Reviews: Grades 5 & Up

Gr 7–9—Adrian Havoc, 15, lives in an urban hotbox in the partially post-nuclear United Christian States, where the end of the world is nigh. He meets Lenora, a beautiful zookeeper on a mission to deliver a favorite penguin to colder waters. Adrian's semi-savant, semi-psychic little sister, Shriek, joins them on a trip through the radiated Deadlands to Maine, where the Havocs had a cabin. There they discover Adrian's long-missing father, a member of a Resistance force formed to combat an evil plot to fake the end of the world. Adrian is an engaging, earnest, and lovable character who finds humor in the most dire of circumstances. The dialogue and plot flow are fast paced and natural. The plot itself, unfortunately, is uninspired and confusing. There are too many coincidences, and Shriek, though nicely drawn and very charming, is the stock touched genius—like ET with freckles. With less than universal annihilation on the line, the tension never really builds, and the mood never seems appropriately desperate. The young people emerge from the toxic Deadlands unscathed with only a van to protect them, and everyone's still well fed despite the poisoned agriculture. Give fans of the genre Susan Beth Pfeffer's catastrophe novels instead.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—"Cool cat" Stringbean McCoy, taught by Pops, his cool mentor, explains the meaning and performance of jazz. Striking graphic visuals (cat faces on human figures, square-shaped "square" cats) fill angular painted scenes of deep-toned color, while detailed images (Pops's guitar with signatures of jazz greats and brief views of mid-20th-century New York) trace Stringbean's steps to make his mark as a saxophonist in jazz's heyday. Highlighted and enlarged fonts call readers' attention to the language of the culture ("bread," "blues," "Hammerfingers"), with a nod to the improvisational creativity that inspired bebop and a most unusual explanation for the origin of the word. The language and story are appropriate to the period; however, the bulk of the narrative is presented in long blocks of small print, making this a work mainly for musically aware older elementary readers.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 4–7—Tom Golden can see ghosts. In fact, he is one of the very few humans aware of the parallel Ghost World that exists alongside the normal plane. With his Invisible Friend, Grey Arthur, he is the link for all the Poltergeists, Sadness Summoners, Screamers, and other phantom citizens of the spectral realm. He would like to keep the two sides of his life separate. Talking about ghostly adventures worries his parents-and it doesn't do much for his reputation at school, either. Then, an inexperienced Invisible Friend-in-training tries to help a harried substitute teacher and creates the impression that Tom's school is a hotbed of haunts. When the popular television show "Extremely Haunted Houses of England" decides to feature the story, Tom and his otherworldly friends realize that Ghost World is in serious danger. There is a lot going on here-the TV show, Tom's difficulties at home and school, the "politics" of Ghost World-and it can be a challenge to follow all the twists and turns. The ghostly characters are convincingly depicted, although it is sometimes hard to keep track of who is haunting whom. Familiarity with Tom and Grey's two previous adventures is helpful, but not essential. An acceptable choice for readers who like humorous ghost stories.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–8—The tyranny of grouchy teachers, a totalitarian principal, and the most boring school assemblies ever reign supreme at eighth-grader Chris Stren's school. That is until mysterious, fresh-faced Clouds McFadden strategically brings together four of the most unobvious members of the student body in a plot to overthrow the faculty's iron grip. Freedom, according to Clouds, is what's under siege, and he leads his team into mostly victorious pursuits using the political tactics of historical leaders like Elizabeth I, Gandhi, and Lenin. Beam's characterizations feel fully fleshed out, especially his freedom fighters. The plot, however, while full of interesting twists, plenty of he said/she said drama, and a touch of romance, often veers into history-lesson territory, exhaustively recounting facts in the lives of revolutionaries as Chris, Clouds, and their troupe research them. As the story drags on, readers will begin to realize that Chris and his friends' complaints aren't necessarily high enough stakes to warrant Clouds's final actions. While the twist at the end may be part of the plot, the results feel more like they're full of air instead of action.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—After a sophomore year in which her crush takes someone else to the prom, Jenny Green leaves her privileged, Long Island JAP lifestyle for Montreal's Molson Academy, where she's surrounded by pot-smoking hippies. Luckily, though, there are a lot of gorgeous guys whom Jenny can't wait to get to know. They must be better than the pathetic males she left behind in the States, right? Unfortunately, they turn out to be worse. The lying, cheating, deception-Jenny cannot take it anymore. She is going to make the men pay—with their lives. The first time is forgivable—it is an accident, although the guy totally deserves it. The next several times are intentional; her victims are definitely deserving of what they get. Or are they? This book is completely twisted. Readers know that Jenny should be locked up in a rubber room, but they will find themselves laughing out loud at her crazy exploits and rooting for her as she attempts to rid the scene of immoral men. Just be careful about giving this novel to readers going through a bad breakup.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Incoming freshmen at the same high school that the original sisterhood attended, Ama, Jo, and Polly are learning that falling out of friendship is an unfortunate part of growing up. They're spending the summer apart—uprooted—dealing with divorce, unmet expectations, and, of course, boys. Fans of Brashares will likely be thrilled to get their hands on Willows, yet the story falls short of offering the chick-lit genre anything new. Undoubtedly, though, readers will become involved with the girls as they grow their separate ways, ultimately realizing that the roots of their friendship have never really come undone. The sweet (near sappy) novel will find a place on the to-read list of many tweens and teens.—Emily Chornomaz, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Even though he was wrongly convicted, when he was 16, of murdering his girlfriend, Lisa, and subsequently freed, Michael Grove struggles with his feelings of guilt. He shares his experiences post-imprisonment: hanging out with his unconventional grandmother, bravely returning to the high school where everyone still sees him as the perpetrator, befriending Lisa's best friend, and adjusting to his new life. Through flashbacks, readers learn that Michael drifted off the straight and narrow and had a relationship with wild, drug-addicted Miranda, to whom he lost his virginity and who ultimately confesses to the crime. Then there's Lisa, the well-intentioned social activist with whom he fell in love, and through whom he tried to become a better person. While the book takes on a heavy topic, its simple, spare language makes it readable. Problematic, however, is the weak legal premise: that a case for murder could be made because the defendant had smoked marijuana and had sex with his girlfriend on the day of the killing. If teens can get past that, this is still a compelling read with a well-rounded cast of characters.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 3–6—A big, colorful entry in the series that introduced readers to Dragonology (2003), Pirateology (2006), and Wizardology (2005, all Candlewick), this latest mock-nonfiction title explores such legendary beasts as kelpies, griffins, bunyips, and krakens. The smattering of "facts" revealed about these storied creatures, while based on Greek myths and the legends of other cultures, are generously fictionalized. The attractive illustrations, both color and monochrome, are done by several hands in 19th-century styles and provide a lot of detail for readers to get lost in. Although the book is not exactly circulation-friendly—it includes several faux documents that can be removed from the book-it should be a big hit among fantasy fans as a browsing item.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 9 Up—High school misfit Sage Priestly, 17, loses the race for class president to Mona, a golden girl with the looks, brains, and popularity Sage covets. In this "tables are shinier on the other side of the cafeteria" story, Sage wants to be Mona, trying to transform herself by dieting (starving herself) and daydreaming about dating popular-guy Roger (actually a stereotypical jerk jock). Clueless about best friend and boy-next-door Vern's love for her, Sage, in a rare moment of boldness, gets Roger's attention and enters into a relationship with him, ending it only when his emotional abuse turns physical. Meanwhile, she serves as caregiver for her single mom, who fluctuates between mania and depression. Only after Vern's parents intervene is Eve diagnosed with bipolar disorder and given treatment, and both women's lives turn toward healthier directions. Chapters alternate among the teens' points of view—mainly Sage, Vern, and his friend Walter (an intelligent, gay teen struggling with high school culture)—and are filled with easy-to-relate-to insecurity, angst, and desire. Unfortunately, concern for Sage can sometimes be eclipsed by frustration with her; she wonders what Roger sees in her, as readers wonder the reverse. Mona is merely a vessel for Sage's envy. More tell than show, dialogue can be as false-sounding as the second-tier characters. An afterword includes an author's note and resources on bipolar disorder and abuse.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 10 Up—Told in alternating narratives, Perfect Chemistry portrays a romance between two unlikely lab partners. Brittany is her Chicago high school's "golden girl" but few of her friends know that her parents are totally dysfunctional and that she is highly invested in caring for her physically and mentally disabled older sister. Alex is a member of the Latino Blood, but he wishes he could leave gang life and pursue a college career. The plot thickens as Alex accepts a bet from a friend that he cannot bed Brittany by Thanksgiving. Smoldering doesn't quite do justice to the romantic banter that sparks between them. As the story unfolds, Alex is incarcerated and later hospitalized. Raw language and Spanish phrases that Anglo readers might feel obligated to investigate further are peppered throughout. The pace picks up too quickly at the end, leaving readers wondering if they missed something as time that has previously been marked day by day begins to clip along in five-month increments. Overall though, this is a solid romance that's suitable for reluctant readers.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 4–7—Alec and the Black's latest adventure takes them to Ireland, where the Black has a chance to once again prove his brilliance as a racehorse. Then an injury forces them to prolong their stay. When a girl, Mora, finds a pony wandering the beach, Alec and the stallion are drawn into a mystery involving a kelpie. At first, he dismisses the tales about these shape-shifters but when Mora disappears, his search for her leads him and the horse into a deadly struggle to save her from this legendary creature. This is a carefully crafted novel, with Irish legend and daily life woven throughout. The suspense builds slowly but steadily. The lightly drawn characters support the story line, and Mora is typical of many girls whose greatest wish is to have a horse of their own. Devoted fans of the series will enjoy this latest adventure with a supernatural twist.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 7–10—In this tale set in 18th-century India, orphaned teen Anila is living with an Irish painter and his daughter in Calcutta. She misses her deceased mother and dreams of finding her father, who disappeared years earlier. A smart, unconventional girl with a talent for art, Anila has hit upon great good fortune. Her guardians are generous and influential and land her a job with an open-minded English naturalist who is conducting a river expedition to search for new bird species. The journey is intercut with flashbacks of her life from childhood to the present. The young woman meets with violence and harassment, but she is strong and forges on despite adversity. Her journey will captivate patient readers. Finn's first novel sketches vivid images of the Indian landscape, and her characters are as vibrant as their surroundings. The nicely paced story is well balanced between Anila's past and present.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 4–6—Best friends Alex and Yasmeen once again use their detective skills to unmask a criminal. This time, the book centers around Memorial Day, and the misdeed in question is the kidnapping of an Uncle Sam impersonator who is also Alex's baseball coach and co-owner of a lawn-care business that uses a possibly dangerous chemical. The plot depends mostly on humorous misunderstandings to draw readers into the story, but its most winning feature is Alex's narration, which always sums things up in a funny, kid-friendly way. This fast-paced read packs in quick treatments of deeper topics like environmental terrorism, the Vietnam War, and civil disobedience. An appealing choice for mystery fans.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 9 Up—Featuring the same Sonoma setting and many of the same characters as in Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty (Dial, 2008), this book comes infused with smart skater-chick-barista attitude, a plot nod to Cyrano de Bergerac, and, of course, a jolt of caffeine. Readers join Geena, her boyfriend Ben, and her pal Amber several months after the events of the first novel. While Geena isn't sure where she's ready to go physically in her relationship with Ben, she's pretty sure that model-perfect Sophie De Luca would be happy to take her place by his side. To complicate matters further, a hot, brainy new English teacher attracts Amber's attention; to woo him, she pretends to be an Ivy League college girl by using Geena's intellectual and writing abilities. At times, Geena thinks she might want Mr. Sands's attention herself instead of helping Amber reel him in, and Ben's not sure what is preoccupying his girlfriend. Typical plot complications propel readers toward a satisfying ending by way of strong characterization and realistic dialogue. Just like a cappuccino from the drive-through coffee joint where the Bettys work, this one is frothy fun. Readers don't need to have read the prior book to enjoy it, though acquaintance with the characters' history enhances the brew.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 5–8—Originally published in the Netherlands, this story is told by 12-year-old Lizzy, often called Dizzy because she spends her time staring off into space and has the typical social awareness of an autistic child. She attends a special school and does not have many friends, so when Abigail (nicknamed Piggy) moves to town and exhibits an interest in Lizzy, a friendship is born. Lizzy's slightly confused, slow-paced narration does not prevent readers from quickly realizing that Piggy is not the right kind of companion. Piggy berates and browbeats her into following her schemes, even when Lizzy knows they are wrong. When Piggy leads her in a prank that turns into more than mischief, Lizzy must figure out how to make the situation right. She is rule-bound like many autistic children; she tries hard to make the rules work, but is caught between those laid down by her mother and those insisted upon by Piggy. Readers will celebrate her triumph in the end. The book has a strong story with believable characters. It could be used as a classroom discussion starter, helping readers learn to deal with bullies and other difficult social situations.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5–7—In this adventure, events in Ellen's life move at such a dizzying pace that it's hard for readers to keep up. Ellen is asked to fill in for someone at a debating tournament, and although she has never competed before and the judge berates her for her sloppy appearance, she wins first place. As summer begins, she visits a friend in Toronto, but is quickly called home to Partridge Cove with the news that her mother, who suffered from MS, has died. Mum left a letter encouraging Ellen to find and get to know her birth mother. Although resistant at first, Ellen pursues the matter and discovers that her birth mother is Sarah, the abrasive Vancouver lawyer who judged the debate. As Ellen meets her previously unknown relatives, she is introduced to Judaism and finds her faith deepening. A subplot about a large corporation trying to build up the town's waterfront adds an environmental element, and as Sarah helps Ellen's dad fight the developer, a romantic bond blossoms. Givner portrays Ellen's anger after her mother's death and the family upheaval quite realistically, but the way that the rest of the events unfold so conveniently detracts from what could have been a powerful novel. Purchase only where the earlier books are popular.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 8 Up—In this Asian-inspired fantasy world, political power belongs to the emperor, but also to the Dragoneyes: men who harness the power of the 12 energy dragons named for animals from the Chinese zodiac. Each year, a new one comes to power, and the dragon itself chooses a new apprentice from a pool of 12-year-old boys. Physically lame Eon is thought least likely to be chosen and also has a secret: Eon is truly Eona, a 16-year-old girl. At the ceremony, the Rat Dragon chooses fellow trainee Dillon for the role of apprentice. Eon thinks that all is lost until she sees a dragon no one has seen in 400 years: the Dragon Dragon—also known as the Mirror Dragon. The Mirror Dragon chooses Eon as an apprentice, and because there is no current Mirror Dragoneye, she must serve on the Dragoneye Council herself. She is thus plunged into the dangerous world of the court, which is sharply divided between the emperor and ruthless Lord Ido, the powerful Rat Dragoneye. Fans of Tamora Pierce will appreciate both the strong female protagonist and the cast of shrewd misfits who support her. Although the pace is initially slow, patient readers will be rewarded with high-stakes action in a well-crafted fantasy universe. A second volume will follow, but this one has an ending satisfying enough that readers will not feel cheated.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up—Horatio Wilkes, the teen sleuth from Something Rotten (Dial, 2007), takes on another case in this contemporary reworking of Macbeth. He's attending a Scottish Highland Fair atop a mountain in Tennessee with his old buddy Mac, Mac's controlling girlfriend (named Beth, no less), and their families. Horatio doesn't like Beth, and his friendship with Mac becomes even more strained after a palm reader predicts that Mac will win the Highland decathlon and become "king of the mountain." When Mac's grandfather Duncan, the mountain's owner, is murdered, Horatio gradually discovers that Mac has slipped into madness and resorted to violence to make the prophecy come true. The insane obsession of Shakespeare's character doesn't translate well into modern times here because Mac's motives are weak, and the insanity they cause seems a bit of a stretch. Horatio talks and acts more like a 30-something P.I. than a teenager, and it's hard not to wonder where his parents are when he is severely beaten up and works with police to solve the murder. This story has some fun aspects, but the literary references will be lost on all but those well-versed in Macbeth. The narrative is riddled with sexual innuendo and smart-alecky metaphors that will soon become tiresome to even the most sarcastic teen readers.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School Library, Loveland, CO

Gr 9 Up—Parker, 16, is the quiet, reserved middle child between little Preston and golden girl Paige. So why is her ex-boyfriend unbuttoning her blouse and handcuffing her in her father's study? Her parents walk in, ground her for life, and it all ends up on her ex-best-friend's blog. The real problem, though, is Parker's attachment to the boy. Character development is excellent, especially of the family. The descriptions of Parker's ADHD brother are humorous yet tender, her mother is uptight but not a caricature, and Paige insults Parker as only an older sister can. The teen's voice, too, is natural and steady. The ex-boyfriend, unfortunately, is flat in comparison. Though the point may be that Parker's obsession has more to do with her insecurities than his charms, their lack of chemistry fails to drive the plot or engage readers. The side plots, about Paige's alcoholism, a stalking neighbor, and the family's money troubles, are much more interesting. Still, Parker's sexual candor is refreshing; she states her desires in a way usually reserved for male protagonists. The author describes the new-media gossip mill and insular suburbia convincingly. There's a lot going on in Handcuffs, but Griffin manages to tie the strings together clearly and cleverly to a satisfying conclusion.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Reality quickly gives way to fantastical fable in this story of an old woman who returns home from walking her dog to find a strange boy in her lounge room, where she gives him tea and tells him the story of her life. A lonely child of wealthy parents, Matilda/Maddy encounters a ragged, wild young man on the beach near her home. She names him Feather and they fall in love and conceive a child, but she miscarries. In trying to tame Feather, Maddy loses him, too, and, despairing, she attempts to drown herself in a pond, to be rescued by Feather, who then leaves for good. But Maddy learns to sail and embarks alone on a dangerous sea journey to find him, only to finally acknowledge that their fragile love cannot sustain a life together. Sailing back to her old life, she later becomes a doctor and humanitarian. As her story ends, it is apparent that the boy is her never-born child who has come to accompany her passing to the next world. Lyrical writing, heavy with visual imagery and touched with euphemism, creates an ethereal mood, but the story is not served well by the fantastical elements. Maddy's journey brings her face to face with talking sea creatures, a floating mosque, a battle between a kraken and a leviathan, and Zephyrus, who guides her to the savage island where she confronts Feather and the loss of love. Neither fish nor fowl, this romance may nevertheless find a readership with older fantasy lovers.—Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 10 Up—Julia Riley and her friend Ruth are stifled by their ultraconservative Christian upbringing. Ruth is a preacher's daughter whose parents have a "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" doorbell, while Julia's mom closes her lunch notes "In God's love." Everything changes when Ruth has sex at a party and becomes pregnant at the same time as Julia's stepmother. The teen decides to learn everything she can from Miki's midwife, Maria, so that she can conceal her pregnancy and later abandon the newborn at her father's church. In the end, Ruth keeps the baby, and her parents disown her. Julia learns to accept the change in plans while learning that one cannot always plan for every situation. Julia's love of classic literature is explored through famous first lines and some plot analysis. Harvey's novel is weighed down by her overuse of negative stereotypes in the narrow Christian world she paints, a slew of underdeveloped characters, and a disjointed, shallow plot.—Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

Gr 3–6—A slave mother creates a quilt to guide and comfort her young daughter, whom she is sending to freedom along the Underground Railroad. In a straightforward, heartfelt story written in dialect, Hegamin shows that a woman can love her child dearly yet still give her up, in the youngster's best interest. An author's note explains that debates over the authenticity of quilts used as maps continue; Hegamin states that she used the quilt as a symbol and story device. The artwork matches the tone of the story well, featuring dark images interspersed with quilted blocks that bring brightness to the primitive-style paintings. Patchwork endpapers that incorporate recognizable quilt blocks add to the homespun feel of the story. Paired with Deborah Hopkinson's Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt (Knopf, 2003), this book would be a useful discussion point for supplementing Underground Railroad units.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 4–7—Pandora and her friends continue their quest to recover the evils that were accidentally released from her box. Here, the young protagonists travel to Egypt to track down vanity. Along the way, they encounter sea storms, helpful dolphins, ancient tombs, and a caravan of wonders, all the while being threatened by the plotting goddess Hera. Although set in classical times, this fantasy reads more like a current-day adolescent adventure. The characters use contemporary teenage idioms, making the text accessible to readers, and a glossary of gods, historical figures, and other relevant terms is provided. Classical Greek and Egyptian religion and history tread lightly in the story's background, and certain elements have been modernized (Pandy uses a conch shell much like a cell phone). Action is balanced with dialogue and description, and a tongue-in-cheek tone casts a whimsical light upon the overall events. Less successful are brief scenes depicting sword-wielding Arab men who spout sexist remarks, seemingly reinforcing negative stereotypes. Still, the smoothly written narrative makes this a suitable choice for larger libraries serving fans of fantasy and mythology.—Jeff Meyer, Slater Public Library, IA

Gr 5–8—Once again, Hiaasen has written an edge-of-the-seat eco-thriller. When their unpopular biology teacher goes missing in a suspicious fire during a field trip to the Black Vine Swamp, Nick and Marta don't buy the headmaster's excuse for her absence and decide to do some investigating of their own. Eco-avengers; an endangered, hunted panther; illegal pipelines in the Everglades; and an underachieving student with the nickname "Smoke" all play a part in this gripping novel. From the first sentence, readers will be hooked. The teens' dangerous detective work, with help from some unlikely sources, and the ethics of environmental awareness are well balanced. The emotion and personal changes that Nick goes through due to his father's injury in Iraq are on their own a worthy study of the struggles that military families are facing today. This well-written and smoothly plotted story, with fully realized characters, will certainly appeal to mystery lovers.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 6–10—Left to survive on his own in the pestilent and crime-ridden city of Urbs Umida after the disappearance of his father (a suspected murderer), Pin Carpue's trustworthy nature earns him employment as a corpse watcher, assuring his skittish employer that the dead are truly dead. But Pin's seemingly straightforward job becomes more complicated when he is drugged at his post and subsequently witnesses two cloaked figures raise the body in his care for a final communication with a loved one. A series of coincidences leads Pin to seek lodging in the same boarding house occupied by these mysterious individuals—a bone magician named Benedict Pantagus and his troubled assistant, Juno—who also present their corpse-raising spectacle at the city's most notorious tavern. Lonely Pin is soon drawn to Juno and the secrets of her herbs. He strikes a deal with her that they will leave the abominable city together if he is able to divine the secret of bone magic. In tantalizing subplots involving a series of murders, a caged Beast, a dashing phrenologist, a potato-throwing dwarf, and a hideous journalist, Higgins explores the question of spectacle and what constitutes an honest wage. The cast of unusual characters and their interrelated stories carry readers along swiftly to an ending that begs for a sequel. Budding fans of Poe or Dickens will be entranced by this atmospheric novel.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 9 Up—In this thoughtful Australian novel, a troubled 16-year-old girl finds love and meaning in unexpected places. Riley Rose—rebellious, promiscuous, and deeply unhappy after the death of her mother—is dumped at an isolated Christian camp for a week so that her father and stepmother can go on vacation. Overweight, wisecracking Riley expects to hate everyone at Spirit Ranch. Instead, she bonds with some of her bunkmates and falls for Dylan, a paraplegic fellow camper. What could be a clichéd situation—the bond between two outcasts—is instead touching and believable. There are some camp bullies, of course, but even the villains prove to have redeeming qualities. Riley is an appealingly flawed main character, tough-talking and funny at the same time. She hangs on to her skepticism but allows some tenderness to penetrate her armor. That she could change so profoundly in a single week sometimes stretches credibility, and the slow pace might deter less determined readers. Overall, however, this novel will appeal to sensitive teens who will root for Riley and the other camp underdogs.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 5–8—Fixer Becker Drane, 13, reappears to save The World from a renegade Split Second and a powerful Time Bomb. He leads the life of a normal teenager until his 7th Sense alerts him to danger, and his Blinker goes off with a message from The Seems that gives him his new assignment. The Seems is an organization on the other side of the Fabric of Reality that created the Real World and is responsible for making everything in it (Time, Sleep, Weather, etc.) run smoothly. When there is a problem, a Fixer, with the help of a Briefer, must get to work. Becker's job is to find and fix the Split Second before a rebel group bent on destroying The World sets off the bomb. Hilarious wordplay, capitalized idiomatic expressions, puns, and figures of speech propel the plot along at a manic pace as Becker falls in love, tries to follow the Rules, and narrowly escapes annihilation. A delightful caste of noble and nefarious characters adds to the fun. For those in need of a moral component, there is much philosophizing about why bad things happen if the great Seems Plan for The World is supposed to be so perfect. Readers are encouraged to take the Seems Aptitude Test to become a Fixer. Advise readers to approach this book with a Grain of Salt and with Tongue firmly in Cheek for a wild ride.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

Gr 8–10—High school senior Kevin Mopsely holds the first-chair flute position in the school band and has a knack for alienating pretty girls. So it comes as a huge surprise to everyone when überjock and alpha male Brandon Trent appoints him to an important role in the Graduation Rituals. Kevin's been made the compiler of the Book of Busts, a notebook that purports to contain years of measurements of every girl in every graduating class. On one level, he is thrilled to find himself in a previously unreachable echelon of high school society, but as the son of a women's studies professor, he knows that it's wrong to treat his female classmates so disrespectfully, especially as he finds himself falling for his sweet, smart, funny best friend, Abby. This novel begins on a high note in the opening chapter, as John uses a light and humorous touch to delineate the friendship between geeks-of-a-feather Kevin and Abby. The rest of the novel is far less satisfying, however; the author's depiction of an American high school rings false in almost every respect, and the characters are flat, stereotyped, and, except where it serves the machinations of the plot, one-dimensional. The message about feminism and respect between the sexes is certainly a valuable one, but teens will be turned off by the plot's too-obvious lessons and moralizing tone.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 8 Up—Lili loves John Wayne, even though he's been dead for years. She writes him long letters, sharing the details of her day-to-day life, even when they're difficult. Her mom is inviting a new love interest to move in with them, and Lili notices that he drinks more than his fair share and doesn't seem interested in acquiring gainful employment. She wants to ask her mom to choose between them, but she's afraid of what the answer might be. Sprinkled throughout the letters are revelations about her father's sexuality, Lili's new love interest, her sister who is abused by her husband, and reflections on a molesting uncle. This is a compelling read. The writing style reveals small bits of information slowly over many chapters, leaving readers wanting to know more, feeding their curiosity one bite at a time. The Western-style banter à la John Wayne is charming.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 7–9—Pippin hates playing soccer, largely because he's embarrassed by his father's loutish sideline behavior. Dad, a disabled former firefighter now running a failing milk delivery route, is sullen, critical, and demanding. Pip seems unable to live up to the man's expectations and feels inadequate compared to his more athletic older brother. A newly built community sports complex provides a secret escape, especially after Pip discovers he's a natural at indoor rock climbing. As his former best friend, Kate, quietly sheds him for a preening hotshot climber, Jordan, Pip re-creates himself as Phil, establishes positive new relationships, and works hard at improving his skills. When he improbably bests Jordan and a host of experienced climbers in his first indoor climbing competition, he ultimately learns that competing against himself—not others—provides true fulfillment. The book is set in New Zealand, and colloquialisms that can't be deduced from context will likely be glossed over by readers without causing undue difficulty. Pip is a likable character and both his conflict with his father and his journey of self-discovery are believable. A heartwarming story about finding one's strengths and confronting problems.—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 8 Up—Molly and her Abenaki family get caught up in a government eugenics project set to rid Vermont of "weak links" in the genetic code. Although the teen and her family are largely accepted in their small 1920s community, outsiders come to enforce the governor's decree that Vermont is only for "real" Yankees. Amid this turmoil, Molly must also cross into womanhood, leaving school to help her pregnant mother with the washing and having her first experiences with boys. Throughout the story, the river rages in the background, and Molly hears the voice of her dead sister, Gratia. The day her mother gives birth, two nurses from the project show up at her house, and Molly believes they purposely kill the baby and cut her mother to prevent her from having more children. Kanell infuses her story with imagery and metaphors. Although the true history of the Vermont Eugenics Project looms in the background, the story really centers around Molly's coming-of-age. The author has created many disparate threads, most of which she has woven together into a subtle, richly drawn historical novel, though some elements, like the voice of Gratia, fail to reach a satisfying conclusion. However, fully drawn characters, beautiful use of language, and an interesting topic will be enough to draw in many readers.—Kim Ventrella, Ralph Ellison Library, Oklahoma City, OK

Gr 8–11—An Army brat with a great tennis arm, Lucy Peterson is tired of her family's constant moving around and wants to settle at a school and make some long-term friends. She is accepted as a scholarship student at the Van Pelt Academy in Switzerland, a prestigious institution for the children of royalty, corporate magnates, rock stars, and the general elite. However, as she begins 10th grade, she worries that she won't fit in with her über-wealthy classmates. This story abounds with the trappings of teen novels: new friends, mean girls, crushes, confusing relationships, backstabbing, and more. Current stars, trends, designers, etc., are name-dropped throughout the book to showcase the extreme affluence of the student body and to contrast Lucy's situation and feelings of displacement. Lucy is a likable, if not always sympathetic, character. She and her supporting cast are never wholly developed, and some of her decisions seem very shallow. Still, this breezy novel is a fun read that will be popular with teen girls.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 6–8—Twelve-year-old Gracie is astonished to discover that her new journal has magical powers: it seems that if she writes something, it happens. At first, she is thrilled. The possibilities are endless; she can create a job for her unemployed dad, have her friend Dylan finally fall in love with her, and even secure world peace. But before long, things get out of control. Her entries have unforeseen consequences, and a strange Cheshire cat, visible only to her, seems to be after the journal. With the help of a wise English teacher, Gracie discovers that, even without magic, "writing can change the world," and in the end she makes a decision that brings the novel to a satisfying close. Gracie is a sympathetic protagonist, and Kline tackles issues like fate and free will with equal parts humor and gravity. This is an engaging read for anyone who has ever felt powerless to change her own world.—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 9 Up—A high school junior, Locke has been aware of his fits of blind rage ever since he bit the tip off a bully's nose back in elementary school. In an effort to cope with his unpredictable Jekyll-and-Hyde nature, he has even invented a name and persona for the pugnacious personality that periodically seems to seize control of him: the venom. He has been estranged from most social contact, but Randall, a recent friend, has been laid back and accepting, so much so that he invites a reluctant Locke to a party to meet his wider circle of friends, other artsy and angry outsiders in all their teen guises: punks, queers, emos, skaters, hip-hop kids, headbangers, neo-hippies, and goths. Suddenly, Locke feels both accepted by and drawn to two of the group's most troubled members: Casey, a confused and combative gay kid who shares his violent pathology, and Renee, a girl he begins to fall in love with just as he is starting to realize the scary significance of her dark past. In order for him to maintain these stormy relationships, Locke discovers that he must abandon his defense mechanism and start dealing with the fact that he and the venom are, in fact, one and the same. Revealed in first-person chapters interspersed with graphic-novel-style illustrations mirroring Locke's ongoing battle with his inner self, this is an authentically voiced story that includes sex, drugs, drinking, violence, and, ultimately, Locke's move toward maturity through self-knowledge and subsequent self-control.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 7 Up—Chelsea, who lives in Los Angeles, and Miya, who lives in Japan, started blogging when they were 11 and were almost like sisters. Both are half Japanese. They shared a love of Gothic Lolita fashions and a shojo manga character, gothiclolita009. Passages from the series in which she stars are interspersed throughout the book. The teens are now 16, and Chelsea suddenly stopped writing three years ago, but Miya continues to blog. It is through her postings to Chelsea that readers learn her story: her mother died, and her father dies as the story opens; before that he had placed her and her three-year-old brother in an orphanage. Readers will feel her pain, loneliness, and fear about what will happen to her and her brother, now that she is at the age when she must leave the institution. She is desperate to contact the one person who will understand how she feels: Chelsea. Meanwhile, readers know that Chelsea is also suffering; her younger brother disappeared three years earlier, and she feels responsible. The story is told in alternating chapters by the teens. There's some lovely writing here, and some highly charged emotions. While the book leaves some questions unanswered, on the whole it's a satisfying read.—Ann Nored, Wilson Central High School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 9 Up—During a raging argument with her mother, Edna hears the phone ring. The news that her mother has cancer puts the fight and the 17-year-old's family life on hold. Mom disappears into Manhattan's Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital and Edna's hardworking attorney father spends his evenings with his wife. The teen can't bring herself to go with him or even to talk with her mother on the phone. Emotionally numb, she is stuck at that moment when rage and terror intersect. The only person who seems to reach through her frozen state is her handsome and manipulative art teacher, Mr. Howland; his sexual advances make her feel good. Set in New Jersey in the 1980s, this first-person novel convincingly references the attitudes and popular culture of the era. For months, Edna avoids her mother. Instead, she focuses on the drama of her own secret affair, the breakup of Mr. Howland's marriage, and her unhappiness that her father seems absent in her life. Then, through annoying visits to a psychiatrist, she slowly begins to thaw. The fun with Mr. Howland is beginning to fade. On a field trip to New York, she impulsively ditches him and the rest of the class and ends up at her mother's bedside. It is a tough challenge to write from the viewpoint of a person who is not able to see the consequences of her actions or to identify the feelings she is desperately avoiding. This book begs for discussion.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 8–10—Abigail Jacobs is preparing for high school graduation and compulsory service in the Israel Defense Forces. While her friend Shira is trying out for the entertainment troupe, Abigail has her sights set on the elite women's combat unit. Although she is discouraged by her family, she gains much-needed confidence and inner strength from Shira's older brother, Noah, a combat soldier himself. She survives a physically and mentally grueling boot camp and is inspired to help rescue stranded animals as bombs fall in northern Israel. When Noah is wounded and Aggie encounters him in the hospital, their relationship intensifies. Unlike Levine's Running on Eggs (Front St., 1999), this book is nearly devoid of politics, and the story could easily take place in any war-torn country where military service is a way of life for young people. A realistic narrative and a romance give the novel universal appeal. Recommend it to fans of Lisa Ann Sandell's The Weight of the Sky (Viking, 2006); readers can also turn to Valérie Zenatti's When I Was a Soldier (2005) and A Bottle in the Gaza Sea (2008, both Bloomsbury) for stories that focus more on the current conflict.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

Gr 6–9—This spirited, early-20th-century coming-of-age story presents a small-town cast of well-drawn characters, an unlikely friendship, engaging adventures, and poignant realizations. When a new postmaster arrives in Moundville, AL, 12-year-old Dit is surprised to discover that Mr. Walker is African American and that his refined daughter knows nothing about baseball, hunting, or fishing. With his best friend gone for the summer and in search of companionship other than his nine siblings he reluctantly hangs out with proper, opinionated Emma, who tags along with him asking questions and trying to keep up. Gradually, Dit begins to respect her independence, intelligence, compassion, and determination. But the harsh realities of segregation and racist attitudes threaten their friendship and open Dit's eyes to injustice. After witnessing the town barber's self-defense shooting of the alcoholic and abusive sheriff, Dit and Emma hatch a plan to save the black man's life. Dit's episodic story resonates with youthful authenticity. Peer pressure and racial barbs weigh on his competitive but sensitive spirit. Dit's insular world expands on drives to Selma with Dr. Griffiths, when the influenza epidemic of 1918 invades Moundville, during his pa's shotgun vigil to protect neighbors from nightriders, and in his shared exploits and lively discussions with Emma. Adult characters offer a range of guidance, perspective, and tolerance that helps shape Dit's understanding of his world. Readers will find humor in his candid account, universality in his dilemmas and blunders, and inspiration in his friendship with Emma and their mutual desire for social justice.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 7–10—When Kelley moves to New York to pursue her dreams of theatrical success, she expects that her only encounters with mythical beings will be confined to the stage, in the Avalon Grande Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. All of that changes when she meets Sonny Flannery, who introduces Kelley to a world she never knew existed. A member of Auberon's Janus Guard, he patrols the portal (in Central Park) between the human and faerie worlds on the few dangerous nights when it opens and members of the Unseelie Court can pass into the mortal realm. He is strangely drawn to Kelley, and as he gets to know her, he begins to suspect that there is more to her history than either of them know. Through encounters with sirens, hellhounds, and kelpies, Kelley and Sonny are drawn irrevocably into a battle among the Fey. Despite the budding attraction between them, forces they can hardly understand seek to keep them apart. Set against the backdrop of present-day New York City, this enchanting first novel weaves together the worlds of theater and magic in a way that is sure to please fans of both. Readers will revel in the hints of Shakespeare within the text as they are introduced to faerie creatures both familiar and "wondrous strange."—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 9 Up—Ryan Dooley, 17, has been trying to stay out of trouble. He is three months out of juvenile detention and living with his strict but fair uncle. All he has to do is keep clean and go to work and school and his relative will provide for him. Then a dead body falls in front of him from a bridge while he is walking through a ravine at night. He is the only witness to the apparent suicide. The dead guy's sister comes to him looking for help, wanting him to undergo hypnosis to be sure everything he remembers comes to light. She does not believe that her brother committed suicide and is looking for answers. Dooley begins to do some investigating on his own after he is framed for a robbery. The first 100 pages drag a bit as the author lays down the plot but then the story picks up speed. Dooley is a likable, if somewhat flawed, character, and he becomes increasingly more endearing as his true nature is revealed. An excellently written murder mystery.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 8–11—Anne, 17, is used to her eccentric mother's comings and goings; after all, the woman is a biographer who must travel to interview the subjects of her books. Anne is used to her mother pulling up roots and moving the two of them and her grandparents to a new town. She is definitely used to having few friends and fewer boyfriends. All that changes when two new boys show an unusual interest in her. A phone message from her mother leads her to thousands of dollars stashed inside a hollowed-out book, and then her mother doesn't return from one of her trips. When Anne calls the woman's cell, the number has been disconnected, and there is no record of her at the hotel where she was supposedly staying. As the teen begins to unravel the mystery of her mother's identity, she discovers that all she has ever known has been a fabrication. Fast-paced and exciting, this book is a perfect choice for fans of Caroline Cooney's "The Face on the Milk Carton" series (Random). The complicated plot takes a little deciphering to figure out, but persistent readers will be rewarded for their efforts. Anne is an articulate and intelligent heroine, and readers will identify with her sense of social isolation as they live vicariously through her courage and tenacity.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 7 Up—Meltdown is a new designer drug that can have devastating effects, including a violent and instantaneous death. Fergus, a longtime military operative with a checkered past, and Danny, his 18-year-old grandson, who has a penchant for allowing emotion to cause him to deviate from standard operating procedure, are recruited to locate the melt labs and destroy them. This novel, the final one in the series, moves quickly, winding through Danny's training, bouncing disjointedly between various viewpoints to cover all angles of the operation. Set in the United Kingdom, the story is loaded with military acronyms. Though there is a glossary, the narrative employs far more terms than are included, and the frequent flipping back and forth is awkward. What the tale lacks in literary merit, it makes up for in raw action, espionage, and violence; blood spraying from victims' heads as they are "double tapped" by the hero and trucks exploding in a ball of fire are par for the course. Purchase where the series is popular.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 9 Up—In this supernatural thriller set in a remote Canadian town in the dead of winter, four friends encounter a cannibalistic creature that is hunting and killing teens. Out late at night, Danny, the narrator, is stung by the terrible monster and it begins to stalk his nightmares. As he becomes increasingly and mysteriously ill, he realizes that his life is in danger. The foursome, after a failed attempt to involve law enforcement, decide to take on the behemoth with stolen dynamite and guns "borrowed" from their fathers. In addition to the main story line, the novel has Danny coming to terms with his mother's recent death and reconnecting with his father. Each of the friends comes across as an individual. Danny's love interest, Ash, a girl boxer who is half Ojibwa, is a particularly dynamic character (Danny's physical reaction to riding with her on her motorbike will ring true with hormonal teens). It is from Ash that Danny first hears stories about Windigos, "big, ugly things…with a chunk of ice for a heart." The unrelenting pace, short chapters, and the idea of teenagers taking on a monster with a large amount of weaponry will certainly appeal to fans of horror novels.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

Gr 7–10—Maddy feels as though her life just keeps getting worse and worse. Because her parents have divorced, she has had to leave her friends in Boston and move with her mother and younger sister to live with Grandma in New Hampshire. She has developed a mad crush on handsome, unattainable Chad, whose friends refer to her as Freak Girl. Maddy's only consolations are her beloved manga drawings and the online game Fields of Fantasy, which her father gave her for her birthday. As Maddy becomes more involved with the game, she creates a new identity for herself as a magical Elfin maiden named Allora, and meets the handsome knight Sir Leo online. Eventually Maddy realizes that she cannot continue to use gaming as a refuge from her real-life problems, and she finds the courage to confront both the clique at her school and her neglectful father. And even more importantly, she begins reaching out to potential friends by starting a manga club and entering Gamer Girl in a prestigious writing contest. This is a fun, quick but predictable story. Readers will guess the identity of Sir Leo long before Maddy does, and her grandmother is stereotypically fussy and interfering. However, the manga and gaming themes will appeal to many teen girls, including reluctant readers.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 9 Up—It's not easy being a 17-year-old witch charged with slaying paranormal beings. Living in modern-day Connecticut, narrator Jules and her four childhood friends are "Revealer" witches—able to force werewolves, vampires, and ghosts to expose themselves so they can be destroyed. This usually happens in the dead of night, messing with the girls' sleep schedules and grades, but sacrifices have to be made to protect the innocent, right? But when Margo turns 18 and is inducted into the witches' inner circle to which all of their mothers belong, the other teens know that something is not right, and they begin to wonder if their enemies are the mothers themselves or the creatures they slay. This story grabs readers and carries them along to the entertainingly surreal and totally unexpected climax. A secondary plot of forbidden romance between Jules and the coven leader's son adds to the mood. Throughout, the characters become more clearly defined with quirks and unique traits, and how each girl deals with what she learns during her induction remains true to her personality. The dialogue has a lot of strong language. This supernatural thriller will keep genre fans happy and waiting for more from this author.—Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario

Gr 7–10—Eight short stories illuminate the experiences of adolescents in modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan, yet many of their conflicts and concerns are universal in nature. In the title story, 13-year-old Amal learns some lessons about honor, gifts, and the act of giving when her seven-year-old brother confuses their wealthy uncle with Santa Claus. Suhayl cooks a homemade meal to bring joy into the life of his divorced mother in "Faces." Other situations are unique to the Middle East. For example, Mujahhid defends a Palestinian olive grove against the occupying Israeli military in "The Olive Grove." In the stellar "Honor," a beautiful young woman faces a possible "honor killing" at the hands of her disgraced family after she is seen in public with a man. "The Plan," in which a young Palestinian refugee in Lebanon orchestrates a meeting between his older brother and his charismatic art teacher, is utterly charming. Touches of suspense, romance, and humor keep the pages turning in this fine collection. Themes of faith, loyalty, and coming-of-age are sensitively handled and compellingly depicted. Notes explain each story's historical, political, and social context. This collection is an expanded version of Figs and Fate (Braziller, 2005). It will be popular with fans of Deborah Ellis and Suzanne Fisher Staples, and will also be an excellent supplemental reading choice for world-cultures curricula.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 4–7—Molly and Adam have been given the task of watching their father closely during their lakeside vacation. Several of the men in his family have died the day before their 35th birthday, and the Barnetts are determined to protect Tim's life. Meanwhile, the siblings connect with the ghost of Tim's father, who helps them piece together the mysterious deaths. The book ends on a cliff-hanger. A cut above generic series fiction, Ghosthunters nonetheless is a serviceable, not stellar mystery. It contains the requisite spiders, screams, and knives, but the story itself is workmanlike. Molly and Adam are obvious foils for one another, and the dialogue tries too hard to point out character development. The authors explain clues rather than allowing the plot to reveal information, and the story is linear rather than three-dimensional. Ghost stories by Marion Dane Bauer, Mary Downing Hahn, or Betty Ren Wright will serve as well or better.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 7–10—In 1565, when Jimmu is 10 years old, he witnesses his father commit seppuku, a ritual suicide, to avoid bringing dishonor to his family. Before he dies, Lord Kensu tells his son that his bodyguard will now be responsible for his upbringing. Jimmu spends the next seven years learning the art of the samurai at Nichiren's side, with the sole intention of avenging his father by killing Lord Ankan, the man Nichiren blames for betraying Lord Kensu and taking from Jimmu all that was rightfully his. Jimmu reports to Mitsukage Castle under the pretense of wanting to work for Lord Ankan, and, impressing the captain of the guard with his swordsmanship, is allowed to stay. But as Jimmu gets to know Lord Ankan, he finds him to be a principled and courageous leader rather than the monster that Nichiren described. Complicating matters further, Jimmu is drawn to Lord Ankan's impetuous daughter. The resulting story is an honest and engaging portrayal of a young man's struggle to do the right thing—even when it is not clear what that is. The cast of characters includes Tokugawa Ieyasu and Oda Nobunaga, two renowned military leaders from the Sengoku period. The vivid depictions of a soldier's life in 16th-century Japan will captivate samurai enthusiasts, and the amount of action that Matthews packs into this relatively short novel will appeal to reluctant readers.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 6–10—In this first-person novel, Meyer takes the facts of Darwin's life and enlivens them with fictional dialogue and thoughts. Charley's unhappiness at boarding school, his fascination with science and collecting natural objects, and his relationships with friends and family are all explored. His time aboard the Beagle makes up close to half of the book and is filled with adventures with gauchos and Galapagos tortoises, the latter of which he captured for food for the journey home. Meyer also fleshes out Darwin's infatuation with flirtatious Fanny Owen and his problems with the Beagle's troubled captain, Robert FitzRoy. Charles presents himself here as self-effacing, awkward at times, yet warm, well liked, and ambitious in his scientific pursuits. This portrait fits with documented research and Darwin's own journals. Meyer's writing has a light touch that capitalizes on the humorous, romantic, and exciting events in the man's life while introducing his scientific pursuits and the beliefs of his time. Ending with his marriage to Emma Wedgwood and before the publication of his theory of evolution, this novel paints a readable and detailed portrait of the young Charles Darwin.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 8–10—The privileged, African-American Duke twins of Atlanta are back. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Sydney and Lauren should be focusing on planning their holiday bash, but instead they are preoccupied with attempting to clear their father's name in the murder case of Lauren's boyfriend's brother. All of their detective work has to be on the sly because by proving their father's innocence they just may be exposing their stepfather's activities. Is Altimus's used car business lucrative enough to keep the girls swathed in Gucci and Prada or is he involved in illegal activities? Uncovering the truth is not going to be easy, nor without consequences, for the sisters. The mystery element sets this story apart from other novels in the overdone subgenre of books about wealthy youth, and, even though it's a sequel, it stands on its own.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Fifteen-year-old Lolly Emmerson loves to spend time with her boyfriend, Nicky. Her other love is sailing in the Florida Keys. One evening, her Boston Whaler hits an underwater obstacle. Lolly is not concerned until the unsinkable boat overturns and she is dumped into the water. She tries to remain calm but is knocked unconscious by the mast. When she comes to, something thumps her. Shark or dolphin is the first thing that comes to mind; however, it is a giant manatee. A trio of manatees takes Lolly on their backs to an isolated island. When she begins to recover from her injuries, the manatees take her to open water where she is soon spotted and rescued, and one of the animals is severely injured by a propeller cut. While the story might stretch the imagination, it does show the teen's courage and determination to survive and the bond she forges with these gentle creatures. Lolly tells her story after her rescue, explaining how she felt at various stages of her ordeal, particularly when she was sure she was going to die. It's an affecting account, beautifully told. In an afterword, the author makes a plea for the safe treatment of the manatees.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 5–8—Myers's novel about Nathan Hale shows the human side of history by using fictional characters to tell a story of everyday people caught up in monumental events. The perspective switches between that of Hale, a young schoolteacher, and his student Jonah, a 12-year-old orphan taken in by Nathan's wealthy cousin, Samuel. All of New London, CT, is talking about the dumping of British tea into Boston Harbor, and the townspeople are slowly dividing themselves into loyalists and patriots. Though Mr. Samuel is a Tory, Jonah is unsure of his own feelings. Eventually, Nathan joins General Washington's army as an officer and reluctantly agrees to take the dishonorable assignment of spying on British troops in New York City. Meanwhile, Samuel moves his family there, seeking a haven from the persecution loyalists are receiving. When Jonah runs into Nathan and confronts him, Nathan feels forced to reveal the truth about his work. Thinking his mentor deceitful, a devastated Jonah spills the story to Samuel. Soon after, Nathan is arrested, charged with treason, and sentenced to hang. Though Samuel suddenly has the money to journey to England, Jonah, feeling responsible for his teacher's death, instead heads for Washington's army. Set against clearly delineated historical events, the story employs personal thoughts and feelings to show the conflicts facing the colonists. This well-written novel is a good supplement to American history studies.—Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX

Gr 7 Up—Born from Myers's musings on the underlying violence in Swan Lake, this story is a riff on that ballet with tones of West Side Story, Shakespeare, and hip-hop. In the projects, Amiri's mom is going to throw him a party in the hope that he'll find the right girl and settle down. But that night on the courts, Amiri meets Odette—and though she is promised to Big Red, a crack dealer, they proclaim their love. "And thus the pact is set, the bargain sealed,/Both agony and love revealed./But are solutions so easily discovered?/Happy endings so readily recovered/Among the castaways and rejects/Of the teeming Swan Lake Projects?/Is happy chance alone gladly greeted/And Big Red so easily defeated?" There follows the evil twin, the betrayal, the forgiveness, the fight—and a happier ending than in most versions of the ballet. Myers's verse is almost overwrought—as it should be to suit the story, and the intensity of teenage love. The melodrama combines with an energy and beat that—heightened by dynamic text design—makes this ideal for performance. Steptoe's collage-on-cinderblock illustrations have a roughness, darkness, and density that suit the tone. This selection will broaden any teen collection.—Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA

Gr 4–7—When Morag, 10, is locked in the cellar again by her foster parents, she hears voices and follows them. They turn out to be Aldiss, a talking rat, and Bertie, a talking dodo bird, who wandered in by mistake but agree to take her with them on their journey to save their kingdom and keep Devilish from conquering the world. Along the way, they also pick up Shona, a pygmy dragon, and various other compatriots in their quest to steal the Eye of Lornish and defeat the evil warlock. Dark Isle is quirky and fun to read. There is suspense, magic, and a small bit of silliness in this adventure that should appeal to fantasy fans looking for a light read.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 8 Up—Written by a manga-novel author, Zaregoto uses a manga style in the format of a novel. Ii, a 19-year-old college student, accompanies his friend Kunagisa Tomo, a computer engineering genius, to Wet Crow's Feather Island, home of wealthy exile Akagami Iria, who surrounds herself with the best and the brightest. The island's other guests include a painter, a fortune-teller, a chef, and an all-purpose genius, as well as live-in maids and other caretakers. The geniuses bicker regularly and immerse themselves in expressing their mutual hatred for each other. On the third evening of Ii's visit, a powerful earthquake draws the tense discussion short. Ii and Kunagisa discover Ibuki Kanami, the painter, beheaded in her studio. Akagami Iria takes control of the murder investigation, refusing to call the police, and rumor surfaces that this crime is far from the first, and could very well not be the last. Zaregoto reads like a combination of Fantasy Island and Clue, and as it continues, readers can't help but wonder if Akagami Iria has set up this dangerous game as a way to entertain herself in her exile. With no graphics to rely on, the story suffers from an overwhelming amount of dialogue but still offers a challenging mystery that will keep readers guessing. Libraries with manga fans craving something beyond the typical graphic novel and Japanophiles searching for something new should consider this for purchase, as well as Hiroshi Ishizaki's Chain Mail: Addicted to You (Tokyopop, 2007).—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 4–8—Through a book that's part role-playing game, part nonfiction text, readers follow the lives of the villagers of Port Haven in the year 1362. A cataclysmic storm forces them to relocate after their town washes away. Six survivors with special skills are identified as the experts who will lead this endeavor, including the blacksmith and the cobbler; the "seventh expert" is the reader, who has been chosen for his or her decision-making skills. Each chapter represents a year of village life, with instructions for continuing game play at the end of the chapter. It requires a six-sided die and paper to keep score. In addition to dealing with random events such as the plague and bad weather, players have to use the appended "Experts' Catalog" to shop for items needed to sustain life and build the village. The game is somewhat similar to the famed Oregon Trail but with intriguing tidbits about medieval life. It is easy to learn, and random events offer enough variation for players to see different outcomes each time they play. The story, along with the occasional informational sidebars and the excellent descriptions of medieval necessities, paints a realistic portrait of an English town in the Middle Ages and shows the grim nature of the feudal system. The full-color illustrations add to readers'/players' understanding. This title could easily be used by a class or by individuals, either for recreation or for research.—Kathleen Meulen, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 9 Up—Peyton has written an affecting, atmospheric portrayal of British life during World War II in this sweeping and passionate story of family and romance. British soldiers are evacuating from Dunkirk and Josie's family has decided to send her to the relative safety of her Auntie Betty and Uncle Bert's house in Essex. Josie, however, suspects that her mother's dislike of her greasy, older boyfriend has a great deal to do with her departure from London. With no city entertainment, or even an indoor toilet, she is bored and unhappy. Then she meets attractive and friendly Jumbo Patterson, who is recovering from an amputation due to a motorcycle incident, and she forgets about her London boyfriend. When his older brother and pilot makes a jarring entrance in her life, the resulting love triangle leads to devastating consequences for Josie and the entire Patterson family. Josie's quick maturing seems not fully realized and ultimately not believable. Still, Peyton deftly creates a wartime atmosphere of rashness and impulsive passion. The romance, nerve-racking wartime situations, and surprising last third of the novel will keep fans of historical fiction turning the pages.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Gr 5–8—When his older brother gets conscripted into the Union Army, Homer runs away from his uncle, "the meanest man in the entire state of Maine." He sets out after Harold but has multiple misadventures along the way. He survives thanks to courage, luck, and his talent for telling lies when needed, since "old Truth ain't nearly as useful as a fib sometimes." Homer relates his own adventures in colorful language as he crosses paths with con men, rogues, and scoundrels of various types. The comic tone is reflected in character names, such as Stink and Smelt, the cold-blooded slave catchers, and the kind but shifty Professor Fleabottom. Things take a more somber tone when Homer sees the horrors of the battlefield up close. The final reunion of the brothers during the Battle of Gettysburg is bittersweet. Homer's escapades introduce some interesting features of the year 1863, including the Underground Railroad, a traveling medicine show, Civil War spies, and an early version of the hydrogen balloon. Homer runs into plenty of danger, but there's more comedy than suspense in most episodes. He also deals with some moral dilemmas as he tries to make sense of the wide world and find people and ideas to believe in. The engaging protagonist and mixture of humor and adventure make this a strong choice for fans of Sid Fleischman's tales.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 9 Up—Cameron, a high school freshman, becomes an easy target for the varsity bullies after a chance comment by a coach who notices his short stature and long hair from behind and directs him to the girls' gym. As the taunts of "gay" or "fag" drive most of his friends away, Cameron's anger escalates. When he is assaulted in the locker room and photos of his nude body are posted on the Internet, he begins to break down and his desire to retaliate is explosive. Only his mother's boyfriend, a police officer, is able to understand the post-traumatic stress disorder that Cam is experiencing and offer practical though unwanted support. This is an intense story with brutal descriptions of the abuse Cameron suffers. Phillips provides just enough nuanced details of sexual assault and violence yet masterfully avoids sensationalism. While Burn lacks the eloquence of Nancy Garden's Endgame (Harcourt, 2006) and the broad perspective of Walter Dean Myers's Shooter (HarperCollins, 2004), it instead approaches the inner turmoil of the victim's "real time" during the taunting, humiliation, revenge, and remorse. As Cam's emotional state deteriorates, fantasy and reality blur, effectively conveying his pain and confusion. Reluctant readers will appreciate the fast pace of the book as the disturbing plot unfolds with short day-to-day vignettes. There is understanding to be gained for everyone who reads this timely title.—Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School, Livonia, MI

Gr 8–10—When Rennison's Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging (HarperCollins, 2000) erupted in the U.S., it seemed hilarious, fresh, and outrageous. Unhappily, nine books into the enterprise, their originality has worn thin and is imitated everywhere. That's not to say that there's not a lot of fun here; no, there's just not enough to justify wading through Georgia's idiosyncratic verbosity. She has the same old problems shopping in the cakeshop of love. Dave the Laugh snogs her in the pond at camp. Her Italian Luurve God's gone to Italy and her mutti chortles at the idea of Georgia visiting him there. Jas and Rosie of the ace gang pause from their own romantic quandaries to join her in the Viking disco hornpipe extravaganza that's as crazy to imagine as it is to dance. And sadly, Angus is run over, all but given up for lost by the vet, but nourished back to health by Georgia's ministrations. This teen runs full force into life and some girls may still be following her into a merry, if confused, time. If you have such stalwarts at your library, then by all means purchase this volume. If not, then eschew it with a firm hand.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 9 Up—A sometimes campy and often gory tale of horror, set in Victorian England. Vampires have taken over many positions of power and have created their own parliament in the guise of a secret society called The Damnation Club. The time has come to wake the half of their population who lie dormant underground along with their leader, the Lord of the Undead, and take over the world. The only hope resides with the four people who face death (or undeath) at every turn. The story switches back and forth among the characters in different parts of London, making it a bit hard to follow, but alternating narratives keep the pace and suspense lively. A great many vampire myths and legends are addressed, which sometimes overwhelms the plot, but lovers of vampire lore will be enthralled. Richards walks a fine line between the horrific and the absurd, but this macabre tale will win students who clamor for all things vampire.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO

Gr 6–9—When 11-year-old Harriet becomes the letter writer for Mother Whitehead, her blind stepmother, she also begins writing to her Uncle Andrew, an estranged "black sheep" of the family living in England, whose unconventional views on God, slavery, and family she discovers she shares. And when the slave preacher Nat Turner makes her believe "that God is forgiving and good" rather than "angry and ready to punish and send us to hell forever," she copies a map of Southampton County, VA, for him so that he can preach at neighboring plantations. The full weight of this last choice becomes clear on August 22, 1831. Rinaldi spares no one the brutal trauma of Nat Turner's slave rebellion; though she escapes, Harriet envisions her family members' graphic deaths. Neither does the author gloss over the fundamental barbarism of slavery, of murder in the name of maintaining "control" of one's "property," which lead to Turner's and his followers' wrath. Significantly, in the death of Margaret Whitehead, Rinaldi borrows from William Styron's controversial The Confessions of Nat Turner (Random, 1968), unnecessarily sexualizing the motive for the one murder Turner committed himself. Ultimately, however, Rinaldi depicts a world full of historical detail, one without clear answers, and leaves her readers to consider the controversial Turner and the impact of murder.—Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD

Gr 8 Up—Like Roberson's adult sci-fi novels, this book is set on 26th-century Mars, which has been colonized by China, Earth's dominant cultural and political force. Rescued from homelessness eight years earlier and educated by a wealthy socialite, Gamine is stunned when, at age 13, she's thrown back onto the streets to fend for herself. The same day, Huang, an 18-year-old underachiever, is commissioned as an army officer and sent to a far-off outpost. As the years pass, each one travels a different path. Gamine reluctantly falls in with a con man and they make their precarious living as grifters. When they eventually form a sham religious movement, she is renamed Iron Jaw for her playacted ability to withstand any blow. Huang's convoy is attacked by a bandit airship and he's taken prisoner; he eventually sides with his captors and becomes Hummingbird, their chief tactician. When the groups join forces to overthrow the corrupt government, the main characters form a spiritual (and sexual) bond. Hummingbird's growth from spoiled playboy to wise leader is well realized, as is Iron Jaw's guilt about scamming people. More thoughtful readers will understand the reasons for the somewhat anticlimactic, philosophical ending. With a well-realized setting, this novel will appeal to teens who like martial arts, adventure, and stories with tactical battles.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 8–10—On his first day at a new high school, Jupiter Glazer finds himself completely ignored by his classmates or being shoved into a locker. His growing suspicions are confirmed: he's a loser. Maybe it's his Russian accent, maybe it's the fact that the only place he and his immigrant parents can afford to live is in the worst neighborhood in town, or maybe it's his friendship with fellow émigré and science nerd Vadim. Everything changes when he manages to crash a party being held by the hottest girl in school; a few semi-accidental witticisms and an accent makeover later, Jupiter is ascending, if not to popularity, at least to a comfortable slot in the high school social hierarchy. He seems to have a special gift for connecting with people, and this gift serves him in good stead as he begins to understand his family, his high school, and himself. Roth's wry, lighthearted touch lends this sweet novel and its protagonist tremendous appeal, which transcends the sometimes too-loose plot; it's a fast, funny read with teen appeal and musical references that will delight fans of '80s and '90s shoegazer rock. Outsiders everywhere will rejoice with Jupiter as he finds a place for himself in a world that often feels as foreign to him as he does to it.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 4–7—Lisa Jacobs, 12, loves to play soccer, hang out with her friends, and cavort with her dog. When her allergies worsen and she develops asthma, her life suddenly begins a downward spiral. Lisa describes her adjustment to her illness and how she fights to continue playing soccer. Spring presents parent/preteen relationships in a realistic light, showing the concern that Lisa's parents feel as well as the child's frustration with her mother's overprotective behavior. Lisa's younger sister, Sharon is also realistically portrayed as a sometimes hateful brat and sometimes loving sibling. This is a quick read with a happy ending. While the dialogue is somewhat contrived and the narration is littered with clichés, the story, in particular the soccer-game sequences, is told with a sense of passion.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5 Up—Stroud turns from an alternative future London to a more traditional hero quest in this epic fantasy. Halli Sveinsson, short, squat, and dark-haired, has never truly felt a part of his tall, handsome family. He excels at harmless pranks, but when one of them sickens the arrogant son of visiting dignitaries from the house of Hakonsson, he unwittingly sets in motion events that will prompt him to leave home to avenge the murder of his uncle at the hands of Olaf Hakonsson. His revenge is achieved almost by chance, and Halli is forced to return home a fugitive. With the assistance of a girl named Aud, who shelters him on his homeward journey and whose skills he wildly underestimates, Halli must become a leader and rally his people. In his quest, he learns the truth behind the tales of heroic exploits perfomed by his ancestor Sven Sveinsson, who defeated flesh-eating creatures called Trows and set up a barrier protecting his people from their threat. Tales of Sveinsson's exploits frame each chapter and serve to point out how Halli is also creating his own legend, one that will surely be retold and embellished over the course of time. Stroud shows that the trope of the hero's journey is as sturdy as ever in this compelling novel. Fans of his "Bartimaeus" trilogy (Hyperion) will, like the hungry Trows of valley legend, devour this book whole.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 10 Up—Parker Fadley has it all-head cheerleader, honor roll student, Winter Ball Queen, perfect boyfriend, Chris. Then at a wild "school's out" party, she catches her friend Jessica's boyfriend kissing another girl and tells Jessica, who retaliates by hooking up with an older guy who crashed the party. The next day Jessica is missing, and Parker, suspecting that she could have done something to help her, nosedives into a downward spiral, drinking heavily, and attempting suicide in a motel room. All of this is revealed in flashback as Parker begins her senior year at her Catholic high school. She cuts class, goes to school drunk, ignores assignments, and goes out of her way to make everyone leave her alone. New guy Jake, intrigued by her self-destructive determination to be ostracized, persists in trying to get inside her head. The problem is that what's inside Parker's head is a fear she can't even admit to herself—that she knows what happened to Jessica and could have stopped it. Summers creates a gritty world of teenagers living on the edge, complete with explosive interactions and rocky relationships without getting mired in angst. Parker narrates the story, darkly fascinating in her turmoil as she slowly lets herself remember details from the drunken night of Jessica's disappearance. In her relationships with Jake, Chris, archrival Becky, her parents, and even her dog, Parker struggles with self-revulsion and a desperate need for love and acceptance. Marked by explicit language and frank sexuality, this compelling read is taut with tension.—Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 5–8—With the help of her mother and her grandfather, both of whom happen to be deceased, Sherry Holmes Baldwin is out to stop an evil rhino killer. The seventh grader thought her trip to San Diego to stay with her great-aunt, along with her friend Junie and Junie's cousin, would be filled will sunbathing and shopping. That was until her mother's ghost appeared to her and informed Sherry that she needed help with an important Academy of Spirits assignment. If she fails to stop whoever is plotting to kill rhinos at the Wild Animal Park, she will be banished to an afterlife reserved for Academy failures. Unfortunately, the story is dull. There are characters who are completely irrelevant and who seemingly serve no purpose other than to make this book painfully long. Sherry may have solved the mystery in the end, but Nancy Drew she is not.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—Things are not as they should be for the people of Sandy Hills. Rumors of the frightening Whisperers, who are supposed to surface only at night and stay confined to Shadow-Town, are on the rise. The peace defined by the Accommodation is at risk and the threat of a terrible sleeping sickness has led cousins Jack and Rose to be sent from their grandmother's home to the other side of the valley. She warns them to abide by the terms of the Accommodation—to stay on the well-worn path, and not to venture near Shadow-Town. But Jack loves to intimidate and terrify Rose, and his bullying intensifies when his friend Tamlin joins them. Before long they are on their way to Shadow-Town. The Whisperers attack them, trying to lull them into sleep to become their prisoners and slaves. Tam goes missing while Rose and Jack narrowly escape but are then separated. Both fear that poor Tam is under the control of the Whisperers and befriend an unlikely lot in order to outwit those who look to destroy all that they hold dear. Thornton's story has vivid imagery, elaborate descriptions, and some very intense characters. The strong writing drives the well-developed plot but for some readers the prose may be difficult or confusing. Some of the characters are rather stereotypical or one-dimensional but act as catalysts in Rose's and Jack's growth. This is a book for libraries with a large following of dark fantasy and the supernatural.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Autumn wants nothing more than to leave Cades Cove for the greater excitement of Knoxville, but she doesn't want to see it destroyed in the making of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Government workers have assured her enthusiastic grandfather that their town will be outside the boundaries, and will prosper from the tourist trade. But Autumn learns from the CCC workers that this is not true and she watches them tear down her childhood home. She has to get Gramps to change his mind. Setting her story in eastern Tennessee in 1934, Tubb ably conveys the beauty of the park area as well as less-attractive aspects of its history. Besides being a "sneak and a schemer" in Autumn's eyes, Gramps is a lively storyteller, and bits of Appalachian folklore are smoothly woven into the narrative. He is really the focus of the novel, the character who changes and whose efforts preserve at least a portion of the family's world. In spite of her folksy first-person voice, Autumn doesn't really come alive to lift the story beyond its historical and geographical interest.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 7–9—Paisley, a sophomore at Pleasant Hill High, is horrified when she is transferred out of Yearbook and into Drama, home of the freaks and weirdos. She's already lost her friend Jen to the lure of the überpopular crowd. But those teens are also the bullies of the school, picking on anyone too timid to fight back. As her disillusion with them grows, Paisley makes new, truer friends among the drama set. Still, she struggles with the desire to fit in versus total disgust with the actions of the in-crowd. Writing a column for the school newspaper under the pseudonym "Miss UnPleasant," she makes radical statements praising unpopularity and gets the entire student body talking, making Un the "it" thing to be. Paisley's struggle with the social hierarchy of high school will strike a cord with every teen, popular or Un. Tuttle's writing is quirky and witty, full of fabulous language and phrasings and spot-on with today's teen vernacular. The characters are fully developed and multifaceted, with even the most unpleasant popular teens having moments of humanity.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 8–10—Lester Ekhardt, 14, longs for Charity Conners, who just moved back to Harker City after living in St. Louis. The eighth grader has been practicing the tips he's read in The Seductive Man and trying to strike a bargain with Jesus (often involving promises to abstain from masturbating) if He will intervene. But it's not until Uncle Ray rolls into town that Lester sees some hope. The man is always making time with the ladies, and Lester thinks that maybe his uncle will help him achieve his romantic goals. Startling revelations about Charity's sexuality, Uncle Ray, and Lester's own parents, however, soon turn everything upside down. Set in the '80s, this coming-of-age story is heavily laced with humor. Lester's struggles with the school bully, his relationship with his parents, and even his inability to refrain from masturbation are realistic and amusing. The characters, even the unlikable ones like Uncle Ray and Brett the bully, are developed well. Teen boys in particular will laugh out loud at this well-written novel.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 8 Up—An obvious story about an Internet predator. Chan Shealy, 16, is determined to find a boyfriend online "so I can have all of the fun and absolutely none of the real-life hassle." Last year, her entire school found out that her BMOC boyfriend gave her herpes. So, she meets Paul online, and he becomes the savior in her life. The two chat late at night and he lures Chan into telling him all that he needs to prey on her and her sister, Lauren. Readers will find it hard to believe that the teen can't see what is coming, especially after Paul videotapes her without her shirt on, and they will be frustrated with Chan's naïveté. The book's message is clear, and it sometimes undermines the plot. Despite this, some readers might learn from it. Exposed has an important, timely topic that teens need to be aware of.—Shannon Seglin, Patrick Henry Library, Vienna, VA

Gr 5–9—What might have happened to the dog that belonged to Jack London during his days in the Yukon? Jack the dog was the inspiration for Buck in The Call of the Wild, and was left behind when London returned to California. Wales uses his imagination and knowledge of both London's life and the life of gold rush dogs to tell this tale. Using simple but eloquent language, he details Jack's new life with rough and brutal owners, his rescue by a compassionate man, and finally his legendary status as the Avalanche Dog and beloved companion to a nine-year-old girl whom he rescued. Slow paced at first, the narrative builds toward a dramatic rescue and satisfying ending. The book is handsomely designed and illustrated with Moser's relief engravings, which give a stark reality to the scenes. This stately story may not fly off the shelves, but it deserves a place for its own unique qualities and serves as a fine companion piece to The Call of the Wild.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 10 Up—During a summer waiting tables at a bar/restaurant that caters to mostly gay tourists, Danny tries to get to know his absentee dad better, figure out how to make a more significant connection with a girl he likes, and decide if he can stay friends with a guy who might want more from him than just a friendship. He is comfortable around his coworkers and customers, and their homosexuality is treated matter-of-factly. The author also authentically conveys a young man's uncertainty about developing relationships beyond a one-night stand, and how attraction to a person's personality is possible when there is no physical chemistry. This short novel is light on in-depth characterization, and conflict is minimal, but readers looking for realistic relationships from a male perspective will be rewarded with a quick, enjoyable read. A college-age protagonist and scenes with underage drinking and references to drug use and sex might make this most appropriate for older teens.—Natasha Forrester, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 7 Up—This is a well-intentioned book of essays and short stories by a diverse group of young adult authors including Barry Lyga and Ellen Hopkins. The selections are pretty evenly divided between fiction and personal essay; however, all touch on the concept of body image (defined here in terms of weight). Two stories, by Sarra Manning and Coe Booth, distinguish themselves by not addressing body image in these terms, focusing instead on breast and butt size, respectively. Although three of the selections feature male subjects, it is clear that the collection anticipates a female readership. While Daniel Pinkwater's and Lyga's contributions are what seem to be personal essays about the authors' own thoughts on weight, Matt de la Peña's short story is told from the perspective of an older brother dealing with his sister's anorexia. The collection concludes with a list of recommended reading and viewing, a list of songs entitled "Big Girls Don't Cry," and an unannotated list of Web sites, some of which promote healthy body images for teens, others of which are commercial sites featuring plus-size clothing. From the selections to the recommendations, it is clear that this book is attempting to advance self-acceptance; however, the limited breadth of the stories, and the dubious commercial/public service nature of the webliography result in a mixed message.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 9 Up—In a high-tech future, Lia Kahn is a rich, glamorous, "it" girl at a prestigious high school. Then a car accident leaves her body mangled beyond repair. Rather than let her die, her parents take advantage of a new procedure that downloads the contents of her brain into a sophisticated mechanical replica of a human body. Lia is now a "mech," known in derogatory slang as a "skinner." She still feels like Lia, but she no longer breathes, eats, sleeps, or ages. She can no longer enjoy the easy high of a b-mod, the ubiquitous mood-altering drug that gets the rest of her friends through lunch, and her boyfriend only touches her when he's drunk. She is kicked off her beloved cross-country team because the coach believes her new body gives her an unfair advantage over her competitors. Religious extremists hold a protest when she returns home from the download operation, holding up signs that say "God made man. Who made YOU?" Lia can only see her new body and new social status as a tragedy. Thoughtful readers, however, will recognize that the true tragedy is her self-imposed isolation, and that the world is much bigger and more brutal than the halls of one wealthy high school. The book is written in snappy, short paragraphs with enough sarcasm, humor, and plot momentum to engage reluctant readers.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 3–6—Inspired by a 200-word essay by Willie Lincoln, Wells offers a fictional account of Lincoln and his boys. Written first from Willie's point of view, then Tad's after Willie dies, it's a touching account of Lincoln as a patient and loving father, ready with a story, and in possession of infinite tolerance where his sons are concerned. Conversations between him and his boys shed light on what's happening at the time and on Lincoln's straightforward manner. "There are a hundred reasons why things happen, Willie. Those reasons fan out like circles around a stone thrown into a pond. The stone in the center of those reason rings is called truth. Truth is the very hardest thing on earth to see clear." Occasional colloquialisms like "four-flusher," "shicoonery," and "haberdasher" might challenge young readers, but in context the ideas are clear. Lynch captures the people and the warmth of their interactions in carefully researched oil paintings that reflect his mastery with light, perspective, and portraiture. The story closes with Lincoln's last speech, Tad at his side, while he instructs the band to play "Dixie." Presenting the president from his children's viewpoint brings both the family and the times to life.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 4–6—This novel, written entirely in Dr. Seuss-style rhyme, introduces Katrina Katrell, a feisty, adventure-loving heroine. When her guardian, Mrs. Krabone, a woman as evil as any of Roald Dahl's villains, threatens the free-thinking Katrina with a lobotomy, the girl runs away and meets Morty, a hairy, horned, and bumbling creature called a Zorgle. Morty, an unwilling hero, has been chosen by lottery to find out what happened to the vanished Zorgles of Zorgamazoo. Katrina and Morty join forces to solve the mystery and their journey leads them to the moon, where lots of fantastical creatures are held captive by Graylians from the planet Graybalon-Four. Humorous black-and-white illustrations and the use of different fonts add variety to the text. Weston maintains the rhythm and energy of sing-song rhyming couplets throughout the tale and holds his audience's interest with suspense and dashes of humor. Give this one to readers who enjoy a little nonsense.—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 8–10—The feisty protagonist from Flora Segunda (Harcourt, 2007) returns in another fantasy adventure. It's three months after her 14th birthday, and Flora, now officially an adult, is wrestling with new challenges. She's determined to find someone who will help her expand her Gramatica vocabulary (and thus her ability to do magick); her best friend tries on a dead outlaw's fancy footwear with alarming results (the boots attach themselves to Udo's feet and he takes on Springheel Jack's evil persona); and, having discovered the source of the frequent earthquakes threatening Califa, she vows to take action before the entire city topples. Flora's world is highly imaginative, and the politics, teen angst, and family dysfunction are integrated neatly with the fantasy elements. The setting, which geographically resembles California, and the Spanish-language-influenced names and words set this book apart from similar titles. However, this ambitious sequel misses the mark. The plot will make little sense to those who have not read the first tale, and even fans of Flora Segunda may find this installment occasionally hard to follow. Many scenes are so fast paced that they come across as superficial, and it often feels as though the author is trying to fit too much into the telling. Consider purchasing Flora's Dare only where the first book is popular.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 4–6—Young Madeline and Rufus Breeze have never known anything but snow, although their parents, Philip and Elizabeth, insist that long ago, the town of Pinrut was so warm that the family's astounding fans kept generations of townspeople cool. However, the sun hasn't come out for years and only wicked Bartholomew Tullock is prospering, while most of the townsfolk slave away in his turnip fields. Now very poor, the Breezes are selling their possessions to pay off a debt to him. While Madeline and her father journey with a salesman to a desert town in a desperate effort to market their fans, Elizabeth and Rufus stay behind and are menaced by Bartholomew. After many perilous adventures, the Breezes discover that a secret machine has been causing the climatic extremes; the kids dismantle it and normal weather returns to the land. Although the premise is mildly interesting, many unanswered questions remain. Why don't the townspeople pack up and leave? If Philip Breeze is so poor, where does he get all the material to keep making his amazing fans? And especially, why doesn't he just start building amazing heaters or snow shovels instead? Extraneous characters, unbelievable circumstances, ridiculously easy escapes from life-threatening situations, and stilted dialogue all add up to a mediocre fantasy.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—Beauty is a shy sixth grader in a small town in Florida struggling to make friends and adjust to her mom's boyfriend as her teacher. To make matters worse, he encourages her to befriend the new girl in class. Alane has a rapid-aging disorder, progeria, which makes her even more of an outsider than Beauty is. The two girls become close friends, and Beauty learns Important Life Lessons in the process. Her voice is consistent and easy to believe. She is as moody and self-conscious as any girl her age. Readers will relate to her struggles to fit in while being true to herself. Alane is less believable. She has social graces far beyond her years, and readers never see her struggle. After learning the value of life from being around Alane, Beauty and her classmates all become nicer people. The story moves at a gentle pace with some intense situations, but few surprises. Medical details of progeria are age-appropriate and revealed in a realistic way.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 5–8—In this dense and worthy sequel to 100 Cupboards (Random, 2007), Henry York, having discovered that he, like his uncle Frank, actually comes from a world beyond the magic cupboards in his attic room, decides to enter it again. This is a last-ditch attempt to learn more about his origins and about the strange dandelion magic that has recently seared its way into his body. Henry, his cousin Henrietta, and the rest of his Kansas family end up scattered in different parts of the world from which both Henry and his uncle came, struggling against an evil witch and her powerful minion. The plot is complicated, and readers not familiar with the first book will be hopelessly confused. The shifting locations and the many characters and factions are bewildering, but most of the characters have such deliciously flawed and fascinating personalities that fans of that book will go with the flow, waiting to see what the next bend of plot might bring. A quiet and quirky humor warms up the proceedings as well, leavening even the most intense scenes. The ending is satisfying enough to serve as a series closer, but luckily for fans of this challenging but rewarding trilogy, there is still one more installment to come.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—Readers of Locomotion (Putnam, 2003) will welcome the chance to revisit Lonnie's world. Written as letters from Lonnie to his sister, Lili, who is in a different foster home, the story's backdrop is the unnamed war in which his foster brother Jenkins is fighting. When war directly affects the family, the 12-year-old begins to hope and pray for peace and to grapple with its meaning. Mature readers will see, also, the steps Lonnie is taking as he moves toward peace with himself and his circumstances. While his confusion, pain, and loss are at times palpable, so too are the moments of comfort, love, and sheer joy. As Lonnie's life becomes more and more interwoven with the lives of his foster brothers, his understanding of the meaning of family deepens and grows. The small details of his days drop readers into his Brooklyn neighborhood, surrounded by characters who seem to walk right off the page. Moving, thought-provoking, and brilliantly executed, this is the rare sequel that lives up to the promise of its predecessor. Serving as bookends to the body of the text are two poems in which Lonnie describes peace in everyday terms. In his words, "Peace is the good stuff/That happens to all of us/Sometimes."—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL

Gr 5–9—Having successfully completed their first mission in STORM: The Infinity Code (Dial, 2008), the 14-year-old members of STORM (Science and Technology to Over-Rule Misery) continue to cultivate their unique skills. Will, the group's genius inventor, has been interning with a unit in Britain's M16; Andrew, their leader and resident computer whiz, has been networking via the Internet with other talented teens; and Gaia continues to hone her expertise with explosives. Andrew has been "chatting" with Cristina, a Venice teenager whose home has recently been burgled by a ghost. When she disappears, the group heads to Italy to see if they can rescue her and unravel the mystery, and soon find themselves facing a brilliant but disturbed enemy. With a slew of new gadgets, some modifications to Ratty (Will's remote-controlled pet rat), and ghosts that are technology-based rather than supernatural, this book contains a lot of intriguing and cutting-edge science concepts. Readers will be quickly drawn into the secret-agent world as they race along with the team into adventure and danger. An author's note provides explanations of the inspirations behind the high-tech elements. This well-written book makes an excellent addition.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 7–10—With Julia Child as a role model and a set of the woman's cookbooks on her shelves, Elaine Hamilton has been mastering the art of French cooking since she was eight. Now 16, she seems happy slaving over a hot stove but lacks a social life. Equally friendless Lucida Sans wants to be famous, but her strange name, outrageous costumes, and crazy plans put her in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. A chance meeting between the two develops into a tentative friendship as the girls plot revenge on Lucida's ex-boyfriend. With the help of her quirky family and new friend, Elaine must convince herself that she has what it takes to be a master chef and convince her congresswoman mother that a career in the kitchen won't derail decades of women's liberation. The girls come across as younger than their years, even as they drive and date, but this can be partially explained by their lack of social experience. More frustrating is the deus ex machina appearance of Julia Child, who magically solves Elaine's problems at the crucial moment. Elaine's chaotic family and Lucida's two mothers provide amusement and a solid, if somewhat stereotyped, supporting cast in this lighthearted read.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—Brief in scope, these titles make medical topics accessible. Surgery begins with a child needing stitches, then turns to a history of the field, with references to new techniques. In Disease, a doctor giving an injection to a youngster explains how it is easier to fight disease today than in the past. The bulk of the text discusses discoveries over the ages in diagnosis and treatment. Transplants opens with two brothers watching Frankenstein; the focus of the work is on the history and future of transplants, and cell biology. It updates Sandra Giddens and Owen Giddens's more comprehensive Future Techniques in Surgery (Rosen, 2003). The medical terminology in these volumes is explained clearly and supplemented by sidebars. Well-captioned color and black-and-white photographs and reproductions break up the sometimes dry text. A few of the illustrations, such as that of a kidney being removed in Transplants, may be too graphic for squeamish students. The books supply enough material for short reports or for children interested in the topics. They fill a need for current children's medical materials and are worthy purchases.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 4–6—Designed to provide quick overviews of space-related topics, each of these volumes combines small but clear color photos with brief texts to scan the history and major functions of near-Earth spacecraft or, for Living in Space, daily life aboard the International Space Station. Couched in generalities, the captions and commentary are dry in spots, and some statements ("humans need oxygen and nitrogen to breathe") are simplistic. Furthermore, there are pages of boilerplate in each title and some of it, such as a communal sidebar on astronaut qualifications, isn't relevant to Rockets and Satellites. Still, as each volume includes a good tally of how space-related technology is put to use and even takes a cursory look at three related jobs in the field, these books merit consideration as supplementary additions to deep subject collections.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—An overview makes the point that the rules governing immigration issues such as indefinite detention and the right to an attorney have been tightened since 9/11. The debate centers around the question of whether these changes are necessary for the safety of U.S. citizens, or whether they infringe on the civil liberties that are afforded to all American residents, legal or not. Case studies, recently enacted laws such as the Patriot Act, and statistics illustrate each viewpoint. A listing of relevant cases and statutes helps to create a total picture of the subject. This solid work thoroughly presents both sides of the argument.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 7 Up—The author covers her subject's life, which spanned 95 years, from Reconstruction to the modern Civil Rights Movement. Bolden includes Du Bois's childhood in Massachusetts, where he faced little racial discrimination, and his years at Fisk University, Harvard, and the University of Berlin. This balanced, lively account records his many contributions as a teacher, speaker, Civil Rights activist, sociologist, writer, and cofounder of several organizations, including the NAACP, as well as his failings. His extensive travels are noted, as is his fascination with the Communist governments of China and Russia. His personal life is mentioned, but not extensively. After dedicating his life to ending racism, he finally openly embraced Communism and moved to Ghana, where he spent the last years of his life.—Ann Nored, Wilson Central High School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 3–6—Each of these books begins with basic instructions and informs youngsters that the sport is played by both males and females. Cheerleading centers on motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, and voice control. Hockey emphasizes basic skating, stick handling, shooting, and goaltending. Soccer covers controlling the ball in various positions from defense, offense, and goal keeping. In all three, assorted text boxes point out skills to practice. In the "Learn More" sections, the authors have included Internet addresses and a few books such as the "For Dummies" series, which is geared toward adults. Colorful photographs elucidate the texts. Despite the series claim, the books offer only the most basic advice, which can be easily found in countless other series, such as the "For Fun! Sports" series (Compass Point), which also covers rules, equipment, and strategies, as well as amazing records and interesting facts. Pick and choose among the specific sports needed.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 5–8—This photo-filled book explores the work of American scientists battling invasive species. Focusing on brown tree snakes, melaleuca trees, red imported fire ants, and zebra mussels, Collard explores how teams of scientists have made inroads against the destruction of habitat by these invaders. Large, sharp photos, maps, and sidebars punctuate information about how the pests arrived, the extent of their damage, and the work that has been done to eradicate them. The chapter on fire ants is notable for its delightfully ghoulish solution of introducing flies that lay their eggs in the ants so that their offspring can eat the ants alive from the inside out. Although all of the lead scientists on these projects happen to be men, care has been made to include photos of women involved in the work. There is no table of contents, but the fine glossary, list of Web sites, and index will aid researchers.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 5 Up—Wrapped around Arthus-Bertrand's magnificent aerial photographs from around the world, Delannoy's text is organized thematically, covering fresh water, biodiversity, oceans, land, cities, people, food, and climate. Each category is divided into three to five subtopics. For instance, "Food" looks at industrialized agriculture, the use of pesticides, the issues involved in monoculture, and the problems associated with meat. The pages provide snippets of information and address the myriad challenges of sustainability. Whether it is the discovery that 15 percent of the world's people own 80 percent of its wealth, or that women do two-thirds of the world's work yet earn 15 to 20 percent less than men, even in rich countries, readers will find surprising information and images to ponder. Almost every page supports the overarching theme that social justice and environmental protection are inextricably related. The book also offers hope. While the dramatic oversize photographs, reproduced with sharp resolution, highlight the enormous damage that has already been done to the environment, they also celebrate the beauty of our world. The text and spot illustrations interpret the photographs and give information on ways that individuals and nations can reverse the trends. Overall, this volume raises awareness, and the striking images, astonishing statistics, and brief explanations will stimulate readers to investigate further and possibly to take action.—Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL

Gr 6–8—Though these books are primarily biographies, they also offer details about the history and daily life of Egypt's New Kingdom era. Hatshepsut is more focused on that ruler's life. It also discusses more topics concerning women, such as giving birth and the role of female royalty. The book expects some sophistication from its readers. Ramses, which is geared toward the younger end of the grade level and features simpler sentence structures, provides broad background on the history of the ancient civilization. Both texts are accompanied by high-quality photographs of artifacts, maps, and floor plans. Each book's detailed time line, comparing events in Egypt to those throughout the world, is helpful for placing the lives of the pharaohs in context. For readers with an interest in ancient Egypt or students seeking those hard-to-find 100-plus-page, age-appropriate biographies for assignments, these books are an excellent fit. They incorporate recent archaeological findings and provide excellent, updated supplements to the "Leaders of Ancient Egypt" series (Rosen, 2003).—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 5–8—Jack, Jen, Chris, Abby, Mateo, and Michelle are just your average kids trying to figure out how to get through adolescence. Mateo is picked on because of his height. Abby has weight issues. Michelle has angry outbursts. And they all suffer from the "opinionator"—the inner critic that pops up at inopportune times to make them feel bad about themselves and their abilities. As the teens push through the fog that can be middle school, they help each other to gain confidence. The six start to take a stand against negative voices—internal and external—and stop defining themselves by others' opinions. The book contains quizzes, is chock-full of helpful hints, and lists other resources to help readers increase their self-esteem. Kindt's cartoons include several great panels that move the teens' story forward. The graphic-novel-like design will make this self-help tool stand out and appeal to fans of that format.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 9 Up—Following in the footsteps of Chelsea's "How to Write About" series, these offerings combine Gale's "Opposing Viewpoints" articles with chapters on how to write a persuasive essay. In the first section, six previously published pieces, each followed by "analyze the essay" questions, debate various issues surrounding the book's theme. Iraq covers the current war and presents, for example, an interview with Vice President Dick Cheney and a piece by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Oil offers various perspectives on alternatives to the fuel. The second part of each book presents model essays that are broken down into paragraphs and then highlighted to call attention to theses, topic sentences, supporting details, and other aspects of well-constructed papers. Exercises are also included to get students into the habit of writing outlines, etc. The last section is devoted to finding and using supporting materials and briefly explaining MLA citation. The audience may have been better served by having the "how to" material first, with the published material as examples. However, the books will help those students who need organization and ideas, as well as present them with some handy research material.—Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 4–6—Enticing readers with clear color pictures of the animals in the wild, Hanel and Helget begin with exciting action scenes and then introduce subspecies, physical features, diet, threatened habitats, and, in Giraffes, scientists' ideas about the creature's evolution (the information in these last two sections is particularly strong). The color photographs are attractive, but are not always near the relevant text and fail to expand its content. Each book includes a folktale ("How the Tiger Got Its Stripes" in Tigers and "Why the Giraffe Cannot Speak" in Giraffes), and Tigers reproduces "Mowgli's Song" from Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. Additional purchases.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 8 Up—Beginning with Darwin's notorious chart listing reasons to wed and not to wed, Heiligman has created a unique, flowing, and meticulously researched picture of the controversial scientist and the effect of his marriage on his life and work. Using the couple's letters, diaries, and notebooks as well as documents and memoirs of their relatives, friends, and critics, the author lets her subjects speak for themselves while rounding out the story of their relationship with information about their time and place. She shows how Darwin's love for his intelligent, steadfast, and deeply religious cousin was an important factor in his scientific work—pushing him to document his theory of natural selection for decades before publishing it with great trepidation. Just as the pair embodied a marriage of science and religion, this book weaves together the chronicle of the development of a major scientific theory with a story of true love. Published for young adults, this title will be equally interesting to adults drawn to revisit Darwin on his 200th birthday.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 6–8—Beginning with an in-depth look at the history of the scientific analysis of climate data and continuing with an understandable explanation of the nature and consequences of global warming, this sobering title is a solid research tool. Using clear charts, graphs, full-color photographs, and maps, the author presents both the grim outlook if no action is taken as well as the possibility of slowing the catastrophic consequences through international cooperative policies. The skeptics of global warming are given voice, as are possible strategies that can be undertaken by an average family. Oddly, there is no mention of the ozone layer or the consequences of its loss. However, as an overview of climate change, this is a useful addition.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 5–8—Opening with the initial meeting between the First Lady and the former slave who became her dressmaker, Jones then presents alternating chapters about the women's lives. Period quotes, and daguerreotypes, photos, paintings, and publications from the era appear throughout. Similar both in subject and title to Becky Rutberg's Mary Lincoln's Dressmaker (Walker, 1995), this book is sparer, but it references Rutberg's work, both as a source and with very similar language and quotes. The earlier title presents a broader story in a more engaging manner. This is a worthwhile subject for women's history, American history, and for providing insight into the Lincolns. However, Rutberg's book remains the better of the two.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 5–8—Basic information in hi/lo format. Chapters in Fashion address learning to create clothes, how designers work, and "The Show and the Store," while those in Hairstyles cover history, hair care, and creating styles. Photographs in Fashion are poorly reproduced and the design lacks pizzazz. Despite a photo of May 2008 glossy fashion magazines, the book looks dated. Hairstyles features marginally related images, such as of products and one of hair brushing, as well as images of styles. Neither title is engaging enough to draw anyone seeking a pleasure read, and there is not enough information for reports.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 5 Up—This rich pictorial work serves as an entertaining, informative, and visually appealing introduction to American Indian culture and history. Each of the seven chapters covers a different time period in chronological order (a detailed time line is included in each), starting with "The Beginning," or the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago during which the first humans are believed to have arrived in North America via the Bering Strait. One chapter describes in handsome spreads the diverse and varied cultures within geographic regions, from the early Mound Builders to the Arctic and Subarctic tribes. Three chapters focus on the coming of the Europeans, the resulting conflict, and the often devastating impact that contact had on tribal life. The remaining two chapters describe life on reservations, assimilation, and the American Indian Movement, which started in the 1960s and remains active today. The glossy photographs, colorful drawings, and easily accessible paragraphs are similar in layout to the "Eyewitness" books (DK) and make for an easy-to-use overall package. However, this book is much longer and broader in scope than titles in that series and is best suited to more mature readers for browsing or as a supplemental resource for reports.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3–6—Large and humorous mixed-media illustrations will draw children to this large-format biography. Using watercolor, graphite pencil, gouache, acrylic ink, colored pencil, and collage, Trueman captures Darwin's world and adventures. Cartoonlike people have prominent noses, expressive faces, and enormous hands. Throughout, the naturalist appears to be both curious and hapless, a description he might have given himself in his own modest journals. Lasky's text balances the exuberant artwork with well-organized information, gracefully sprinkling in quotes from Darwin's own writing. Touching briefly on his childhood, the text devotes most of the space to Darwin's years on the Beagle, explaining how his discoveries in geology, paleontology, and animal anatomy on that trip led to his theory about evolution. Lasky uses Darwin's own words to show that he questioned the literal nature of the Bible and the divinity of Jesus, but that he wrote several times praising God as the Creator. Although the text is brief, it creates a clear view of a man who was troubled by the implications of his observations and who, at the end of his life, was more interested in experimenting with earthworms and carnivorous plants than in promoting his theory.—Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA

Gr 4–8—Largely a list of interesting facts organized chronologically by president from George Washington to George W. Bush, this book chronicles the lives of their children. It is chock-full of interesting tidbits. All births are listed and therefore some entries covering the early years of our nation's history read more like a list of unfortunate deaths. For example, only four out of Thomas Jefferson's six children survived past early childhood. Readers will be intrigued to know that Thomas "Tad" Lincoln was so named because he looked like a tadpole at birth, and Archibald "Archie" Roosevelt used to drop water balloons from the roof of the White House. Many black-and-white photographs add visual interest. Not particularly useful for reports, this title will, however, appeal to young readers.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 5–8—This installment in the series begins with a two-page retelling of the love story between Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her death, the emperor wanted to create a monument to their enduring love and left the world the iconic building that also became a symbol of the period of Mughal reign in India. The blueprints followed the classic Persian charbagh design of quadrilateral garden squares divided by walkways, but Shah Jahan's architectural choices also incorporated Central Asian and Indian influences. Over several pages, the author explains the practical challenges that builders had to overcome during the long construction process, such as protecting the complex from the annual monsoon swelling of the nearby Yamuna River. A double foldout gives an impressive aerial view of the entire complex. Captioned photographs of artifacts and original paintings enhance the well-written text. Beautiful full-page illustrations in the detailed style of Mughal miniature paintings depict scenes of the construction process. A list of important historical dates and dimensions of the building are included. A beautiful book that highlights a stunning accomplishment in architecture.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School, New Delhi, India

Gr 7 Up—These titles pose serious questions and present many facts to help students develop critical-thinking and debating skills. Students are encouraged to form opinions based on credible information and reliable sources, remaining open minded and considerate of the evidence, and to be aware of bias, before taking a position. The authors examine actual cases, information both historical and current, evidence, statistics, etc., regarding the pros and cons of the topics. Chapters in Civil Rights give a brief history and then explore legal reform, public education, voting rights, discrimination in popular culture, stereotyping, and looking at the circumstances of Hurricane Katrina and de facto segregation. In Genetic Research, an introductory page on genetics precedes a review of how to develop skills for arriving at a solid argument. Other chapters seek to explain how genetic research impacts health, research, crime, agriculture, and individuals and society. In Athletes, questions revolve around steroid use, testing, accidental and purposeful use, and dangers of the drugs. Color and black-and-white photos complement the information in all three books, as do the numerous text boxes, tables, and quotes.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 6–10—Mills's informative biography starts with Hannibal preparing to attack the Romans and then goes back in time to explain the founding of Carthage and the history of its conflict with Rome, mainly focusing on the Second Punic War and the subject's journey and battles during that time. In a slight shift of focus, the author also explains simultaneous events in Rome, though they are detailed from the perspective of Hannibal's side, a rarity. Frequent inserts add extra information such as details of Carthagian gods, ancient poisons, and different parts of the military, without distracting readers from the narrative. Colorful reproductions are also interspersed throughout. Mills notes whenever historians do not agree on a point or when an account of an event is speculative. He takes some liberties with setting scenes and speculating on Hannibal's thoughts, but this does not take away from the overall accuracy of the book. The clear, descriptive writing, map of Hannibal's route to Rome, detailed index, and other back matter make this volume useful to those doing reports on either the military leader or the Punic Wars.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 7–9—Most of the text in the first book is concerned with Cousteau's evolving inventions for breathing and exploring underwater. Olmstead describes how his films and television specials opened a new world to viewers, and how he became a leading advocate for the oceans. She also makes mention of Cousteau's secret second family and his dispute with his son Jean-Michel over using the family name for an ecotourist resort. In the second book, Henson's own contradictory and partially fabricated writing about his effort to reach the North Pole with Robert Peary presented some challenges to the biographer, but she gamely sorts out the most likely version of the story, letting readers know what is unsubstantiated and what is corroborated fact. Olmstead describes Henson's life as a series of triumphs and disappointments, not the least of which was Peary's refusal to acknowledge the crucial role he played in their several expeditions. The author also emphasizes the differences between Henson's experiences in the Arctic, where he was treated like family by the Inuit, and even fathered a child, and his less-welcome reception back in the United States. Both of these attractively formatted titles have black-and-white and full-color photographs or reproductions as well as sidebars. Solid additions to biography shelves.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 6–9—The introduction to School Violence looks at the prevalence of the problem; causes such as bullying and gangs; the influence of the media, including online sources, on behavior; and the roles of alcohol and drugs, etc. The "…at a glance" spread and "Overview" prepare readers for the more detailed information to come and provide facts about safety issues. Each of four chapters then addresses both sides of a question, followed by four pages of quotes and a section of colorful graphs, charts, and illustrations. The second book opens with descriptions of the growing popularity of video games and the regulation and legislation of content and sales; ratings; connections with violent crime; and health effects, including addiction. An overview provides further background and context to these issues, and as in School Violence, chapters follow addressing related questions and providing other related material. These chapters look more closely at the influence of the pastime on users' health and also cover the games' effects on perception of right and wrong, intelligence, development of analytical and social skills and negative stereotypes, etc. The accessible and objective presentations and lists of key people and advocacy groups make these useful resources for research.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 4–7—This is a handsome, carefully engineered compendium. The text begins with the so-called space race between the United States and the Soviet Union in the l950s and '60s and then offers brief descriptions of the 17 flights that made up the Apollo program. Here the emphasis is on the famous landing of the Eagle on the Moon in July 1969. The pop-ups and foldout pages on sturdy, shiny paper demonstrate the mechanical aspects of the spacecraft and offer a bold sense of both the rocketry and the trip. Small photographs and drawings surround the larger views. On a few pages a small booklet of information is tucked into a slotted page. With just one pop-up per spread accompanied by other engineered elements, the pages pack considerable information about the Moon and the human experience in traveling to it in both the visual material and the text. Unfortunately, the book lacks acknowledgments of authority. Some pages would be attractive exhibit views, but children will surely want hands-on reading of the book. It's a first-rate choice.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 3–8—Filled with lavish color photos of Disney theater productions, this eye-catching volume has clever chapter titles, beginning with "Overture," which tells about "styles of theaters" and "kinds of shows." In "Act One" and "Act Two," aspects of the front and back of the house are discussed, including the marquee, the box office, props, special effects, and so on. Interspersed throughout the facts and photos are "Stage Notes," where bits of trivia are doled out, usually about Disney productions and the performers in them. Although not written specifically about commercial theater, another fun introductory book for students, with its added bonus of games and activities, is Deborah Dunleavy's The Jumbo Book of Drama (Kids Can, 2004).—Betty S. Evans, Missouri State University, Springfield

Gr 5–9—A well-researched examination of our fascinating relationship with the Red Planet, and of the possibility of life (intelligent or otherwise) existing (or having existed) in its stark, rugged landscapes. Beginning with Orson Wells's famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast on October 30, 1938, Scott's readable and informational text follows the history of our speculations, from Giovanni Schiaparelli and Percival Lowell's "canals" to the Mariner flybys, the Viking landers, and a busy stable of rovers. Deductions made from detailed photos and a variety of experiments conducted on the surface are discussed, as are the practical steps of choosing a landing site, calculating a window of opportunity for a successful launch, and the launch itself, not to mention the engineering feats of designing a launch vehicle, a spaceship, and a mechanism that will not only survive being dropped from space to an unforgiving surface, but one that will actually work after impact. Color photos, illustrations, and diagrams liberally dot the oversize pages, themselves colored like a Martian landscape-pale rusty orange fading to a gray-tinged "sky." Sidebars offer information on such topics as "Refracting vs. Reflecting," "Mars Time," and "Satellites Orbiting Mars." Teamed with such titles as the simpler, straightforward Mars (World Book, 2007) and Gloria Skurzynski's intriguing Are We Alone?: Scientists Search for Life in Space (National Geographic, 2004), this clearly written, carefully constructed book will shine like the Red Planet seen on a clear, moonless night.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4–9—Poetic language paired with powerful images makes this biography/history of the Civil Rights Movement a moving, provocative read-aloud. Young Coretta and her siblings solemnly "walked all/of five miles to/the nearest colored school/in the darkness/with the dew dampening/their feet." A close-up of the stoic children as the "white school bus/left a/funnel of dust/on their faces" reveals the hurt they already knew. The peaceful, prayerful profiles of Coretta and Martin juxtaposed against a stained-glass church window provide a soothing contrast—"they prayed together/found joy/and were married." Later came the sit-ins and the marches; "hundreds then thousands/white and black/marched/in Alabama/Carolina/Georgia/and Chicago." Until "a quarter of a million at the March on Washington/peacefully singing 'we shall overcome'/and listening to the words/that would inspire a nation." A bird's-eye view of the crowd looks like a garden of flowers surrounding the Reflecting Pool. Yet, despite the song and solidarity, "things nature never intended/a child to see/haunted them…." The book ends with several spreads of marchers and singers accompanied by an excerpt from the traditional gospel song "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round." Nelson's stirring oil paintings on plywood are all full-spread with large, easy-to-share images. An author's note provides a summary of the subject's life and of the Civil Rights Movement, though there are no credits or references to the songs. Every library will want copies of this lyrical tribute to an elegant woman and the era she represents.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 4–6—This series demonstrates that even young readers can embrace a green lifestyle. Integral to each topic are the hands-on activities that encourage children to explore the concepts being introduced. Each title defines the topic and then presents our current dilemma. Composting presents food chains and webs, focusing on the decomposers. The bulk of the book is a how-to for vermicomposting, with detailed instructions on setting up a worm bin to compost kitchen scraps. Recycling details the problems caused by the massive amounts of waste produced daily and the landfills that result. Energy describes our nonrenewable sources and presents some of the alternatives. Water makes the case for water conservation in spite of its seeming abundance. Each title gives practical examples for reducing, reusing, and recycling specific to its topic. The pages include blocks of text, captioned photographs, and call-out boxes. The activities lack sufficient introductory material and, in some cases, adequate detail in the supplies lists. A concluding discussion for each activity helps readers to make real-world connections. Spot illustrations demonstrate the numbered instructions, but some procedures, such as building a compost bin in Recycling, require more detail. Still, young conservationists looking for hands-on activities will find these timely titles attractive.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 5 Up—This volume is an adaptation of Swanson's Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer (HarperCollins, 2006). Divided into 14 chapters and an epilogue, the sentences are shorter and chapters are condensed from the original but the rich details and suspense are ever present. Lacking are a bibliography and a notes section. Excellent black-and-white illustrations complement the text. Devoted to the South, John Wilkes Booth had planned to kidnap Lincoln and hold him hostage, but when that plan did not materialize, he hatched his assassination plot. Co-conspirators in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia helped him escape and evade capture for 12 days before being surrounded in a barn and killed. Readers will be engrossed by the almost hour-by-hour search and by the many people who encountered the killer as he tried to escape. It is a tale of intrigue and an engrossing mystery. With the approaching bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, this is a most welcome addition to all libraries.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 7 Up—This worthy collection of brief poems offers an array of teen voices, all participants in WritersCorps workshops in the Bronx, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Ngoc Minh Nguyen's "Homesickness" is particularly strong: "Let me become wind/to fly with the kite of childhood." Other poems capture a slice of teenage life, such as riding the bus to ballet class in Annie Yu's "Saturdays" and Kenneth Mozee, Jr.'s "Summer," which evokes the quicksilver delights of the season. Some dazzle through stark simplicity, such as Jaquan Clements's "Middle-School Haiku" and Sarah Verghese's "Questions Beyond Answers." The raw emotion expressed in Shekuanzie Dorch's "Struggles on Living in a Shelter" makes an indelible impression. An essay by WritersCorps teacher Michelle Matz adds a vivid picture of her students and their lives. This fine collection should inspire creativity and resonate with teens who find their own hopes, fears, and dreams eloquently voiced in the works of these young poets.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—Many books have been written about the Civil Rights Movement, but this one, with its unique focus, adds a new and captivating facet to the subject. Its premise is that music was the universal link that bound together the young and old, black and white as one, with a singular purpose: to seek equality and justice for all. The book is divided into chapters that represent the history of the Civil Rights Movement. "Sunday of Song," "Singing in the Churches," and "South Africa," for example, contain information about the factual events while including how the evolution of the music captured the mood and sentiment of the time. The importance of music in the lives of African Americans is described in depth: the instruments used; the types of songs, including field hollers, spirituals, gospel, and protest music, are examined for their impact on the movement in the past and up to the present day. The many clear, black-and-white photos give readers a real sense of the determination and courage that was shown. Images of the musicians and singers such as Woody Guthrie and Billie Holiday are shown alongside the songs they wrote. The accompanying CD allows students to internalize the words and their emotional impact as they listen. Overall, this informative and well-written book is an excellent addition to any collection.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 5 Up—Nunavut, an Arctic territory in northern Canada, is a cold, open space where inuksuk, piles of stone in the shape of a person used to "mark a family home, welcome guests, guide travelers, and ensure safe passage," are commonly found. Wallace has developed a passion for these ancient messengers, and here she presents a journal of her weeklong trek to Inuksugassait, a place where countless numbers of the stone markers stand. The author expresses awe and respect as she connects with the land. What appeared to be a barren white expanse on day one is soon revealed to be a sacred space that has provided for the people there for thousands of years. Wallace includes personal photos, sketches, and comments that give readers an intimate portrait of life in this place. Over a dozen vibrant oil paintings depicting scenes from her journey are scattered throughout. She relates the necessity of hunting, and tells how a seal can provide clothing, food, and oil for an entire family. Polar bears, caribou, and whales are among the wildlife spotted on the journey. Readers will be fascinated by this firsthand account of true adventure.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 6–9—Starting off with perhaps the most famous mummy of all, King Tut, this serious yet engaging study goes well beyond familiar territory. Woog discusses how powdered Egyptian mummies were used as medicine in Europe from the Middle Ages into the 19th century. Many bog mummies of Northern Europe show signs of having been murdered or ritually sacrificed. The author also reports that there are 8000 mummies on display (many of them posed) in Sicily. Ancient Caucasian mummies have been found in the remote northwest part of China. There were self-mummifying monks in old Japan. And the process of self-mummification is explained in gruesome detail. Many experts are quoted throughout the readable text. Engaging photographs, some grisly, complement the subject. One small drawback is that the abundant lavender-hued side boxes simply rehash what's in the text. This often grim, always interesting read is perfect for reports or general reading.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI