the rise of both the AFL and the CIO, explaining the connection between early union movements and socialism/communism, and detailing the forces arrayed against the early organizers, the soundly researched text delineates the reasons for the rise of unions as well as their more recent struggles against the forces of rampant consumerism. The strictly chronological organization allows readers to locate the information they need on a particular time frame easily, with additional help from the accurate index. Frequent well-placed, black-and-white photos and reproductions ably extend the text. An appendix contains the transcript of Clarence Darrow's defense of Big Bill Haywood, an early union organizer. Source notes are given, as is a 21-item "Selected Bibliography," consisting of both print and Web documents. This is certainly not a book that students will pick up for fun. However, it is an excellent research source, slightly more comprehensive than Tim McNeese's The Labor Movement: Unionizing America (Chelsea House, 2007). For those wanting a basic introduction to the concept, Diana Cohn's excellent Si, Se Puede/Yes, We Can! The L.A. Janitors' Strike (Cinco Puntos, 2002), though a picture book, provides an excellent entrée that will lead interested students on to more detailed treatments.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 3–6—Sobol takes readers along on his journey to central Africa in search of mountain gorillas. As he prepares for his encounter, he shares what he has learned about this critically endangered species. He weaves facts about their daily lives and social structure into his account. His photos of the people and landscapes near Bwindi National Park reveal the close proximity of human fields and villages to the mountainous area where the 650 gorillas live. Guided by park rangers who strictly limit visitor access to the gorilla area, Sobol slips on muddy paths, crawls over logs, and battles dense brush to find the huge creatures eating their leafy breakfast. His photos and commentary offer insightful observations of old and young gorillas on the ground and in the trees. He explains the photography techniques he used to capture various images. War, diseases, poaching, and habitat loss threaten the mountain gorillas, which cannot survive in captivity. The naturalist's admiration for the animals and the people working to protect them provides a personal perspective, which complements other titles that offer more straightforward, factual presentations.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 6–9—Sutherland introduces Reagan as a man who lived his life with "courage, determination, and an incurable sense of optimism." He covers Reagan's childhood, acting career, and marriages and family life, describing how his experiences shaped his personality and contributed to the evolution of his political beliefs. Although the author discusses the Reagan Administration's efforts to revive the American economy and other domestic policies, he spends more time on Reagan's foreign policy, including his confrontational policies toward the Soviet Union and other Communist regimes, his efforts to combat terrorism in the Middle East, and the Iran-Contra affair. The treatment is generally admiring but does not hesitate to discuss Reagan's mistakes and errors in judgment, and it allows readers to make their own assessments of his legacy. The text is supplemented with a few average-quality photos. This book offers a more detailed account of Reagan's political beliefs and of his presidency than Jeff C. Young's Great Communicator (Morgan Reynolds, 2003), which spends more time on Reagan's complex and distant personality. A solid choice for reports.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 3–6—Although this biography of the famous aviator who has fascinated Americans for decades has no new information to offer, it is nicely formatted and has attractive illustrations. The work is shaped like a picture book but has a lot of text, some with hundreds of words per page. Tanaka focuses on Earhart's flying and spends only a little time on other aspects of her life. The writing is interesting and flows well. A list of sources for all the quotes used appears in the back matter, and the bibliography and index are substantial. The book is illustrated primarily with the same set of historical photographs found in other Earhart biographies. However, seven full-page paintings by Craig add vitality to this offering. These realistic pictures are carefully researched and visually dramatic. They match the feeling of the historical photos and the tone of the narrative. This is a good choice for those needing a profile of the famous flier. DK's Amelia Earhart: A Photographic Story of a Life (2007) is also well written, delves deeper into the woman's personal life, and is a good choice for those wanting a longer biography.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 4–8—This inspiring biography chronicles the conservationist's studies of wildlife around the world. Schaller has spent his life counting, observing, and photographing wild animals, from mountain gorillas in Central Africa to snow leopards in Tibet, and providing data to encourage governments to protect their habitats. The book is arranged chronologically in chapters that intertwine vignettes of his contacts with individual animals with information about his research techniques. The writing is both clear and lively. The book ends with brief reports on progress in each of the areas where he worked. Schaller's own sharp color photos show readers the specific animals mentioned in the text. Helpful features include maps at the beginning of each chapter, suggestions for how to get involved, a list of Internet and multimedia resources, and an extensive bibliography. Fans of Jane Goodall and Diane Fossey will enjoy getting to know Schaller, who preceded these women in establishing observation as a way to study animals in the wild.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 5–8—Calling all Igor wannabes for a course in body-building as offered by Dr. Frankenstein. The 30-day program begins on Day 1 with an examination of cells and organelles, and proceeds, in stately fashion, through various body parts and coordinated systems to Day 30, when the completed body is presented for a "system check," including an MRI scan of the head and neck, an angiogram of the hand, a bone scan of feet and ankles, and a CT scan of the lungs. Each page is heavily illustrated, with large, clear diagrams taking center stage, while smaller diagrams, conventional color photos, and SEM microscapes are scattered about. An introductory paragraph and detailed captions constitute the text to support all these visuals. Each section contains a punny note from the good doctor's laboratory notebook, e.g., "After struggling in vain for the answers, assistant has grasped the basics of blood vessels." All this anatomical data is housed in a thick, blood-red cover, with a 3-D heart embedded in its soft embrace. The pages are sturdy boards and their combined weight makes separation from the not-too-sturdy binding all but a given. (Obviously, Dr. Frankenstein was not into physics.) Another cautionary note: as this laboratory genius was not interested in having his creation go forth and multiply, male and female reproductive systems are reduced to two very small, unlabeled diagrams tucked into the section on the urinary tract. All in all, this creation is fun, appealing, and informative, but so fragile it is unlikely to survive intact in its present incarnation.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—It is exciting to see a book on this conflict aimed at young adults, since most titles on African history deal, for the most part, with the ancient kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay; or with Africa's role in the Atlantic slave trade. Texts that examine the destruction of African nations by colonial powers in the 19th century are in short supply. Still, this tale of unrelenting misery for the indigenous people of what is now South Africa is almost too painful to read. The well-written text provides a detailed account of the devastation and ruin brought to Zululand by the British government and by Boer settlers, replete with text boxes that provide clarification and further explanation of what are often complex and confusing issues and events. Illustrations consist of both period photographs and paintings of the fierce fighting. Reckless bravery, treachery, cruelty, betrayal, and greed are all here, resulting in an absorbing, but tragic story.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 4–8—This well-organized and interesting manual covers grooming, health, training, exercise, communication, and more. It also provides excellent information that will help dog owners understand their pets. Whitehead discusses, and clearly shows in good-quality, full-color photographs, various canine emotions such as anger, contentment, fear, and playfulness, and highlights a variety of interactions with humans and with other dogs. The pictures aptly demonstrate both the emotional bonds between pups and their owners and training procedures. "Top Tips," "Dog Facts," checklists, and quizzes appear throughout. This title is a best in show for helping to develop more intuitive and knowledgeable young dog owners and appreciative pets.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 5–8—Zimmerman has successfully adapted Winchester's Krakatoa (HarperCollins, 2003) for young people. The book casts light on a specific moment when geological forces interacted with civilization, providing readers with a vivid picture of the destruction and human suffering caused by the volcanic eruption. The volume conveys much historical background to the 1883 Indonesian disaster, including the European colonization of the region in response to the spice trade. Relevant cultural and scientific advances are also presented, such as Alfred Wegener's concept of "continental displacement," Alfred Russel Wallace's breakthroughs in evolutionary science, and the invention of the telegraph. The eruption sequence is portrayed chronologically from personal records, telegraph reports, and official officer logs. Chin's full-color cartoon illustrations enhance the many archival and contemporary photographs, historical illustrations, and maps that accompany the text. The account of 19th-century scientific achievement is coupled with the drama of the eruption, resulting in an exciting and informative read, with the wide-ranging effects of the volcanic explosion explained in a powerful manner. In addition to this work's educational and reference potential, it lends a human face to a natural disaster and will attract general readers as well.—Jeff Meyer, Slater Public Library, IA

Gr 8 Up—This compelling memoir, an abridgment of A Leaf in the Bitter Wind (Anchor, 1998), describes the brutality that many people faced during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Ting-xing Ye, called Ah-Si because she was the fourth child in her family, was born in 1952. Her father was the prosperous owner of a Shanghai factory, which was confiscated by the government in 1959. The authorities promised compensation, but when he demanded that it actually be paid, he was forced to do menial work in the factory. Paralyzed by a fall, he died three years later. Ah-Si's mother suffered a painful death soon after. Their children were labeled capitalists and landlords, automatically signaling trouble for them. When Ah-Si was 16, she was sent to a prison farm near the Yellow Sea, where she survived for six years. Eventually, people left the countryside, and Ah-Si passed the entrance exam for Beijing University, the only person in the prison camp to do so. This book includes a bit of insight into the infighting that was going on in China between the forces backing Mao and those backing Lin Biao, his second in command. Nothing is pretty about Ah-Si's description of the life she led, but she did what she was asked and survived because of the strength of her character and her resilience. This book joins such titles such as Da Chen's Colors of the Mountain (Random, 2000) and Moying Li's Snow Falling in Spring (Farrar, 2008) to give teens a realistic picture of the way the terror of the Cultural Revolution played out in many people's lives.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA