Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up—Budget cuts spell death for sports programs at East Canton High so Wyatt, a sophomore on the varsity baseball team, is encouraged to move to Silver City to play ball and continue his chances at a college scholarship. Even though a technicality dashes his hopes to join the team, he's at loggerheads with his stepfather and, after a particularly dangerous blowup, decides to move anyway. In Silver City, he realizes that he is now living in the prison town where the biological father he's never met is serving life for murder. Meanwhile, he meets 19-year-old impulsive Greer, whose father is also in prison. Curious to know the circumstances involving Wyatt's father's incarceration, they investigate in the hope that Sonny is innocent. Told in a rapid-fire style, this novel aims at dimension but comes up a little shallow. Too many coincidences render some characters mere plot devices, and Wyatt often comes to emotional understanding too quickly, as when he first meets his father or deals with a confusing girlfriend. That being said, the book will be an easy sell to teens, who will want to keep reading to unravel the mystery surrounding Sonny. With descriptions of foreclosed properties and tough economic realities peppered liberally throughout, along with strong language and sexual situations, this title is as gritty and raw as today's headlines.—Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—This anthology advocates for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It has the bonus of literary merit, and—another plus—it's highly readable. Don't let the cause or political weight of the title scare readers away. Popular YA authors use their exemplary storytelling skills to present stories set in a variety of countries, including Africa, Palestine, Jerusalem, Ireland, the United States, and England. Rita Williams-Garcia's jaunty short-story-in-verse style belies the contrasting events of the Hurricane Katrina debacle. Three high school teens, bolstered by their marching-band spirit, set off to find water for their families in New Orleans. What transpires is a devastating dose of reality as they witness rescue and governance gone wrong. In David Almond's "Klaus Vogel and the Bad Lads," a pack of boys takes on the persona of tough blokes shoving about an English neighborhood during the late 1940s. Active and impulsive, they fall in with the oldest, coolest, meanest guy on the block. But when a new boy arrives from Germany, allegiances and dynamics shift. Independent Klaus is small but confident, and he risks standing up for himself. Strength of character is exposed, the group's status quo is broken, and the ability to say "no" is celebrated. Each selection cites the article(s) from the Declaration to which it relates.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 5–8—This final installment in the trilogy picks up just where the previous book ended. Hungry, despondent, and afraid, Crispin and Troth wander aimlessly in the French countryside. Crispin is determined that they'll make their way to Iceland because Bear promised that it was a land of freedom and plenty. The trouble is, they have no idea where it is, and no one they encounter has ever heard of it. When they feel as if they can't go on, they come to a small village where the sisters of a convent take them in. Troth's skill as a healer is useful to the nuns, and she is offered a permanent place there. Crispin continues on alone. He encounters traveling musicians who are making their way to Calais, and, in exchange for food and a sense of protection, he agrees to play in their band and travel with them. He soon realizes that he has placed himself in the hands of brigands. His only hope is to escape once they reach Calais and find a ship bound for Iceland. The action is nonstop and danger is around every corner. The first-person voice lends a sense of urgency to the novel, and Avi's writing style is as elegant and engaging as ever. This book, however, seems a little less substantive than the others, and after Troth is dispensed with in the first 40 pages, Crispin never develops another relationship like he had with her and Bear. The story is a little disappointing from that standpoint, but it is a page-turner nonetheless.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 7 Up—A fast-paced postapocalyptic adventure set on the American Gulf Coast. Nailer works light crew; his dirty, dangerous job is to crawl deep into the wrecks of the ancient oil tankers that line the beach, scavenging copper wire and turning it over to his crew boss. After a brutal hurricane passes over, Nailer and his friend Pima stumble upon the wreck of a luxurious clipper ship. It's filled with valuable goods—a "Lucky Strike" that could make them rich, if only they can find a safe way to cash it in. Amid the wreckage, a girl barely clings to life. If they help her, she tells them, she can show them a world of privilege that they have never known. But can they trust her? And if so, can they keep the girl safe from Nailer's drug-addicted father? Exciting and sometimes violent, this book will appeal to older fans of Scott Westerfeld's "Uglies" series (S & S) and similar action-oriented science fiction.—Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA

Gr 5–8—When Annie is born, fairy Moonbeam passes a magic wand over her and proclaims that magic will have no effect on her. (This could be a curse or a blessing.) A spell was cast on her older sister, Princess Gwendolyn, at birth and now, for fear that she will prick her finger, all spinning wheels have been banned from the land. On her 16th birthday, one is secretly delivered, and the inevitable happens. The entire castle falls asleep except for Annie. It is up to her to find Prince Charming to awaken the sleeping beauty. Along the way she meets Hansel and Gretel, dancing fairies, Rapunzel, and a lumpy mattress. Each one of these embedded fairy tales has an enjoyable twist. Eventually she finds all the available princes in the land and sends them to the castle for the big event. Annie is a down-to-earth character who eventually learns that there was a plot to take over the kingdom. Readers will like this wrinkle in the action as well as the surprise kiss that eventually wakes Princess Gwendolyn. Humorous at times, this fractured fairy tale will be enjoyed by readers who like adventure with a touch of romance.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Gr 3–6—While her parents are in India on business, 11-year-old Poppy Ray spends a month with her veterinarian uncle, Sanjay. She begins the summer with naïvely high expectations, planning to use her time healing and saving pets of all kinds. However, as her mother is allergic to anything with fur, life in Los Angeles has given Poppy no practical knowledge of animals or their peculiar owners. Her stubborn resolve to help Uncle Sanjay's clients brings her frustration, anger, and hurt, but a developing friendship with 13-year-old Hawk and meditation with a piece of seaglass slowly give her a more realistic understanding of animals, humans, and their relationships. In this realistic story, adults are pretty much hands-off, allowing Poppy to explore her new independence and grow with her experiences. Animal lovers will appreciate the warm, fuzzy moments, cry at the sad times, and feel at home in this rural island community off the coast of Washington state.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 9 Up—Cassel, 17, is an anomaly as the only untalented one in a family of curse workers. While his mother, grandfather, and brothers make their living by illegally performing death curses, manipulating memories, and casting emotion charms, Cassel relies on his quick wit and con-artist skills to convince his private-school classmates that he's normal, despite bouts of sleepwalking and patchy memories of standing over a murdered friend named Lila. Nightmares about a white cat that resembles Lila, his family's ties to organized crime, and evidence of a mysterious plot against him threaten to pull Cassel into the world he's fought hard to resist. Black has written a dark coming-of-age tale with a likable hero. Teens will empathize with Cassel's desire to fit in and his occasional clashes with his family while rooting for him to unravel the conspiracy. Though readers will enjoy the fast-paced plot, there are points, particularly in the last few chapters, where the action is confusing and clarity appears sacrificed for expediency. Some secondary characters, such as Cassel's grandfather and friend Sam, are three-dimensional, while others, including his brothers and Lila, are less well realized. Despite these minor flaws, White Cat will appeal to readers who grew up on Holly Black's "Spiderwick Chronicles" (S & S) and are ready for something edgier.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 5 Up—The gorgeous House of Dolls is home to Wildflower, Rockstar, and Miss Selene. It belonged originally to Madison Blackberry's grandmother. The dolls live small but contented lives, until spoiled, sullen, and emotionally neglected Madison takes out her frustrations on their world. Jealousy causes her to send the dolls' boyfriends (a soldier and a small teddy bear) off to war (a hidden shoebox) and then remove the beautiful dresses her grandmother made for them. The dolls slip into a genteel decline, until one of them writes a note to the grandmother, who figures out what is happening and fixes everything. An afternoon spent with her grandmother, plus a new dress, causes the child to return the boyfriends and the dresses and the baby doll she had evidently removed before the story starts, and suddenly both worlds are made right. Despite the fact that this is a story about a child and some dolls, it reads like a selection in a highbrow collection for adults. There are lessons to be learned here, but not necessarily by children, and, in the end, even McClintock's fine, exquisitely detailed illustrations and Block's lyrical language don't make this slight, wistful tale satisfying.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7–10—On a visit to the nursing home in which his mother works, Mason discovers that her job does not involve caring for the elderly patients as he imagined, but for several apparently catatonic teenagers. When his mother steps away, one of the teens awakens in response to a DVD that he puts on. She suffers from amnesia but somehow knows she must escape her current environment and begs Mason for his help. He suddenly finds himself on the run from TroDyn Industries, the scientific corporation that owns most of his town. It has been using the girl as part of some sort of research—but what kind? And might there be some link to the father Mason has never met? Much of the suspense the novel tries to build is undermined by heavy foreshadowing and the image and tagline on the book's cover. A plot twist at the end depends on the scheming of a newly introduced character and falls flat. Reluctant readers might overlook these flaws in favor of a quick read with a likable protagonist and a juicy premise, but James Dashner's Maze Runner (Random, 2009) and William Sleator's House of Stairs (Dutton, 1985) are stronger stories about scientific experiments performed on teens.—Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA

Gr 5–8—At first glance, this book set at The Academy for Monsters appears to be a perfect selection for readers suffering from Hogwarts withdrawal. After all, it is about misfits who learn they are monsters and travel to a boarding school where they can be with others of their kind. Only, in this story, the Academy's a place where monsters must learn to quell their fiendish natures so they can exist in normal society without being chased by angry mobs with torches and pitchforks. And whereas Rowling's bespectacled hero found a place where he belonged, Falcon Quinn feels just as out of place at the Academy as he did in the real world. No one can pinpoint his monster-identity, and many feel that he's an imposter. A few loyal friends surround Falcon, and, ultimately, his relationships with them help him discover his true identity. This story gets a little busy in the end, and the monsters are mostly caricatures rather than well-developed individuals. But despite these flaws, this is an entertaining read. With vampires, ghouls, Sasquatches, Frankenstein, a spunky goatsucker, and one unhappy enchanted slug, this story offers a humorous look at the hidden lives of monsters. Reluctant readers may be discouraged by the length of the book, but if they can get past that hurdle, there's enough page-turning action to keep them hooked. And there's a twist that will leave kids anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 8 Up—Madison Kasparkova's world is destroyed when her seemingly perfect boyfriend cheats on her. After her mom takes her on a New Age retreat that gets the teen thinking about karma, she decides not to wait for the universe to set things right and enlists her friends' help in seeking revenge on those who've ever hurt them. They create a Karma Club and go about evening the score with their enemies, such as replacing a mean girl's acne medication with a Crisco mixture. Through their club, the girls learn how small choices can have dire or delightful consequences—for them as well as for others. Brody explores the lengths teenage girls will go to in order to restore balance in their chaos-filled lives. This fun, fast-paced read will bring a smile to the face of anyone who has dealt with high school's ups and downs, and will make them think before they meddle with fortune.—Katie Hageman, Gar-Field High School, Woodbridge, VA

Gr 6–9—It is fate when Jaya, Maria, and Lola meet and quickly become best friends. All three eighth graders are members of immigrant families who have settled in an upscale New Jersey community. The girls find it hard to fit in because their mothers work as nannies and housekeepers for their schoolmates' families. Then Jaya's mother is accused of stealing from one of her clients, and the girls wrestle with the growing divide between them and the community and among themselves. This book holds the potential for a twist on the stale high school friendship novel but not much new is offered in that regard. The author spends a lot of time describing the girls and their histories. Their backgrounds and their relationships are thoroughly explored, but the story just isn't very interesting, and the drama of a mother being accused of stealing falls short. These three girls are outcasts, like many teens, and the story may resonate with readers who often feel like outsiders looking in. The story might have some appeal to fans of character-driven dramas.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 9 Up—In the 1980s, Carrie Bradshaw is the oldest of three girls who live with their widowed father. She is on the swim team, wants to attend a summer writing program in New York, has applied to Brown, and is the last of her girlfriends to still have her virginity. When the rakish Sebastian Kydd returns to town, all the girls in the school become distracted, but he seems to have his eye on Carrie, at least until her best friend begins to take notice of him. The action is lightweight: senior pranks are played, dates are prevalent, friendships are tested, and Carrie keeps letting boys run rampant over her. It takes most of the book for her to stand up for herself. This protagonist is clearly written to resemble her older self as portrayed in the TV series Sex and the City. She spends the novel questioning relationships; worrying about friendships; developing a funky, independent sense of fashion; flirting with boys while dating two at once; and having a gay male friend. The author is known for writing frivolous, adult chick-lit books and she does not stray from that style here. While toning down the antics that take place in her adult books, she still writes about partying, drinking, smoking (cigarettes and dope), sex, and shoplifting, making this book best suited to older teens looking for a diversion.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—Milton, 18, and his brother Bruce, 16, are planning a bank robbery. Their long-suffering mom is trying to get a pension deal, and their alcoholic dad was killed when the sugar plant blew up. They need money now, but Milton has concerns about Bruce, who may have mental problems and seems to have some pretty scary ideas about when violence is justified. Down the street live Nina, a talented photographer; her brother, Carraway, who has just returned from Iraq with a serious injury; and their dad, who has financial woes. Everyone in this book has troubles and faces moral dilemmas. Nina's boyfriend is almost legally blind, and he gets caught up in a frightening situation as a witness to the robbery, as do Nina and her brother. Carraway also needs money for a lawyer to get out of having to go back to active duty; his mental state and possibility for violence add to the tension. The fear instilled in the witnesses by the brothers is clever and nail-bitingly thrilling; the personal stories are real and compelling; the characters are three-dimensional and beautifully drawn; and the situation will have readers asking, "What would I do?" over and over again. Teens will love this first-rate novel.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO

Gr 8 Up—P.K. has decided to run away before her parents can send her to boarding school. When her climbing friends at the local gym decline her invitation to come along, she enlists a handsome stranger to join her. What she doesn't know is that Critter, who is a gifted climber, has recently escaped from a mental institution, where his parents committed him following a suicide attempt. Thing is, Critter's near-death experience has left him feeling great. He sees people's auras, can feel their moods, and oftentimes intuit their thoughts. He believes that since the past has passed and the future can't be known, one might as well live as purely in the present as possible. His mantra is, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" Demonstrating these principles to P.K. as they cross the country, climbing first at Red Rocks in Nevada and later at Yosemite, they evade capture by the authorities when they can and escape when they can't. There is enough climbing lingo and action to interest gym rats, and it's hyped by the tension and passion of their developing relationship. All's well that ends well, and madness, at least in the case of Critter, seems not to be all that different from believing that one—anyone—might reasonably choose a road less traveled.—Joel Shoemaker, South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 6–10—Tired of her lifelong involvement in her family's illicit dealings, teenager Katarina Bishop enrolls herself in a prestigious boarding school. Then after a mere three months there, 16-year-old billionaire Hale arranges for her to get kicked out. He informs her that five paintings have been stolen from the menacing Arturo Taccone and that her father is the prime suspect. Determined to save him by locating the real thief and stealing the paintings back, Kat gathers a crack team of larcenous teens for the heist to be pulled off before the two-week deadline. However, her resolve falters when she learns that the paintings are Nazi war spoils. She negotiates complicated relationships in an action-packed plot, and the unknown identity of the thief suggests a sequel. This irresistible light-fingered fairy tale is elevated by glamour and mystery. Carter's style is conversational, smooth, and clever, exposing Kat's wry humor and her steely determination. Amid themes of family loyalty and identity, the protagonist comes to understand herself, her beliefs, and her place in her family. Daring, delicious, but filled with a sense of purpose, Heist Society mixes classic elements of the adolescent bildungsroman into a high-stakes escapade.—Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 5–7—Twelve-year-old Izzy is dismayed to learn that her widowed mother will be finishing her studies in Costa Rica, and that she will spend the summer with her grandmother in New Mexico. Before she leaves, she uncovers a baseball that belonged to her father. It has a mysterious message scrawled across it, "Because…magic," and, like all things relating to her late husband, Izzy's mother won't explain. Nana warmly welcomes her granddaughter to her remote village, a place that seems frozen in time. Izzy meets Nana's friends and neighbors, learns to make tortillas, and watches her grandmother, a curandera, prepare folk remedies. She also begins to uncover the mystery surrounding her father's life and death. Cervantes's prose is lean and lightly spiced with evocative metaphor. Unfortunately, the plot feels all too familiar: the wise grandmother, the loving mother who refuses to speak of the past, and the melodramatic resolution. The characters are gracefully limned yet fail to rise above convention. This gentle family story may hold appeal for those who have enjoyed the works of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Toby Johnston.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—Chandler's debut novel is a classic coming-of-age tale set in Montana shortly after wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. KJ Carson, 16, lives with her father, who runs a business as a guide for hunting and fishing parties. While on a hunting trip with him, the teen watches a wolf get torn to pieces by other wolves. Her father tells her not to forget it. He explains, "The minute that wolf backed down it was all over." KJ and the new kid in school, Virgil Whitman, team up to create a column for the school newspaper entitled, "Wolf Notes." He takes the pictures and she writes the articles. The column causes controversy in this small town where the wolves are hated by local ranching families. The more KJ learns about the animals, the more she is fascinated by their fearlessness. Relations with town members turn ugly when Virgil is shot at in the Christmas parade and soon after someone starts a fire at KJ's father's store. Should KJ back down? The author cleverly integrates facts about wolves and their return to Yellowstone through KJ's newspaper column. The plot moves swiftly to a suspenseful finish. Beautifully written and thought-provoking, this well-rounded novel will appeal to girls, some boys, and conservationists of all stripes.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, Riverton Library, UT

Gr 9 Up—Helen Worthington and Lauren Wood, both 14, were born a day apart in the same hospital in Michigan and seated together from kindergarten through eighth grade. It was only natural that they would be the closest of friends—until Lauren decides that she needs a fresh start in high school and frames Helen for naming the students who participated in the senior prank. The last days of eighth grade are hell for Helen, and she's in heaven when her dad gets a new job and they move to New York. However, after three years spent reinventing herself, her father gets a grant to study at a meditation camp and Helen finds herself sent back to Terrace for her senior year. She sets out to take her revenge on her ex-friend, which involves taking away the four most important things to Lauren, including her boyfriend and her popularity. During the course of the story Helen learns about the true nature of friends, relationships, and family. Characters are funny and devious, and the right amount of high-school drama moves the plot along. Fans of Mean Girls will enjoy seeing the story turned on its head in this enjoyable tale.—Laura Amos, Newport News Public Library, VA

Gr 3–6—Eleven-year-old Nell and her younger brothers, Jack and Charley, find two baby squirrels that have fallen out of their nest. Nell goes online to research how to care for them, and despite learning that she should take them to a wildlife rehabilitator, she convinces her parents to let the youngsters care for the babies at home, a feat made easier by the fact that they are homeschooled. Using the online advice, Nell is able to raise Mantha and Jess, all the while trying to convince her parents that they should be allowed to keep them as pets. As Nell's lies mount to cover up for the fact that it is illegal to have native wildlife in Ohio without a permit, animals die and people get hurt. The plot is heavy with educational information that slows the pacing and makes it preachy and didactic. Even an afternoon outing at a baseball game with friends turns into a science lesson as the kids discuss what type of animal their team, the Bearcats, represents, making the conversation stilted and forced. Nell's first-person narrative lets readers know what she is thinking, but the rest of the characterization is superficial. Children who are able to stick with the story will gain a new appreciation for the wildlife in their backyards, but most readers won't get that far.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Two voices alternate chapters in this aptly titled, lyrical Australian novel of unexpected friendship and self-acceptance. Charlie, a shy and lonely Melbournian, keeps her songwriting private and her thoughts to herself when spending her 16th summer in her grandfather's small town. She's always tried not to notice the snubs from the girl next door, Rose; her boyfriend, Luke; and their friend, Dave, who, Charlie notes, "hangs behind…like the backbeat to a song." This summer, however, Rose is bored and looking for a way to get to the city, and befriending Charlie might be her ticket. And then there's Dave, to Charlie, "a guy worth writing songs about." To readers he is indeed the perfect boy, ideal for a summer romance. Charlie's voice is unforgettable: every page sings with a music-related insight or metaphor: kissing him, "the stars sound like harmonicas." Rose's chapters initially are near-straight dialogue, her blunt locution showcasing her anger and ennui. But as she opens herself up to Charlie, they gain introspection and poetic phraseology: "the sky explodes around the two of us. The world is fat with color." The teens' language is also raw, but totally realistic. Give this incredible, satisfying book to fans of Sarah Dessen, Karen Foxlee, Melina Marchetta, Ellen Wittlinger—actually, give it to any teen girl who longs a little and feels too much—Australian or not.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Billy Crawford, 18, is working his way around the world pursuing his passion for surfing. In Fiji, he loses his job shepherding around surfing-camp guests as a result of his own irresponsibility. Running low on funds, he signs aboard a pirate tuna clipper, where he is shocked to discover that dolphins are being caught and drowned in the nets used to harvest the tuna. When he jumps in to help a trapped dolphin escape, the evil captain abandons him in the middle of the ocean. With the help of the dolphin he saved, Billy makes it to land, then joins forces with Benny, a wildlife activist who hopes to ram and sink the Lucky Dragon. He also starts a romance with Benny's beautiful young assistant. In an action-packed climax, Billy and Benny disable the tuna clipper and capture the captain. While the novel has clear echoes of Melville's Billy Budd, readers need not recognize the literary allusions to appreciate the story. The book should have some appeal to naturalists and animal-rights advocates, even if Billy's relationship with the dolphin strains credibility.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 4–6—Prunella Bogthistle may have the name and chicken-foot-festooned braids of a bog-witch, but she can't cast curses or grow warts. To prove her witchy worth, she goes on a quest to find her infamous ancestor's long-lost grimoire, joining forces with Barnaby, a foppish Uplander with a mysterious past. On their travels, it becomes clear that what little magic there is in the Uplands is draining away. As Prunella and Barnaby try to discover the cause, they realize that good and evil can come packaged in deceptive forms—nasty bog-witches, malevolent wizards, and beautiful queens aren't always what they seem. Prunella's tetchy interactions and thrilling adventures with Barnaby are tinged with her unwillingness to admit to herself that she is, at heart, a kind, if occasionally contrary, bog-witch. A spectral horse, a lonely ghost, and numerous wary and prejudiced villagers add humor and danger to this magical adventure. If the denouement is a bit hurried, no matter; all ends are satisfactorily tied up. This colorful, fast-paced fantasy is recommended for fans of funny, fairy-tale-inspired stories.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 6–10—In this futuristic coming-of-age tale, 15-year-old Ty has spent his whole life in a deep-sea colony on the ocean floor. His family and the other pioneers provide fish and other food for the Commonwealth citizens who live aboveground in stacked cities following earthquakes and tsunamis that destroyed much of the Earth. The pioneers chafe under the harsh rule of the Commonwealth, a situation made worse when those who live subsea are charged with capturing a gang of pirates that has been terrorizing Commonwealth ships and pioneer homesteads. Ty is swept up in the hunt for the bandits when Gemma, a "Topsider" orphan, comes to his community to search for her missing brother, who may have ties to the pirates. First-time author Falls has created a riveting adventure story that action fans and reluctant readers will enjoy for its fast pace. Teens will like the budding romance between Ty and Gemma and the marvelous, imaginative depictions of life on the ocean floor. Minor characters, such as Ty's neighbors and younger sister, are fully fleshed out in their few short scenes. Although the identity of Gemma's brother and the subplot regarding his past with the pioneers' doctor are hastily explained and not completely satisfying, this is a small point that doesn't detract from the creative setting, adventurous plot, and likable teen heroes. Readers will cheer Ty on in his pursuit of the pirates and clamor for more tales of undersea life.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 9 Up—This melodramatic romance updates Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story. At the funeral for her murdered father, obedient, studious Jill Jekel is shocked to find herself comforted by a kiss from bad-boy Tristen Hyde. Then, at the encouragement of Jill's chemistry teacher, the two team up to work together on a project that could win Jill a hearty scholarship. Tristen, sure that he is descended from the original Mr. Hyde—a real person on whom Stevenson apparently based his classic novel—is desperate to cure the evil he feels growing inside himself. Believing that Jill's father had been investigating the original Jekel's sinister formula, Tristen manipulates Jill into breaking into her father's study and helping him create a new formula to fight his violent urges. Chapters from both teens' perspectives are narrated in moody, overwrought prose, perhaps as a nod to the gothic novel. Though the author satisfyingly builds and resolves the story's romantic tension, readers are left with key questions unanswered. Why is Jill tempted to drink a formula she knows will unleash evil? Why does the same formula that makes Tristen murderous merely make Jill sexually forward? And is finding love with the boy who drugged Jill's mother and repeatedly controls Jill's actions really a happy ending? Teens who enjoy brooding love stories will not be disappointed; those looking for an independent heroine will need to search elsewhere.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Seventeen-year-old Olivia wins a prestigious award that includes the opportunity to attend a writing workshop at the local Catholic university taught by a successful novelist whom she idolizes. Olivia is thrilled: her dreams of being a writer are becoming a reality. While basking in Father Mark's attention, she becomes uneasy as his actions become more pervasive and possessive. Caught by her awe of him both as an author and a priest, she questions her own discomfort as the emails, texts, and requests for her time and attention leave her confused, secretive, and defensive. Hiding this predicament from her family and friends is further complicated by her attraction to a fellow student. Throughout Olivia's story, Freitas alludes to actual events in 1966 when Catholic priest Thomas Merton fell in love with a student nurse assigned to his care. Freitas has skillfully woven Merton's reflections of his historically documented "gorgeous game" into her fictitious exploration of the effect of stalking, as told through a series of Olivia's writing exercises. A nun helps her realize that she can't and shouldn't have to face this problem alone. With the support of close friends and Sister June, Olivia is able to confront the situation. This novel will resonate with teens who struggle with what appear to be impossible situations and come to terms with the desire to receive attention however unwanted it may be. The message that stalking is not the fault of the victim is especially important.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 5–8—The magical pipe that caused so many problems in Into the Woods (Random, 2006) finds its way back to Storm Eden from the bottom of the sea where she tossed it, hoping never to see it again. The evil witch Belladonna wants the pipe, but her time is short if she can't convince Storm's beautiful older sister Aurora to promise her heart to her. Using a magic mirror (one of many nods to Snow White) to improve her looks, Belladonna fools Storm, Aurora, and baby Any into believing that their father is dead and that they are now in her care. Snappy dialogue and familiar fairy-tale references, some of which cleverly poke fun at well-known characters, create the feeling of a fairy-tale community to which the sisters now belong. The girls are sometimes misguided but always believable as they venture into the Underworld, the only way to rid themselves of the pipe and save Aurora's life. Readers of the first book will happily revisit Eden's End. However, those who haven't read it may struggle since no backstory is provided and minor characters with little to no introduction greatly influence the plot. Themes of loyalty and family are creatively and unexpectedly woven into the story line and playfully point out that sisterhood can be both a blessing and a curse. Grey's black-and-white illustrations manage to be gorgeous and hilarious at the same time, and, thankfully, sneak in on almost every page.—Mandy Lawrence, Staley Middle School, Frisco, TX

Gr 5–7—As a huge fan of comedic TV anchorman Jon Stewart, David Greenberg creates original Talk Time videos starring himself and his hamster, and posts them on YouTube. His former friend, Elliott, used to collaborate on the videos, but now chooses to hang out with Tommy Murphy, an infamous bully who besets David, a lowly sixth grader. Short and scrawny, David is an easy target for Tommy's depredations, yet he simultaneously wins the friendship and loyalty of sweet Sophie, who tells all her friends to view his hilarious videos and post great comments, bringing good publicity to David, who intends to become a famous talk-show host. Then Hammy dies, and after Tommy subjects David to the ultimate indignity of a swirlie, he wonders what good is it to be famous online while being called Lameberg at school. Part of his problem is that he misses his mother, who abandoned the family for another man, as well as the fact that he insulted his older sister by mocking her acne treatments in his videos. Then there's Elliott, whose fickle behavior defies understanding, but who eventually returns to being David's friend. Things start to look up with the exciting news that David's clever videos will be aired on The Daily Show. With short chapters and broad humor, this one is for "Wimpy Kid" aficionados (Abrams).—Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT

Gr 4–6—Adding another dimension—the third, to be exact—to many of the garish, glutinous creatures portrayed in British comedian Gervais's three previous galleries doesn't improve their looks any, but definitely adds to their gonzo appeal. From the glaring purple Mernimbler to the bizarrely portmanteau Squeeg ("thought to be the missing link between prehistoric Strankulators and the first Dunklings"), more than two dozen bulbous-eyed monsters rear up, slide past, or, in the case of the "jub-wobbling" Splunge (scientific name: Jello Snurbloid), explode in a mix of large central pop-ups and smaller figures in folded corner booklets. One particularly notable spread titled "Flanimal Evolution" sideswipes a certain famous Michelangelo painting. The paper engineering is more varied and inventive than Gervais's free-association commentary, but the stream of nonsense words have a giggle-inducing cumulative effect. Not only should this be popular on its own, but a "Flanimals" film due out in 2011 will also likely crank up demand.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—In Change of a Dress, 13-year-old Diana works after school at her father's dry-cleaning business. She loves clothes and fashion, chatting on Facebook to her friend Jessica, and wishing that she had a boyfriend like Adam Kessler (a Zac Efron teen-idol type). Her wish is almost granted when she discovers tickets to the current play that he is starring in. Despite her better judgment, she finds a dress and transportation, and considers herself lucky to be attending when she suddenly meets Adam Kessler. What will she do and does she continue to pretend she's the owner of the tickets? Prep Cool finds Diana sneaking into elite Foreman Academy in order to find Jessica's stolen cell phone. To complete her disguise, she borrows a school uniform that has been dropped off at the cleaners. Things do not go smoothly, and once again she has to do some fast thinking. As in the first story, all ends well. These books aren't great literature, but they're easy to read, and girls will love to slip into them.—Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

Gr 6–8— While the ending may be anticlimactic, Grisham brings to his crossover bid the lapidary prose and frank insider's view of this country's legal system that makes his adult best sellers so absorbing. Only 13 but already so much a lawyer in his own mind that he keeps an "office" at home and dispenses legal advice to classmates and even adults, Theo finds himself in over his head when he's told in strict confidence that there's an eyewitness to a high-profile local murder whose perp is about to walk due to lack of evidence. That witness is an illegal immigrant, and so is understandably afraid of coming forward. What to do? Grisham injects occasional side remarks into the narrative (students in Theo's school are gender-separated "according to a new policy adopted by the smart people in charge of educating all the children in town,") and he embroiders Theo's dilemma with intriguing public and behind-the-scenes looks at courts, lawyers, and the realities of the judicial process. He also sets up the plot to move in ominous directions in future episodes—which partly, at least, compensates for leaving the murder trial unresolved at the end of this one. Expect heavy publicity-driven demand.-John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Logan, a budding astrologer, spends her summer in Monterey, CA, at a camp for young writers. She is taught by Henry Jaffa, an esteemed, paranormal investigative journalist whom she wants for her mentor. The only problem: he's had his students swap their project topics, so Logan's stuck writing about local folk-musician Sean Baylor, who is said to be haunting Monterey. Even worse, her crush turned pain-in-the-butt, Jeremy, insists on researching Sean Baylor, too, and it's a race to find out if his ghost is really there. This breezy read is infused with astrology, from the way Logan perceives everyone inhabiting her world to the snippets from an astrology book that she is reading, which are shared at the beginning of each chapter. At times, they are too lengthy and didactic, detracting from the action. It is hard to believe that Logan and Jeremy would not immediately go online to research Baylor, and that the only way she could find his music is when her father happens to own his album. The intriguing paranormal element is, in the end, not that big a part of the plot. This novel will appeal mostly to teens already interested in astrology, though the flashy cover may attract some new adherents.—Jennifer Barnes, formerly at Homewood Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—This novel of speculative fiction, the first of a trilogy, will be hard for readers to put down. Fourteen-year-old Thomas Cale is an acolyte of the Redeemers, struggling, like other boys his age and younger, to live up to the harsh standards of the Sanctuary. When he is sent to the Lord of Discipline for a minor infraction, he stumbles on a scene of vivisection and kills the Redeemer in his effort to save the victims. He flees with two other boys, Vague Henri and Kleist, and the girl that he has rescued, Riba. The four make their way to Memphis, capital of the Materazzi empire, and their best hope of safety from the Redeemer's vengeance. Once there, chancellor Vipond finds a use for each of them while seeking to learn more of the mysterious Redeemers in order to prepare for the war with them that he fears is to come. Cale's martial prowess earns him both allies and enemies in the city, whose ways are entirely strange to the boys. Startling revelations and strange reversals continue until the final pages. Hoffman's story includes references to Norwegians, Jews, and Guelphs but without any obvious geographic parallels to Europe. He reinforces the late medieval feeling with the occasional archaic term that may send readers to their dictionaries without sacrificing any of the suspense, romance, or action. This compelling read will be popular with fans of fantasy, action, and military fiction, who will eagerly await the next installment.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 5–8—Eddy is distraught when his entry in the science fair doesn't win. When his disappointment, coupled with the gymnasium hubbub, peaks, he squats on the floor, covers his ears, rocks, and chants chemical-compound names to himself. Eddy's sensitive nerves act like antennae, soaking up anxieties that cause him to recoil. The boy has high-functioning Asperger's syndrome and his intolerance of noise, and of other students' inadequate entries, is real—sadly, as real as the people who avoid him. Former playmates have grown up and turned into mean adolescents. At the same time, Eddy overlooks students who try to befriend him, because he is unable to understand social cues. When the school's crossing guard is let go, the boy obsesses over every imaginable calamity that could happen to children in the street. He loves the structure of science and tinkers endlessly with recycled gizmos and wires, and, following his counselor's advice, puts his worry to work inventing a traffic-signal device. It's curious to walk with a mind that works differently, where channels are isolated, fraught, and amplified, but readers will get a chance to do just that with this protagonist. Unfortunately the secondary characters are shallow and unconvincing. Also, the clever insertion of Latin scientific names and other facts from Eddy's bank of "random access memory" illustrates his extreme intelligence and will make the title appealing to science fans, but for average readers such detail is overwhelming and distracting.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 5–8—Josh Johnson,11, struggles with a parent who has a listening problem. His friends are much like him—so much so that they create a club to further their dreams (instead of their parents' dreams for them), and call themselves Dunces Anonymous: "A Club for Kids who aren't as Good at Stuff as their Parents Think they Should Be." Although the concept for this novel is one that many overachieving students can relate to, the plot proceeds episodically, and the characters have little depth. Jaimet fails to illustrate the thought processes and emotions that would influence most children in Josh's situation, and her work could benefit from the adage "show, don't tell."—Natalie Teske, The First Academy Royal Library, Orlando, FL

Gr 5–9—Tiphanie Baker respects her parents' participation in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and lives up to their expectations, which include always "uplifting her race" by working extra hard and by following the rules. But when she finds out that she must start her freshman year as the only black girl at an affluent, predominantly white school, she wonders if she has the strength. Set in Denver in 1975, the book portrays the mood and perceptions of the time. People of differing ethnicities and races are still becoming accustomed to living, working, and going to school together, as demonstrated by the awkwardness and uncertainty with which Tiphanie and her fellow students regard each other. The issues of class and racial identity are exacerbated when Tiphanie, who is working through her own feelings of isolation and uncertainty, befriends a white girl who is ostracized because she is poor and lives in a trailer park. As the protagonist starts to feel more comfortable and accepted by her classmates, she struggles with the idea that by liking them she is not being true to her former friends, who begin to question her commitment. The story, with its accurate portrayal of the period and realistic depictions of friendships and family issues, is interesting and enjoyable. The well-developed characters confront their own stereotypes and perceptions of race, learning something about one another and about themselves.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 5–7—Tess Dobson's life is complicated. Her younger brother, Jordan, is deaf and prone to bouts of behavior as "FrankenJordan." Her mother walks the narrow ledge of bipolar disorder, a walk that always seems to end in "shooting stars" or a crash. To make things even more complicated, Ma has decided to move the family from Texas to Schenectady, NY, where she uses all of their savings to open an ice-cream shop. Despite the promises that Schenectady will hold all the answers to their problems, this new town brings its own set of complications, which include living at a senior citizens' complex. Tess struggles with these difficulties but unexpectedly finds the support she never knew she needed. Through it all, there is ice cream. This book is sweet and leaves a relatively pleasant taste much like the rocky-road ice cream that serves as a metaphor for Tess's life. Due respect is paid to the challenges of having a parent who suffers from bipolar disorder, as well as the disorder itself. Tess seems much older than her 12 years but this is in keeping with her family situation. Her involvement with peer mediation is slightly contrived but it is necessary to her growth. As the Dobsons say, "Ice cream warms the heart…," and so will this book.—Naphtali L. Faris, Saint Louis Public Library, MO

Gr 8 Up—This imaginative fantasy centers on Fair O'Nelli, who has spent the last nine years living in a cellar with her dog, Sauveren, to avoid discovery and possibly the same fate as her missing father and younger brother. She is released from hiding when she turns 13 and accepts a task from Thelras, Mother Queen of Light, to journey to the unknown Selador's Gate in search of a mysterious individual named Selador. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Fair travels in the company of her dog and three guardians. Along the way, they encounter enough magic, adventure, and intrigue to satisfy even the most die-hard fantasy fans. The book culminates in a confrontation between Fair and Harrold King, the evil ruler of Cloven Grave, and his sidekick Pewgen Flype, who is responsible for the enslavement of children in the caves of Osden Shorn. A likable heroine, Fair discovers courage, conviction, and friendship in her search for Selador. Readers familiar with C.S. Lewis's "Narnia Chronicles" will spot the religious symbolism scattered throughout the book, while the epic nature of Fair's quest will remind others of J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" novels. Although Kingworth may borrow elements from these beloved stories, she has created a rich, detailed fantasy world that is unique and as vivid as all of them with charming, whimsical touches. Secret Speakers was originally released in serial form as a cell-phone novel at TextNovel.com, where it was wildly popular.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 9 Up—Like her mother and her sister, Joy can "Hear" the "Whispers" of others, thoughts just barely in their consciousness. Now that she is 15, her gift enables her to know not only the lighter side of internal monologues, but also the darker ones—thoughts of violence, lecherous impulses, and criticisms of Joy herself. As she works to navigate her new "Hearing," she must also cope with increasingly intense headaches, an antagonistic relationship with her sister, and friendship problems. There is also the mystery of Jamie, an unusual boy with a secret of his own. When Joy is at her most confused, her sister goes missing, and only Jamie can help her. Despite the fantastic premise, it's hard not to read this novel as an analogy for maturity, the archetypal move from innocence to experience. Joy has been a pleaser, working hard to use her power to make others happy. But when she can "Hear" the good and the bad, and even her parents are unable to help her deal with her overwhelming feelings of frustration and insecurity, she must strike out on her own to do what needs to be done. Despite a somewhat typical YA story structure and an ending that may have been tied up a bit too easily, these common conflicts are nuanced by Kitanidis's intriguing construction of Joy's powers, unexpected plot moves, and strong characterizations.—Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA

Gr 8 Up—Sienna is afraid—of airplanes, of the ocean, of life. She has had these fears for three years, ever since her mother's plane disappeared over the ocean while on a humanitarian aid trip in Thailand. On her 15th birthday, she gets the worst present she can imagine: a plane ticket to accompany her dad and two other doctors on a two-week trip to an Indonesian orphanage—one housing children and young adults who are survivors of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Sienna doesn't want to go, and the cultural differences and deprivations do not make her any happier once there. On her first night, during a welcoming program hosted by the orphans, she meets Deni, a 17-year-old from Aceh, the tsunami's epicenter. Their relationship develops quickly and leads to actions and decisions that are ill-considered and dangerous—both in a Muslim culture and during a state of civil unrest. Sienna loses her fears much faster than one would expect, and her return home to a friendship that is evolving into a romance, so soon after she was in love with another boy whose life was filled with tragedy, makes her seem emotionally shallow. Teens who like relationship novels will overlook these flaws, but the book is definitely an additional purchase.—Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL

Gr 8–10—Feeling abandoned by his divorcing parents, 15-year-old Nate decides to run away on a kayaking trip to the Canadian Gulf Islands. He deals with issues of food and shelter, and meets actual runaways on an island and helps them out. Then, a raging storm strands him on a small island where he runs into an angry Goth girl who ends up helping him. When drug smugglers show up, things just get worse. The story starts out slowly as it goes into much detail about planning and supplies. It picks up when the other runaways appear, but readers don't see many sides to their characters, and the problems that Nate assists with are easily solved. The last portion of the book charges forward when multiple characters and problems are introduced. While this pace is a welcome change, things move rapidly as the teenagers go from enjoying themselves to being shot at by one-dimensional bad guys, and there's a neat resolution. Those who can plow through the beginning will enjoy the action when they finally get to it, but most kids will have lost interest by this point.—Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL

Gr 6–9—At age 15, Lyza knows there's something different about her family. Her father, a sculptor viewed by many in their Maine fishing village as insane, relies entirely on his wife for daily care. When the 1918 influenza epidemic claims her mother, Lyza fears for Pater and their way of life. It soon becomes apparent that his genius extends beyond the natural world; he communes with spirits to fulfill the wishes of departing souls. The teen begins to have her own visions, accepts her supernatural inheritance, and uses it to protect her father and their home. LaFaye begins the novel in the deepest, darkest parts of Lyza's mind and then drags readers through a dizzying succession of thoughts, actions, and ideas. There is no time to become invested in any one character, and the plot takes a lot of unnecessary twists and turns. Readers interested in ghost stories may pick this one up after exhausting other options, but this title will otherwise be a hard sell.—Sara Saxton, Tuzzy Consortium Library, Barrow, AK

Gr 6–8—In this medieval fantasy, Wolf runs away from a monastery after years of mistreatment by his master, Brother Thomas. As he's fleeing across Welsh moors inhabited by ghosts and demons, he comes across a girl elfchild being chased by a pack of hunters' dogs. Wolf captures her and offers her to Lord Hugo, the head hunter. Lord Hugo is obsessed with the idea that his dead wife is actually alive and being held by the Demon Lord of the Underground, and he is convinced that the elfchild can lead him to her. He allows Wolf to accompany him home on the condition that Wolf make the mute elfchild speak. Nest, Lord Hugo's daughter, is soon to marry a man she's rarely seen but been betrothed to since she was five. To Wolf's horror, her fiancé arrives with Brother Thomas, who is furious to see him. In revenge, Wolf and Halewyn, a visiting jester, make a fool of the man, but Nest doesn't trust Halewyn. She suspects he's a demon in disguise, determined to lure her father underground in search of his dead wife. Can she and Wolf save Lord Hugo and the elfchild? This atmospheric story, set in a land inhabited by terrifying and benign magical creatures, combines fast-paced action with sensitive insights into the characters' inner fears and desires. Supernatural fantasy fans will enjoy this tale that effectively explores magic, mystery, and the struggle between good and evil.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 6–10—During a hot summer in 1952, 11-year-old Georgia Louise Mason's family moves to a new neighborhood in Indiana. Her brother, Emmett, loves astronomy and basketball and doesn't mind, but she misses her old friends, though everything has changed since the outbreak of polio. She keeps track of the numbers of new cases from newspaper accounts; she has a grim fascination with this frightening killer disease. She is no longer allowed to swim in public pools or go places where people gather, such as movies. She befriends Phyllis, who lives next door and is in an iron lung; the teen is smart and beautiful, but her body has been decimated by the disease. Phyllis becomes Emmett's first love, and together the three young people form a special bond, though only Georgie sees what no one else is willing to accept: that Phyllis wants to escape the prison of her iron lung and will manipulate Emmett to achieve her goal. The sophisticated and insightful narration unfolds as if told by the 11-year-old, though it is revealed that an adult Georgie is looking back on this time in her childhood. Her observations about her family, Phyllis and her family, polio and its impact, friends, and more are beyond those of most preteens, though her fascination with mythology and how it is played out in astronomy are used effectively to reflect drama of that period in Georgie's life. Sophisticated readers will appreciate learning what happens to the likable, sometimes quirky, complex characters.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 4–7—Bree Davies, 12, is an only child living in Santa Monica with her journalist parents who are too busy with their careers to pay attention to her. She's drifting away from one of her two best friends because of diverging interests. And now she is paired with Ashton Adams to do a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream, and she's nervous because he is popular and ignores her. The only thing that makes up for her parents' absence and all of her problems is her beloved Border collie. When her mother neglects to close the gate one day, Danny goes missing and Bree is unable to forgive her. The high points of this book include the girl's determination to find her pet and her time volunteering at an animal shelter. The rest remains dull, melodramatic, and clichéd, and problems have thin resolutions. It is unfortunate that readers would have to plow through all of this in order to get a glimpse of the harsh realities of animal shelters.—Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

Gr 5–7—Josh isn't happy about his family's odd new house. The floors are designed to tilt at a precise three-degree angle and the walls are covered with arcane writing. Furthermore, there are rats in the attic—talking rats, led by Mr. Daga, a crusty "rater familias" who resents the interlopers and isn't shy about showing it. The neighbors aren't exactly normal either, and the mysterious former owner's journal hints about a body buried in the crawl space. Josh figures life in Tilton House can't get any weirder—but he's wrong. Llewellyn's decidedly nonlinear action varies widely in tone, ranging from exaggerated humor to Gothic horror to downright grotesque. Experiments with growth powder lead to a near-fatal encounter with supersized, man-eating moss, while a tiny pet dog is transformed into a 300-pound monster. Itinerant funeral salesmen force promotional materials on the doomed neighborhood residents on their "List"—and the next name is Josh's little brother. Black-and-white chapter-head illustrations help set the tone for each episode. Josh is an interesting and resourceful character, determined to understand the mystery of his house. The dialogue is often amusing, particularly Mr. Daga's tough-guy dialect. However, the episodic action can be hard to follow, and a number of plot threads are left hanging. An additional choice for libraries where John Bellairs and Brad Strickland's "Lewis Barnavelt" books (Dial) are popular—-Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–7—During the second century, the Emperor sends the Tiger Battalion to northwestern China to repair a section of the Great Wall. Upon its arrival, the Commander proposes an archery contest. His son Ren thinks victory will prove his worth to his father. Hu, a local peasant boy, wants to win to save his family from starvation. As they train, the two boys form an unlikely friendship. When the Commander finds barbarian spies across the wall, he cancels the contest. The story turns into a fast-paced adventure as he sends Ren away for safety and Hu is wrongly arrested for stealing grain from the meager supply. It's up to Ren to unmask corrupt officials, clear his friend's name and save the village—and all of China—from invasion. Told in alternating chapters, the narrative follows Ren and Hu as their story lines converge, split, and rejoin. Although historically well grounded, the characters' outlook and actions are modern and Western. Still, the mystery, adventure, and excitement of the final battle will attract readers, even those who do not usually enjoy historical fiction.—Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

Gr 8 Up—In this follow-up to Returnable Girl (Marshall Cavendish, 2006), two sisters are in a car accident while on their way home from a party. The younger girl, Nellie, suffers a traumatic brain injury while Claire, 16, is physically unharmed, but far from fine. Having been jealous of her sister's talent as a gymnast, she now feels that the accident was entirely her fault. The story is told from the perspective of Claire, her friend Sid, her friend and romantic interest Adam, and Nellie's brain, which is imagined to have a consciousness of its own. These characters have their own problems (though the brain remains resolutely cheerful), and the multiple voices sometimes crowd the narrative. Sid is living with her grandmother and pining for her older boyfriend, a soldier in Iraq. Adam, or "Fish," is a social misfit still coming to terms with his own family tragedy. And the brain chirpily explains why Nellie has to relearn how to use a knife and fork and can't remember basic words. Though the number of life lessons gives the novel a message-laden tone, the straightforward writing and quick pace make it a good choice for reluctant readers. Heavy drinking and plenty of sexual references are included.—Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

Gr 9 Up—Bronwen Oliver has spent most of her life convinced she was switched at birth. After all, she isn't blond, she detests ketchup, and she has no desire to be Homecoming Queen. She is so convinced that she belongs to another family that she invents an alter ego, Phoebe Lilywhite, her "true self." Her friend Kirsten even calls her Pheebs. She's having coffee with Kirsten the day after prom, explaining why she broke up with her boyfriend, when a stranger comes in and asks if she's Phoebe Lilywhite. He turns out to be Jared Sondervan, a high school friend of her older brother's, who remembers that she told him her Switched at Birth theory years before. So begins her relationship with Jared and his family—the kind of family she hasn't had since her father was killed in an accident when she was very young—and she finds herself becoming someone else: not Bronwen, not Phoebe, but "Us"—Bronwen and Jared. Fortunately, at the 11th hour, Bronwen realizes that she wants to find out who she is before she becomes Jared's wife. Lively and light, McCahan's novel covers that time period of high school and college when young adults try on and discard personalities in search of their true selves. It should appeal to fans of Meg Cabot and Maureen Johnson.—Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL

Gr 9 Up—McGowan's use of in-your-face reality about high school pressures and gang violence makes the action in this story ring true. When Roth, the school bully, hones in on Paul Varderman, giving him a package to deliver to the leader of a rival gang in another school, Paul finds he cannot refuse, and he ends up in the middle of a turf war. Even the misfits who follow Roth around do what he says because they are so afraid of defying him. Roth's rivals decide to retaliate, and Paul must decide whether to join the fight or walk away. The teen has been struggling with the need to be part of something, to have a sense of belonging. The energy and excitement he feels when Roth hands him a knife are unlike anything he has felt before. This novel about tough choices and the consequences surrounding them is YA fiction at its best.—Katie Hageman, Gar-Field High School, Woodbridge, VA

Gr 5–9—Danny Caulfield is a smallish boy with pixielike features. He is harassed and bullied at school and is generally ignored by his workaholic parents. He is given a chance to start over at a distant boarding school (a chance he does not want). A mysterious and surly cab driver delivers him not to the school chosen by his mother but to Wilson's Academy of the Devious Arts—a school for spies. It sits between two parallel worlds and is the only thing protecting the Upper World (ours) from the evil that has taken over the Lower World. The still-incomplete Ring of Five rules the Lower World with the help of the vicious Cherbs, to whom Danny bears a striking resemblance. With the academy's defenses weakening, Danny may be the Upper World's only hope. While The Ring of Five has tense, exciting moments and possesses the elements of good fantasy adventure, character development is spotty and the plot is uneven. On the whole, the story does not elicit the suspension of disbelief necessary for a good fantasy adventure. D. J. MacHale's "Pendragon" series (S & S) is a much better choice in this genre.—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA

Gr 9 Up—Midway through senior year, Camille moves to Atlanta (her family's sixth move). She plans to simply go through the motions until she can escape to Europe after graduation. Meanwhile, at another school in town, Becca is jolted from the dreamlike state of her relationship with Alec when she gets in a fender bender and must find an after-school job to pay back her debt. The girls' lives collide when Camille meets Alec at a party, and, unaware that he is "taken," allows the haiku-spouting-but-athletic catcher to kiss her. At first blush, such a story line has the potential to play up every teen "mean girls" stereotype, yet McVoy elevates the narrative well above any predictable cat fight. Camille tells her side in stream-of-consciousness entries, while Becca speaks in free verse. The girls have distinct, believable voices, and the way in which they slowly become aware of one another rather than facing a direct confrontation shows that given different circumstances they might have been kindred spirits. Literary references and odes to famous poets pepper the pages. These are unobtrusive so that discerning readers will revel in their inclusion while others will skip over them but still enjoy the drama of the story. The result is a poignant tale of two girls on the brink of adulthood faced with real decisions about their future, who they want to be, and what role boys will play in their decisions.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 5–8—Justin and Sean, both 12, live in the Red Hook projects, are half Puerto Rican and half African American, and have absentee fathers. They became friends when Sean stuck up for Justin, but now Sean is straying further from their friendship, avoiding their scheduled sleepovers, lying, and not doing as well in school. He's been getting into more and more fights when he used to advocate dissing instead of fists. Where is Sean going on Saturdays? Why isn't he telling his friends Justin, Kyle, and Vanessa? Justin heads up the squad to find out why, but with more drama than action, and readers may not care. Justin worries, on more than one occasion, that because he's so concerned about Sean people are going to think he's gay. There's also the possibility that Sean's dad is gay—Justin's reasoning is that he sends Sean shiny trinkets from Puerto Rico. He also inaccurately portrays his cousin as gay because he dresses up in women's clothes and wants to be called Vicky. While these fallacies go unaddressed, Maldonado does explore what it means to be a friend, the nature of privacy, and how difficult it is for boys to talk with one another. With so few books out for urban middle school boys of color besides the "Bluford" series (Townsend), this book, with all its flaws, may still be a draw for some readers. The cover, type size, and format, with cool font and a photo at the head of each chapter, will attract reluctant readers, but the content may not sustain them.—Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA

Gr 8 Up—Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, Mistress of Revels, takes her show on the road in this rousing sequel to Eyes Like Stars (Feiwel & Friends, 2009). Abandoning the enchanted Théâtre Illuminata to rescue her beloved pirate Nate from watery doom in the lair of Sedna the Sea Goddess, the 17-year-old embarks on the journey accompanied by four feisty fairies and seductive Ariel, air spirit from The Tempest and Nate's rival for Bertie's heart. By turns perilous and comedic, the tale rolls along at breakneck speed as the troupe encounters danger and delight, negotiating predicaments with magic and wit. The fairies' constant clamor for pie adds hilarity as Bertie explores the extent of her magical powers, untangles her origins, and meets her father, the brooding bird-man Scrimshander. Mantchev's highly imaginative prose bursts with lush imagery and literary riffs, and the party's encounter with the Innamorati, a traveling circus inspired by Cirque du Soleil, enhances the book's surrealism. Although the lack of backstory may leave readers new to Bertie in the dust of confusion, fans of the first book will cry "Encore!" as the ending sets up the third in the series.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 9 Up—After Amy's father dies in a car crash, everything that this California girl took for granted changes overnight. Her twin brother Charlie is shipped off to rehab in North Carolina. Her mother accepts a teaching position in Connecticut, leaving Amy home alone to finish her junior year of high school. Then her mom arranges to get Amy to Connecticut via a cross-country drive with a family friend, 19-year-old Roger. The pair quickly ditches the pre-planned itinerary in favor of more spontaneous detours to Yosemite, Colorado, and Graceland. Amy's mother is predictably furious and cuts off her credit card, leaving the teens on a shoestring budget. Along the way Amy gradually opens up to Roger about her father's accident and her repressed feelings about it. During a stop in Louisville, Roger finds closure with the girl who recently dumped him, leaving him available for a relationship with Amy. The theme of her emotional journey meshes well with the realistically rendered physical journey across the U.S. Playlists, pages from a travel scrapbook, well-drawn supporting characters, and unique regional details enhance the narrative. Flashback chapters shed light on Amy's life before her father's death, without breaking the steady pacing. One sexual situation is discreetly described. Overall, this is an emotionally rewarding road novel with a satisfying, if not totally surprising, conclusion. It's similar in theme and tone to Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever (Viking, 2004).—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 6–8—Oliver lives in the oak trees in Windblowne, a place of two moons, with his preoccupied, distant parents. The 455th annual midsummer kite-flying festival is approaching, and he would love to win, but he is unable to keep any kite in the air. He seeks out his Great-uncle Gilbert, a former champion, for help, only to see Gilbert vanish after being attacked by anthropomorphic, bladed fighting kites. With the guidance of the one simple red kite left behind, Oliver sets off to find the man. His quest takes him through time to several different Windblownes, where he meets his alter ego as well as his great-uncle's, an evil despot named Lord Gilbert. The oaks, the one constant in the perhaps thousands of different Windblowne worlds, are dying due to Lord Gilbert's using machines and wire to extricate power that will fuel time travel. His intent is to rule all the worlds and he has banished Great-uncle Gilbert to hell-world. Messer's allegorical fantasy is imaginative and contains a strong ecological message as well as the worthy theme of the importance of finding one's own unique talent. However, few characters are fully developed; too many pages are turned before what's happening is revealed; too many plot threads are left hanging, too much is left unexplained; and, despite the strong winds of Windblowne, the pace is plodding. Only very competent readers, indeed, will sort through the confusion of the worlds of Windblowne.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 6–8—Natalie Minks, 13, likes machines—the way they make sense, the way all the gears and cogs fit together to make something happen. When Dr. Jake Limberleg's Nostrum Fair and Technological Medicine Show stops in at her father's bicycle repair shop because a wagon wheel has fallen off and disappeared, Natalie knows that the man is not meant to fit into the machinery of her life. Her ailing mother has told her stories of bargains made with the Devil, and of besting wickedness by looking it right in the face. Limberleg has a collection of clockwork figures that work without being wound up and never seem to run down. When Natalie begins to have inexplicable visions of the malevolent forces facing Arcane, MO, she isn't convinced that she is equipped to fight the evil at hand. Soon almost everyone is taken in by Limberleg's promises of miraculous healing and snake-oil cures, and it becomes clear to Natalie that she is their only hope of survival. Enhanced by full-page drawings, this intricate story, set in the early 20th century, unfolds with the almost audible click of puzzle pieces coming together. In the gothic tradition of Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes (S & S, 1962), The Boneshaker will earn itself a place in the annals of stories about children and the struggle between good and evil.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 4–6—Emiline and her friends are back in this sequel to The Mousehunter (Little, Brown, 2009), and familiarity with that book will better acquaint readers with the characters and the world they inhabit. Having escaped execution in Old Town at the hands of detestable mouse collector Isiah Lovelock, the new crew of the Silver Shark is determined to stop Lovelock's latest scheme, but first must find a way to free the pirate captain Mousebeard from the curse that prevents him from setting foot on land. Their quest leads them in search of the mythical island of Norgammon, and they are joined by Indigo, a fellow mousekeeper also on the run from the Old Town Guard. Action and adventure abound as plucky Emiline once again takes to the high seas. As with the first book, chapters are interspersed with illustrated entries from the Mousekeeper's Almanac where readers encounter everything from the Slime-toothed Fang Mouse to the Northern Musical Mouse. While some of these mice feature in the story, more often they serve to fill out the imaginative world that Milway has created. Some readers may be disappointed that more time isn't spent exploring the mysteries found on Norgammon; others will simply be anxious to see how the trilogy ends.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 8 Up—The Gilded Age, in all its opulence, comes to life through Clara's eyes as she makes her debut into New York society in the 1890s. Molded primarily by her aunt, the 17-year-old begins her debutante preparation with much trepidation. The more rigorous the process becomes, the more disillusioned she becomes. She sees through the ambition of her fellow debs and their parents and witnesses the hypocrisy of her own wealthy family. They attend church every Sunday, but only to see and be seen. Mitchell ably transports readers to late-19th-century society, a place of extravagance and poverty. Clara's frustrations with her position are well realized. Clara does find an equal in a young man who actually listens to the sermon on Sunday, and he tells her that God loves her just as she is. The story itself plods along, getting mired down in the myriad parties and dress discussions. Despite these criticisms, teens will probably enjoy Clara's glittery world of romance. References to Christianity, such as hymns and traditions, are sprinkled throughout. For readers seeking an alternative to "The Clique" and "Gossip Girl" titles or those who enjoyed "The Luxe," this novel satisfies.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Gr 9–11—In his old high school James, 15, was unremarkable, "the guy no one noticed." When he's offered a scholarship to a public boarding school for intellectually gifted students, he accepts. He is done being a dull, boring nobody and sees ASMA (American Science and Mathematics Academy) as a chance to reinvent himself. How hard could it be to impress a bunch of overachieving nerds and geeks? With purple spiked hair, grunge clothes, and a few little lies, James has most of them convinced he's from the wild side, a street-fighting punk with pyromaniac tendencies. His scars help propagate the tough-guy image, though they are real, and self-inflicted. James's character is compelling as he straddles the line between fantasy and reality, builds friendships, pulls off outrageous pranks, and deals with the angst of first love. He and his friends are real teens—funny, intelligent, and still a bit vulnerable. Sensitive readers will make an emotional connection with James and root for him to overcome his demons, both real and imagined. Teens will also relate to the poignant IMs between him and the enigmatic persona of ghost44, who tells James, "I can't be myself in person." This coming-of-age novel is imbued with wry humor and offers a thoughtful take on the importance of learning to live in your own skin.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Gr 4–6—"Not so very far from here, nor so very long from now," twins Toby and Tess offer to share their lunch with an old man they meet. Introducing himself simply as Teller, he sits beneath a great chestnut tree and tells them stories in rhyme as an ancient bard or poet might have done. "The Woodcutter's Daughter" is the tale of 12 elfin brothers named for the months who save the heroine from an evil stepmother and stepsister. When they meet Teller again, the children hear "St. Brigid's Cloak" and are given a small scrap of the cloak itself. Later they release a small bird, and Teller rewards them with a story of cruelty and hard-earned compassion called "The Seal Hunter." This story suffers from too much moralizing, but the others move well. Tess dreams of finding treasure buried under the chestnut tree, so their friend tells "The Pedlar of Swaffham." In the final story, the children meet Teller near their father's grave, and he tells "Tam Lin." The old man gives them the Map of Marvels, identifies himself as Merlin (an odd choice, as none of the stories are associated with King Arthur or his knights), and disappears. Retelling these tales as poetry is an interesting idea, and it succeeds fairly well. The imagery, rhythms, and careful rhymes create a feeling often associated with traditional stories. Black silhouettes illustrate the children's encounters with Teller, while black-line drawings illuminate the well-crafted stories. The map suggests stories untold and perhaps undiscovered. This is a lovely, artistically presented book.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 7–10—In this sci-fi, dystopian adventure, a mutated avian flu caused the complete extinction of the female populace. Or so many believe, including Callum, 11, a Colony-created "chosen" boy who's abducted from his fathers' Refuge by Outstationers and sold to nomad performers. After escaping, he's rescued by loner Bo but their safety is fleeting. On the run with Bo and her best roboraptor, Callum makes a surprising discovery: Bo's a girl, and he's never seen one before. Naive and misinformed, they head toward Vulture's Gate in search of Callum's fathers, safety, and the truth. They constantly trade one dangerous situation for another. They come across different people and factions with agendas, like the humanity-loathing Sons of Gaia and the Colony's Squadrones and its shemales of Mater Misericordiae (who hold captive surviving girls for cruel breeding practices). Slightly vague, the novel needs more backstory. Were the avian flu and the resulting lack of women the sole factors prompting such dire straits? That said, this fast-paced read has an interesting premise/cast of characters and well-drawn protagonists with a palpable bond both realistically awkward and tender. Despite their ages, the story is best suited to teens. Give it to reluctant readers and fans of survival fiction and sci-fi like Patrick Ness's "Chaos Walking" series (Candlewick).—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 5–8—At the end of eighth grade, Winnie has a lot going on in her life. She is both excited and apprehensive about starting high school and she realizes how little time she and her sister have together before Sandra leaves for college. Her birthday is all but forgotten by everyone, including her parents, and to top it off, her boyfriend gives her a crummy present. When Lars announces he's going to Germany for the summer, Winnie and her two friends sign up for an eco-camp at a beach in South Carolina. There the girls discover that they have different talents and make some new friends, including some new boyfriends, and Winnie must deal with an unhappy Lars who didn't go to Germany after all. The characters have authentic voices, and the girls mature in each of the books in this series that began with Eleven (2004) and continued in Twelve (2007) and Thirteen (2008, all Dutton). The girls are now typical teens who are trying desperately to figure out who they really are and to be independent while still needing their parents. They are great friends, but also hurt one another without meaning to. They are, no surprise, completely preoccupied with boys. There are references to current fashions, technology, slang, etc., that will date the book, but it is a great choice for middle school girls.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 8–10—Alice's final year of high school is neatly sliced in half with this segment covering fall semester's joys and challenges. The difficulty of returning to school after her friend Mike's death in a car accident is tempered with the excitement of being features editor on the school newspaper. The loneliness caused by Patrick attending college in Chicago has counterpoints such as daring to skinny-dip in a stranger's hot tub on Halloween and getting to know a Sudanese refugee from school who asks her to the Snow Ball. Alice has to handle some difficult issues—like anonymous racist notes left around the school and a substitute teacher who sexually crosses the line with some students—all while trying to decide where to apply to college and whether she would be better off close to home or spreading her wings. Girls who have followed the series will definitely want to graduate with Alice, but this entry may not inspire new readers. Its teens and their dialogue seem rather undifferentiated and somewhat bland in comparison to more dynamic and realistic YA novels. That said, Alice is a wonderful role model, and Naylor is unafraid to tackle subjects such as birth control and sexuality, in a tame and approachable fashion. Parents, friends, and even the conflicts themselves are almost too perfect, but idealized "normal" teen life might be appreciated by readers looking for something old school to contrast with sometimes all-too-gritty real life.—Suzanne Gordon, Lanier High School, Sugar Hill, GA

Gr 8 Up—With her antiquities-dealer parents supposedly away on vacation, big brother Max somewhere abroad, and former best friend ignoring her, Emma Vaile, 17, is alone in San Francisco. Expecting freedom, she finds loneliness and trouble instead. Being abandoned and ratted out to Child Protective Services are bad enough, but there's also the return of disturbing visions she hasn't had for a decade. Then Max's ex-friend and Emma's long-standing crush, Bennett Stern, appears with guardianship papers. Taking Emma to his family's Massachusetts mansion/museum, he enrolls her in Thatcher Academy, where she experiences acute déjà vu. Concerned for her sanity, Emma eventually admits that she sees ghosts. Aloof Bennett reveals that they both have the ability to communicate with them. Someone or something is murdering ghostkeepers and leaving behind a symbol: the design on Emma's mother's unique pendant. The whereabouts of Emma's family, whether Emma and Bennett will (should) be together, and whether he can be trusted are questions to be answered. In this first book in a series, Nichols has left threads untied for future installments. Occasionally, the dialogue is trite and the action cartoonish, but the ghostkeeper premise, lingering mystery, and Emma/Bennett relationship compel the curious to return. Magical ancestors and passed-down powers aside, the novel is not of the caliber of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's emotionally investing Beautiful Creatures (Little, Brown, 2009), but it will appeal to teens craving a quick read.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 5–8—In book one, Kira and Elspeth's sister, Kahrin, is sent to a prison for murderers and unmarried women, and the two girls make their way to Rogue Mountain, home to a group of friendly dragons and a wizard named Paradon, to rescue her. Now, the sisters and their dragon friends attempt to travel three seasons into the future in order to defeat the evil monarch and abolish his dreadful laws. However, Paradon's spell goes awry and causes Kira and Kahrin to get sent 3000 seasons into the future while Elspeth goes the same number of seasons into the past. When they reach their destinations, they're attacked and the dragons are seriously injured and exhausted from the flight. Separated from one another and far from home, Kira, Kahrin, and Elspeth now face their most difficult tasks yet. Can they return to their time and defeat Lord Dorcan and King Arden? Set in a kingdom ruled by a law that restricts the freedom of unmarried women, the author does a great job of creating an action-packed adventure filled with suspense and even a little romance. The characters are well developed, and the plot is fast-paced and entertaining. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, children will get more out of it if they're familiar with Shadow of the Dragon (Kane/Miller, 2009).—Kira Moody, Hunter Public Library, West Valley City, UT

Gr 3–6—This volume is similar to Olander's A Field Guide to Monsters (Marshall Cavendish, 2007)—a facsimile of a stained, doodle-filled scrapbook, full of sketches, text, and clippings by the author, a "senior monstrologist and alienologist." Extraterrestrials described herein include Cloudians, which, as their name suggests, conceal themselves by floating through the air and looking exactly like clouds except for their big round eyes and long flashing tongues. Another species is the Dolfini, who live in the oceans and look like dolphins with arms and legs. The descriptions of the aliens lack real imagination, as if they were fabricated quickly from lists of ideas. The colored drawings in various media are similarly so-so—most 11-year-olds who like to draw could create bogeys at least as creepy. Buy this one only if Monsters is a hit.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 4–7—In this witty sequel to the much-beloved Lawn Boy (Random, 2007), six weeks have passed. In that time, the 12-year-old's business has expanded, his employees have quadrupled, his prizefighter has been asked by a gangster to throw a match, and his parents have gone on vacation. Lawn Boy is again confronted with very adult problems. He is hounded by the world, girls want his autograph, journalists want his picture. And still, all he wants is to play with the other kids, have a regular summer, and maybe mow a few lawns. LB uses his familiar charm and sarcasm, coupled with kidlike solutions, to solve his scary, grown-up problems. Not a lot is new in this slim book, but fans will be excited by the fresh twists and turns amid the same quirky characters: Grandma, Joey Pow, Arnold, et al. This is an extremely fast and funny story, good for struggling and reluctant readers.—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

Gr 6–9—Lizzie, Carina, and Hudson are fiercely loyal 14-year-old BFFs in trendy New York. They have something in common—wealthy celebrity parents who don't always share their daughters' values. The novel is narrated by Lizzie, whose mother is the über-famous model Katia Summers, whom designers have named "walking proof of God." It's a tough act to follow, especially for gawky Lizzie, who has a large nose and frizzy hair. Knowing that she can never measure up, she hates it when they're forced to pose together at events. But when famous "ugly-model" photographer Andrea asks Lizzie to pose due to her unique, real-life look (the "New Pretty"), she defiantly ignores her publicist's commands and goes for it, and for the first time in her life, recognizes her own beauty. In the process, she begins a relationship with a boy she thought was out of her league. This fun, quick read will be enjoyed by girls who subscribe to magazines like Seventeen and love trendy designer clothing and accessories. While the writing is a bit formulaic, readers will be intrigued by the well-drawn characters and their growth over the course of several months. Tweens and young teens will eagerly look forward to the next installment.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—The town of Elbow is known for two things—unceasing summer rain and Herman's Pickles. Bea, 11, is a camera whiz, so when her friend Sam discovers a dead body in an abandoned house, he wants her to document the scene. She photographs the twisted, waterlogged corpse with its missing eye, but once she develops the shots, her camera begins to act strangely. It moves by itself, spins around, and emits weird groans. The dead man has evidently hitched a ride—and now he wants the kids to investigate his demise. They identify the victim as the former head of the pickle company, now taken over by a big conglomerate. Furthermore, they learn that people tend to disappear in Elbow. Some end up in St. Agnes mental hospital, some turn up among the half-crazed outcasts in a filthy camp under the garbage dump—and some just never surface again. Gradually, the friends realize that there is an even more fiendish scheme behind the disappearances—and they may be the next victims. The rather convoluted plot often stretches credulity to the breaking point. The young investigators sneak out late at night, drive a car, access restricted hospital files, and spy on a meeting of the villains' secret Brotherhood. There is plenty of truly gross action as well. Even for a book of this type, the Frankenstein-inspired climax is a bit over-the-top. This is an additional choice where there is an especially strong demand for horror fiction.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 8 Up—Efrain, 17, is the pride of his Bronx high school. He's respected by students, teachers, and family, and will probably make valedictorian. He tutors failing students after school. He wants to be the first Latino mayor of New York. If he can get his SAT scores up to 2200, he (we're meant to believe) has a shot at Harvard. His guidance counselor thinks he won't cut it at an elite school with his inner-city education, so he shouldn't bother applying. His divorced parents are poor and he knows dealing drugs is the only fast way to make tuition money. So starts an excruciating 50 pages of should he or shouldn't he, followed by 100 more of the slow buildup to Efrain's de rigeur arrest and tailspin. Quintero has an exacting ear for street slang, and despite the occasional expository creak, her dialogue sings. She has an obvious affection for her narrator, yet he never surprises readers. Nestor, his longtime friend and drug-dealing mentor, is more creatively realized. The last quarter of the book is action-packed and emotionally potent—it's a shame that the lead-up is so painstaking. The far-fetched premise—that Efrain feels he must deal to make tuition—calls Quintero's entire narrative into question. Even the worst guidance counselor has heard of student loans, let alone top Ivy League tuition waivers for poor students. Middle school teens, however, may relate to the novel's strong characters and gritty, if contrived, situations.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—Babo is the adolescent daughter of circus performers who were killed during a burst of political unrest and violence in an unnamed country. She believes that foreigners simply want to take kids away from their friends and country, making it impossible for them to ever locate their birth parents, and stripping them of their identities. Therefore, she is incredulous and angry when she gets word that an American couple wants to adopt her. Her resistance breaks down a bit when she discovers that a younger orphan is going to the same town that she is. She decides that she will stay until George is settled, and will enlighten the Americans about her country's plight. She worries daily that her parents may come looking for her, clinging to her unrealistic fantasy that they are still alive. Her new family is loving and patient, but Babo, now called Betti, must contend with insults from children who judge her stories to be melodramatic lies. Gradually, she begins to feel comfortable in this country and she grows to trust and love her new family. Railsback captures many aspects of culture dissonance well, and the challenge of bridging two cultures. However, some readers may find the mix of conventional and rudimentary English hard to follow. The plot is convincing and may well resonate with children who have had to adjust to a new situation, but will not likely appeal to a wide audience. Still, the book will be useful in collections that serve adoptees from foreign countries, and also for those patrons who are curious about the experiences of children in countries that are disrupted by war and unrest.—Deborah Vose, East Middle School and South Middle School, Braintree, MA

Gr 7 Up—Rinaldi once again takes readers to a historical time and place where strong female protagonists convincingly navigate their circumstances. Beginning in 1764 with Catherine Littlefield's formative years and her courtship and marriage to Nathanael Greene, readers experience life in colonial America on the eve of the American Revolution. Then Caty's daughter Cornelia takes over the narration, describing her life with her family on a plantation in Georgia. The theme of conflict, be it of the political, moral, familial, or gender variety, runs through this novel, and readers primarily experience it through Cornelia's eyes. Her manipulative, blackmailing older sister has told her that Pa is not her father, that Anthony Wayne is, and throughout the story Cornelia tries to learn the truth. Her reactions to her often-tenuous home environment and the weight of wondering who her biological father is demonstrate the strength of her character. In contrast, Caty's character fails under the pressure of her circumstances. The relationships Cornelia has with her brother George and with General Anthony Wayne, two of the few likable characters in the novel, provide a respite from the tumult in her life and for readers. However, the ambiguous ending, even if expected, is likely to leave readers dissatisfied.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Gr 4–9—Riordan takes the elements that made the "Percy Jackson" books (Hyperion) so popular and ratchets them up a notch. Carter, 14, and Sadie, 12, have grown up apart. He has traveled all over the world with his Egyptologist father, Dr. Julius Kane, while Sadie has lived in London with her grandparents. Their mother passed away under mysterious circumstances, so when their father arrives in London and wants to take them both on a private tour of the British Museum, all is not necessarily what it seems. The evening ends with the apparent destruction of the Rosetta Stone, the disappearance of Dr. Kane, and the kidnapping of Carter and Sadie. More insidiously, it leads to the release of five Egyptian gods, including Set, who is their mortal enemy. Carter and Sadie discover the secrets of their family heritage and their ability to work magic as they realize that their task will be to save humanity from Set, who is building a destructive red pyramid inside Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. The text is presented as the transcript of an audio recording done by both children. Riordan creates two distinct and realistic voices for the siblings. He has a winning formula, but this book goes beyond the formulaic to present a truly original take on Egyptian mythology. His trademark humor is here in abundance, and there are numerous passages that will cause readers to double over with laughter. The humor never takes away from the story or from the overall tone. A must-have book, and in multiple copies.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 9 Up—Timid, thoughtful Gabry has grown up safely in the city of Vista. She lives in a lighthouse with her mother, Mary, the daring heroine of The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Delacorte, 2009), whose job it is to kill Mudo—zombies—as they wash ashore. Then one night, Cira, Gabry's best friend, and Catcher, Cira's brother, convince her to sneak outside Vista's walls. With the attack of one Breaker—a fast zombie—everything changes: a friend is killed, Catcher is infected, and Cira is imprisoned and destined for the Recruiters, the army that protects the loose federation of cities left after the Return. Feeling both guilty for having escaped punishment and self-destructive after the revelation that Mary in fact adopted her, Gabry pushes herself to cross the city's Barrier again. Some pieces of the narrative are well constructed: the constant, looming threat of the Mudo, Gabry's quiet determination and daring in the face of fear, and villainous soldier Daniel's palpably frightening power-grabbing sexual advances. Other details are less believable, like Mary's suddenly abandoning her daughter and her duties to seek her past in the Forest. Though flawed, this volume has enough action, romance, and depth of character to satisfy, and the cliff-hanger ending will leave fans hungry for the third book.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Alton Richards is resigned to spending a slow summer on his own after his girlfriend leaves him for his best friend and he finds himself with no money and no job. Unfortunately, his mother insists that he become his blind great-uncle's chauffeur and cardturner at local bridge tournaments. Though the 17-year-old has only met Lester Trapp on a few occasions, his mother hopes that this connection will inspire the wealthy old man to write the family into his will. Alton reluctantly agrees, even though he knows nothing about bridge and has no interest in learning the game. He meets Toni Castaneda at the tournaments and soon discovers that he's not the only long-lost relative intent on winning over Trapp and his inheritance. What transpires is an intriguing glimpse into a crazy family full of secrets and unusual quirks. The characters are well limned, and the narrative is laced with Sachar's trademark wry humor. Most teens have very little knowledge about bridge, a fact that Alton acknowledges several times throughout the novel. At times, the story line becomes thick with technical game descriptions, though he does offer an option to skip these sections by providing a symbol to indicate more in-depth card instructions. This well-written novel contains a rewarding intergenerational friendship and a sweetly appealing romance in the making. Nonetheless it may require an additional nudge to hook readers. It's a nudge worth giving for motivated teens and those who enjoy Sachar's novels.—Stephanie Malosh, Donoghue Elementary School, Chicago, IL

Gr 6–9—Maggie and Kate Fox were real celebrities in the mid-1800s, sisters said to have an ability to communicate with the dead. Salerni brings the séance culture vividly to life without ever pretending that the mediums believed in their own "ghost rapping." Maggie, the older sister, reveals in the opening pages that her spiritualism is deception and humbug and prank. An occasional chapter is written by Kate, who believes that she can truly communicate with the dead, even if the actual rapping comes from trickery. Egged on by an older sister, the girls find they enjoy the perks of their fame, and Maggie in particular is pleased to reassure grieving patrons that their loved ones are at peace. Despite the seeming focus on the supernatural, the novel offers much historical context and several richly developed subplots, most notably the romance between Maggie Fox and Elisha Kane. Kane was a renowned explorer, and his funeral was second in size only to that of Abraham Lincoln's. The author's word choices ("spectacles," "peevishly," "devilment," "bedchamber") draw readers into the past. She paints vivid scenes of life in upstate New York during a time when exposed ankles were shocking and the Underground Railroad offered a dangerous route to freedom for both conductors and slaves. Historical fiction at its best.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

Gr 4–6—Jenna, 12, is overweight and having trouble adjusting to middle school. Despite having good friends and fun hobbies, she can't shake off the mean-spirited taunts from some of her peers. Written as emails between Jenna and her friends, family, teacher, and school counselor, the text chronicles the girl's journey from an emotionally out-of-control eater to a happier, healthier adolescent. Help that includes healthy recipes from her dad and an action plan and a list of emotional triggers to watch for from her counselor puts her on the path to better control of her emotions and her eating. The email format and overall art design—colorful cartoons depict Jenna and her correspondents—will appeal to tweens.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 9 Up—Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose faces numerous problems that run the gamut from divorced parents and friendships gone sour to relationship angst and acne, but her biggest concern is her mother's battle with schizophrenia. Throughout November and December, Aura tries to keep her life on track, holding secret the dark tunnel she has fallen into as she follows her mother from one psychotic episode to another. Finally, unable to face her difficulties alone, Aura asks for help from her estranged grandmother. Schindler paints a realistic picture of living with a schizophrenic, describing the details from Aura's point of view. She also explores the teen's fear that one day she will succumb to the disease herself. At various times, Aura describes the way her stomach "fists" when the tension overwhelms her. This tension is transferred to readers, so powerful is the empathy the author has built for her main character. Teens will find themselves slowly breathing a sigh of relief as Aura's life returns to a semblance of normalcy, once her mother gets the help she needs. Any story about mental illness will not be an easy read, but a very good one will reward those who stick with it. A Blue So Dark definitely falls in that category.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5–8—In July 2001, as 11-year-old Fadi and his family hastily board a truck to begin their escape from Afghanistan, six-year-old Mariam lets go of her brother's hand and is tragically left behind. Their arrival in San Francisco is bittersweet as they are all too concerned about Mariam to appreciate their newfound safety and freedom. Fadi struggles with integrating himself into American middle school culture, eventually finding solace in the photography club. Still, he is most concerned with the part he played in losing Mariam and getting her back. A photography contest with the prize of a trip to India seems to be his best means of finding a way back to Afghanistan to help in the search for his sister. This is a sweet story of family unity, and readers will learn about Afghani Pukhtun culture. Occasionally Senzai relies too heavily on telling when showing would be more effective. Also, at times the dialogue seems inauthentic because it contains more historical detail than would be likely among people of the same background. The relevance of occasional references to E. L. Konigsburg's From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (S & S, 1970), which Fadi is reading, is never truly clear. That said, this is a worthwhile book about the immigrant experience in general, and Afghani culture specifically. Fadi is a likable hero who learns from his mistakes, and whose talent allows him to make a unique contribution to finding his sister, for the inevitable happy ending.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6–9—Feeling left out from her stepfamily at home and from her classmates at her new school, Elizabeth is delighted when she gets a job at the New York Circulating Material Repository, a library that loans objects of historical value. She's particularly intrigued when she's given access to the Grimm Collection, a secret room that holds magical objects from the Brothers' tales, e.g., seven-league boots, a mermaid's comb, and the sinister mirror from "Snow White." However, when the items start to disappear, she and her fellow pages embark on a dangerous quest to catch the thief, only to find themselves among the suspects. This modern fantasy has intrigue, adventure, and romance, and the magical aspects of the tale are both clever and intricately woven, from rhyming charms to flying-carpet rides. The author brings the seemingly disparate elements together in the end, while still making certain that her protagonist's problems are not completely solved by the world of magic. Shulman's prose is fast paced, filled with humor, and peopled with characters who are either true to life or delightfully bizarre. Fans of fairy tales in general and Grimm stories in particular will delight in the author's frequent literary references, and fantasy lovers will feel very much at home in this tale that pulls out all the stops.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 5–9—In this fifth book in the series, Enola, younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes, discovers that the royal Duque del Campo's wife, Duquessa Lady Blanchefleur, has gone missing. Through an array of pseudonyms and disguises, the 14-year-old sets out for the grimy underside of Baker Street's Underground station to search for her. Along the way, she encounters an old Gypsy woman wearing a chrysanthemum-blossom amulet displaying Enola's long-lost mother's initials. The woman bestows a fate upon Enola—that she is destined to be alone forever unless she chooses to defy the fate. As Enola struggles with the del Campo case and her mother's whereabouts, she collides with Sherlock. He hands over a mysterious packet that was left on his doorstep, revealed to be a cryptic "skytale" sent by their mother. Feelings about her abandonment begin to change, and all three siblings set out to Lady Blanchefleur. Although Springer builds upon the earlier titles and characters, a different side of Enola's character is presented. Through 19th-century London's dark atmospheric settings, Enola's flair shines through with perseverance and ingenuity. Her descriptive internal monologues demonstrate sensitivity as she discovers her mother's real reason for leaving. In this brilliantly written emotional tale, children will appreciate Enola's self-discovery on the importance of family and her determination to find her true fate.—Krista Welz, North Bergen Public Library, NJ

Gr 6–9—High school student Felicity has been lucky enough to find an after-school job as a secret, modern-day cupid. Tricked out with a magic, hot-pink PDA, she matches students together but encounters one disaster after another, particularly when she makes the entire student body fall head over heels in love with handsome Derek, despite being in love with him herself. She realizes, in retrospect, that it certainly would have been better to actually read the PDA's manual. In this silly but entertaining romantic comedy, impulsive but good-hearted Felicity learns how unpredictable love really can be, whether she intervenes or not. This sequel to Stupid Cupid (2009) stands on its own.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—In this third book about Sherry Baldwin and her mother, a deceased cop who is now a ghost detective, Sherry finds herself at the center of another mystery when her sleepover guests have a bad reaction to face cream she bought at the mall's new makeup kiosk. Was it just a bad batch or is someone sabotaging the products? It's refreshing to follow a girl who is so self-assured: Sherry "rocks" at investigating, hosts "the makeup slumber party of the century," and is followed around by an agreeable and handsome boyfriend who supports her in her investigations. In fact, the only thing that produces strife is that her mother's afterlife has been complicated by a bureaucratic ghost organization called the Academy of Spirits. They hang out in a secret part of the local Dairy Queen and are not in favor of the mother-daughter pair working closely together. The teen tries to play by their rules because the Academy can occasionally grant what is called "Real Time"—a short moment when the living can interact with their departed loved ones; Sherry can talk to her mom but she can't see her. Sherry's supernatural relationships are central to the series but also hold the story back. (Her grandpa has come back as a cactus wren, the state bird of New Mexico.) Anyone who has ever been desperate for just five minutes more with a loved one might find Sherry's beyond-the-grave relationships frustrating.—Kathleen Meulen Ellison, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 4–6—These abridged versions of classic novels are designed to present the works for young readers, using an interesting format. Unfortunately, both books fall short of this goal. Instead of relating interesting stories, Kirwan simply tells readers what happened in short, choppy sentences. There is little dialogue among characters, and students will have a hard time understanding Jim's poorly written dialect. For instance, in Huckleberry Finn, he states, "'Nemmine 'bout a doctor.'" An error is evident in the same book when Jim describes the dead man in the timber house, telling Huck "He's dead—ben shot" and the illustration depicts a stabbing victim. Some paragraphs are so long that they take up an entire page, and indenting their first lines doesn't seem to be a rule. Poor writing, sketchy illustrations, and bad formatting will not inspire kids to read the original books. Notes at the end, which include a "Filling in the Spaces" section and character descriptions, are weak attempts to provide useful information.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Gr 9 Up—This final, stand-alone book in the Avery sisters trilogy that includes Lucky (2008) and Gorgeous (2009, both HarperCollins) is told from 16-year-old Quinn's point of view. The eldest child, she has always been the dependable daughter, loyal to her parents and a good girl who works hard and excels at everything. But her mom's loss of her high-paying job—and her need for a lawyer—is taking a toll on the whole family, Quinn included, as they prepare to move out of their home and face an uncertain future. Suddenly her behavior is very un-Quinn-like (kissing her sister's ex, making out with guys at parties, admitting her feelings to her longtime crush), but ultimately freeing, as she comes to acknowledge her parents' flaws as well as her own. Good girls and rebels alike will be able to identify with this adolescent rite of passage; Quinn's response is realistic, her friends and family are well drawn, and her happy-enough ending is hard won. A natural choice for teens waiting for their next Sarah Dessen fix.—Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 4–6—Verbena's fifth-grade year has been miserable. She feels mean, moody, and self-conscious but doesn't know why. When she stumbles onto the fact that she is adopted and that her birth father is incarcerated for murder, she decides that the obvious explanation is that she takes after him. She also learns that she was exposed fetally to alcohol, which explains her small size and learning problems. She finds a diversion when she meets Pooch, a boy vacationing in her small town in the Catskills, and convinces him she's a ghost. In the aftermath of a crisis that puts Pooch's life in jeopardy, Verbie begins to repair her relationship with her mother and to come to terms with who she is as a person. Children who have suddenly noticed that their parents are the most embarrassing people on earth; who have been unable to keep from saying awful, hurtful things; or just realized that life isn't as simple as it once seemed will relate to Verbie's emotional discomfort. The other aspects of her life, including no mention of cell phones and the like, may seem less familiar. Pooch is likable, self-sufficient due to minimal parenting, and yet responsive to nurturing. The ending wraps things up a little too neatly, but all readers, at times, need reassurance that the difficult periods in life will pass. Despite the girly cover, there are many passages that could jump-start a booktalk and get this into kids' hands.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 5–8—Book three of this powerfully written, coming-of-age trilogy is not a stand-alone novel. In the beginning, baseball-loving Henry York, 12, of Kansas, is not a hero. Then, he uncovers another life. It reaches out to him from the other side of a cupboard door. In this installment, Nimiane, an undying witch embodied with unparalleled evil, challenges Henry's very existence. Warrior minions of the queen, known as fingerlings, hunt Henry across worlds. They are puppets connected to her through a finger at the back of their heads. Lives of family members, faeren, wizards, friends, worlds, and the people surrounding them hang by a thread. Henry must solicit the help of the Chestnut King, a person not easily found or easily convinced. The story line is intricate and compelling, although a few minor segments will leave readers with questions. It follows the standard good versus evil in fantasy, but the element that makes this fantasy stand above the rest is Wilson's knowledge of the classics. He brings a masterful eye to the story's heart and soul through his voice. The writing style is impressive. Fans of the series will be excited to turn the pages to enter this believable world full of rich characters.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 3–6—These attractive overviews cover the geography, history, government, economy, and famous people in each state. Each section features a "Past and Present" page, giving history and current importance of special-interest topics, like the Indy 500 or the life of Johnny Appleseed. Of the three presidents from Tennessee, only Andrew Jackson is discussed. The writing is clear, and facts are plainly stated—a boon for students working on reports. Good-quality photos, portraits, and relevant paintings illustrate the texts. Back matter encourages further research into recent books and a variety of Web sites that can be accessed through a publisher's link. These volumes compare favorably to Ann Heinrichs's Tennessee and Indiana (both Compass Point, 2003). Good selections for libraries updating their state-books collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 8 Up—Using the popular series format, these books discuss some of the most controversial issues of the contemporary American political scene, with some overlap in coverage. Two-Party System discusses the extreme polarization of American politics, the promise and perils of third parties, changes to the Electoral College, gerrymandering, and the overuse of the filibuster in the Senate. Campaigns is the more comprehensive title, examining problems and proposals for reform, redistricting and gerrymandering, and the rapid growth of Internet operations to build campaign support and raise funds. It includes reproductions of political cartoons, sidebars about related topics, and discussion questions. Both volumes draw on excerpts from books and periodical articles, and as usual with the format, differing opinions are well represented and given equal weight. While these titles are certainly timely, the topics have been exhaustively covered in electronic and print media. Many of the readings are drawn from those sources and are widely available. Additionally, the books often veer into arcane details of campaign financing, redistricting, and Electoral College reform and fail to give students a much-needed historical perspective that would better inform their understanding of the underlying issues. Most students would be better served by more general overviews of American campaigns, such as Kathiann M. Kowalski's Campaign Politics: What's Fair? What's Fowl? (Lerner, 2000), making both of these titles supplemental choices for libraries that need detail-rich research materials (such as for debate preparation) on American politics.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 10 Up—This guide provides wise yet hip advice on how an "extremely modern" young woman can be a lady and avoid being a "tramp," but it is so much more. Can she learn how to travel overseas or attend social events in style? Check. Can she learn to plan a wonderful dinner party, complete with correct place settings? Check. Can she learn how to avoid the wrong guy, drinking too much, cigarettes, or drugs without being a nerd? Check. Can she learn proper social customs and etiquette, and how to be a great friend? Check. She can also gain sound advice about these and myriad other important elements of life, including sensible dressing, successfully handling relationships, being knowledgeable about the world, and making good personal choices. Quotes from famous people savvy about the ins and outs of each subject addressed, plus catchy color photos and pertinent captions, add interest and flavor to the extremely upbeat and thought-provoking chapters. Humorous "self-tests" and their results reinforce the points being made. Although the content is sometimes mature and aimed at older teens and 20-somethings, with its references to such things as going to bars and clubs, legal drinking situations, or dealing with overindulgences, girls who are a bit younger can still benefit from reading this book by being better prepared to make good decisions both now and later.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO

Gr 10 Up—Following a brief introduction, each book presents 18 essays, all critical analyses on specific authors and their works. Half of the essays are reprints from journals or books and date as far back as 1675, and as recently as 2007; the other articles were written for the series. The theme of dark, or black, humor is discussed in the plays of Aristophanes, Joseph Heller's Catch-22, Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle, T. S. Elliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," Sherman Alexie's Reservation Blues, and a number of other works. Each essay is directed to an academic audience, and, at times, the ideas are expressed in literary jargon. For example, "Metahumour teases disorder into parodic order in its own borderland, in the play of re-creative fictivity" (Patrick O'Neill, in Canadian Review of Comparative Literature). Likewise, in The Trickster, the motives of this ubiquitous character are sometimes difficult to understand. The essays on this topic suggest that some authors such as William Shakespeare and Mark Twain are themselves tricksters. The choice of works discussed includes Homer's "Odyssey," Jack Kerouac's On the Road, William Golding's Lord of the Flies, Toni Morrison's Tar Baby, and Joel Chandler Harris's "Uncle Remus" stories. The essays presume some background knowledge and an interest in serious literary criticism. These fascinating themes offer material for research papers, but due to the scholarly nature of the writing, they would best serve honors and AP students.—Peggy Fleming, Churchville-Chili High School, Churchville, NY

Gr 5–8—The mystery of the vanishing honeybees began in the winter of 2006 when beekeeper Dave Hackenberg inspected 400 of his 3000 hives in Florida and discovered that 20 million bees had simply disappeared. He frantically alerted state bee inspectors and other beekeepers that there was some strange new ailment affecting these insects and asked for help in finding the cause. Soon beekeepers across the country were reporting similar catastrophes. Most of this lucid, fact-filled introduction focuses on the investigation into the problem, now known as "colony collapse disorder," or CCD. Separate chapters cover each of four scientists' line of research and describe their procedures, key tools, equipment, and findings. While no definitive cause for CCD has yet been found, the researchers theorize that the disorder is caused by a combination of the usual bee ailments, the chemicals used to treat them, and a new systemic pesticide employed by farmers. Other chapters include interviews with a hobbyist beekeeper and Hackenberg; they are packed with information on beekeeping and stress the importance of bees as pollinators. Special feature pages profile the scientists and describe the physical and behavioral characteristics of honeybees; hive construction; the making of honey, etc. Clear color photographs of beekeepers, scientists, equipment, close-ups of bees, hives, etc., complement the text on every page. Youngsters concerned with the environment will find this meticulously researched title a valuable resource.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 9 Up—In this valuable resource, detailed maps, charts, graphs, and sidebars offer useful data on subjects ranging from coal use and production to agriculture and from biofuels to green technology. The author includes an interesting history of technology and the concurrent rise of carbon-based fuels, documentation on current legislation, an outline of the future of emissions, and a discussion of recent public awareness of the effect of global dimming and its potential to mask the warming of the Earth. Ocean warming caused by fossil-fuel usage is not given much coverage, however. Although the information is often technical, it is comprehensive and accessible to those with some previous exposure to, and understanding of, the subject. Casper makes it abundantly clear that there is little time left before the effects of global climate change will become irreversible. The analysis and the climate models predicting the course of climate evolution project as far as the 22nd and 23rd centuries. There is no discussion of global warming deniers as the evidence, as presented, is irrefutable. The term "climate change" is not mentioned in the index, and the glossary covers only basic terms. Full-color photographs enhance the material presented.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 7 Up—Serving as updates to the "Cultural Atlas" series (Facts On File), these redesigned titles offer students a wealth of information on all aspects of these ancient civilizations. Both works are packed with well-chosen, pertinent photos and artwork that add stunning detail to the study of these cultures. Whether exploring the Athens of Pericles or retracing the footsteps of the pharaohs down the Nile, both books offer intricately detailed topographical and historical maps that bring to life both rich cultures and stunning landscapes. Succinct captions, legends, and appropriate scales accompany each map. While many historical atlases offers colorful maps of both civilizations, these books stand out with excellent maps inserted within lucid, relevant text. The authors open with a discussion of the geography of each area and then skillfully follow the development of economics, demographics, military, political, and religious history through ancient times. As these titles can be employed across the curriculum from history to literature, they will be useful in most libraries.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 3–6—If your collection of materials on study skills stops at books on using an index and taking notes, you'll want to consider these up-to-date volumes. The appealing layout includes manageable paragraphs, a variety of engaging illustrations, and examples that clearly guide readers through each topic. In Put It All Together, strategies include gathering resources, organizing information, and ways of presenting discoveries. Straight to the Source provides an excellent introduction to primary sources and will create enthusiasm in readers for examining old photographs and ads. Effective note taking and highlighting are the focus ofWrite It Down, but the book also suggests using sticky notes and creating diagrams and charts. Team Up Online introduces collaboration by using a garden analogy: plant, dig, garden, and ponder. It also insists on adequate privacy safeguards and discusses online tools such as wikis that will help students to work together. Find Your Way Online begins with keywords, narrowing the search, and search engines. Then it shows students how to "drill down" using subject directories and databases. Find the Right Site is an excellent introduction to Web site evaluation and related pitfalls. The online resources suggested at the end of each book are particularly useful. These aren't the kinds of books that most students would choose by themselves, but they will make accessible research guides in the hands of a teacher or librarian.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 5–8—This colorful manual opens by discussing birth order, considering the advantages and disadvantages of being the oldest, youngest, and the middle child, and how those positions affect sibling relationships. The heart of the book consists of a chapter of tips for defusing some of the most common sibling situations, such as disagreements about fairness, sharing, taking turns, teasing, privacy, bossiness, etc. "Five Ways to Forge a Fabulous Friendship" encourages family meetings for better communication among children and their parents. The last chapter addresses getting along with brothers and sisters who have special needs and living in a blended family. Each of these chapters includes sections called "Fast Fix" (e.g., walk away) and "Action Plan" (which outlines more long-range changes).The book includes reading lists for parents and caregivers as well as for siblings of children with special needs. Mark's humorous, quirky cartoons reinforce the helpful suggestions. A useful addition—Elaine Lesh Morgan, formerly at Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 9 Up—This volume consists of articles, speeches, and extracts from longer pieces chosen to illuminate the end of the era. Original publication dates of the articles range from 1963 through 2008 and there is as much emphasis on explaining what apartheid was as there is on its demise. Both primary and secondary sources are included. The articles are broadly focused, making it difficult to compare the different authors' views on any particular issue or set of issues. Introductory notes do not provide enough detail to clarify the context for readers without a great deal of background. There are also some major omissions. For example, there is very little explanation of the conflict and violence of the early 1990s, from the time of Mandela's release from prison in 1990, through the negotiations, and leading up to the elections of 1994. The selections are frequently challenging, ranging from academic language to bureaucratic, governmental rhetoric. The strongest section is "Personal Narrative," with selections from Mandela, Rian Malan (1990), Steve Biko (1978), and a group of South African teenagers (1998). The time line is inadequate; it does not help to provide an informative context for events. This book may help to round out a high school collection if South Africa is a covered curriculum area.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 9 Up— First Year includes information on budgeting time, designing an academic program, and recognizing and avoiding problems such as binge drinking. Paying discusses in clear detail the various governmental loans, grants, and scholarships that are available to students. The major question asked by Silivanch is whether to attend college or not. The author concludes, in advice echoed in the other books, that attending a two- or four-year college is a must. She makes the case for college as a rite of passage for high school graduates, arguing that they deny themselves monetary gain and economic status when they do not choose to further their education, a position backed up by salary statistics. The book walks readers briefly through the college application process, and in a departure from the other books, outlines the economy's impact on college selection.—Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ

Gr 10 Up—Davenport's lucid exposition of the 1917 Russian revolution argues that the Bolshevik movement devolved into a "blatantly imperialistic" police state with little resemblance to the ideals of Lenin and the Communist party founders. The drama of the early struggle between reformist and revolutionary factions plays out compellingly, and the author offers some unusual turns of phrase, such as, "Bolshevik economic promises faded completely into a dull haze of shared hardship." While most of the focus is on the first half of the 20th century, the author makes brief mention of Putin's Russia and a return to "authoritarian" politics. This title, which includes numerous color and black-and-white photos, is for readers who are interested in gleaning more than the basic facts for a report. A cut above the average text for this audience.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 8 Up—This blow-by-blow account begins with a description of the shock and disbelief that accompanied the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Proceeding in chronological order, clearly written chapters outline the impact of the bombing, the history of Japanese immigrants and citizens in the United States, Executive Order 9066 (permitting evacuation and internment of Japanese citizens on the West coast), Japanese American participation in the armed forces, reparations, and the legacy left by the internment. The text is detailed and clear, extended well by period photos, both in black-and-white and color. Sidebars highlight areas of particular interest, such as the actual language of Executive Order 9066, primary-source recounting of life in the camps, and the Military Intelligence Service Language School. This is a logical next step for students who read Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston's Farewell to Manzanar (Random, 1983) or Michael O. Tunnell's The Children of Topaz (Holiday House, 1996) and want to fill in the gaps in their knowledge. A sound reference and research work.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 5–9—Doeden looks at the history of the search for, and use of, various energy sources; global warming and the debate surrounding the issue; energy alternatives such as nuclear, solar, wind, and water power; biomass and biofuel; and electric cars, hybrids, and fuel cells. The layout is attractive and includes full-color photographs and graphs throughout. Each chapter contains editorials and stories from the pages of USA Today. This makes the book useful to classroom teachers who want to introduce their students to newspapers as research sources and use the editorials to debate both sides of the energy/global warming issuee.—Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges

Gr 3–6—Though they're reminiscent of Edward Packard's "Choose Your Own Adventure" series (Bantam), these books take the concept to a new level. Readers not only take an active role by choosing the outcome of a quest, but also learn some history. Each book begins with background information. Doeden's narrative takes place in feudal Japan, during the Age of the Warring States, 1467–1600. The fighters, who were skilled in the art of ninjutsu and experts in the use of weapons such as katanas and shuriken, could be hired as assassins, mercenaries, or bodyguards, roles that are included in the story choices. Hanel describes the steps to becoming a knight and life in medieval times; vivid portrayals of siege tactics and battles place readers in the time period. Although the focus is on knighthood, the details of peasants' travails create a well-rounded presentation. Colorful reproductions, computer-generated illustrations, and some photographs of weapons help to transport children to these times and places. Reluctant readers will be especially drawn to these books, though other children will find them engaging as well.—Lana Miles, Jackson Elementary School, Rosenberg, TX

Gr 5–8—These biographies are short enough not to intimidate yet long enough to impart the enormity of the tyrants' atrocities. Amin explores the dictator's personal life and boxing hobby as well as his penchant for murdering those he suspected of treason. Zedong illustrates the Communist leader's growing desire for a cult following and for complete control of the Chinese people's thoughts, finances, and property. Opening with a description of Zedong's ruthlessness as an early revolutionary, Heuston follows him through the 82 years of his life, describing his devastating impact on China. Black-and-white photos, maps of Uganda and of China, time lines of the men's lives, and labeled webs showing their allies and enemies will assist readers in placing these brutal figures in their time and place, and make the books accessible.—Natalie Teske, The First Academy Royal Library, Orlando, FL

Gr 6 Up—This book discusses the most common afflictions, diseases that are usually found in combinations, medical advances, and how the outlook for STDs is complicated by new trends such as drug-resistant strains. Information is also supplied about causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The book is outstanding for several reasons. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the emotional ramifications of STDs in individuals, especially adolescents, and the author discusses lifestyle issues, such as abstinence and delaying sex. The book also makes it clear that STDs can be spread to newborns. In fact, a number of the photos show some of the horrific physical manifestations in individuals, including infants. The book also includes some average-quality stock photos. This up-to-date title discusses HIV diagnosis kits that can be purchased over the counter and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. It should be considered for first purchase.—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

Gr 5–9—While the title suggests a focus solely on Darwin's theory of evolution, this book covers both his personal and scientific life admirably. Readers learn of his childhood predilections, not just for collecting curiosities of nature, but also for hunting. The authors describe each stage of the Beagle's voyage and the changes in Darwin's thinking brought about by his various observations and discoveries. They address his life after the return from the Galapagos—his marriage and children; his recurring illness; and his continuing research and writing that would eventually become On the Origin of Species. After a brief description of Darwin's old age, the text turns to the continuing controversy over evolution and the confusion of the scientific use of the word "theory" with the vernacular usage of the word. Photos, sketches, and maps appear throughout. Sidebars and photo captions add detail and background information. Numerous quotations from Darwin's works and correspondence bring his voice to readers. Though the past year saw several works celebrating the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, librarians will want to make room on the shelves for this one. Eldredge and Pearson have done a fine job of summarizing both Darwin's life and work.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 5 Up—This lively and engaging account of a poor Cockney boy who became the world's greatest silent-movie comedian is a must for biography collections. By the age of six, Chaplin was fending for himself in London's slums, evading the workhouse as his mother checked in and out of mental institutions. He spent a few miserable months with his inebriated father and stepmother, who made an unwitting contribution to his future career: by observing them, Charlie was able to perfect his impression of the stumbling drunk, which won him many laughs in his early days on the stage. He developed his slapstick talents with a traveling comedy troupe, found his way to Hollywood, and immortalized himself as the Little Tramp, the darling character of the silent movie era. The book explores his rise to mind-boggling fame, and his fall from grace as he was touched by scandal, investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee, and eventually deported. Brief, easily digestible chapters, an extensive time line, and plenty of photos make the book's well-researched content accessible and appealing. Add to that Fleischman's playful narrative tone and you have a book as entertaining as Sir Charlie himself.—Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

Gr 6 Up—Flores explains how to create characters with a manga flair. Through black-and-white and color artwork, she provides the basics of figure drawing, specifically teenaged characters. Step-by-step instruction includes heads, facial features, and bodies. Posing and settings are briefly covered. The illustrations incorporate blue pencils for the initial sketches, then finishing with detailed pencils and inks. The premise is that an understanding of human anatomy is key to good character design, and essential for drawing attire. Half of the book is devoted to drawing garments, starting with folds, then pieces of clothing. The underlying body, sketched in blue or red, shows how it affects the shape of what the person is wearing. Characters sport trendy, but not otherworldly, outfits. Absent are the magical girls and costumed ninjas. The author's approach is that with a few variations on the standard figure, you can make your character design "mangalike." Chris Hart'sManga Mania Romance: Drawing Shojo Girls and Bishie Boys (Sixth & Spring, 2008) and Colleen Doran's Girl to Grrrl Manga: How to Draw the Hottest Shoujo Manga (Impact, 2007) provide wider and deeper coverage of art techniques, special effects, and other conventions distinctive to Japanese manga.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—In August 1914, European countries "armed to the teeth" and bursting with exuberant nationalism entered what they believed would be a short, glorious affair. What emerged on battlefields such as the Somme, Verdun, and Gallipoli were nightmarish scenes played out on desolate barbed-wire "no man's lands" of machine-gun fire and poison gas. From the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 to the controversial Treaty of Versailles in 1918, Freedman lucidly recounts the origins, meaning, and legacy of history's first "total" war that spanned the globe and was characterized by the horrors and brutality of trench warfare. In synthesizing larger scholarly works, the author's excellent narrative skillfully encompasses all facets of the conflict including battles, leaders, and the new technologies that made it so destructive. Freedman also provides a keen analysis of the ramifications of the war, including an end to a century of American isolation, the Russian Revolution, and the troubled legacy of defeat that provided a foundation for the rise of Fascism and Nazi Germany. Elegantly written and filled with vivid, powerful photographs, this masterful work demands a spot in every collection.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 8 Up—Friedman covers a wide array of topics from the right to have health care to a discussion of our country's attitude toward human rights compared to those of other nations. Reprints of recent journal articles present various positions and are preceded by questions that encourage students to think critically about the pros and cons of each issue. The articles are uneven—some are fear-instilling tirades while others are generous and humanitarian. Some articles promote the use of sweatshops, consider that clean water is not a human right, and do not think the United States should protect the human rights of people in other countries. The opposing viewpoint on each of these issues follows. Although the color charts and graphs are helpful, the photographs add little. Students should be well grounded in understanding the points in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as it is repeatedly referenced in almost all of the articles. A helpful bulleted summary of the document is located at the end of the book, and is followed by a list of organizations to contact. Additional.—Peggy Fleming, Churchville-Chili High School, Churchville, NY

Gr 5–8—These overviews discuss the history of each element, where it can be found, and how it is used in everyday life, and describe its atoms. Charts show each element's chemical symbol, atomic number, atomic weight, melting point, and boiling point. Colorful photographs and illustrations are included on most pages. Lengthy sidebars highlight key information—some in Noble Gases present boxed information on helium versus hydrogen and on the Hindenburg disaster. Each title explains what makes its group of elements different from the others. Transactinides devotes a chapter to the controversies surrounding naming its elements, while Oxygen Elements details the use of sulfur in rubber and gunpowder, for example. Practical additions—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 7 Up—Gear heads, physics buffs, and model builders are the potential audience for this book that's reminiscent of Popular Science magazine, but with small, poor-quality black-and-white photos depicting the steps to create various vehicles. Projects, including the creation of land, air, water, spinning, and "bizarro" machines, follow detailed opening chapters focusing on safety, materials, and basic circuitry. They also describe how to make switches, and how to wire batteries in serial and parallel configurations to construct a "roach" or a motor with a battery pack and a switch that will be used in projects throughout the book. The models are crafted out of materials such as Styrofoam, wood, film canister lids, wires, and brass fasteners, and, of course, magnets, batteries, tape, and hot glue. Boxed insets in each chapter explain the science behind the machines; trouble-shooting suggestions anticipate problems and suggest solutions. The author peppers the dense text with witty comments and asides, but it's clear this is a book for dedicated enthusiasts. The help of a knowledgeable adult will be necessary for most projects. An appendix of supply sources completes the package.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 6–8—These are revisions of Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using Acids, Bases, Metals, Salts, and Inorganic Stuff and Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using French Fries, Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff (both Enslow, 2004). Changes include a greatly expanded introduction; a far more appealing, color layout; a clearer breakdown of information within projects; and updated further-reading suggestions. Introductory chapters outline the scientific method and how scientists investigate questions, discuss how to expand or modify the experiments to make them appropriate for science fairs, and offer safety rules (more safety advice appears throughout). Inorganic has 27 experiments and Organic 29. Students are encouraged to build upon the suggested activities, most of which offer additional project ideas. Each experiment poses a question to explore, the hypothesis, a materials list, step-by-step instructions, and results and conclusions. Some of the entries in Inorganic require materials such as potassium iodide, available only from a school laboratory or a science supply company (a listing of companies is appended). Some of the more complex projects would be best performed in a school lab with adult help. Colorful drawings complement the material and illustrations of chemical structures help to convey chemical processes. Both titles conclude with answers provided to questions posed throughout the book. Useful additions or replacements for the originals.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 6–8—These enjoyable books provide cogent chunks of information in a paragraph or two per page with plenty of brief sidebars. Each page is loaded with pictures that clarify the texts. The pace is fast, and the texts, though accurate, are less important than the combined effect of the graphics, photographs, and words. Dedicated hip-hoppers generally get their information from the Web, where they can experience both audio and video, but for those who need print resources for an assignment, these volumes provide solid information in a package that provides more fun than the many other titles on the topic.—Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ

Gr 4–6—Goble casts a wide net in exploring Native American legends of diverse peoples of the Great Plains. More than two dozen short tales and poetic bits come from oral traditions of the Blackfoot, Lakota, Cheyenne, and other Indian nations. Many reflect the multifaceted importance of the buffalo in these cultures, and of horses, snakes, and other animals as well. There are creation tales, nursery stories, and episodes of enmity among the peoples, too. Goble's introduction and the foreword by Lakota linguist Albert White Hat both advise the need to listen to the simple stories several times to grasp their full meaning. Goble admits to shortening and reworking the tales, but the tellings seem less fictionalized and closer to their traditional style than the longer renderings in his many single-volume stories. All are set among the artist's handsomely configured signature paintings. Sources for individual pieces are not attributed, but the book closes with an impressive compendium of scholarly sources and collections "mostly recorded during the period 1890–1920." Storytellers, teachers, and children will find tantalizing bits here, and the book would pair beautifully with Joseph Bruchac's The Girl Who Helped Thunder (Sterling, 2008), which has a wider geographic spread, and especially with Goble's nonfiction work Tipi: Home of the Nomadic Buffalo Hunters (World Wisdom, 2007).—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 4–7— Dark Labyrinths explores the creepiness of underground tunnels, shelters, and cities that have been long buried. Particularly compelling is Budapest's ancient, naturally made tunnel system nicknamed the Labyrinth of Courage, which hid civilians during World War II. Other underground places described house ghosts, glowing worms, and, in Colorado Springs, a satellite tracking center to warn the United States of impending missile attacks. Wretched Ruins provides brief profiles of 11 sites, including some in Iraq, Peru, Jordan, Chile, and Greece. On each spread, a paragraph outlining the location and the ancient peoples who inhabited the area is superimposed on a full-page, grainy photograph. It faces a short history of the site's discovery and possible explanations for its construction, juxtaposed with a close-up or detailed, clearer photo that further illustrates the place's "wretchedness" or "mystery." Some spreads include a factoid on theories such as the one that aliens built the Easter Island statues. A closing spread offers a world map that indicates each location. These eye-catching books will work well with reluctant readers and have enough shock value to inspire them to do further research.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

Gr 4–6—Each volume begins with an exciting, true-life story of humans encountering these creatures in unexpected places. The books continue with too-brief sections describing life cycle, diet, natural habitat, and natural predators, and then focus on how each animal has moved to a new habitat (thanks to humans) and turned into an invasive species there. The clear but slightly dry narratives are surrounded by ample white space, and each page features large, sharp, color photographs of creatures or their habitats. Some of the photos (such as one of a sunset on an Australian beach in Spotted Jellyfish) are extraneous. Inset boxes with captions such as "21st Century Content" and "Life and Career Skills" discuss recent developments (including scientists' new, more accurate term for jellyfish—sea jellies) and related careers, and are intended to further classroom discussion. These books will be good jumping-off points for research, but children will need more in-depth materials in order to really learn about the animals.—Denise Schmidt, San Francisco Public Library, CA

Gr 5–9—The subtitle provides an accurate outline of the contents of this lively treatment of disasters from smallpox to Hurricane Katrina. In each chapter, Guiberson outlines the sources of the disaster, the results, and means of obviating the problems that caused these tragedies. For example, the chapter on the Great Chicago Fire begins with the construction of the city over unstable marshland. By 1871, Chicago rested on a foundation of wood: wooden sidewalks extended for miles, connecting to wooden bridges that linked sections of the city; even buildings were made of the same material. All of this, coupled with air spaces under the sidewalks and buildings that provided extra oxygen, created the potential for a conflagration given the right circumstances. The drought of 1871 presented those circumstances. This kind of exhaustive background serves to create an understanding of the contributory issues and demonstrates possible preventive steps. Guiberson's compellingly written exegesis is equally good in the other nine chapters. Well-placed, black-and-white reproductions and photos extend the text. A perfect example of solid historical research coupled with engaging writing.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 5–8—War means bombs falling, buildings destroyed, humans fleeing to safety if they can. But what of zoo animals locked in their cages? As then U.S. Army Captain William Sumner was horrified to discover, they die from lack of food and water, they are butchered for human consumption, and they are stolen by dealers in exotic animals. Or, like those described in this book, they have grittily clung to life in appalling conditions. Asked by a commander to "look at a 'small' zoo" (actually, one of the largest in the Middle East), Sumner discovered a large one, plus three smaller "palace" zoos, and a number of other menageries. Animals were starving, thirsty, and unkempt. Volunteers miraculously appeared; support arose; zoological societies, veterinarians, and international wildlife groups offered aid and advice; and Sumner and his recruits got to work. This book chronicles their efforts—and the rehabilitation—of some of the zoo's residents. Saedia, a nearly blind brown bear who had never felt grass under her feet; Lumpy the camel, starved and dehydrated; and Saddam's personal pet cheetahs are just some of the creatures that appear in these poignant stories. Many color photos, some especially crisp or moving, document the efforts. While the Baghdad Zoo is no sterling example of what a modern zoological park ought to be, it is a shining example of human efforts to provide care and comfort to abandoned animals and to offer a sort of sanctuary to Iraqi residents whose lives have been drastically disrupted. Inspiring, yes, and a tad disturbing, but an important social record.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—This concise, timely work effectively introduces the Trouble Asset Relief Program, the collapse of the subprime mortgage industry, and the highly charged issue of governmental economic regulation. The now-familiar style of the work couples diametrically opposed opinions drawn from diverse sources such as the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, and SocialistAlternative.org with a focus on issues spanning executive bonuses, the auto industry, student loans, and numerous bailout shortcomings. The brief, well-informed opinion pieces are persuasive in argument and economic in language, and each is preceded by a short introduction. The book's approach allows students to familiarize themselves with the pertinent issues involved and to develop informed, critical opinions on them. The work concludes with an annotated list of organizations to contact, such as the libertarian Cato Institute and the conservative Heritage Foundation. A commendable introduction to a complex and highly relevant topic.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 7 Up—This volume is packed with ideas and suggestions for living green. Chapters describe the work of beauty entrepreneurs, animal-rights advocates, educators, artists, grocers, scientists, and engineers. Women and girls of various backgrounds share their stories of how they are making the world a better place, whether through recycling, creating usable lunch bags, writing blogs, or cleaning up beaches. Scattered throughout the book are vignettes or statements by celebrities such as Hayden Panettiere, Ellen Page, and Jessica Lowndes. Bright colors and copious photographs highlight the lively layout. The book concludes with suggestions for things readers can do to make the environment greener.—Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges

Gr 7 Up—Hodges and Cibos have created a thorough guide. Describing the creatures in terms of a sliding scale from human to animal, they begin with some tips on basic anatomy and style. Introductory material includes several versions of an impala that illustrate how various levels of "human" characteristics affect the overall character. The rest of the instruction is grouped by the kind of animal portrayed—felines, canines, equines, etc. Full-color spreads throughout show what can be achieved with practice, and the book concludes with chapters on color and perspective. Lanza includes watercolors of elves and similar creatures such as sprites, gnomes, and dwarves. Materials and basic skills are explained before moving on to chapters that explore faces, figures, and settings. This approach makes the projects accessible to artists who may not have worked with watercolor before. Sidebars feature mini demonstrations focusing on flowers or other details. Useful coloring instructions specify brush and color choices. These fantasy-friendly books provide plenty to explore.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 4–7—Twenty-four "lost worlds," both legendary and real, are profiled in this dense, pretty book. "World" is interpreted broadly: the author includes civilizations like Atlantis and Babylon; cities such as Pompeii and Teotihuacan; mythical places like Asgard and Mount Olympus; and the island of Rapa Nui, which is not lost, though certainly diminished. Each chapter opens with an atmospheric, tantalizing description of the city or civilization and follows up with a wealth of detail. Howe presents documented fact, accepted theory, and traditional story, distinguishing among them. The text is supported by well-chosen photos of artifacts and reproductions of art, and of course, Howe's sumptuous, panoramic paintings. While this original art is wonderfully dramatic, it has a static, scenic quality that may appeal more to adult fantasy devotees than to children. More pronunciation help would be welcome, and there are no maps. Geographic representation is gratifyingly evenhanded—Mohenjo-Daro, Cahokia, and Uluru are given as much space as well-known sites like Camelot and Troy. Realistically, however, the type is small and the text somewhat dry—kids will enjoy leafing through for the pictures but may not sit down to read it.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 4–6—Readers are encouraged to explore basic science laws and principles via hands-on activities. Each volume begins with four pages of background information, a safety note, and tips for performing successful experiments. The activities range from simple, such as making a "Human Gyroscope" (Force), to complex, as in "Measuring Food Energy" (Heat). Many of them are routine, like "Separating Colors" (Light), but others are unusually complicated, such as "Curie Point" (Electricity). All the experiments have a list of goals, a difficulty rating, safety and troubleshooting tips, and an illustrated list of supplies; many require a well-equipped lab or a trip to a hardware store. None include introductory information or concluding explanations. These titles may provide supplementary activities for a classroom setting, but collections with series such as the uncannily similar "In Touch with Basic Science" (Enslow, 2008) will be fine without them.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 4–6—Covering a range of topics from kissing to skin care to getting one's first period, this text seems strangely antiquated. Some of the sound bites are quite awkward, such as the two pages dedicated to how watching "the tease" in action shows how not to deal with boys and the sections on the changing dynamic that girls have with their fathers and mothers. This is a translation of a popular French self-help guide for tweens, so perhaps something was lost in translation. One bright spot is the funny and colorful cartoon artwork.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 4–6—Don't judge these books by their covers. The cheerful exteriors are dotted with close-up photographs of the subject matter and suggest appealing content within, but the pages are a jumbled mix of vapid, confusing, and random material. Text balloons located next to particular birds, bugs, plants, or mammals ask questions that are either irritatingly obvious or impossible to answer. Kids are encouraged to become "wildlife watchers," so perhaps the queries are meant to be a checklist of what to look for when a certain species is possibly spotted. However, this is not explained, stumping readers as to the real purpose of the questions. "Am I covered in stinging hairs?" (Plants) and "Is my gray-brown fur greasy?" (Mammals) invite touching, but then children are warned not to do so. A section titled "Water birds" is followed by one on ducks, geese, and swans, but the first sentence in both sections notes that they live near water, and nothing else is mentioned to distinguish them. Why not group them all together? Earthworms, slugs, and snails are included in Bugs, and while "bug" may be a loose term, it is a stretch to think that those critters qualify. Skip these volumes.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Gr 3–6—This eternally fascinating subject is presented in a well-organized, contextualized manner. The authors discuss the overarching history of the times and then get into specifics about weapons and military tactics. Each book includes a chapter on war at sea as well as one on a great leader or leaders. The authors focus on one battle per civilization, providing a detailed troop-movement illustration that takes up most of a spread. The volumes have different strengths. In Roman Warfare, for example, the leaders profiled are well chosen and represent many periods, and in Greek Warfare, the "Fortress Cities" chapter is an excellent summary of the many ancient Greek peoples. Overall, these titles cull the important information about each of these cultures and present it in easily understood paragraphs interspersed with photos, drawings, and maps, all in full-color. A strong purchase for reports and pleasure reading.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 7 Up—Well-organized chapters present clear information on the causes of acne, types of self-treatment, medical and "alternative" paths to a cure, the future of treatment, and the psychological ramifications for an affected person. There are no real surprises here, but occasionally readers are presented with some new information. For example, the book explains that Demodex mites that live in the hair follicles of up to 98 percent of people are a possible cause of acne when they overmultiply and break out of the follicle. Shaded text boxes highlight interesting or important information. Bibliographic notes for each chapter will be indispensable for students wishing to continue their research. Standard stock photographs back up the text, and a few well-placed illustrations illuminate scientific language. Updated from a 2007 version, this title will be useful for reports and is a solid addition to health and/or disease collections.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 7–10—The first of many color reproductions included in this chronologically arranged title is Picasso's earliest oil painting, completed at age eight. The author presents an interesting account of the artist's life, making connections between his relationships, historical events, and art movements, all of which influenced his work. Plentiful quotations are clearly cited and provide insight into how Picasso and his art were perceived by contemporaries. Accompanying the well-organized text are several sidebars that expand upon certain points. There is much to be said about an artist as prolific and influential as Picasso. The steady level of detail from childhood to later life found in this text is commendable. More than a source for reports, this biography has an engaging pace and visual appeal that readers will find satisfying.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 4–8—This is an intriguing, fact-filled book about saving the environment in unusual ways. Imaginative, comic-booklike illustrations add to a lively layout that will keep readers moving from one paragraph to the next, and funny wordplay prevents the facts from becoming overwhelming or dry. The accessible narrative will help readers to realize how their purchases of food, clothes, and electronic equipment nurture or hurt the world around them, and achievable goals and ideas will enable them to pitch in and help. The concluding chapter discusses new and unique ways to create energy. Each chapter ends with an "Elin Explains" spread that describes ecological interrelatedness ("How Video Games and Cell Phones Are Connected to Gorillas") in a graphic-novel format. This hilarious, information-packed work is an excellent addition.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

Gr 4–8—This intriguing introduction to urban archaeology features cross-sections of the same location in an imaginary European city from the Stone Age to the 21st century. Changes in daily life aboveground are fascinating, and what happens in the subterranean realm is equally engaging. As one civilization displaces another, skeletons, artifacts, and garbage form layer upon layer of an unwritten record. Kent supplies brief overviews of each era depicted for quick snapshots of history. In addition to glimpses of the same street in different centuries, spreads offer detailed depictions of a medieval silver mine, construction of the London Underground, and secret bunkers built during the Cold War. These interludes remind readers that past construction is evident beneath our feet and provide the materials studied by archaeologists. Whether students flip through the pages quickly or painstakingly compare certain elements in the underground layers from one color cartoon illustration to the next, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the way human settlements change over time. Anne Millard's A Street Through Time (DK, 1998) takes readers on another journey through urban history, although that volume lacks the underground and archaeological components of Kent's work.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 7 Up—Eight previously published articles from business and economic journals are reprinted in their entirety here, each with strong opinions about the value, disadvantages, and opportunities for U. S. businesses. These authors discuss how outsourcing has political ramifications that affect American workers' job security, product quality control, and hidden costs of transportation. Acknowledging that this practice is inevitable, the authors describe in a clear and readable way how businesses are challenged to grow to be more technologically advanced, efficient, and specialized. None of the articles is biased completely for or against outsourcing, but students using this book should familiarize themselves with the political slant and the prejudices of some of the journals from which selections have been reprinted, such as The New American. David M. Haugen's Outsourcing (Gale, 2009) has more clearly defined pros and cons, but the articles in Krueger's work are more provocative, with suggestions of security risks, the need to require foreign languages in our schools, the fear of Chinese takeover of our infrastructure, and the dangers of protectionism. The detailed bibliography can lead the students to articles that address these issues. One wonders, however, how recent economic events in the world might change the direction of the debate.—Peggy Fleming, Churchville-Chili High School, Churchville, NY

Gr 4–7—Although the text addresses young "eco explorers" directly, this book will likely be used as much by teachers, parents, and organization leaders in planning group activities. Offering an overview of eight terrestrial biomes as well as the ocean, Latham crams a lot of information about climate, plants, animals, soil, and other characteristics onto every page. Vocabulary, jokes, and short questions and answers are tucked into various layouts along with small drawings in shades of gray. Instructions for hands-on activities related to different biomes include craft projects such as pictographs and a cornhusk doll. Students can learn how to make a glacier, an erupting volcano, and a tornado in a bottle. They can bake honey wheat bread or concoct rainforest "crunch and munch." They can create a pinecone bird feeder, conduct experiments related to acid rain, and assemble a desertarium. Latham also lists ways to help the environment in everyday life. Other books offer more in-depth introductions to individual biomes, usually with more visual appeal. This one is designed for hands-on learners, with adult advice and guidance as needed.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 7 Up—McMillan begins the first book with a spread each on the history of drawing, equipment, perspective, color and textures, and composition. These explanations are too short to be of use to beginners, but are good reminders for practiced artists. Likewise, the second book has one spread each for history, jewelry around the world, beads, equipment, findings, etc. The introductory pages are more comprehensive than those in the drawing book and offer a good deal of useful information. Each book has step-by-step instructions for a variety of attractive projects. The drawing book has, for each project, a series of four to six preliminary sketches that show the progression from first line to complete outline, but it is left to the artist to add the final shading. The written instructions in Jewelry are accompanied by sharp color photographs that help clarify each step. Kathryn Temple's Art for Kids: Drawing (Sterling, 2005) has a more detailed explanation of basic art principles like perspective, texture, and shading. Thiranut Boonyadhistarn's Beading: Bracelets, Barrettes and Beyond (Captsone, 2006) is a shorter introduction to beading for beginners. For those who want a little more challenge, McMillan's books are good choices.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 8 Up—The prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in developing countries is discussed in a series of reprints from academic journals, national newspapers, and popular magazines. The authors include policy makers, doctors, journalists, and economists. Since each one approaches the issue from a different angle, it will be difficult for readers to find common ground on which position to take. Economists highlight the loss of productive workers who are suffering or dying from AIDS-related complications, for example, while a medical anthropologist makes a strong case for sexual abstinence. To further complicate the issue, the book presents strong evidence that the United Nations and other agencies inflate statistics on the numbers of infected persons in order to generate funds for the fight against the virus, and explains that some medical professionals see malaria, tuberculosis, and inadequate sanitation as greater problems in developing countries. While this book is more provocative, several related titles in the publisher's "Opposing Viewpoints" series provide clearer pros and cons on handling the epidemic. Also, it is disappointing that the book has no charts or graphs. Additional.—Peggy Fleming, Churchville-Chili High School, Churchville, NY

Gr 5–8—Take a parrot. Color it green. Give it soft, fluffy feathers, and whiskers. Give it sumo proportions and take away its power of flight. Make it nocturnal, and have it nest underground. Aha! A kakapo! Once millions of these rather affable birds waddled all over New Zealand. Reduced (at present) to fewer than 90, the kakapo have been isolated on Codfish Island (free of feral cats, weasels, and stoats—all introduced species) and are now under the strict, careful guardianship of the New Zealand National Kakapo Recovery Team. Montgomery and Bishop were granted 10 days in which to accompany members of the team (many volunteering their time and efforts) as they radio-tracked the birds night and day in their forest habitat, weighed chicks, watched nesting behavior through hidden cameras, and plowed through gale-force winds and torrential rain to monitor the well-being of their charges. Excellent photos and a readable, conversational text provide an intimate look at a concerted effort to save a drastically endangered species unfamiliar to most of the world outside Down Under. Readers who enjoyed this author/photographer team's The Tarantula Scientist (2007) or Quest for the Tree Kangaroo (2006, both Houghton) will gobble up this tribute to ecological science in action.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—Myron's best seller about the resident cat at the Spencer Public Library in Iowa has been adapted for middle grade readers. The references to most of the author's personal problems, which peppered her adult book, have been removed, and Dewey's story stands on its own. The anecdotes remain the same, with some concessions made to the experiences of younger readers: explaining, for instance, who Alf and Spuds McKenzie were, or pointing out that "back in the day" TV cartoons were only seen on Saturday mornings. Dewey's special brand of "pay-it-forward" love has immense appeal, and fans of animal stories will immediately gravitate toward the book, with its handsome reproduction of the feline's now-famous portrait on the cover. As Myron's anecdotes show, the joy and comfort that Dewey provided to countless patrons over 18 years was not something that could be cataloged, or indexed, or highlighted in a trustee's report. But it was real and evident to the staff and library regulars. Dewey will no doubt have young readers pining for their own library cats, but astute readers will also pick up on the message that a town's heart beats strongest in its library.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 6–8—Selections from an array of books and periodical articles have been compiled into highly readable examinations of the topics at hand, without digressing or trying to include too much information. The well-captioned color photographs are mainly taken from Getty Images. Each volume contains an impressive number of resources for further information: books, government/not-for-profit Web sites, and URLs. The books work well as precursors to the "Opposing Viewpoints" series. Same-Sex Marriage examines the changes in marriage customs and laws over time and how other nations are handling this debate. Court decisions and legislative acts and both pro- and anti-gay marriage are discussed with clarity. However, there is a slight pro bias in paragraphs describing the publicized thoughts and feelings of the opposing party. The first half of Barack Obama is dedicated to the president's forerunners who paved the way for the historic 2008 election; both familiar personalities, such as the Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and more obscure figures, such as P.B.S. Pinchback, are discussed in tracing the history of African Americans in state and national politics. The second half of the volume clearly outlines President Obama's path to the White House and addresses the many race-related hurdles he had to overcome along the way. Superbugs covers germs from their biology to their mounting resistance to strong antibiotics. While interesting and well written, it is heavily scientific and has a higher vocabulary level than the other two titles. Unfortunately, none of the books includes pronunciations in context or in the modest glossaries.—Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This offering doesn't really have much in the way of new information. Although it is well organized, with a good introduction and chapters on sex education both in the U.S. and abroad, problems and controversies, and data tables, it does not add significantly to information in Margaret O. Hyde and Elizabeth Forsyth's Safe Sex 101: An Overview for Teens (21st Century Bks., 2006) or Miranda and William Hunter's Staying Safe: A Teen's Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Mason Crest, 2005), or any number of other titles on this topic. There are no illustrations, the text is dense, and, though easily readable, the pages themselves are not appealing. The best parts of the book are the tables of data, which are readily available at the Centers for Disease Control's Web site, and the list of additional resources at the back. Not a great addition unless your collection on this topic needs updating or is very small.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 3–6—Hot on the heels of How to Get Rich on the Oregon Trail(National Geographic, 2009), Texas Cattle Drive is the firsthand account of fictional A.J. "Little John" Larken's year as a wrangler on the Texas Range in the late 1800s. With tongue-in-cheek humor, an editor's note at the outset purports that the "manuscript" was rescued from the lining of a pet prairie-dog cage and further issues a disclaimer for any fun sustained while reading the "tremendously educational" pages that follow. Larken's observations and adventures include working for a not entirely honest ranch manager, interacting with ornery settlers in sod houses, and witnessing the Cheyenne Exodus. Ultimately, at the end of his drive and with the coming of the railroad and the fencing of the land, Little John joins up with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Everyone is out to make a buck in this rough and tumble environment, Larken being no exception, and he records his income and expenses on an antique-looking ledger on various pages. A list of further reading and online resources are accompanied by a two-page "Encyclopedia of the Texas Cattle Drive" that defines historical figures and unusual words used within the text. Richly illustrated with a mix of historically authentic lithographs and "Little John Larkens's" illustrations, this book is a colorful and entertaining introduction to the period.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8–10—The first book discusses how conclusive the science is in solving crimes, whether DNA testing is effective for correcting justice-system errors, whether prisoners have a right to such testing, and whether databases of samples threaten civil liberties. The second examines whether drug abuse is a serious problem among athletes, how effective drug-testing policies are, whether more rigorous testing is needed for student athletes, and whether drug use should be legalized in competitive sports. Several pages of primary-source quotes, including excerpts from newspaper and magazine articles that interview law enforcement personnel, lawyers, families, and others, are included at the end of each chapter. In addition, the narratives include quotes from other relevant parties, all making the books helpful for reports, debate research, and general interest. Numerous brightly colored, easy-to-read graphs, charts, and maps enhance the coverage. Both books have solid end matter that includes listings of key people and advocacy groups, and related organizations.—Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 6–10—This extraordinary collection is alive with pathos, sensitivity, humor, beauty, controversy, and insight. The more than 100 poems are by prize-winning authors and relative newcomers. Familiar classics and contemporary selections sing out with profound ideas and simple truths. To define "who I am," there are selections about racial and ethnic identity; about ordinary and lofty ideas; about love, friendship, and family connections. They exhibit compassion, confusion, and anger. The poems are at once personal and universal, each told in a voice that speaks candidly to the target audience. The accompanying CD includes readings by many of the poets, and some of them describe the inspiration for their work, creating an intriguing perspective and connection to the piece. Blank pages at the end of the book invite readers to compose selections of their own. The variety of poems could easily hook youngsters on the genre as a comforting, accessible art form. This special book will enrich poetry sections.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 6–9— French and Indian War describes the events that led to the conflict and the decade-long war that pitted dubious European-Indian alliances against once another and ended with the surrender of the French and the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Pedersen follows with the story of Pontiac's unsuccessful rebellion against the British after the war. This volume has handsome illustrations but provides less background information than Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier's The French and Indian War (Marshall Cavendish, 1997). Panama Canal begins with Teddy Roosevelt's injunction to his chief engineer to "let the dirt fly!" then steps back to Balboa's trek across the isthmus and continues chronologically, including alternate plans to build a Nicaraguan canal and the controversies surrounding the construction. This is an easy read, but it has too few technical illustrations to satisfy engineering-minded readers. Trail of Tears briefly discusses Cherokee society and culture in a simplistic fashion and then covers the conflict regarding Native lands, Cherokee efforts to work for their rights within the American judicial system, the discovery of gold in Georgia that brought thousands of white miners to Cherokee land, the forced removal of the tribe during the 1830s, and the Cherokee today, in both Oklahoma and the Southeast. Each book includes black-and-white and color reproductions, and each "Essential Facts" section includes a primary-source quote. The books' format, featuring narrow sidebars on some illustrated pages, is slightly off-putting. Additional purchases.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 3–6—In this handsomely crafted collection, Pirotta retells 72 stories from the Old and New Testaments, bringing biblical times to life with eloquent detail and lovely imagery. Descriptions of the parting of the Red Sea, wise King Solomon's famous verdict, and Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem are particularly vivid. The author deftly characterizes the people in his stories by attributing believable thoughts, emotions, and dialogue to them. The bravery of Moses, Mary's quiet joy over her betrothal to Joseph, and the turmoil experienced by Judas Iscariot as he follows his path of betrayal will resonate with readers. A corresponding verse from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible introduces each story. Arranged in chronological order, the selections flow easily from one to the next, beginning with the Creation and concluding with Pentecost. The final chapter ends on an inspirational note as the disciples set forth to spread Jesus's message of love throughout the world until "the earth itself echoed with the joy of his salvation." The accompanying color and monochrome pencil illustrations are as lovely as the author's narration. Finely drawn in delicate colors, their gentle beauty paired with the elegant design of the volume enhances the collection's inspirational tone. Supplementary reference materials make this volume useful as well as beautiful. Although not as comprehensive as Murray Watts's The Bible for Children (Good Bks., 2002), this title provides a fine overview of both Old Testament and Gospel stories.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

Gr 5–8—These books break current issues into subtopics, discussing each on one or two spreads that also include a graphic representation of related data online and regular bar graphs, stacked bar graphs, pie charts, time lines, and pictographs. The books are colorful, easy to read, and well designed. Sports is the strongest of the three as the writing is spot-on for the audience. Most importantly, the statistics used are well chosen and instantly understandable, and the text clearly explains how each type of graph can be used to best display different types of data. The weakest title, Immigration, has some confusing graphs and outdated statistics, and makes some sweeping generalizations ("Most immigrants work hard, and they are usually resourceful people"). Crime and Natural Disasters do a good job of displaying data, but some of the subjects covered, such as how money is laundered and the volcanic explosivity index, may be tough for students to grasp. Teachers looking for resources on displaying data using graphs may find these titles useful, but students are unlikely to choose them for themselves.—Marcia Kochel, Olson Middle School, Bloomington, MN

Gr 4 Up—Ransom's well-organized introduction showcases her enthusiasm for scrapbooking and also includes material for more experienced crafters. The "Getting Started" section provides a concise history of scrapbooks; identifies basic supplies and tools; and explains how to organize, mat, and crop photos. The author then turns to layouts and ways of expanding the art form to tins, mini-albums, trading cards, photo frames, clipboards, and more. Of note is the last section, which discusses how to host a scrapbooking party and provides a sample invitation, a banner, and project ideas. High-quality color photos that are a good match with the directions make the pages pop, and directions are clear. Ransom reminds readers that these projects are starting points and encourages young enthusiasts to adapt the examples to their own personalities. This will be a fine addition to public library collections, even if they already own Laura Purdie Salas's Scrapbooking for Fun! (Compass Point, 2007) or Heidi Schueller's Ready, Set, Scrap! (Kalmbach, 2008). Though the books overlap, they impart different tips and include a variety of finished pages and products—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 4–6—A colorful olio of marine animals in eye-catching photos accompanies a cheerful conversational text (sea otters use their "tummies as tables" and walrus have "fishy-smelling whiskers"). Information boxes pop up all over the place as well, but it is the bright photos that steal the show. Some 60 ocean dwellers are mentioned, but sea jellies are still called "jellyfish" though "starfish" are correctly referred to as sea stars. No in-depth study here, this splashy volume is a nice introduction to a salty water-world and is a great springboard for a dive into more detailed research.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—This look at the many dangerous beasts that are found in Africa describes their habitat, species name, measurements, and weight. A graph measures their level of intelligence, strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Each animal's enemies and prey are also pictured. An excellent photograph of a representative of each species is highlighted with bullet points around it describing specific traits such as the lion's night vision, the hippo's ear-and-eye-sealing ability, etc. A box on the recto lists its superpowers, special equipment, weaknesses, and an interesting fact about the species. The final spread describes the Ultimate Predator, mixing parts like the crocodile's jaw, the eagle's wings, and the lion's pounce. The opposite page describes the Ultimate Defender, combining the rhino's horns, the pangolin's armor, and the wildebeest's speed. The book is well organized and informative and would be useful for short reports. The artwork and the photography are excellent and fully complement the text.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 4–8—This hybrid math/art book is both ambitious and imaginative. An introductory section explains the colored-dot configurations and factor trees for numbers 1 to 100, which appear on the verso of each spread. These factor trees are "all the way grown out" to the lowest common factors, or prime numbers. On the opposite page is a monster scene that represents the number. Schwartz has created a creature for each prime number: "Each monster has something about it that relates to its number, but sometimes you have to look hard (and count) to find it." Thus, the monster for 5 is a five-featured, five-pointed star, and the 13 monster sports a pink-and-white eye-patch with 13 segments. The illustration for 14 is a "7" monster eating a "2" monster. The "78" picture includes monsters representing 2, 3, and 13, the prime factors of that number. The pages are glossy black with flat, colorful abstractions. The author's claim, "The only thing you really need to know in order to enjoy this book is how to multiply whole numbers together, like 2 and 3," is an understatement; readers will need patience and an open, undaunted mind to deconstruct the monster scenes. This is a book for math lovers who want to have some fun. Challenge these students to create their own prime monsters and combinations. While the dot configurations and factor trees are less inventive, they provide a more concrete explanation of the math for the rest of us.—Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, New York

Gr 9 Up—In this clearly written, informative overview, Sickels examines the lives and major works of writers over the last 40 years. Eight authors are showcased, including Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Walter Dean Myers. Each chapter opens with a black-and-white photo and a brief biography, with the remainder of it dealing with a critical analysis of one or more of the writer's best-known works. Every critique includes a summary of the work and then a discussion of major themes. It's an approach that serves as a great introduction to some of America's major African-American writers. The list of additional reading suggests books by other major African-American authors, such as Richard Wright's Black Boy, Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, and James Baldwin's Go Tell It on the Mountain. An extensive bibliography consists of works mainly from literary scholars who specialize in African-American literature. This is an outstanding contribution and should be a first purchase for high-school libraries.—Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ

Gr 8–10—This biography is enjoyable reading for those writing reports and for those who simply want to learn more about the First Lady. As well as covering her life with Barack Obama and in the White House, Uschan discusses her family life, education, and early career and includes sidebars on such topics as her experience as a black student at mostly white Ivy League schools. Quotes from interviews with Obama reveal her intelligence, humor, and down-to-earth sensibility. On having her mother walk the Obama girls to school, for example, she says, "it's less of a scene for her." The book's overall tone is positive, although there is mention of criticism she has received in the press during the campaign and as First Lady. Back matter includes extensive notes.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 3–6—Each project in this compact how-to manual opens with a small drawing shaded in color, a brief description of how it might be used, a materials list, and numbered directions to follow. Novice crafters might need assistance digesting these instructions. More illustrations such as diagrams would be helpful in understanding how to construct the "Woven Wonder Pencil Holder" and "Posh Party Purse." Many projects use inexpensive supplies found in the home or local craft store; some instructions call for "a piece of felt" without offering dimensions. A clockworks kit for the "Cow Clock" and set of LED lights for the "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Lamp" are among the more expensive materials. Most items require paint and a glue gun or white craft glue. Proper precautions for seeking adult help are provided when needed. The tiny font may limit the book's appeal. Templates accompany only two projects. In keeping with the recycling theme, the book has been printed using recycled materials. Similar activities can be found in Christine M. Irvin's Egg Carton Mania and Milk Carton Mania (both Children's Press, 2002) and Betsy Ochester's Look What You Can Make with Egg Cartons (Boyds Mills, 2000). They are all larger in format and more fully illustrated. With fewer, less-colorful illustrations, smaller print, and inconsistent supply lists, Warwick's book would be better understood by adults rather than children trying to use it on their own.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 4–8—Wolf's journal/sketchbook is arranged in eight-page sections by season, each beginning with a list of avian visitors. The charming, eye-catching format includes short dated nature notes written in script, some of them on glued or taped-in torn paper pieces; other paper scraps contain short typeset poems and small, labeled watercolors: an object; a single flower; a bird; a tree in seasonal array. Notes for several poems, showing words or phrases that have been crossed out and changed, are written beside the finished piece. Pen-and-ink sketches capture a baby house sparrow, a V-formation of geese, a downy woodpecker at a suet feeder, and more. Two pages of author's notes explain how Wolf became interested in birds as a result of a seventh-grade project, and how she developed her journaling style. A page of resources includes several outstanding Web sites, some top-notch guides, and books on birding. This small, instructional guide may provide the inspiration for young authors with even a bit of artistic talent to begin keeping nature journals of their own.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

We are swamped with additions to lengthy fiction series, so we asked some of our readers if they really needed reviews beyond the first two books in an ongoing series. Most of them felt that they would buy the new ones if the previous titles were popular and skip them if the series didn't have a following. We decided to try just listing them, with bibliographic information. We'll continue to review the third in the series if it is the conclusion to a trilogy. In the future, we hope to give you more advance notice about upcoming titles. Let us know if this listing is helpful to you.—Trev Jones tjones@mediasourceinc.com