Grades 5 & up
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Gr 5-8–Physically and emotionally scarred, Hayaat lives behind the Israeli-built Separation Wall in the West Bank City of Bethlehem. When her beloved grandmother falls ill, the 13-year-old decides to make her way to Jerusalem to fill an empty hummus jar with soil from the land of her grandmother’s ancestral home. She is certain that this will mend her heart. Unfortunately, although Jerusalem is merely minutes away, curfews, checkpoints, and an identity card that doesn’t allow her to cross the border mean that Hayaat and her soccer-loving, troublemaker friend Samy face a perilous journey. This novel is an important addition to a very small body of existing books that tell the Palestinian story for young people, and an intensely realistic setting brings that story to life. It is full of humor, adventure, and family love, but doesn’t try to hide the heartbreaking and often bitter reality of life under Occupation. Abdel-Fattah manages to walk the line of truth-telling and sensitivity. She has avoided vilifying Israelis and, in fact, Hayaat and Samy could not have completed their journey without the help of a Jewish Israeli couple sympathetic to their cause. A cast of quirky characters adds both humor and realism to the story, making the devastating circumstances more palatable to young readers and keeping the story light in spite of a heavy topic and some dark realizations as the plot moves forward.–Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA ADORNETTO, Alexandra. Halo. 484p. CIP. Feiwel & Friends. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-65626-3. LC 2010015464. Gr 7 Up–The first in a trilogy, Halo is the story of the angel Bethany, who has been sent with two other angels posing as her older brother and sister to a small town to encourage the human residents to seek a higher purpose and drive back impending evil. But Bethany is a young angel and finds the lure of high school, earthly friends, and the love of a human boy far more temptation than she ever expected. In spite of her youth (she’s 18), Adornetto has written a compelling novel of good and evil that will find an audience among girls who can’t get enough of otherworldly characters and situations and heart-wrenching romance. The novel suffers a bit from too much teen angst, but the author shows definite promise.–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK ALVAREZ, Julia. How Tía Lola Learned to Teach. 132p. Knopf. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86460-5; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96460-2; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89584-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 3-6–This sequel to How Tía Lola Came to Visit/Stay (Knopf, 2001) continues the story of the Guzman family: 8-year-old Juanita, 10-year-old Miguel, and irrepressible Tía Lola. The new school year has begun and the children’s aunt has been invited to teach Spanish a few days a week, a prospect that first alarms her since she never finished school when she was growing up in the Dominican Republic. But the woman is a born teacher, full of life, enthusiasm, and a wise saying for every situation. Lola quickly finds herself a favorite at school, charming all with her stories and personality, organizing parties and treasure hunts, and involving everyone in their small Vermont town in her plans. Along the way, she also helps Miguel and Juanita adjust to their parents’ divorce, the separation from their father, who lives in New York City, and a possible new stepmother. When the residents of the town learn that Lola’s immigration status is in jeopardy, they rally behind her to convince the judge the entire town needs their “Tía.” Each chapter begins with one of Lola’s maxims to set the stage, and Spanish words and phrases are clearly used throughout. A welcome return for a wonderful character whose heart encompasses the whole world.–Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA AMATO, Mary. Edgar Allan’s Official Crime Investigation Notebook. 140p. Holiday House. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2271-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 3-6–The kids at Wordsmith Elementary School get a lesson on poetry when a thief stages a series of classroom thefts, leaving behind small poems at the scene of the crime. Edgar Allan keeps notes in his crime journal and writes some verses of his own as his classmates compete to solve the mystery. He thinks his home life is strange with his parents both employed as clowns, but when he learns more about the thoughts and personal lives of his classmates through the poetry they write, he gains a deeper understanding of himself and his community. With characters like Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett and a teacher who drinks Tennyson Tea, readers will get thinly veiled lessons describing alliteration, meter, and metaphor. The mystery is a bit slow to unfold and plotlines overlap with Edgar always making observations that cause him to seem way older than a fifth grader. However, readers who stick with it will appreciate the conclusion that itself is a poetic play. The author successfully delivers the theme that a poem is truly a gift. A good springboard for introducing poetry units.–Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH ANDERSON, M. T. Agent Q, or the Smell of Danger! illus. by Kurt Cyrus. 294p. (A Pals in Peril Tale). appendix. CIP. S & S/Beach Lane Bks. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8640-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4391-5609-4. LC 2009051199. Gr 4-7–Great Scott! Sentient Lobsters? Furniture imitating spies? This installment in the series finds crime-fighting teen friends Lily Gefelty, Katie Mulligan, and Jasper Dash, Boy Technonaut, in dire straits once again. They are eager to get home to New Jersey but they are facing dangers at every turn while trying to leave the fantastical state of Delaware, which is ruled by His Terrifying Majesty, the Awful and Adorable Autarch of Dagsboro. Delaware’s Ministry of Silence has secret agents and spies lurking everywhere trying to capture the heroes because they know the whereabouts of valuable treasures. The trio is accompanied by a group of monks from Vbngoom who are being forced to relocate their monastery. Spies come in all shapes and sizes and they are all eager to turn in the trio to obtain fabulous prizes such as a walking-an-invisible-dog trick leash. Fellow teen Taylor Quizmo, Secret Agent, arrives to save the day, but can the Pals trust him? And what about Agent Q? How will they find him when they don’t know who they’re looking for and they have to stay hidden? As with the previous installments, readers are occasionally addressed with clever, tongue-in-cheek asides. Flip-book art, ads, and black-and-white drawings add hilarity. Quirky, unique, and never dull, this is one adventuresome fantasy readers won’t soon forget, whether they’re followers of the series or meeting the pals for the first time.–Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA ASHLEY, Mike, ed. Steampunk Prime: A Vintage Steampunk Reader. illus. by Luis Ortiz. 240p. bibliog. Nonstop. 2010. pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-1933065-18-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 10 Up–Steampunk has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Many books for children and teens have incorporated some of the genre’s more popular elements, such as clockwork automatons, mad scientists, intrepid adventurers, and steam-powered technology. But to truly appreciate steampunk, one must go back to the very beginning, back to the time when the technology in the stories wasn’t anachronistic, but rather, was visionary. This collection, written around the beginning of the 19th century, includes stories set in the early 1900s as well as those set in a distant future. They all have in common a Victorian sensibility and an idea of the possibilities inherent in technology, whether dangerous or beneficial to mankind. Included among them is the tale of an eerily constructed automaton that longs to be free from his oppressive creator, a nearly deadly train trip through a tunnel across the Strait of Gibraltar, a man frozen and reawakened in a far-distant future where he discovers a love he thought lost, a story of vampire bats that feed on the blood of humans, and the story of our world almost destroyed by a new method of food production. Within this collection, readers will find romance, mystery, adventure, and, of course, the iconic steampunk airship.–Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO BACCALARIO, Pierdomenico. Star of Stone. Bk. 2. tr. from Italian by Leah D. Janeczko. 304p. (Century Quartet Series). CIP. Random. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85896-3; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95896-0; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89227-1. LC 2009030416. Gr 5-9–This second book in the series reunites the four children who need to save the world, this time bringing them together in Harvey’s home city of New York. When Harvey realizes that he is being followed and in danger, he is joined by his friends Elettra, Mistral, and Sheng, and they attempt to follow the clues left by mysterious professor Alfred Van Der Berger, learning more about their huge task and meeting new allies and enemies. Readers will be intrigued by the Manhattan setting, the clues and codes, and the sense of danger and urgency that follows the characters through their adventures. A 16-page full-color section in the middle of the book provides maps, pictures, and additional enigmatic clues. The translation maintains a consistently tense tone. Relationships continue to develop as the characters learn more about their once-in-a-century task and the group that preceded them, providing realism and balance to the many all-out-action scenes.–Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI BARNES, Jennifer Lynn. Raised by Wolves. 419p. Egmont USA. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-059-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-088-7. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–For 15-year-old Bryn Clare, life has been anything but normal. At the age of four she witnesses her parents’ gruesome murder by a rogue werewolf. Taken in and marked by the alpha male, Callum, she and her foster mother, Ali, are the only two humans accepted and protected by them. Even though she enjoys the connection to the pack, Bryn’s human need to set herself apart and be independent has labeled her a rebel–something unheard of in the strict hierarchy of werewolf society. Her loyalty to Callum and the pack is put to the test with the discovery of newly turned werewolf named Chase. Bryn can not deny the bond she feels with him and begins to uncover information that sets off a chain reaction of events, changing her life forever. Barnes weaves a fantastic story line full of great plot twists and turns with a little romance sprinkled in. Revealing key pieces of the plot in bits and pieces allows the story to move quickly and effortlessly. Readers will definitely respond to gutsy Bryn, who, in being true to herself, must fight for her place in the world. A great read and a must-have for libraries with fans of the supernatural.–Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School , NY BARNHOUSE, Rebecca. The Coming of the Dragon. 310p. glossary. CIP. Random. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86193-2; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96193-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89349-0. LC 2009019295. Gr 5-8–Loosely based on the final years of Beowulf’s kingship, this imaginative retelling fleshes out the story of the only man who truly stands beside the great king to the end. Rune is an infant when he washes ashore in a mysterious boat and is spared death by King Beowulf and Amma, a strange old woman who becomes a mother figure to him. The king protects Rune and trains him to fight, but he remains a threat and a misfit in the minds of most villagers. He is content living a simple life until a vicious dragon is awakened and destroys everyone and everything he loves. Avenging his family leads him to answers about his own heritage as well as some nail-biting suspense as he confronts the dragon more than once. While Rune’s naked insecurity and self-doubt wear thin at times, his innocence and perseverance make him a sympathetic and unlikely hero. An adventure-filled coming-of-age tale.–Mandy Lawrence, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX Gr 8 Up–Odysseus has been gone for nearly all of his son’s life. Despite being a prince, Telemachos has grown up with few responsibilities, until the day his neighbors declare that his father must be dead, and his mother must marry one of them so that there would be a king. In response, Telemachos, who has never left the kingdom, says he will travel the world to search for word of his father. Accompanied by Brax, a centaur, and runaway weaver Polydora, the teen discovers that the world is full of dangers, some of them giving the appearance of friendship. He also begins to discover what a good kingship requires by viewing the hurting realms of Pylos and Sparta. Readers familiar with The Odyssey will know some of how the story ends, but Barrett’s depictions of familiar characters and situations are surprising and fresh, allowing a new tale to be told inside the old one. The author also makes much of no one expecting poets to tell the truth, just a good story, and Telemachos’s own narrative ends with the traditional concluding words of a poet that seem to be a tongue-in-cheek commentary on storytelling. This is a strong retelling with definite YA appeal, particularly in Telemachos’s final triumph, where he takes the chariot reins of his life in his own hands.–Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT BELL, William. Five Days of the Ghost. 204p. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2010. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-152-1. LC C2009-906146-5. Gr 6-9–It’s the beginning of summer vacation, and Karen’s older brother, John, wants to visit a nearby burial site for Chippewa chiefs at night. Karen reluctantly accompanies him. There they encounter a ghost who later tells Karen that she’s got “big problems.” Why is he there? How does he know what Karen is trying to hide from everyone else? When another ghost starts making trouble at Karen’s house, she and John engage the help of Noah, who is a known expert about all things supernatural. The book seems to cover too much ground in five days and lacks a resolution that makes sense. At the beginning of the novel, Karen is still grieving the death of her twin brother, killed in a skateboarding accident two years earlier. She is about to start high school but isn’t ready to grow up and get on with her life. The ghost encounter seems to precipitate her ability to let go of her brother. Readers will be left wondering why Karen, John, and Noah are able to find the ghosts so easily, even having an encounter in full daylight at one point. The author spends too much time describing the clothing of the young people and what they are eating, and not enough on their unresolved issues, such as Noah’s troubled relationship with his father and his pain over his mother’s abandonment. John, in contrast, seems to have no issues at all, and, aside from his weird clothing and food choices, readers never really get to know him.–Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD Gr 9 Up–Christian Cage’s mother and father disappeared from the small town of Winter, WI, long ago, leaving him with his pragmatic Uncle Hank, the town sheriff. Clues left behind by his mother have led Christian to believe that his parents are both trapped in “the sideways place” and unable to return home. An outcast at school because of the belief that he caused the near-suicide of his first-grade teacher years earlier, the 17-year-old spends his spare time obsessively drawing images of the sideways place. As the novel opens, he discovers that in his sleep he has painted swastikas on a prominent citizen’s barn. Soon after, he begins to have waking nightmares in which he sees a violent incident from the past through the eyes of a young Jewish boy. Frightened and bewildered, Christian researches Winter’s history for an explanation, unearthing long-forgotten World War II-era events involving a camp for German prisoners of war. He also searches for answers about his growing ability to draw the thoughts and nightmares of those around him. Bick has created a likable teen protagonist whose unique ability is completely believable in the author’s skilled hands. The novel brilliantly strikes a compelling balance between fantasy and contemporary fiction. Readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to find out what happens next and will clamor for a sequel to follow Christian into the sideways place.–Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD BOELTS, Maribeth. The PS Brothers. 138p. CIP. Harcourt. 2010. Tr $15. ISBN 978-0-547-34249-8. LC 2009049975. Gr 5-7–Russell’s life has been difficult ever since his mother died in a car accident and his father was arrested for theft. He’s been living with his Uncle Cory, who allows him to stay by himself in an old pop-up camper in the backyard. Russell and his friend Shawn, who comes from a family of six boys and has to share a bedroom with four of them, wear old clothes that are often patched together with tape. Both boys are targets of teasing. When not in school, they spend their time at the library reading about dogs and dream about owning a tough one to defend them from bullies. When attempting to purchase one with money earned as the Pooper Scooper Brothers, the sixth graders encounter animal abuse and illegal dogfighting. Part of the appeal of this book is its edginess. Shawn’s and Russell’s hardscrabble existences and their heartfelt yearning for a dog to defend them are compelling. Though the story wraps up too neatly and some of the lessons learned seem forced, the characters are well developed and kids will enjoy the friendship between Russell and Shawn. The subject matter and simple, yet interesting, story line make this a good choice for reluctant readers.–Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL BOIE, Kirsten. The Princess Trap. tr. from German by David Henry Wilson. 405p. Scholastic/Chicken House. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-22261-7. LC number unavailable. Gr 6-8–A year after the events in The Princess Plot (Scholastic, 2009), Princess Jenna’s adjustment to her new boarding school, and her new country, is not going smoothly. When she sees an opportunity to escape during a lavish garden party, she runs away, planning to reunite with her best friend. What she doesn’t plan on is that Perry, son of the Minister of the Interior, has also run away. Both of them are kidnapped and caught up in conspiracy to overthrow the king and incite a civil war. Frequent expository dialogue refreshes readers on the events of the first book, making it possible to jump straight into this one. While conspiracy stories often have many characters and plot twists, The Princess Trap gets particularly bogged down by its large cast and political maneuverings. In Jenna’s and Perry’s sections, their fears about their captors take a backseat to their predictable romantic troubles and contrived misunderstandings. The writing style is simplistic and at times awkward. Jenna’s royal status doesn’t factor into the plot much beyond a handy excuse for her kidnapping. Teens looking for princess stories will be better served by Meg Cabot’s “The Princess Diaries” (HarperCollins) or Gail Carson Levine’s novels.–Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA BOND, Victoria & T. R. Simon. Zora and Me. 192p. bibliog. chron. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4300-3. LC 2009047410. Gr 4-7–A spirit of gentleness pervades this story, along with an air of mystery and natural magic. The novel is set in Eatonville, FL, and imagines Zora Neale Hurston’s life from about fourth to sixth grade. The narrator, Carrie Brown, is probably based on the Carrie Roberts in Hurston’s autobiography, Dust Tracks on a Road (1942). Other major players such as Zora’s family, Joe Clarke, and the kindly white man who bestowed Zora with the nickname Sniglets, are also drawn from Dust Tracks, and the history of Eatonville. With its combination of adventure, history, and introspection, Zora and Me will work best in classrooms–perhaps where an enticing read-aloud is needed but the audience is somewhat captive–for the times when the narrator sounds more like an adult than an 11-year-old, commenting about how “stories guard the pictures of the selves,” memory can be one-sided, and “good things alone don’t make up a person who’s real.” The authors have taken great care with historical accuracy, and the book is endorsed by the Zora Neale Hurston Trust. Zora’s reputation for tall tales and her urge to see the world are directly tied to the real Hurston’s natural storytelling ability and desire to travel. A brief biography, time line, and annotated bibliography are included.–Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX BRACEGIRDLE, P. J. Unearthly Asylum. Bk. 2. 298p. (The Joy of Spooking Series). CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-3418-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0718-3. LC 2009032212. Gr 4-7–The tension between the residents of eccentric, dilapidated Spooking and those of upscale, soulless Darlington continues in this sequel to Fiendish Deeds (S & S, 2008). Joy Wells, having halted one attempt at Spooking’s gentrification in her first adventure, hopes to have the town preserved as a historical site by proving that it was the residence of her favorite author, E. A. Peugeot. Meanwhile Mr. Phipps, the cynical, ambitious aide to the mayor of Darlington, pursues his aim of getting Spooking wiped off the map by trying to convert the town’s mysterious, almost-deserted insane asylum into a modern spa and cosmetic-surgery clinic. The themes of confronting mortality and seeking eternal youth appear consistently (if, on occasion, obviously) through the book’s numerous entwining threads, which include the secret behind the asylum’s reclusive inhabitants, a legend of an undead army, a Gypsy curse, and a mysterious girl. Bracegirdle manages to weave these seemingly disparate ideas into a gripping climax while leaving a few compelling mysteries for the trilogy’s conclusion. Joy’s nonconformist attitude and bouts of self-doubt will speak to many readers, and Phipps makes for a complex antagonist. Give this series to fans of Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (HarperCollins, 2010) or Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (HarperCollins, 2002) read-alikes.–Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO BROWN, Lauren. Roxy’s Rules. Bk. 1. 156p. (The Doggy Divas Series). Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2010. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-3888-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-7–Roxy is excited about starting seventh grade. She plans to rule Monroe Middle School with her best friend and co-queen bee, Liz Craft. Then, on the first day, Liz finds out that her crush, Matt Billings, kissed Roxy over the summer. Roxy is exiled from the popular clique and forced to befriend two girls whom she had previously bullied. Things begin to turn around for Roxy when a local dog walkers’ strike gives her an idea to start her own business, Doggy Divas. With the help of her new friends Kim and Georgia, it becomes a huge success, but everything is threatened when Liz becomes a client and tries to ruin everything. This fluff-filled novel never gets off the ground. The story falls flat with unlikable characters who are never fully developed. Roxy doesn’t go through enough of a transformation to be satisfying to readers and the friendship that develops between her and the girls she used to torment feels hasty and insincere. Brown’s inclusion of the dogs’ perspectives may charm some readers, but will come off as gimmicky to others. The rushed, too-neat ending will not leave kids scrambling for the sequel.–Rachael Myers, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY BUCKINGHAM, Royce. The Dead Boys. 203p. Putnam. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25222-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-8–In this tightly plotted suspense novel, Teddy meets several other 12-year-old boys in his new town, but there’s something eerie about each one. Eventually he realizes that every kid died years ago under mysterious circumstances and that he may be the next target. The evil force behind their demise is a sentient sycamore tree with powers derived from nuclear waste, a kind of wild premise that actually makes for an appropriately creepy villain. Some readers will spot the hints about the dead boys’ situation, uncovering bits of the truth along with or just ahead of the protagonist, as the well-paced tale moves deftly from mystery into high action. Ultimately he must endure each of the gruesome dangers that killed the ghostly kids, including rattlesnakes, scorpions, and the thorny, twisting tree that’s behind it all. There’s a nice mixture of cliff-hanger escapes, mystery exposition, and lighter moments provided by Teddy’s narration. Though the hero’s personality is not especially complex, the empathy he shows for the boys and his resourcefulness in defying the killer tree make him someone to root for. The climactic battle is appropriately suspenseful, leading to a satisfying and surprising conclusion.–Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR BURNS, Laura J & Melinda Metz. Crave. 288p. S & S. 2010. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0816-6; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0817-3. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–Born with a rare untreatable blood disorder, 16-year-old Shay knows she will never lead a normal life. She has accepted her fate but longs for the day when people can look beyond her illness and see her for herself. That day comes when her stepfather, Martin, an expert in the field of leukemia research, begins giving her a new type of transfusion. The treatments give her energy, strength, and awesome visions, which stir Shay’s desire to live and cause her to want more. She breaks into Martin’s office and finds Gabriel, the guy from her visions, chained to a table and sets him free. Kidnapped by him and on the run from Martin, Shay finds her world turned upside down. Crave is a fast-paced, action-packed vampire thriller with an original and refreshing story line. Gabriel’s life is beautifully revealed through Shay’s visions, and the well-written plot conveys depth and feeling while exploring important issues like friendship, loyalty, trust, love, and betrayal. A satisfying read with a shocking cliff-hanger ending.–Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School , NY BUZBEE, Lewis. The Haunting of Charles Dickens. illus. by Greg Ruth. 309p. Feiwel & Friends. Nov. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-312-38256-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 6-8–Nineteenth-century London was a dangerous place for children; some were stolen from their families and forced to work in dreadful factories. Young Meg Pickel is not one of these unfortunates; she has a safe home and a loving family, but her teenage brother disappeared six months earlier, and their widowed father appears to have given up hope of finding him. The Pickels are not without resources; their dear friend is the world-famous novelist Charles Dickens, and he joins forces with Meg to solve the mystery of Orion’s disappearance. Their search allows readers to tour the city, with its horse-drawn carriages, pubs, heavy fog, pickpockets, and press gangs. Many scenes and characters take inspiration from Dickens’s novels. But having the author in the mix is a bit of a deus ex machina; his fame and fortune help the characters through many a tight spot. The tale begins with a fake seance and a real ghost, but Buzbee never revisits or explains these supernatural elements. Instead, he gets the search moving quickly, and the fast pace may help some readers past the flowery, pseudo-Dickensian writing style. Ruth’s delightful black-and-white drawings add atmosphere and interest. If historical mystery fans are not quite up for Philip Pullman’s Ruby in the Smoke (Knopf, 1987) or Eleanor Updale’s Montmorency (Scholastic, 2004), this book could be a good way to work up to them.–Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT CAREY, Janet Lee. The Dragons of Noor. 432p. glossary. Egmont USA. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-035-1; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-103-7. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-8–This sequel to The Beast of Noor (S & S, 2006) starts with a bang–well, a crash–and never lets up. Children are disappearing, taken by the wind, including 14-year-old Hanna’s little brother and students from the Meer school where 16-year-old Miles is learning music and magic. At the same time, the waytrees that form the bond between Noor and Oth, the home of the dragons, have been dying. And the dragons, who have been waiting for more than 700 years to return to Oth, are frantic. The world building and tone are just right, and the themes of friendship, loyalty, responsibility, and protection of the planet are never intrusive. Hanna and Miles are realistic teens, affected by magical events in the past, unsure of their own abilities, and capable beyond their wildest imaginings. Most of the secondary characters are equally compelling, though Taunier, a young man who can control fire and the object of Hanna’s very innocent interest, is disappointingly flat. The style is pure fairy tale and quite lovely. Only at the very end, when the characters are comparing the taste of a magical fruit to papayas and peaches, are readers jarred away from this magical place. Knowledge of the earlier book isn’t required, but readers who missed it will want to catch up on the first adventure.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library CARTER, Ally. Only the Good Spy Young. Bk. 4. 265p. Hyperion/Disney. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-2820-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 6-10–Cameron Morgan’s junior year at an elite spy school is off to an inauspicious start. She’s lured away from her friends, held hostage by a former teacher-turned-rogue, and given the cryptic message: “follow the pigeons.” Cammie knows the Circle (evil terrorist operatives so secret many doubt their existence) is still after her. Gallagher Academy is now on a ridiculously high security alert and everyone, including teachers and friends, is suspect. Questions abound. Who can Cammie trust? Why does the Circle want her? And can she possibly have a relationship with super-cute double-agent Zach? Reading the first three books in the series is helpful but not necessary. There’s enough background information to bring readers up to speed on Cammie’s world and past adventures. Humorous, fast-paced fun.–Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA CHOAT, Beth. Soccerland. 231p. (The International Sports Academy Series). CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5724-4. LC 2010001802. Gr 5-8–Flora Dupre loves soccer, and before her mom died of cancer, she made a promise that one day she was going to play for the U.S. Women’s National Team. She dominates the team at her secondary school, but she is not being challenged, and she longs to play with more seasoned players than those in her little Maine town. She gets her chance when her coach tells her that she has been invited to Colorado for a two-week National Team Identification Camp, where she quickly finds out that things are quite different in the big leagues. The head coach seems to have it in for her with constant criticism; a clique of mean girls makes fun of her large stature; and she feels very alone in the pool of 100 girls who are just as determined as she is to get one of the few spots on the Under-15 national team. Choat’s background in sports journalism is obvious. While soccer action takes precedence over any deep character development, readers will enjoy following Flora’s new friendships, budding romance, and changing relationship with her father. Themes of sportsmanship and the mental and physical aspects of training are subtly woven into the story line. John Feinstein, Tim Green, and Mike Lupica have broadened the availability of engaging sports fiction with male protagonists; this is a solid purchase for collections looking to expand female representation in their sports-themed novels.–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA DARLING, Christina Rossetti, comp. Classic Horse Stories. 144p. illus. Chronicle. 2010. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-6569-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 3-7–This celebration of the world of horses includes a variety of genres. There are excerpts from novels such as The Red Pony, Black Beauty, and The Horse and His Boy, among others. Poems portray the majesty, vulnerability, and spirit of both mythical creatures such as Pegasus and ordinary animals such as an old horse about to be replaced by a motorcar. Several highlight riders from cowgirls to equestriennes. The nonfiction selections are brief but dispense some interesting tidbits on such topics as the origin of the cowboy and Thoroughbreds and their mascots. Color as well as black-and-white illustrations throughout incorporate many styles. Cartoon illustrations lightheartedly depict the art of horsemanship in one selection. Several full-page painterly portraits capture the beauty of horses. Others are book illustrations by C.W. Anderson and Wesley Dennis. Horse enthusiasts will enjoy browsing this appealing anthology and experiencing how various authors have portrayed this animal and its relationship with others.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA DAVID, Keren. When I Was Joe. 364p. Frances Lincoln. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-84780-100-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–This book has an intriguing premise and a cast of likable and realistic characters. Ty, 13, is a socially inept teen who lives in the shadow of his charismatic but dangerous best friend. He is the only witness to a violent murder, and those involved will stop at nothing to silence him, forcing him and his mother to say good-bye to their old lives and join the witness-protection program. All of a sudden, nobody Ty becomes cool, athletic somebody Joe at his new school, but no hair dye or wardrobe change can erase the terrifying memories that haunt him. David creates a tense thriller that leads readers further into Ty’s psyche, where there are many secrets hiding. At the same time Ty has become interested in girls and loves basking in the glow of his newly discovered talent at running. David handles a plot that could have been overly melodramatic with a subtle and deft hand. Especially impressive is the way she deals with Ty’s many relationships. His mother is bored, misses her mother and sisters, and begins drinking; well-meaning but suspicious police officers appear often, not sure they believe Ty’s story, and he has made new friends, particularly Claire. Then he is discovered and must be relocated again. The novel closes with a letter to Claire confessing a secret that will have teens clamoring to know more. Ty’s story doesn’t so much end as just stop, leaving readers still in the dark as to who is after the teen and whether he will survive. The book concludes with the first chapter of the sequel, Almost True.–Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI DAVIDSON, Jenny. Invisible Things. 272p. HarperTeen. Nov. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-123978-6. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–Set in 1939 Denmark, this story uses the same alternative history device as Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan (S & S, 2009), but it doesn’t work here. Instead, the book is a confusing mishmash of characters with the history and science not fully explored. It is a novel more of explanation than action. Sixteen-year-old Sophie, an orphan living at a scientific facility operated by Niels Bohr, has been smuggled out of Scotland for her own safety. She’s hoping to speak to Alfred Nobel about the death of her parents. After a gas and pellet attack at Bohr’s birthday party and the subsequent invasion of Denmark, Sophie, her friend Mikael (undergoing some strange personality changes due to the gas), and a few of the scientists from the institute evacuate to Sweden where they stay in the same boarding house as Mikael’s brother. After a rather surreal meeting with Nobel, during which she finds out that her father had successfully designed the atomic bomb, she gets confirmation that she is Nobel’s granddaughter and heir. She is sent on a long journey to negotiate plans for the weapon, and to rescue Mikael, who has been hypnotized into following Elsa Blix, a weapons dealer and also an illegitimate child of Nobel’s who only wants recognition of her paternity. Few readers will stick with Invisible Things to its unsatisfying and rather sudden conclusion.–Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL DE FOMBELLE, Timothée. Toby and the Secrets of the Tree. tr. by Sarah Ardizzone. illus. by François Place. 414p. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4655-4. LC 2009014833. Gr 5-8–After the cliff-hanger ending of Toby Alone (Candlewick, 2009), the miniature protagonist returns to try to locate his kidnapped parents and prevent the destruction of the Tree that houses settlements of tiny humans. His childhood friend Leo Blue has become a power broker and rules from the Nest on high, while Joe Mitch maintains control of the Low Branches, capturing and enslaving Grass people to dig out the Crater and increase his fortune. Between Leo’s blind quest for supremacy and Joe Mitch’s exploitation of its resources, the Tree is rapidly declining. Toby must navigate carefully to avoid the dangers they present. Moreover, Leo is determined to win Elisha Lee, and, when he realizes that Toby holds her heart, his intent to destroy his former friend becomes murderous. De Fombelle sprinkles social commentary liberally throughout the plot’s twists and turns, and, while it will go over the heads of some readers, others will appreciate the pulls between big business and the environment and the distrust between the Grass and Tree people. Place’s pen-and-ink illustrations are scattered generously throughout and enhance the overall quirkiness. Though the forvolume can stand alone, youngsters unfamiliar with the first installment may find it difficult to keep track of the large cast of characters and where their loyalties lie. This interesting piece of eco-fantasy provides a satisfying conclusion for those who enjoyed the first book.–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA DEAN, Carolee. Take Me There. 327p. S & S/Pulse. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8950-9; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4391-5743-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–Dylan Dawson, 17, is trying to stay on the right path. After a stint in juvenile hall for possession of stolen property, he’s keeping his distance from gang activity and wants to do well at his job. However, it seems everything is going against him: a dad in prison, an alcoholic mom, and, on top of that, he can’t read. He seeks solace in poems, and in Jess, a rich-girl love interest. Inevitably, he finds himself in a bad situation, running from the law and the gang, and headed to Texas to discover the truth about his father’s trangression and his unknown past. Dean deftly portrays Dylan’s tough-guy exterior along with his soft side through the poetry that floats in his head and is interspersed throughout the novel. The supporting characters, including a loyal but none-too-wise best friend and surly grandmother, are well drawn and believable. The story moves quickly as the mystery of Dylan’s father’s crime unfolds, partially revealed through chapters of a memoir the man wrote in prison and spurred on by his impending execution. At times, the book’s message is a bit too obvious, but readers will empathize with Dylan, who is sincere in a desire to reform but can’t seem to escape his circumstances.–Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA DEMATTEIS, J. M. Imaginalis. 248p. CIP. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-173286-7. LC 2009039764. Gr 4-7–Mehera, an avid fan of the “Imaginalis” books, is anxiously awaiting the next installment. Devastated when she finally learns that the novel has been canceled, she tries to contact the author, to no avail. When she begins to receive strange messages and is eventually transported to Nolandia, the 12-year-old discovers that her long-held belief that Imaginalis is real is, in fact, true. The denizens of this world–including the seer Prognostica, valiant Prince Imagos, and the wise, Ganesh-esque Lord Nossyss–will cease to exist unless she can find the author and convince her to write the rest of the story. Fighting against the youngster and her companions is the villainous Pralaya, who seeks to become a resident of Earth and destroy it as he has long sought to destroy Imaginalis. The underpinnings of DeMatteis’s novel are reminiscent of “The Chronicles of Narnia” with its religious parallels (in this case, Hinduism), humans who are responsible for the fate of an imaginary world, and powerful leader who is willing to sacrifice all for the good of his people. Some parts of the plot seem underdeveloped, and Mehera herself is not a particularly engaging character. However, the premise is intriguing and will delight readers who imagine themselves in the pages of their favorite books. – Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA DEVLIN, Ivy. Low Red Moon. 208p. Bloomsbury. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-510-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–Avery, 17, remembers her parents’ broken bodies, the blood–enough to cover her–and a flash of silver; nothing more. She had been living in the woods with her mother and father, and their murders force her to move into town, to the home of a grandmother she barely knows. Enter the new boy in school. Ben lives in the woods, and something about him calls to Avery with a sharp, visceral pull. With his sometimes-silver eyes, Ben is something more than human, something that Avery wants but is not sure she can trust. Readers can feel Avery come alive in her sorrow, confusion, and desires. However, the romance aspect of the story continually threatens to overwhelm the mystery, which is wonderfully written. The constant I trust him, I don’t, he’s dangerous, he’s not, gets a bit tiring. The ending leaves room for a sequel, but does not demand it. Devlin (aka Elizabeth Scott) has written a novel that will definitely appeal to fans of paranormal fiction/romance.–Melyssa Malinowski, Parkville High School, Baltimore, MD DICKENS, Charles. David Copperfield. ISBN 978-1-60754-852-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-8–Francis has done a careful job of retelling the originals in a concise if somewhat uninspired manner. In particular, she uses the epistolary styles of the original Dracula and Frankenstein in her retelling while using simple language and plot summaries that children will follow with ease. Students who read these books would be able to summarize the stories’ main points, but may be left in the dark as to why these classics are held in such reverence, as the style is more reportage than fiction. Contributing to the dry tone are low-quality illustrations that lack detail and are unlikely to draw children’s attention. There are helpful appendixes and introductions, however. “Graphic Classic” (Eureka) is a similar series with broader appeal to this age group.–Jane Cronkhite, Santa Clara County Library, CA DRAKE, David. The Legions of Fire. Bk. 1. 368p. Tor. 2010. Tr $25.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-2078-0. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–Drake opens a four-book epic saga with this convoluted fantasy. Four people are in the middle of a struggle between two powers bent on either dominating or destroying the world. Varus, a poet, is the pawn of a group of ancient magicians trying to set the world aflame. His friend Corylus, the son of a soldier, and his sister, Alphena, both begin to have visions about the end of the world. Hedia, Varus’s mother-in-law, is certain that her husband’s new companion, a foreign magician named Nemastes, is behind all of the strange occurrences. The four characters are drawn further into the events as the world shifts around them: Corylus is advised by a Norse god, and the others must all navigate the land of dreams. All of them make small choices that change the course of events for the whole world. Unfortunately, over the course of the novel, they are merely the game pieces of the larger forces that seem to move them around. Though they are the central figures, they are thrust into events with little knowledge or motive, and seem to succeed by chance rather than intention. The plot is convoluted, and the setting, which features real-world locations and historical events, is so like ancient Rome that it is a mystery why Drake chose to rename it. Some fantasy fans may be interested in a new series with historical details and mythological figures, but The Legions of Fire is unlikely to win over a large audience.–Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT DUNKLE, Clare B. The House of Dead Maids. illus. by Patrick Arrasmith. 160p. CIP. Holt. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9116-8. LC 2009050769. Gr 6 Up–Beginning with her selection from a group of orphan girls by the aloof Miss Winter, 11-year-old Tabby narrates a tale about her service at Seldom House, a crumbling, remote manor on the English moors. Strange events occur almost immediately: she is given a large room but is locked in at night and soon encounters the eyeless ghost of another young maid named Izzy. Tabby is told that she is to care for the young master, who will arrive shortly. He proves to be a dirty urchin who has a quick temper and imperious manner and is referred to by the old master as “a heathen git.” As the children roam the house, grounds, and surrounding hills, more and more ghosts appear to them. Finally they encounter a group of grimy, moldering maids on the moors. Determined to learn why Izzy seems to be trying to warn her, Tabby explores the manor and finds that a gruesome fate awaits her and her young master. Not until the last chapter do readers discover that this story is a prequel to Wuthering Heights. Dunkle has incorporated real people (Tabitha Aykroyd was the Brontës’ housemaid, well-known for telling her young charges “otherworldly tales”), fictional characters (the boy is revealed to be a young Heathcliff), and the ancient Druidic practice of human sacrifice into a tense tale of supernatural doings. Whether or not the story will lead readers to Emily Brontë’s classic novel remains to be seen.–Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH EAGLAND, Jane. Wildthorn. 350p. Houghton Harcourt. 2010. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-547-37017-0. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–When 17-year-old Louisa Cosgrove arrives at England’s Wildthorn Hall, her world suddenly turns upside down. She is told that she’s sick and that her name is Lucy Childs. When she protests, she is told, “Thinking you are someone else and thinking you are not ill are signs of how sick you are. You are lucky that you are here where we have the skill to cure you.” With these words, her nightmare begins. Louisa tells her story herself, therefore pulling readers into her harrowing experience in the asylum. Eagland skillfully fills in backstory by having Louisa narrate the events that led up to her confinement. She recalls her early childhood and how her father encouraged her study of medicine, while her mother entreated her to conform to 19th-century expectations for her gender. These memories alternate with her current experiences and cruel treatment in the hospital. In fact, the author manages to plant a seed of doubt as to whether Louisa is really who she says and believes she is. Eagland does a beautiful job of depicting the “real” Louisa in the end, with an unusual twist on the conventional romantic denouement. Teens will identify with her frustration at not being believed, be horrified by how she is mistreated, feel relief about her daring escape, and learn a great deal about life in a 19th-century “mad house.” Modern readers may find it difficult to accept the reason for her being locked up, but most teens will stick with Louisa’s story until the end.–Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY ELKELES, Simone. Return to Paradise. 285p. Flux. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-1868-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–This emotionally honest, fast-paced sequel to Elkeles’s Leaving Paradise (Flux, 2007) reads like a stand-alone novel. In that book, Caleb Becker assumed responsibility for the drunk-driving accident that left Maggie Armstrong with a permanent limp, and he endured a year in juvenile detention. He came home to begin again, but after a brief but intense relationship with Maggie, he left Paradise once more. In this book, Caleb’s transition counselor plans to have him join a group called “Re-START,” conducting meetings and presentations designed to help teens make smart choices. This program lands him face to face with Maggie, and over the course of the summer they work through feelings of anger, frustration, tension, attraction, and affection. Their relationship is played against the backdrop of the other members of their group. Written from Maggie’s and Caleb’s alternating perspectives, the conversational narratives occasionally contain vulgar language, but they give readers insights into the way the characters think, feel, and act toward one another. Teens will be compelled to continue reading as the angst is vividly played out with all its raw passion, desire, tension, trust, loss, and gain. Maggie and Caleb are great characters, and the supporting cast provides a much-needed backdrop of support and guidance. Maturity and responsibility for one’s actions are also important themes. Elkeles gives readers a thoroughly satisfying novel and much to think about.–Robert A. Zupperoli, Warren Harding High School, Brideport, CT FEHLER, Gene. Never Blame the Umpire. 184p. CIP. Zonderkidz. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-310-71941-0. LC 2009021155. Gr 4-6–Faith is a tricky thing; its demands are as great as its benefits and it is meaningless without adversity to test it. And so it is with Kate, whose happy, small-town life is upended with the news of her mother’s terminal cancer. First-person-present narration takes the sensitive 11-year-old through the grieving process over the course of a summer, as baseball, a poetry workshop, and her mother’s own strong faith in God teach and strengthen her. Fehler uses the workshop as a plot device to show Kate’s interior growth, teaching readers something about the creative process as well. Kate is supported through her journey by a cast of wholesome characters who exemplify the Christian model and ring true despite their one-dimensionality. Her friend Ginny is an empathetic and talented actress; poet Allison is deep and spiritual; brother Cal’s pest facade crumbles early on. The adults serve as examples to the children; Coach emphasizes team spirit, the poetry teacher is patient and perceptive, the dying mother inspires, while Dad holds the family together in tragedy. Fehler’s world, populated by folks who care about one another and make good decisions, may seem archaic to readers who are used to young characters who act like cynical adults and adults who behave like children, but many people hold these standards as their own and will be moved and encouraged by this simple depiction of a faithful family in crisis.–Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Charlotte, NC FIXMER, Elizabeth. Saint Training. 242p. Zonderkidz. 2010. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72018-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-8–Sixth-grader Mary Clare is the oldest girl in a large Catholic family. The year is 1967, and with only her father working, her family is struggling financially. She fears that her mother, who is expecting yet another child, is losing her faith. On top of all this, her beloved older brother receives his draft notice for the Vietnam War. Wanting to help her family with all of their problems, Mary Clare decides to become a saint. She makes bargains with God in exchange for His help, but worries she might not be saint material. (She passes notes in class.) The story is by turns heartbreaking and hilarious. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes it unique may limit its audience. The novel is so steeped in Roman Catholicism that it’s best appreciated by those who have had a parochial-school education or are familiar with the history of the faith, especially the changes brought by Vatican II and what they meant for practicing Catholics. Glimpses into the Civil Rights and Women’s Liberation Movements of the 1960s and the role religion played in both heighten the sense of time and place.–Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA FORD, Michael Thomas. Z. 276p. CIP. HarperTeen. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-073758-0. LC 2009044005. Gr 7 Up–It is the year 2032 and Josh and his buddy Firecracker spend every spare minute playing their favorite computer video game fighting zombies. Josh’s parents disapprove of the game; his aunt had been one of the unfortunates in the last generation who caught a terrible virus that actually turned people into real zombies. That tragedy seems a distant reality to Josh and his friend, and when one of the cyber-game players contacts him to see if he wants to play a reality-based version, he jumps at the chance. Charlie turns out to be an avant-garde girl who introduces him to the zombie game that at first seems something akin to today’s paintball wars. However, the “kills” seem very real. Josh is a good player, and when Charlie introduces him to the drug “Z” that makes it all so much cooler, Josh starts ditching his friend and his responsibilities to play the game with Charlie and the other worrisome players like Scrawl and Clatter. As the games progress in various parts of the underbelly of the town and Josh takes more and more of the drug, things start ebooking out of control and the game gets more dangerous and a little too real. This book is a thriller, and the clever plot and characters will have readers hoping for more.–Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO FRIESNER, Esther. Sphinx’s Queen. 352p. CIP. Random. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85657-0; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95657-7; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89331-5. LC 2010013769. Gr 6-9–Friesner continues the story of young Nefertiti, betrothed of Prince Thutmose but friend (and, later, wife) to Prince Amenophis. In Sphinx’s Princess (Random, 2009), Nefertiti is falsely accused by Thutmose of blasphemy for killing his cat, sacred to the Egyptian goddess Bast. As this story opens, she has escaped from prison with the help of Amenophis and her Hebrew (“Hebiri”) servant, Nava. Nefertiti is unhampered by religious orthodoxy, reflecting a very modern sensibility. She and the other characters reach their greatest humanity when they tear aside priestly hypocrisy and political intrigue and make peace with one another despite the adults’ machinations. All of this is done in fine prose that expresses the questioning of religion that most young people experience as they approach maturity. A statement made by Amenophis after he has impersonated the goddess of truth (Ma’at) and saved Nefertiti could, with little revision, come from any human era: “If the gods have any real power, why do they stand by and allow us to buy and sell their voices? If Ma’at is the goddess of truth, why does she remain silent and permit so many lies to flourish?” This deeply moral book tells a good story; or, rather, this good story reveals deeply moral truths.–Corinne Henning-Sachs, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME Gr 3 Up–With disarming delicacy and unexpected good cheer, Gidwitz reweaves some of the most shocking and bloody stories that the Brothers Grimm collected into a novel that’s almost addictively compelling. He gives fair warning that this is no prettified, animated version of the old stories. “Are there any small children in the room now?” he asks midway through the first tale, “If so, it would be best if we just...hurried them off to bed. Because this is where things start to get, well...awesome.” Many of humanity’s least attractive, primal emotions are on display: greed, jealousy, lust, and cowardice. But, mostly it’s the unspeakable betrayal by bad parents and their children’s journey to maturation and forgiveness that are at the heart of the book. Anyone who’s ever questioned why Hansel and Gretel’s father is so readily complicit in their probable deaths and why the brother and sister, nonetheless, return home after their harrowing travails will find satisfying explanations here. Gidwitz is terrifying and funny at the same time. His storytelling is so assured that it’s hard to believe this is his debut novel. And his treatment of the Grimms’ tales is a whole new thing. It’s equally easy to imagine parents keeping their kids up late so they can read just one more chapter aloud, kids finishing it off under the covers with a flashlight, and parents sneaking into their kids’ rooms to grab it off the nightstand and finish it themselves.–Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY GIFF, Patricia Reilly. Storyteller. 176p. map. CIP. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-83888-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93888-7; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89744-3. LC 2009048130. Gr 5-7–Giff juxtaposes two stories to highlight a little-known piece of Revolutionary War history. Present-day Elizabeth has been sent to stay with her deceased mother’s sister while her father travels to Australia. Resistant at first, she gradually becomes comfortable with her Aunt Libby and is fascinated by a drawing of an ancestor, a girl who lived through the War for Independence. Zee narrates her dramatic story: living on a farm in upstate New York, her Patriot family is pitted against Loyalist neighbors. When her father and brother leave for battle, her house is attacked and burned and her mother is killed. Handicapped by hands burned in the fire, she sets off to find her father and brother and is caught up in what has come to be known as the Battle of Oriskany. While Elizabeth knows nothing of Zee’s story, she is helped by her reclusive Uncle Harry, a history buff, to piece together events by visiting the site of the battle and of Zee’s home. Another discovery is made in an antiques shop where Harry has found other drawings, presumably of Zee, by the same artist who did Libby’s drawing. Through this experience, Elizabeth acknowledges her own storytelling ability, an implied connection between the two girls. Zee’s story is compelling, and, by embedding many historical details, including the role of the Iroquois in the conflict, into the vehicle of Elizabeth’s trip with her uncle, the novel barely escapes didacticism. The fast-paced narrative, toggling back and forth between the 18th and 21st centuries, will keep readers interested.–Marie Orlando, North Shore Public Library, Shoreham, NY Gr 9 Up–In this high-energy dystopian novel set on Mars, 16-year-old Durango and his crew of Regulators have been hired to protect a group of miners and their children from the cannibalistic Draeu, who are led by an evil, enigmatic queen in search of the miners’ reputed treasure. The Regulators are vastly outnumbered, and this might be their last mission unless quick-witted Durango and his feisty lieutenant, Vienne, can come up with a plan. The spirited, sarcastic dialogue between them masks their growing feelings for each other, though there’s no time to explore romance with the high-octane action going on around them. The story is more violent than many YA science-fiction novels; there’s scarcely a moment between flying shrapnel, explosions, and bloody fistfights. The occasional lack of exposition on the unfamiliar Martian technology may stump some readers, but that tiny flaw is easily overcome by the appealing characters, sharp dialogue, and action-packed plot. Durango’s tendency toward acting first and thinking later is tempered by his former chief, Mimi, now a symbiotic nano-implant in Durango’s brain, who offers equal parts hilarious sarcasm and logical advice sprinkled with quotes from classical poetry and 20th-century pop culture. Science-fiction fans will cheer Durango on in his exploits and enjoy the twists in the novel’s satisfying conclusion. Those clamoring for more of Durango, Vienne, and Mimi will find their hopes for a sequel bolstered when the trio set off at the novel’s end for a mysterious outpost that seems perfect for another adventure.–Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD GOSSELINK, John. The Defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter. 231p. CIP. Abrams/Amulet. 2010. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-8977-1. LC 2009052209. Gr 5-8–Thaddeus Ledbetter has gotten himself into a lot of trouble by staging an unauthorized safety drill at Crooked Creed Middle School. The consequence of his behavior is a yearlong, in-school suspension, which takes place in isolation with one tired teacher’s aide for supervision. This gives Thaddeus much time to prepare his defense, the result of which is this humorous, over-the-top account of his misdeeds. The unauthorized safety drill was only one of several incidents involving the school. Besides these antics, Thaddeus is constantly trying to improve his principal’s management skills and the teaching techniques of the faculty. Thaddeus’s demands for improvements and, at times, spot-on advice and suggestions, make this an entertaining read. Kids will root for him on as they identify with his frustrations, such as an outdated grading system and teachers spending more time on lesson plans than on teaching. As the real story subtly evolves, it becomes evident that the boy’s concern for disaster training is related to his father’s recent death from cancer. The story is delivered through letters, notes, school reports, clever illustrations, and journal entries. It has the same sassy, irreverent spirit as Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series (Abrams) but will appeal to a slightly older crowd. The format, though at times purposely distracting, makes it an enjoyable choice for everyone, including reluctant readers.–Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL GREEN, Risa. The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball. 316p. Sourcebooks/Fire. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-4106-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 7-10–Logical and practical, high school sophomore Erin Channing is focused on keeping her spot atop the GPA list and earning a trip to Italy with her AP Art History teacher. However, she is worried that she won’t be chosen because she has “the most boring, normal, regular life ever.” All that is irrevocably changed when the aunt she hasn’t heard from in years dies suddenly, leaving the teen a pink crystal ball and a set of cryptic instructions. Erin figures the object is one last example of “Aunt Kooky’s” infamous eccentricity, but even she can’t deny that it is more than coincidence when the ball’s predictions begin to come true. Events ebook out of control as, at the prodding of her best friends and despite her better judgment, she uses the crystal ball without fully understanding its powers. Green’s novel has a touch of romance but is rooted in Erin’s relationship with her best friends, Lindsay and Samantha. It has some similar elements to Maureen Johnson’s 13 Little Blue Envelopes (HarperCollins, 2005)–both feature teens set on a path of self-discovery due to the bequest of a recently deceased aunt. Though some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, readers will respond to Erin’s growth and understanding, and her decision to control her own destiny.–Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL GRIMES, Nikki. A Girl Named Mister. 223p. Web sites. CIP. Zondervan. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72078-2. LC 2010010830. Gr 8 Up–Mary Rudine, nicknamed Mister, enjoys going to church for the friends and the music, but her commitment to purity and her “good-girl” status are not enough to keep her from sleeping with her boyfriend. It only happens once–after that, Trey moves on and Mister is left with a guilty conscience. She turns to her church for support and forgiveness, which are freely given even when it becomes apparent that she is pregnant (“You’d think I grew a few extra mothers,” she quips). Still feeling estranged from God, Mister turns to a fictionalized account of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and finds that the story resonates with her on many levels. As Mister’s pregnancy progresses, she struggles with questions of what she should do, and whether giving her baby up for adoption would be the best choice. As she holds her newborn son, she marvels at the miracle of new life and chooses to trust God for what is best for her and her child, even if that means giving him up for adoption. The lyrical free-verse format of the novel communicates the deep emotions surrounding the parallel stories of Mister and Mary, two teenagers who have to deal with explaining their unplanned pregnancies to their families and friends. Though the story is most likely to appeal to Christian teens, all readers will be able to sympathize with the girl’s conflicting emotions about her baby, her boyfriend, and her mother as she struggles to balance pregnancy with a normal teenage life.–Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY HUTCHINSON, Shaun David. The Deathday Letter. 240p. CIP. S & S/Pulse. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9608-8; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9671-2. LC 2009038697. Gr 9 Up–In this mildly provocative but flat speculative story, Ollie, 15, has one day to live–and he knows it because in his otherwise just-like-ours world, everyone is mailed a Deathday Letter announcing their final 24 hours. His family members are devastated (but let him go to school)–and so are his best friend Shane and his ex Ronnie, who bust him out of Moriville High for a day worth going out on. Crude, girl-obsessed Ollie likes to spew predictable teen “truths” (e.g., “a teenage guy with a penis is like a twitchy marine with a live grenade”). Oddly, he doesn’t seem too weirded out as he goes with the flow of his friends’ ideas, some inspired by the bucket lists they wrote in sixth grade. Hijinx ensue, from jumping off a bridge to crashing a strip club to stumbling upon and smoking pot with an underground group investigating who’s behind the letters (an interesting side plot that doesn’t go anywhere). Along the way, he tries to make good on his rocky past with Ronnie, experiences some convenient emotional growth, and learns some not-so-shocking truths about Shane (he’s gay). The narrative is authentic, snappy, and sure to entertain, but what could be an insightful exploration of mortality or relationships is more a jaunty road to a romantic ending (one can almost hear the swell of ’80s movie music). A possibility for reluctant readers.–Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA HYDE, Catherine Ryan. Jumpstart the World. 208p. Knopf. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86665-4; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96665-1; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89677-4. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–When her mother chooses her boyfriend over her own daughter, Elle, 16, is moved into an apartment across Manhattan. She develops a friendship with Frank, who lives next door, and with Molly, Frank’s girlfriend. As her feelings toward Frank turn into a crush, Elle becomes conflicted over how to deal with them. At the same time, she is befriended by “Us,” a group of kids who are gay, lesbian, or just different in some way. When they meet Frank at a party and tell her they think he is a “trans man,” Elle becomes angry and abruptly asks them to leave. Then she learns that Frank is a woman in the process of becoming a man, and she withdraws. However, when Frank is hit by a car and Elle nearly loses her best friend, she begins to understand the importance of acceptance of both others and herself. The value of friendship and the struggle to be comfortable in one’s own skin are issues brought to light in this novel. As Elle learns to deal with who she is, she also learns to deal with those who aren’t just like her. Willing to admit her mistakes and growing stronger throughout the book, Elle is a likable, well-developed character with whom teens will identify.–Gina Bowling, South Gibson County High School, Medina, TN JORDAN, Sophie. Firelight. 326p. CIP. HarperCollins/Harper. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-193508-4. LC 2010007033. Gr 7 Up–Jacinda is extraordinary–even for a draki (descendants of dragons who can shift into human form): she is a fire-breather. Unique and invaluable to her “pride,” the 16-year-old is kept on a short leash, and it has already been ordained that she will mate with the alpha male, Cassian. Jacinda’s determination to do things her own way finds her nearly captured by dragon hunters, but a surprisingly kind young hunter named Will allows her to escape. Rather than suffer the pride??s punishment for her daughter’s risky behavior, Jacinda’s mother decides the family should flee to live among regular humans. Masquerading as a typical high school student would bury Jacinda’s draki nature until it died out. When Will turns out to be a classmate, Jacinda finds that her inexplicable attraction to him keeps her feel of fire and flight alive. Being near a hunter is the most dangerous choice Jacinda can make, yet her desire for him–and need to preserve her inner dragon–cannot be ignored. This distinctive twist on the popular supernatural romance theme will appeal to fans of the genre, even if a lack of resolution at this story’s culmination may frustrate some readers. “Twilight” fans ready to move beyond vampires will jump right in.–Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ JOSEPH, Danielle. Indigo Blues. 235p. Flux. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-2059-3. LC number unavailable. Gr 11 Up–Wouldn’t every girl love to be the subject of a #1 song? After the release of Indigo Blues by her ex-boyfriend, Indigo Jackson answers that question with a resounding “No!” The chart-topping song wreaks havoc on her home and social life, and all the while Adam is missing her, wanting her back, and adjusting to stardom with his band, Blank Stare. Alternating chapters tell the two sides of the story. Indigo felt smothered and never even considered their three-month relationship all that serious. Adam, however, fell hard and decided to write about his heartbreak in a song. Throughout the book, readers see both characters learn about themselves and others as a result of their sudden notoriety. While the characters are not particularly well developed, teens will relate to them. Joseph even does a good job of portraying Indigo’s family in a realistic light–they are supportive, kind, and normal–unlike the intrusive or absent parents that inhabit so many YA books. However, the story does include underage drinking that is neither questioned nor deemed problematic. Fans of John Green’s Paper Towns (Dutton, 2008) will likely enjoy this quirky novel that shares similar elements of exploring why some relationships just don’t have a happy ending.–Gina Bowling, South Gibson County High School, Medina, TN KAGAWA, Julie. The Iron Daughter. Bk. 2. 368p. (The Iron Fey Series). Harlequin Teen. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-373-21013-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 7-10–In The Iron King (Harlequin Teen, 2010), Meghan Chase, half Summer faery princess, half human, thought she had defeated the Iron fey. When they steal the Scepter of the Seasons from the Unseelie Court, where she is being held prisoner, she realizes that the battle is far from finished. She escapes, along with Ash, an Unseelie prince. To find the scepter, they journey through the faery and human worlds. Meghan must learn whom she can trust and to rely on her own smarts. After a slow start, the action picks up. The romance between Ash and Meghan intensifies, resulting in a cliff-hanger that sets the stage for a third book in the series. Fans of the first one will eat this up.–Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA KEPLINGER, Kody. The Duff. 277p. CIP. Little, Brown/Poppy. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08423-9. LC 2009045620. Gr 10 Up–Bianca Piper, 17, is smart, outspoken, and loyal to her two beautiful friends. She is also convinced that she is unattractive, an opinion confirmed when school hottie and “man-whore” Wesley Rush calls her a “Duff” (designated ugly fat friend). Bianca responds by throwing her Cherry Coke in his face, but when her mother decides to divorce her father, who then lapses into drinking again, she becomes involved in a secretive sexual relationship with Wesley to take her mind off her problems. Bianca finds that as their love/hate relationship continues, she is falling in love with him. Not surprisingly, Wesley, who has family problems of his own, reciprocates and announces that, although he doesn’t chase girls, he is chasing her. Eventually, everything comes to a satisfying but predictable conclusion. This debut novel is a fun read and surprisingly feminist in a number of ways. Keplinger makes good points about female body image and female friendship, and discusses how both men and women use offensive terms about women as a means of social control. Bianca and the other female characters are more believable and realistic than Wesley, who is straight out of female romantic fantasyland. It is a little difficult to understand why Bianca would get involved with him after he insults her, but in their romantic scenes, there is some seriously hot chemistry. These teens are realistically and openly sexual, and there are frequent discussions of such matters as birth control and STDs, as well as a few F-bombs. Older girls, including reluctant readers, will love this one.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ Gr 8 Up–Suicidal, anorexic Lisabeth thinks she is hallucinating when Death (who looks a lot like a certain dead grunge rock star) rings her doorbell, hands her a set of scales, and informs her that she is now one of the four riders of the Apocalypse–Famine, specifically. When ignoring the scales and the giant war horse grazing in the front yard doesn’t work, Lisabeth takes up the mantle of Famine and rides out to areas marked by the excess of gluttony and decimated by starvation. It’s not long before she learns how to spread hunger and discord, and maybe even how to balance the scales in the areas of the worst suffering. She meets fellow riders–War, who encourages her destructive tendencies, and Pestilence, who councils her to find balance because, “Well, if everyone dies, I’d be out a job, wouldn’t I?” At the heart of this slim novel is a teen struggling with serious food issues, and the storytelling is both realistic and compassionate. If the metaphor of an anorexic as Famine is obvious, the writing is never preachy, and it allows an interesting exploration of both intensely personal food issues and global ones. This book has an excellent hook and is short enough to recommend to reluctant readers.–Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA KEY, Watt. Dirt Road Home. 224p. CIP. Farrar. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30863-6. LC 22010011319. Gr 5-8–A companion to the award-winning Alabama Moon (Farrar, 2006), this novel stands on its own. The book opens with lots of action, as 14-year-old Hal is led in chains to the Hellenweiler Boys’ Home, a lockdown facility in Tuscaloosa where he is to serve out his sentence. He and his father have an agreement: Daddy is going to stop drinking and Hal is going to keep a clean slate while incarcerated. However, the teen soon discovers that this is almost impossible; he is immediately pressured to “claim” for one of two gangs, with both choices guaranteed to bring him trouble. Hal chooses the unthinkable–to join neither. The tension, positioning, threats, and shifting alliances among the boys are believable and will hook readers. The teen’s focus on his relationship with his father, as well as a new girlfriend, add moments of hope. The corruption of the supervising adults is also credible, and Hal’s idea to reveal it creates a page-turning experience. Unfortunately, the staff’s downfall is a little too easily accomplished and rings false, especially after all the gritty realism that comes before it. A happy ending with Daddy, Hal, and Caboose (another loner from the facility) neatly wraps up the story, putting this book squarely in the camp for younger readers with a tougher edge.–Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA Gr 8 Up–In this compelling retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, high school senior Esti Legard moves to the island of Cariba, in the West Indies, to begin theater studies at Manchicay School. Once there, she struggles to break free of the shadow of her late father, a legendary actor, in order to be recognized as a legitimate actress in her own right. During tryouts for Romeo and Juliet, Esti hears the seductive voice of a mysterious man–known as Alan–helping her through the audition. Unknown to anyone, she begins meeting privately with him at the theater although he refuses to reveal himself, and she performs in the play under his tutelage. When Esti shares with a classmate that she has been hearing Alan’s voice, the news spreads, and the superstitious islanders suspect he is a type of ghost–a jumbee. However, Alan’s passion for Shakespeare wins Esti over, and she begins falling for him, unsure of whether she has feelings for a man or a ghost. Further complicating matters is Esti’s growing attraction to a family friend turned bad boy, Rafe Solomon. When mysterious accidents befall the set of the play, everyone, including Esti, begins to suspect Alan is behind them. In her quest for the truth, she uncovers shocking secrets about her father and the island. Keyes masterfully weaves Shakespearean dialogue into the narrative in a manner that is accessible to readers. This evocative gothic tale will engage teens looking for an unconventional romance infused with suspense.–Lalitha Nataraj, Chula Vista Public Library, CA KIRBY, Matthew. The Clockwork Three. 391p. CIP. Scholastic. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-20337-1. LC 2009037879. Gr 5-7–Giuseppe is an orphan, living as a violin-playing busker under the thumb of an evil padrone named Stephano. Frederick is apprenticed to Master Branch, a clockmaker, while in secret trying to create a clockwork automaton in the form of a man. Hannah is a maid at a hotel, trying to support her family, and particularly her desperately ill father. Giuseppe finds a green violin that sounds more beautiful than anything he has ever heard, which he hopes will earn him the money for passage back to Italy. Frederick is hoping to pass his exams to become a journeyman, but he can’t seem to find a way to make his automaton work just right. Hannah is nearly fired from her position, but then is given a job by the mysterious Mrs. Pomeroy, who is living in the hotel. There is talk of a treasure somewhere in the hotel’s hidden passageways that would give Hannah the money she needs to make her father well. As fate (or coincidence) would decree, the paths of these three young people become interconnected. Only together can they find the way to solve their problems. What starts out as a promising retro-style adventure falls apart at the end with too many sequences of the kids in peril and an ill-advised and poorly handled sequence in which Frederick’s clockwork man becomes animated. Still, The Clockwork Three shows promise and may be enjoyed by fans of Brian Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Scholastic, 2007).–Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO KLOEPFER, John. The Zombie Chasers. Bk. 1. illus. by Steve Wolfhard. 205p. CIP. HarperCollins/Harper. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-185304-3. LC 2010004602. Gr 5-7–Seventh-grader Zack Clarke’s suburban Phoenix neighborhood seems normal–until almost everyone mysteriously transforms into a zombie. Zack, his geeky friend Rice, and his eighth-grade sister Zoe’s glamorous but snarky friend Madison are seemingly the only ones unaffected. That means that all the zombies in the neighborhood–including Zoe–are determined to devour them. They need to defend themselves but can only find a plastic baseball bat and a fire extinguisher. Meanwhile, Zack and Zoe’s parents are at a parent-teacher night at their school–do they even know what’s going on? This first volume in a new series leaves readers hanging at the end, but it’s a quick, fun read, loaded with jokes and middle-school sarcasm. Kloepfer’s descriptions of the zombies and their feeding habits, and Wolfhard’s cartoon characters with guts and drool hanging out, are not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach).–Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX LAZAR, Carole. Lucy Unstrung. 235p. Tundra. 2010. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-0-88776-963-4. LC 2009938447. Gr 6-8–Lucy’s mother, who got pregnant with Lucy at 14 by a Swedish ski instructor, is immature and forsakes her husband (not the ski instructor) and daughter to spend a lot of time with her single girlfriend from Pilates class. Thirteen-year-old Lucy is a precocious child who quotes her grandmother nonstop, which aggravates her mother. Lucy’s stepfather is more grounded, but can’t, or won’t, interfere with his wife’s wishes to have a different life. They separate and due to a shortage of money, Lucy and her mom move from their upscale home to a trailer park. Lucy must leave her Catholic school to attend a nearby public one where she is bullied by a girl from the park. The only bright spot in her life is the small dog, also named Lucy, that she is taking care of temporarily. Told from the teen’s viewpoint, the story has overriding themes of life as a Catholic and parental separation as there is a great deal of description of how both her religion and her parents’ troubles affect her life. The characters are more caricatures than real people, and the quick adjustment to the less-affluent lifestyle by both Lucy and her mother is never explained. The one aspect of the book that seems genuine is Lucy’s unhappiness about being separated from her best friend. The novel does not come together at the end and leaves a lot of loose ends.–Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC LISSNER, Caren. Carrie Pilby. 330p. Harlequin Teen. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-373-21010-7. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–Carrie Pilby was a child prodigy. She skipped three grades but never learned how to make friends. Her father told her she’d find like-minded people in college, specifically Harvard. She refers to this as his “Big Lie.” She graduates at 19, moves back to NYC, and still has no one. She can’t find anyone morally and intellectually acceptable. Her therapist gives her homework: identify things she loves and do them, go on a date, go to a New Year’s Eve party, join a club. So begins her journey toward acceptance of others and herself. Carrie is so thoughtful, inquisitive, and philosophically self-searching that readers will believe she’s a genius. Her observations of New York and New Yorkers alone could fill a very interesting book. Though the narrative is almost completely inside Carrie’s head, her introspection never crosses into navel-gazing. Her thoughts are never boring, even when she’s thinking about math. Carrie Pilby is a page-turner, and the will she or won’t she find love and understanding moves the deceptively uneventful plot. Even as she fails and fails, Carrie’s efforts to integrate bring the mood of the novel slowly out of quiet darkness to buoyant light. Her struggle for acceptance is so universally teenage, smart girls (and women) will pull for her to the end.–Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library LITTLE, Kimberley Griffiths. The Healing Spell. 354p. CIP. Scholastic. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-16559-4. LC 2009028016. Gr 5-8–Guilt-ridden because she believes she caused the accident that resulted in her mother being in a coma, 11-year-old Livie is terrified to tell anyone for fear they will hate her. She and her mother have never been close, but she adores her father and spends a lot of time with him in the Louisiana swamps where they live. Daddy chooses to care for Mamma at home, believing it will hasten her recovery, and Livie can’t bear to touch her, which causes friction with her older sister and the aunt who’s come to help out. Because she desperately wants her mother to be well, the girl visits a traiteur who lives deep in the bayou to obtain a healing spell guaranteed to work if Livie has faith. The setting is beautifully described and the protagonist is well-defined. However, the book is too long for the plot. Readers will figure out how the accident happened long before the characters do. The ending, with the mother waking from her weeks-long coma one night, talking to her drowsing husband, going to her art studio and finishing a painting, then returning to bed and to unconsciousness, is rather far-fetched. It isn’t clear whether the author wanted the event to be mystical or miraculous, but it definitely isn’t realistic.–Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC LITTMAN, Sarah Darer. Life, After. 281p. CIP. Scholastic. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-15144-3. LC 2009020523. Gr 7 Up–In 2002 in Argentina, Dani Bensimon weathers the political and economic crisis that is dragging her middle-class Jewish family into poverty and her formerly loving father into depression. They are all still grieving over the death of her pregnant aunt and her unborn child in the 1994 terrorist bombing of the AMIA building, the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. Many of the teen’s friends have left the country, including her novio, Roberto. Eventually, the Bensimons relocate to the New York suburbs and Dani must work hard to remain the dutiful, perfect, helpful daughter. While the plot is predictable, supporting characters are direct from after-school-special casting, and the narrator is at times a bit too wholesome, this affecting book works in its entirety. It shows a place and part of recent history left mostly unexamined in YA literature, highlighting an act of terrorism in Argentina and a Latin American immigrant. Dani’s experiences give her insight and empathy into a community suffering the aftermath of 9/11. Littman’s sprinkling of Spanish words and phrases throughout gives a genuine feel to her dialogue, and her references to Jewish customs also fit smoothly into the context. This immigrant story is easy to swallow, if a bit weighty in tone, very much like Christine Gonzalez’s The Red Umbrella (Knopf, 2010).–Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library MCELLIGOTT, Matthew & Larry Tuxbury. Benjamin Franklinstein Lives! illus. by Matthew McElligott. 121p. CIP. Putnam. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25229-7. LC 2009027516. Gr 4-6–Benjamin Franklin never died. Instead, a secret organization called the Modern Order of Prometheus, of which he was a member, placed him in suspended animation in a hidden Philadelphia cellar, to serve the nation at a later time. In the 21st century, Franklin indeed awakes, but the Prometheans are nowhere to be found. Above the cellar live a young science nerd, Victor Godwin, and his mother. Franklin, trying to understand why he has been awakened, asks to rent a room in the house. Even though he does smell a little like he has spent too much time in a cave and has a greenish complexion, Victor’s mom is happy to oblige–after all, he pays the deposit in 1783 gold coins. Franklin also needs regular charges of electricity to stay alive, but when hit by lightning, he temporarily transforms into a real Franklinstein. Victor is one of the funniest nerds in children’s literature. He doesn’t take long to divine Franklin’s secret and is off on expeditions to help him find the Prometheans while trying, with the famous inventor’s help, to win top prize in the school science fair. The mock 18th-century illustrations are great fun, and readers can look forward to sequels.–Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX MABERRY, Jonathan. Rot & Ruin. 458p. CIP. S & S. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0232-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0234-8. LC 2009046041. Gr 8 Up–At first glance, this appears to be a retelling of Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Delacorte, 2009) but with a male protagonist. But Maberry’s vision of a zombie-infested future has more action, more violence, and more emotional depth. Benny Imura was a baby when the zombie apocalypse happened. His first memory is of his mother handing him to his older half brother as she is being dragged down by his zombie-fied father. He resents Tom for leaving his mother, for running away. To Benny, Tom is a coward. To everyone else in their fenced-in town, Tom is the toughest, bravest zombie killer in California. As Benny approaches his 15th birthday, he must find a job or forfeit half of his food rations. After losing half a dozen jobs, he reluctantly agrees to work as Tom’s apprentice in the “Family Business.” When they travel out into the Rot and Ruin, he witnesses things that change his opinion of his brother and forever alter his perception of the world. He also learns that flesh-eating zombies aren’t the scariest or most dangerous monsters around. As with all zombie stories, this one requires a fairly large suspension of disbelief, but once the brothers enter the Rot and Ruin, readers become too wrapped up in the plot to dwell on some lapses of logic. The relationship between Benny and Tom becomes surprisingly complex and satisfying, as does the romantic subplot between Benny and his friend Nix. The length of the book may intimidate some reluctant readers but the striking cover, compelling action, and brutal violence will draw them in and keep them reading.–Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA MAH, Adeline Yen. Along the River: A Chinese Cinderella Novel. 195p. glossary. CIP. Delacorte. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73895-8; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90759-0; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89669-9. LC 2009042980. Gr 5-8–During World War II, 12-year-old CC is helping her grandmother rescue downed American pilots from behind enemy lines when she falls and ends up in a monthlong coma. Hypnotherapy provides a superfluous frame for the main story. She learns that in 1091, she is 13-year-old Mei Lan, who, along with her older brother, forms a close friendship with Ah Zhao, an orphaned slave possessing considerable artistic talent. As they grow up, the three friends explore the truth behind beauty and art, the prisons formed by societal expectations, and the lasting memories of one perfect day. In the story of their friendship, Mah provides a possible explanation for the provenance of several Song Dynasty paintings, reproductions of which appear in a full-color insert. Throughout the book, the story and characters are often lost in excessive historical detail and background. Further, explanations of culture and language are frequently and clumsily inserted into the dialogue. Despite this attention to historical detail, the characters are extremely modern, creating a confusing disconnect.–Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD MARRONE, Amanda. Slayed. 240p. S & S/Pulse. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9487-9; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9488-6. LC 2010928251. Gr 9 Up–Daphne Van Helsing has been raised, educated, and given extensive training in the family business–vampire hunting. Some might think staking and decapitating vamps for cash is the ultimate job but not for this 16-year-old. All she wants is to settle down, attend high school, have friends, meet guys, and go to prom. Instead she is forced to travel from job to job in a beat-up van, living in cheap motels, eating fast food, and spending all her time with her parents. Now the Van Helsings and their arch rivals, the Harkers, are sent to Maine. Not only is Bristol overrun with vamps that are stronger and more difficult to kill but a terrifying evil is also preying on children and wreaking havoc on the inhabitants of the town. It is up to Daphne; her new BFF, Kiki Crusher; and handsome, crush-worthy Tyler Harker to discover the dark forces’ source of power and destroy it. Marrone delivers an action-packed thriller that is full of suspense, intrigue, drama, and romance. Daphne’s witty first-person narrative makes this story come alive. As her character grows, readers will identify with her personal struggles as she is torn between family obligations and her own needs and desires.–Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School , NY MASS, Wendy. The Candymakers. 453p. Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-00258-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-8–Children running amok in a candy factory, immortalized by Roald Dahl, is one story line that bears repeating. At the Life Is Sweet factory, four 12-year-olds gather to create new goodies for the annual Confectionery Association Conference. Logan, the Candymaker’s son, dreams of winning his family’s respect. Miles’s parents hope the experience will help him forget a tragic accident he couldn’t prevent. Daisy is fascinated by the factory, but for what reason? And Philip scribbles in his secret notebook, determined to win at all costs. When the factory’s secret ingredient is stolen, the children find a common purpose: to foil the plot by creating the best candy ever. The tidy conclusion has a few contrivances, but none that will bother children. Mass has crafted a solid mystery dipped in sweet candy-making details. Character development moves a lengthy story forward in smooth increments. As each child’s story emerges, the mystery becomes one bit clearer, making this a real page-turner. The characters are intricate, flawed heroes with whom readers will identify. The book’s subtle message of teamwork over greed and growth through friendship will resonate with readers and educators alike. A magical setting filled with conveyor belts, chocolate jungles, and beehives makes it clear what the youngsters are attempting to save. Give this mouthwatering confection to children who like Trenton Stewart’s The Mysterious Benedict Society (Little, Brown, 2007) and other quirky mysteries.–Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT MERLIN, Isabelle. Cupid’s Arrow. 336p. Random Australia, dist. by IPG. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-74166-437-9. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–The author has combined mystery, romance, and legend to create a suspenseful novel set in Avalon, France, the supposed final resting place of King Arthur. Fleur is spending her summer helping in her mother’s used bookstore and trying to solve the mystery behind a reoccurring nightmare. She can’t help but wonder if her nights spent being pursued by an evil archer are premonitory. However, all is forgotten when she and her mother leave Australia for France after the woman learns that she has inherited a collection of books from one of her best customers, Raymond Dulac, who has been murdered. While she is there, Fleur has time to roam Bellerive Manor where she meets Remy, an archer living with his hermitlike mother. There is a lot to learn about this mysterious place as Remy, who could be too good to be true, and Fleur begin to investigate and learn more about not only the murder of Raymond Dulac but of others as well. Characters who use tarot cards and have similar dreams but who aren’t what they seem will keep readers guessing as to who has a motive for murder in this historical town. Readers will enjoy the use of the Internet by Fleur and Remy to help solve the crime but at the same time exercising caution with the information they receive. This book will be a wonderful addition to any collection serving young adults who enjoy mystery and mysticism.–Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI MICHAELS, Rune. Nobel Genes. 181p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-1259-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0717-6. LC 2009036665. Gr 8 Up–Told by his mother that he was the product of a sperm donation from an anonymous Nobel Prize winner, this novel’s narrator grew up trying to live up to her expectations that he would be a genius, devoting his life to science or humanitarian efforts. He often flips through a volume filled with photos and bios of Nobel laureates, daydreaming about meeting his father. Over the years his mother has grown increasingly erratic, exhibiting signs of agoraphobia, mental instability, and self-destructive behavior. It isn’t until her most recent suicide attempt ends in a coma that the boy meets his grandparents and learns of his true, disturbing parentage. Michaels explores dark themes of incest, mental illness, and loss with ruthless honesty. The narrative is spare, the characters are beautifully portrayed as multifaceted individuals, and the premise is grim and wholly plausible. YA novels about mental illness are not uncommon, but this one of a child who seems anonymous to the outside world, who is never named by the author, and whose fate isn’t ultimately wrapped up in a tidy bow will leave readers unsettled. Hand this to teens who like Chris Crutcher and Ellen Hopkins or want more books like Dave Pelzer’s A Child Called “It” (HCI, 1995).–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK MILLER, Barnabas & Jordan Orlando. 7 Souls. 371p. CIP. Delacorte. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73673-2; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90625-8; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89381-0. LC 2009043530. Gr 9 Up–Mary wakes on her 17th birthday naked, in a display window of Crate & Barrel, on view to the commuters in New York City. She has mysterious scratches on her back and a hangover. She arrives at school to find that no one even remembers that it is her birthday. The day gets continually worse, until she finds herself at a surprise birthday party. Her happiness is short lived, as the night ends with her murder. She then must relive the day through the eyes of seven of her friends and begins to understand what was really going on the day she died and tries to save herself. While the premise sounds similar to Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall (HarperCollins, 2010), the two books are not read-alikes. This one is a plot-driven, “Gossip Girl”-type book (Little, Brown) with a supernatural twist. The incessant name-dropping is distracting, with everything from paint (Krylon) to Scotch (Dewar’s, oddly for a book with so many posh references) to cigarettes (Dunhill). The transition from Mary’s point of view, mostly lacking in supernatural elements, to her after-death experiences is awkward. Even as she sees what was really going on, character motivations are often unclear. Despite its flaws, this is a book that will be read and enjoyed by fans of Melissa de la Cruz’s “Blue Bloods” (Hyperion) and its ilk. –Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH OCKLER, Sarah. Fixing Delilah Hannaford. 310p. Little, Brown. Nov. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-05209-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–When Del’s grandmother’s dies, the teen and her mother, Claire, immediately head to Red Falls, VT. The house is a Victorian relic where her mother and aunt grew up and it holds fond memories for Del, particularly of Rickie, the boy who was once her inseparable companion. An unexplained fight between her mother and her grandmother ended any contact. Claire is a secretive sort who has a demanding job and seems to pay attention only when Del gets in trouble, and Del has obliged. The summer is spent working on clearing the house and repairing it to get it ready to sell, with the aid of Rickie, now known as Patrick, and his father, who run a construction business. Romance ensues, along with uncovering clues about the family mystery regarding an aunt who died at age 19. Although the plot is sometimes melodramatic, romance lovers will enjoy the tender love scenes, while more practical folk may tire of Del’s vacillations and whining. The ending seems telegraphed, and nothing is new, except a friend who declares herself a lesbian. The story will satisfy readers who crave romance that focuses on the moments spent kissing and touching rather than on the sex.–Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO Gr 5-8–Salva and Nya have difficult paths to walk in life. Salva’s journey, based on a true story, begins in 1985 with an explosion. The boy’s small village in Sudan erupts into chaos while the 11-year-old is in school, and the teacher tells the children to run away. Salva leaves his family and all that is familiar and begins to walk. Sometimes he walks alone and sometimes there are others. They are walking toward a refugee camp in Ethiopia, toward perceived safety. However, the camp provides only temporary shelter from the violent political storm. In 1991-’92, thousands are killed as they try to cross a crocodile-infested river when they are forced out of the country; Salva survives and gets 1200 boys to safety in Kenya. Nya’s life in 2008 revolves around water. She spends eight hours a day walking to and from a pond. In the dry season, her family must uproot themselves and relocate to the dry lake bed where they dig in the mud until water eventually trickles out. Nya’s narrative frames Salva’s journey from Sudan to Ethiopia to Rochester, NY, and, eventually, back to Sudan. Both story lines are spare, offering only pertinent details. In the case of Salva, six years in a camp pass by with the barest of mentions. This minimalism streamlines the plot, providing a clarity that could have easily become mired in depressing particulars. The two narratives intersect in a quiet conclusion that is filled with hope.–Naphtali L. Faris, Saint Louis Public Library, MO PATTERSON, James. Fang. 309p. (Maximum Ride Series). Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-03619-1. LC number unavailable. Gr 6-9–Patterson has created another thrilling adventure that is sure to capture readers’ imaginations. Max is the leader of a group known as the Flock, and the story revolves around her struggles and emotional dilemmas. These winged mutants are set upon by an evil scientist who wants to use their special talents to suit his own ends. However, that is just one of Max’s problems. After a dire prediction by Angel, she is terrified that Fang will die. He is the love of Max’s life, and she can not bear the thought of losing him. The author’s strong writing style will draw readers into the situations that arise as Max tries to protect the Flock from peril while attempting to avoid Fang’s impending doom. The love triangle between Max, Fang, and another winged mutant is also well developed and creates tension throughout. The story line moves readers from the dry, sweltering heat of Africa to the bright lights of Hollywood as Max tries to maintain unity in the Flock and shelter them from danger. The action builds throughout, and there are enough plot twists and surprises to keep readers guessing about what will happen next as the young Flock is eventually snared in the villain’s web. Patterson’s quick-paced tale of adventure, betrayal, and redemption is full of vibrant and memorable characters. It truly has bite.–Greg Stone, Oak Mountain Middle School, Birmingham, AL PAULSEN, Gary. Masters of Disaster. 102p. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73997-9; PLB $15.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90816-0; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89867-9. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-7–Henry Mosley is concerned that his everyday life lacks the excitement experienced by the young heroes of his favorite novels. “We may be the most boring twelve-year-olds on the planet,” he tells his friends Riley and Reed. Henry proposes that they undertake a series of projects, thus “Becoming Men of Action and Daring” who “Alter the Course of History” and, with luck, “Impress Girls.” While the dialogue and setting are modern, this is an affectionate and spot-on homage to the “boy chums” adventures of yesteryear. Each self-contained chapter details one of Henry’s wild plans–from driving a bicycle off a roof to searching for bodies in a haunted house to spending the night in a Dumpster. The friends fill familiar roles–Henry the mastermind; Riley the scientific planner and loyal sidekick; and cautious, nervous Reed, who generally ends up right in the thick of the calamity du jour. Henry’s schemes often involve serious danger, but the guys come through with only a few bumps and nicks–and some lingering bad smells. There is even a bully antagonist, although the brutish Dwight stays mostly on the fringes of the action–until the trio’s spectacular last-chapter revenge. Middle school boys will be attracted by the zany stunts and frequent gross-out encounters with garbage, mud, slime, and “doody.”–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL Gr 7-10–With authenticity, insight, and compassion, Perkins delivers another culturally rich coming-of-age novel. Two teens on opposing sides of ethnic conflict in modern-day Burma (Myanmar) tell an intertwined story that poignantly reveals the fear, violence, prejudice, and hardships they both experience. Chiko, a quiet, studious student whose medical doctor father has been arrested as a traitor, is seized by the government and forced into military training. Chiko is groomed for guerrilla warfare against the Karenni, a Burmese minority group living in villages and refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border. After he and his patrol stumble into land mines, Tu Reh, an angry Karenni and rebel fighter, must decide whether or not to save him. Tu Reh’s home was destroyed by Burmese soldiers, and he struggles with his conscience and his desire for revenge and independence. Both Chiko and Tu Reh are caught in a conflict that neither fully understands. Family, friendships, and loyalty have shaped their lives. But as young soldiers, they face harrowing situations, profound suffering, and life-and-death decisions. Both boys learn the meaning of courage. Chiko and Tu Reh are dynamic narrators whose adolescent angst and perspectives permeate the trauma of their daily lives. Dialogue and descriptions are vibrant; characters are memorable; cultural characteristics are smoothly incorporated; and the story is well paced. Perkins has infused her narrative with universal themes that will inspire readers to ponder humanitarian issues, reasons for ethnic conflict, and the effects of war. The author’s notes provide helpful background information on Burmese history and the ongoing military regime’s repression of minorities.–Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC PETERS, Kimberly Joy. Definitely Not Camelot. 190p. Lobster. 2010. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-1-897550-63-2. LC C2009-905723-9. Gr 7-10–Ashley is bracing herself for her sophomore year. She’s extra jittery because she’s coming back to school single (her boyfriend of two years dumped her over the summer), her mother is battling breast cancer, and Ashley walked out on her lucrative modeling contract because they wanted her to wear fur. Her best friend is in Canada on an exchange program, so the teen is feeling really lost. She’s decided to start fresh and try new things this year, but the stresses of her life are starting to get to her. She’s having trouble sleeping, which makes her lethargic all day. When she finds all-natural pep and sleep pills at the health food store, she tries them out and comes to rely on them. But are they really helping or is Ashley about to have a serious crash and burn? This sequel to Posing as Ashley (Lobster, 2008) depicts a teen who is so overwhelmed that she is unable to make smart decisions. Readers who find themselves in similar positions will welcome this understanding look at their lives. Though references are made to the previous novel, this one stands alone.–Heather Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL POWER, Timothy. The Boy Who Howled. 260p. Bloomsbury. Nov. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-509-9. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-7–Callum is living with wolves because his parents accidentally left him behind on a family camping trip years earlier. Although he has become part of the pack, his wolf mother realizes that he needs to leave. She finds clothing for him and takes him to the edge of human civilization. A benevolent woman cleans him up and offers him a train ticket into the city. Power writes formally, causing readers to believe that Callum is living in the early 20th century, but this is not the case–the story takes place in today’s world. The Boy Who Howled leaps into suspended reality: Callum speaks English perfectly within pages of entering society, accidentally attending the same school as his twin sister, and meets his father at the zoo where an elephant paints great works of art. The novel finishes neatly with Callum being reunited with his family. The characters aren’t interesting and the plot isn’t compelling. Disappointing.–Patty Saldenberg, George Jackson Academy, New York City Gr 7 Up–This is the final adventure of the young witch, Tiffany Aching, and her obnoxious, fawning, and yet lovable small blue companions, the Nac Mac Feegles. In many ways it’s a coming-of-age novel, as Tiffany is now on her own. Known as “The Hag O’the Hills,” she spends her time tending to the messy, menial, everyday things that no one else will take care of, such as fixing bones or easing the pain of a dying man. But as she tries to serve the people of the Chalk hills, she senses a growing distrust of her, and a loss of respect for witches in general. Along with the Nac Mac Feegles, she has to seek out the source of this growing fear. Tiffany discovers she may have been responsible for waking an evil force when she kissed the winter in Wintersmith (HarperTempest, 2006). The Cunning Man is in need of a host body and is searching for Tiffany. Pratchett combines gut-busting humor and amusing footnotes with a genuine poignancy as Tiffany tries to decide what her future should be. Fans of the author’s “Discworld” (HarperCollins) books will enjoy the connections with the larger series, particularly the inclusion of Granny Weatherwax. Simply put, this fourth and final book in the series is an undisputed triumph.–Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO RAEDEKE, Christy. The Daykeeper’s Grimoire. Bk. 1. 370p. (Prophecy of Days Series). CIP. Flux. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-1576-6. LC 2009030668. Gr 7-10–This novel includes enough New Age and conspiracy-theory material for several books but fails to supply fully realized characters whom readers will want to follow. Soon after her arrival at her family’s newly inherited Scottish castle, Caity discovers a secret room next to her bedroom. Inside she finds a series of coded messages that she presents to her computer wiz dad and safe-cracker mom as her own inventions. Caity’s father writes a program to decipher them, but Caity steals the program and then erases it. The codes name her as the catalyst for a change of the entire world in 2012. The 16-year-old spends the entire book concealing the meaning of the codes and her activities that center on them from her parents. They include an attack by a Bavarian agent of the FRO, a sort of Illuminati group; brief imprisonment at the hands of a person unknown; and a jaunt to Easter Island. She is aided in her quest by two wise Asian gentlemen, a hunky Scottish lad, and a mysterious Mexican man seen by no one else in the story, not to mention an origami-creating monkey. She is also assisted via the Web by her best friend back in San Francisco. Caity shows moments of heroism but also poor judgment and is generally shallow. It will be hard for readers to sustain interest without a more compelling protagonist.–Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI SCOTT, Elizabeth. Grace. 200p. CIP. Dutton. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42206-8. LC 2009053285. Gr 8 Up–In a possible future, Grace is an Angel, training to be a suicide bomber for the People, a group of rebels who fight against the totalitarian regime of Keran Berj. While the boys fight as Rorys, or soldiers, certain girls are offered as sacrifices to the cause. But Grace is different: she doesn’t want to be a sacrifice. So, on the day she is to kill herself, she instead sets off the bomb and escapes. Now she is riding on a train, disguised as the sister of a mysterious boy named Kerr, and on her way to the border and possible freedom. But the threat of discovery is always there, and Grace knows that her fragile disguise could fail at any moment. This is a terse, tight, powerful book that’s heavy on atmosphere. The beginning is written as a series of flashbacks, and it’s through them that readers get a somewhat confused, disjointed view of events. It is only in the latter third of the book, once the story focuses more on Grace and her relationship with Kerr, that the action moves more steadily and clearly and she comes into her own. It is during this part that Scott’s writing shines as Grace questions whether purposely killing people is ever right, even if it is done in the name of freedom. Give this novel to fans of dystopias who want darker visions than Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games (Scholastic, 2008).–Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA SEIGEL, Andrea. The Kid Table. 263p. Bloomsbury. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-480-1. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–The Kid Table chronicles the lives of 16-year-old Ingrid Bell, her five teenage cousins and kid-table companions, and their family. First, Ingrid’s cousin Brianne, a sophomore psychology major at Pepperdine, knocks Ingrid out of her spot as “most charming” by making a convincing argument that Ingrid is a psychopath. Then, at her Uncle Kurt’s bar mitzvah, Brianne successfully graduates from the kid table, leaving the five remaining cousins to ponder her new status while dealing with being left behind. While Ingrid rationalizes her nonemotional responses, Seigel does not do much to deter readers from questioning Brianne’s diagnosis. Ingrid’s lack of empathy and morality are showcased especially when she laughs at Uncle Kurt’s heartfelt bar-mitzvah speech, steals Aunt Brit’s cell phone, gets sober Aunt Tish drunk and off the wagon, and makes out with Brianne’s boyfriend, Trevor. Her desire to be liked and her feelings for Trevor take precedence over her cousins’ problems, which include Cricket’s eating disorder, Dom’s strong desire to have someone else out him to the family, and Micah’s identity crisis. In spite of Ingrid’s psychopathic tendencies, her voice is bold, biting, and incredibly insightful. Seigel lightens some dramatic events with well-played humor, and the plot evolves over the course of five family events. This first YA novel is worth purchasing.–Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ SEWELL, Earl. Myself and I. 245p. (Keysha Series). Kimani TRU. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-373-83176-0. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–Keysha, newly reunited with her father, struggles with cheating boyfriends, conniving classmates, jealous girls, and criminal charges. Sewell addresses some major social issues that confront young adults in a way that is both satisfying and nonthreatening. Readers are treated to nicely veiled and fully integrated lessons on the dangers of unprotected sex, teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and alcoholism, all woven into a story of romance, adventure, and yes, a little mystery.–Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ SHOWALTER, Gena. Unraveled. 572p. glossary. Harlequin Teen. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-373-21022-0. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–Aden Stone’s story begins just where it left off in Intertwined (Harlequin Teen, 2009). Aden has become the new ruler of the vampires, and he’s not quite sure he’s up to the task. But first and foremost, he has to find the location of the witches’ meeting in order to break the death curse on him and his friends. Then he can deal with the challenges that come with being a king. He also has to mind the three souls still living inside his head, one of which has predicted his imminent death, while trying to be a normal teen. Meanwhile, his friend Mary Ann Gray has troubles of her own. While she’s learned that she mutes the abilities of others, she also discovers that it may not be her only gift. As supernatural creatures begin acting stranger and stranger around her, she starts to wonder what she really is. At times the plot becomes a bit convoluted because of the many subplots. Each character seems to have specific abilities tailor-made to help them out of perilous situations. Regardless, the story remains action-packed and hard to put down. Despite the characters’ supernatural abilities, teens will find themselves identifying with one or more of them as they all struggle with bravery, relationships, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.–Kimberly Castle, Medina County District Library, OH SHULMAN, Mark. Scrawl. 234p. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-417-2. LC 2010010521. Gr 7 Up–“I know what you think. You think I’m fixable, don’t you? You want to fix the bad guy.” Readers slowly learn what makes Tod, a self-confessed bully, tick by reading the notebook he writes in (not, he insists, a journal) during after-school detention. He is supervised by Mrs. Woodrow, the guidance counselor, for a school break-in with his buddies (droogs), who increasingly resent that he’s gotten this cushy punishment while they are consigned to clean the school grounds. Tod is no dummy. He reads, does his homework, and gets good grades. But he’s poor. His mom, a seamstress, does alterations for a dry cleaners (Tod helps), and he tries to stay away from her husband, whom he describes as “unpredictable.” Lacking money for basic necessities like food and clothes, he extorts it from “losers” at school and otherwise tries to keep a fairly low profile. The plot is thin, as Tod gets roped into providing the costumes for a school play written and produced by “that spooky goth girl Luz Montoya.” Still, he is a funny, quirky, interesting character. There are loose ends, but in the end it’s not so much what happened, as the fun of getting there, finding out whether Tod is right or not when he writes, “I’m a loser, okay? I was born a loser and I’ll live a loser and I’ll die a loser. And nothing you do here is going to ever change that.”–Joel Shoemaker, formerly at South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA STEINMETZ, Karen. The Mourning Wars. 232p. bibliog. CIP. Roaring Brook. 2010. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-290-1. LC 2010011735. Gr 7 Up–Eunice’s life in Colonial America changes forever when she awakens one morning to hear her mother say she must dress quickly. The 17-year-old’s town of Deerfield, MA, is under attack. Some of her family members are killed, including her mother, and others are taken captive by the Maqua, a Native people whom she has been taught to fear. Living among her kidnappers, Eunice, now called A’onote, learns why her life has been spared. She was taken during a Mourning War, a war to reclaim those lost to disease or fighting, to replace the daughter of the man who captured her. A’onote’s adjustment to life with the Maqua, or Canienga as they call themselves, is slow for her and may be for readers. The teen struggles with her allegiances as they relate to family, religion, and culture, and tensions are palpable. She is well loved in her new community but wonders why her father, who has remarried, has not come for her. Steinmetz weaves Native language and culture with details about the Jesuits who lived with the Canienga and about the natural environment into the narrative. Her meticulous efforts in re-creating Eunice’s life as accurately as possible at times weigh the story down, but her descriptions are often beautifully composed. An author’s note and bibliography provide more information about the real woman on whom this story is based.–Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY STENGL, Anne Elisabeth. Heartless. 363p. (Tales of Goldstone Wood Series). CIP. Bethany. 2010. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7642-0780-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–This captivating romantic fantasy carries readers on an adventure that begins in the privileged prosperity of the peaceful kingdom of Parumvir and then descends to the dark desolation of a dragon’s lair. Princess Una, 18, is strong-willed, immature, and courted by princes who have many reasons to desire her. One sees her as a way to escape the consequences of his poor choices. Another thinks he is in love but, when pressured into making a difficult decision, easily disavows his pledge. Aethelbald of Farthestshore is a mysterious faerie prince whose steadfast love and selfless service annoy Una and provoke her to set her will against him. When the princess makes some foolish choices, she finds that she has taken a path that will lead to her destruction, but the prince who truly loves her is willing to pay the ultimate price to set her free. This is a quick-paced, thoughtful tale of love, betrayal, loyalty, and trust with a hero whose character calls to mind Aslan, in C. S. Lewis’s “Narnia” series. Watching the growth of the princess from a headstrong young woman to one ready to learn from others allows readers a glimpse into the workings and intricacies of the human heart. It unmasks some of traps that can ensnare the young and sidetrack them on the road to maturity. A fun debut novel that is hard to put down and carries a strong message about the importance of making good choices.–Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA STEPHENS, R. David, ed. Henry Chow and Other Stories. 120p. CIP. Tradewind, dist. by Orca. 2010. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-896580-33-3. LC C2009-907011-1. Gr 9 Up–The common thread in this far-ranging collection is that it features characters of Asian heritage. Most of the 13 selections are set in Canadian cities, but some take place in other countries and deal with cultural and social conflicts beyond assimilating in North America. In the amusing “The Boy Who Faked Kung Fu,” a boy is typecast as a stereotypical Asian at his English boarding school. When a snowball is lobbed his way, he automatically assumes the attacker is the school bully, and his bogus kung fu skills are revealed in a public brawl. “Working the Corner” in downtown Vancouver shows teens outside the traditional high school framework. Shelley turns a trick “just this once” and can’t turn back. Hard-core, bleak, and tragic, this story reveals the universal self-exploitation of needy young women. With its broad range of themes, this collection should appeal to a variety of readers.–Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY STINE, R. L., ed. Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror. 306p. Dutton. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42168-9; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-14-241774-4. LC number unavailable. Gr 6-10–A great line-up of authors including Alane Ferguson, Heather Brewer, and Peg Kehret contribute tales that are sure to amuse readers, but not necessarily scare them. The selections include vampires, werewolves, weird little children, jokes gone wrong, and a cannibalistic family who like to prey on new babysitters. The stories are entertaining, but most of them are pretty tame. One standout is Meg Cabot’s “The Night Hunter,” a tale about a girl kidnapped by a bank robber wearing a clown mask who ultimately hopes to be rescued by the folk hero The Night Hunter, immortalized in a pop song. Jennifer Allison’s “The Perfects” is the one tale in the bunch that is actually creepy and will leave readers with an uneasy feeling at the end. All of the stories are perfect for reading around a campfire or at a slumber party without causing too many sleepless moments. They’re a good length and have that “Aha!” moment at the end.–Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR STRASNICK, Lauren. Her and Me and You. 171p. S & S/Pulse. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8266-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0949-1. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–Alex has recently moved to her late grandmother’s house in Connecticut with her depressed, alcohol-soaked mother. Dad has been left behind but not alone; much to Alex’s disgust, he has his new girlfriend to keep him company. The teen eschews friendship with several “normal” girls and instead is drawn to the eccentric, isolated Bishop twins: charming Fred and his dominant, anorexic sister, Adina. As Fred and Alex become closer, Adina becomes more and more unpredictable. Alex struggles with her own feelings while navigating the twins’ complicated relationship. Strasnick walks a fine line between making characters interesting and making them unlikable, with mixed success. Alex, for example, is consistently mean to the people who are nice to her. On the whole, however, the novel has a fresh, modern feel and Strasnick offers an elegant portrayal of one teen’s struggle to come to terms with her family, her friendships, and herself. The book contains frequent references to alcohol; Fred and Adina, who have plenty of money, no mother, and an absentee father, share a casual, almost Mad Men-esque attitude toward drinking (not without consequences).–Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA TELEP, Trisha, ed. Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love. 401p. Running Pr. Teens. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7624-3949-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 7 Up–The title of this short story collection is a little misleading. Most of the selections have some romance, but they definitely take a backseat to those that run the gamut from fairy spies who can fly to vampires. While some of the stories are a little creepy, they are a far cry from truly frightening. Nonetheless, there are some fine and engrossing entries by popular authors, including Diana Peterfreund’s “Errant,” which is set in medieval Europe. It features a sassy nun who is charged with training unicorns that are becoming endangered. Justine Musk’s “Lost” is set in modern times and features a girl with psychic power and a very handsome guy named Haiden, which turns out to be a morphing of the word “Hades.” One kiss with the irresistible fellow and she will have sold her soul. Karen Mahoney’s “The Spirit Jar” brings a fresh twist to the vampire genre. Sarah Rees Brennen and Carrie Ryan offer very good selections, too, but one of the best is Maggie Stiefvater’s “The Hounds of Ulster,” which melds Celtic myth with punk rock.–Jake Pettit, Thompson ValleyHigh School, Loveland, CO THOMPSON, Kate. Most Wanted. illus. by Jonny Duddle. 128p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Dec. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-173037-5. LC 2009034952. Gr 4-6–This companion to the author’s Highway Robbery (Greenwillow, 2009) begins in the same way: a lad is handed the reins of a horse and told to take care of the animal until its owner returns. Set in ancient Rome, this is the story of the mad emperor Caligula’s infamous horse, Incitatus, who was one of two consuls, appointed by the tyrannical and crazy emperor. The animal has his own house and retinue of servants, and is fed gold flakes in his oats. Marcus, a baker’s son, is handed the horse by a slave boy who seconds later is killed by soldiers. Fearing what the mad emperor, known as Little Boots, will do to him if he finds that he has Incitatus, Marcus instinctively heads home, a decision that could mean a death sentence for his whole family if the soldiers discover the horse. Should he sacrifice himself to save his family? This brief chapter book is nicely suited for reading aloud or for those independent readers who enjoy their adventure and history touched with humor. Marcus’s voice is engaging and credible. There are enough references to murder, from the soldiers’ killing of the slave boy to descriptions of some of Little Boots’s nefarious deeds, to make this story more appropriate for slightly older children than it would seem at first glance. A cleverly told tale of an odd and interesting piece of history that will intrigue young readers.–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME TIERNAN, Cate. Immortal Beloved. Bk. 1. 407p. Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-03592-7. LC number unavailable. Gr 10 Up–This is both a fantasy about immortals and a contemporary story of an adolescent seeking to know herself. Questions about identity and morality plague Nastasya, an immortal. A heavy-drinking party girl, she speaks as a 21th-century teen, though she was born in 1551. Her connections with friends who flagrantly exploit their magic powers, flippantly causing death and pain to others, have finally set her on a quest for guidance. She looks for River, a calm, intelligent, and patient mentor who heads a retreat in Massachusetts called River’s Edge. It is for immortals who seek self-knowledge. Independent Nastasya has trouble following the precepts of the group, but she perseveres because she desperately needs to get beyond the pain of her childhood and the brutal destruction of her family centuries earlier. The other students at River’s school are all working through their own personal difficulties, and each character is interestingly drawn. Among them is Reyn, a handsome Nordic fellow whom Nastasya tries to ignore at first because he reminds her of the raiders who murdered her family. The truth of their dark past together becomes a background for their developing connection and strong mutual attraction. Intrigue, humor, pathos, and underlying wisdom combine to make a fascinating read. The open ending naturally leaves readers wondering what will happen next. Suggest this to fans of Frewin Jones’s The Immortal Realm (HarperTeen, 2009) and Alyson Noel’s Blue Moon (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2009).–Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ TOFFLER-CORRIE, Laura. The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz. 342p. Roaring Brook. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-580-3. LC number unavailable. Gr 6-8–Amy Finawitz is in the doldrums because her BFF, Callie, has temporarily relocated to Kansas, and the novel is almost entirely in the form of emails to her. The incredibly self-centered eighth grader can’t seem to rise above her sense of abandonment, and she is further distressed by the fighting between her parents and her college-dropout brother, who has decided to become an “actor slash producer.” For a class project, Amy’s teacher gives her the photocopied journal of a Jewish immigrant teen named Anna Slonovich to read, and to respond to. Amy can’t imagine a worse assignment until her mother decides that she should collaborate on the project with elderly neighbor Miss Sophia and her lonely Hasidic nephew, Beryl. As they prowl about the city trying to experience some of the things that Anna described, such as tenement life, Coney Island, and a midnight ceremony at Houdini’s grave site, Amy begins to shed some of her egocentricity, expand her worldview, and look forward to their adventures. It doesn’t hurt that Beryl’s crush on her sparks the interest of a handsome classmate, too. Then the group discovers a secret in Anna’s journal and, when they puzzle it out, they find a small piece of American history made real and relevant. While the novel’s format is a bit tiring, the writing style seems authentic. Overall, this is a strong first effort.–Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY TRINE, Greg. The Second Base Club. 213p. Holt. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8967-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 9-11–Tenth-grader Elroy has a goal for the coming school year: to score. He wants a girlfriend, and he has very little idea of how to go about getting one. He tutors the Hot Girl in math and they share a couple of kisses on her porch swing, but the next day she confesses that she’s not interested in him “in that way.” With his own charms coming up short, Elroy joins the wrestling team (because athletes get girls), and when that doesn’t pan out, he and his friends form a band (because girls also dig guys in bands). His friend sets him up on a blind date and implies that she’s easy; when Elroy tears into her sweater after she’s twice said no, he earns a punch in the face. He apologizes for being a jerk and the incident is dropped, dismissing his sexual assault as a “boys will be boys” learning experience. Later, at a party, he intercepts a female friend whom the popular jocks have slipped roofies and receives a beating for his efforts, but still fails to notice the parallels between the jocks’ behavior and his own. Other plot elements, such as Elroy’s new and changing friendships and his relationships with his divorced parents, could be a strong story on their own but are overshadowed by his all-consuming drive to touch a girl. Attempts at “guy humor”–insults and fart jokes–fall flat. Brent Crawford’s Carter Finally Gets It (Hyperion, 2009) or Don Calame’s Swim the Fly (Candlewick, 2009) are better executions of similar themes.–Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA VANDERPOOL, Clare. Moon Over Manifest. 351p. further reading. Delacorte. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73883-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90750-7; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89616-3. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-8–History and fiction marry beautifully in this lively debut novel. It’s as if readers jump off the train in Manifest, KS, in 1936 with Abilene Tucker, 12, the feisty, likable, and perceptive narrator. She is there to live with Pastor Shady Howard, her father’s friend, while her father works on the railroad back in Iowa. An equally important story set during World War I is artfully intertwined. Since her mother went off on her own 10 years earlier, Abilene and Gideon have been alone. Though their life together is unsettled, their bond is strong. Shady’s place is shabby, but he is welcoming. The mystery about Manifest and Gideon unfolds after Abilene finds a box filled with intriguing keepsakes. It includes a letter dated 1917 to someone named Jinx from Ned Gillen that has a warning, “THE RATTLER is watching.” This starts Abilene, with the help of new friends Ruthanne and Lettie, on a search to learn the identity of the pair. The story cleverly shifts back and forth between the two eras. Abilene becomes connected to Miss Sadie, a “diviner” who slowly leads her through the story of Ned and Jinx. Though the girl is lonely, she adjusts to her new life, feeling sure that her father will come for her at summer’s end. The Ku Klux Klan and its campaign against the many immigrants working in the coal mines and the deplorable conditions and exploitation of these men provide important background. This thoroughly enjoyable, unique page-turner is a definite winner.–Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ VELASQUEZ, Crystal. Your Life, but Cooler! 240p. CIP. Delacorte. 2010. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85085-1. LC 2009050522. Gr 5-8–Readers take on the role of the main character in this choose-your-own-adventure-style book. The story’s premise centers on spontaneous tryouts for a school choir, including a soloist, that are about to occur. You know you have talent but have doubts about auditioning for the part when your archenemy is competing and her friends are student judges. Also, that cute boy noticed you today. Do you hang with him after school or keep your plans with your longtime crush? Quizzes similar to those in girls’ magazines are presented at the end of each chapter, helping kids determine what type of risk they are willing to take. Answers are assigned a point value, with the total indicating which chapter to turn to next. There are many different paths through the story, and all are easy to follow. Most of the transitions are smooth, though some are a bit choppy and may make youngsters feel that they missed important information. However, this will not deter them from plowing through all options in this entertaining narrative. A good choice for reluctant readers or those who are intimidated by books that take a long time to read.–Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL VENUTI, Kristin Clark. The Butler Gets a Break: A Bellweather Tale. 224p. Egmont USA. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-087-0. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-6–Benway, who graduated first in his class from the B. Knighted Academy for Butlers, dreams of retiring to a quiet Cottage Far, Far Away. For now, though, he is still working for the Bellweathers, who live in the Lighthouse on the Hill in the village of Eel-Smack-by-the-Bay. Their nine-year-old triplets use saws and hatchets to make holes in the stairs to create their concept of negative space art. Benway falls into the stairway art and breaks his leg and must recuperate in the hospital. The zany family members–there are seven children–try to find a replacement, and, when unsuccessful, tell Benway about a new, fictitious butler so he won’t worry about them. Ninda, 13, continues to try to do good deeds while Spider, 14, frets over endangered animals, and, of course, the triplets continue their artful search. A companion to Leaving the Bellweathers (Egmont USA, 2009), this story is told through third-person narration and Benway’s journal entries. The result is a humorous, edgy read that feels like a blend of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket. It’s a wacky romp that’s sure to please.–Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego VIVIAN, Siobhan. Not That Kind of Girl. 322p. Scholastic/PUSH. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-16915-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 9 Up–Despite its chic-lit packaging, bubbly style, and sophomoric jokes, this is a smart feminist novel. The story sheds light on some unfinished business of the women’s movement: where sex is concerned, girls are still either “good” or “bad,” while boys are allowed more nuance. Outraged by these double standards, Natalie, president of the student council, organizes a Girl Summit, an “empowerment symposium” for female students. As she flounders in leadership, she wonders: Can I ask for help? From a cute boy, Connor? The quintessential “good girl,” Natalie is more complex than she appears. Indeed, all of Vivian’s characters are recognizable types and human at the same time. The dialogue and emotional honesty are pitch-perfect. Natalie and Connor’s love scenes are as steamy and fraught as anything in Judy Blume’s Forever (Bradbury, 1975). The overall message of the novel is that sex is joyful and should be embraced–but it is ever complicated. In Natalie’s effort to be an independent woman who refuses to be used by a man, she inadvertently uses Connor. Clearly, gender relations have a long way to go–especially in high school. This protagonist is the perfect representation of a conflicted 21st-century feminist teen. Readers will cheer for her epiphany at the end: “I just needed to be okay with all the kinds of girl I was.”–Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College Queens, Long Island City, NY WELLS, Dan. Mr. Monster. 287p. Tom Doherty Assoc. 2010. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-2248-7; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-2790-1. LC number unavailable. Gr 10 Up–This follow-up to Wells’s I Am Not a Serial Killer (Tor, 2010) revisits Clayton County and its resident teenaged sociopath, John Wayne Cleaver, who in the earlier book saved his town from the vicious “Clayton Killer.” Only John’s mortician mother knows the disturbing circumstances surrounding the ultimate demise of Mr. Crowley, serial killer and demon, at the hands of her son. Unfortunately, John’s involvement jump-started an already-urgent desire to kill. In a valiant attempt at normalcy, he is able to keep it at bay with strict personal rules and pyromania as a release. But now “Mr. Monster” has tasted blood and wants more. New bodies, brutally tortured, turn up courtesy of Clayton’s latest supernatural serial killer, who is curious about fellow demon Crowley’s fate. Will “Mr. Monster” be satisfied if John defeats this mysterious new demon? Or will both demon and bloodlust destroy John just when he’s managed something akin to a social life? Wells’s grisly and cleverly narrated sequel explains just enough for new readers to jump right in, but fans will likely search out the first book and anticipate the third. Intelligent, self-aware, observant, John is a unique protagonist who inspires fear or sympathy at any given moment. His battle for control over his own violent nature manages to trump the external demon dangers, which–in this compelling, quick-paced, and chilling read–is a definite feat.–Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ WESSELHOEFT, Conrad. Adios, Nirvana. 235p. Houghton Harcourt. 2010. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-547-36895-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 10 Up–Jonathan isn’t sure he can survive in the wake of his twin’s death after being struck by a Seattle bus. Telly’s guitar talent and magnetism have cast a shadow that’s hard for the high school junior to get out from under–how can a lifelong duet turn solo? While hanging with his “Thicks,” the tight circle of buddies he shared with his twin, he’s focused on vodka-filled grapes, the immediacy of sensation, and an epic poem to his lost other half, but meanwhile he’s dug himself a hole tough to climb out of in the remaining months of the school year. He has to use his own substantial talents as an award-winning poet to write the life story of a World War II vet dying in hospice and perform the principal’s favorite song at graduation on a legendary guitar donated by rocker hero Eddie Vedder after Telly’s death. What’s more, his flaky mom bugs him to scrape and paint the house so that she can turn it into a wedding chapel. Through a scary lack of sleep and bursts of activity fueled by NoDoz and Red Bull, Jonathan grapples with finding his own singularity and sounds. By working with the blind veteran, whose story of loss resonates with and amplifies Jonathan’s own survivor’s guilt, he can better face his audience to perform with the grit of Telly’s ashes sharing the limelight. Homage to poetry, music, friendship, and youth, this brash, hip story should attract its share of skater dudes and guitar jammers.–Suzanne Gordon, Lanier High School, Sugar Hill, GA WINTERS, Ben H. The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman. 247p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196541-8. LC 2010004601. Gr 4-7–Given a class assignment to find a mystery and solve it, seventh-grader Bethesda Fielding sets out to discover the true identity and personality of Ms. Finkleman, her seemingly ordinary music teacher. The woman is so ordinary that she is practically invisible to students and staff alike. This changes when Bethesda unearths some 1990s rock music paraphernalia and puts the pieces together (so she thinks), to find that Ms. Finkleman used to be Little Miss Mystery, in the band The Red Herrings. Bethesda is in a quandary after the project becomes the school’s obsession. There is a rock star among them and so the choral corral that Ms. Finkleman was planning for a multischool competition will now showcase rock and a performance by her, instead of the 16th-century English folk ballads she had hoped the students would deliver. It is safe to say that Ms. Finkleman shuns the sudden fame and the attention it garners her. This story is part mystery, part friendship novel, part school story. There are twists and turns, but what is most enjoyable is the effect that learning and playing rock music has on the teacher’s students. Everyone seems to discover their true inner selves through music, and that includes the not-so-mysterious-after-all Ms. Finkleman.–Tracy Karbel, Chicago Public Library WOOD, Maryrose. The Poison Diaries. 278p. CIP. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180236-2. LC 2009054427. Gr 7 Up–Readers will be intrigued by both the romance and complex moral questions in this fantasy set in late-18th-century England. Jessamine, 16, lives with her apothecary father, Thomas Luxton, in the remote countryside near Alnwick Castle. As she keeps house and tends to the gardens, there is one place she is forbidden to go: only her father enters the locked apothecary garden where he nurtures poisonous plants collected from all over the world. Their pastoral existence is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Weed, a straggly teenage orphan who has an inexplicable knowledge of the medicinal uses of plants. As romance blossoms between Jessamine and Weed, she discovers that he is able to communicate with all growing things. Luxton begins to crave Weed’s know-how and allows him into the apothecary garden, where the teen is made physically ill by the overwhelmingly evil personalities of the poisonous blooms. What begins that day propels the three characters into a tangled web of passion, betrayal, and the supernatural influence of the Prince of Poison. The novel explores the nature of good and evil and the consequences of choices whatever their intentions. As Luxton’s explanation foreshadows, a plant that can kill used in one way can heal used in another. Told mostly in Jessamine’s voice, the story has a compelling sense of urgency and mystery even as climactic events become too melodramatic. The book is based on a concept by the current Duchess of Northumberland who created the real Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle.–Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI WRIGHT, Denis. Violence 101: A Novel. 240p. glossary. Putnam. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25493-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–New Zealander Hamish Graham is in his third institution–this time for violent offenders. Not only has he attacked other youth, but he also has attacked staff and a therapist. From a “good” family, Hamish could be labeled a genius and/or a sociopath; he has no qualms about his violent behavior, and, in fact, he elaborately and convincingly justifies it. The book alternates chapters between staff meetings to discuss Hamish and his lengthy journal entries. The journal provides insight into the 14-year-old’s take on staff, group homes, his past, and international history. Obsessed with the normalcy of violence, Hamish studies and writes about leaders such as Alexander the Great and Maori chief Te Rauparaha, and wishes he had been born into a warrior society. What he doesn’t expect is to start to care about a staff member. When he escapes the facility on an extreme mission of his own design that will either kill him or provide him with what he’s always wanted, the book picks up speed. A lengthy glossary of New Zealand English and Maori terms and information about the country’s history and culture are included. This first novel is for those “special readers”–the smart and antisocial ones–like Hamish himself.–Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA WURGE, B. B. The Last Notebook of Leonardo. 152p. Leapfrog. 2010. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-1-935248-14-9. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-6–This is a funny, unique, wacky story. Ten-year-old Jem’s dad is a scientist who idolizes Leonardo da Vinci. He has also happily turned himself into a seven-foot-tall, five-foot-wide, incredibly hairy orangutan. Carl can still talk in his normal voice, but the change appears to be permanent. He is fired from his job and kicked out of restaurants, and finally the landlord orders the pair from their no-pets apartment. Jem and Carl quickly rally with a plan to visit da Vinci’s grave. According to Carl’s calculations, Lenny’s final resting place is in America. Thus begins their madcap journey from Manhattan through the Catskills, living out of a wagon and camping alongside snowy roads. The characters are wonderfully developed, especially the lively Native American woman who stops to pick up Jem and Carl. The father-son relationship is warm and realistically portrayed. By the end of the tale, readers can understand how Jem so readily accepts his dad’s orangutan state. Humorous accounts of Carl trying to eat or wear human clothes add more spice to this already charming read. Think Barbara Park’s The Kid in the Red Jacket (Yearling, 1988) meets Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth (Random, 1961). Stick drawings are scattered throughout. The novel would be fun to pair with a nonfiction book about da Vinci, or the story could be used as a jumping-off point for a creative writing assignment. This is a delightful book that readers will be unable to put down.–Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC Gr 3-6–Through stunning illustrations and text, Alcorn pays tribute to the incomparable folksinger. When Odetta was born in 1930 in Birmingham, AL, the Deep South was enmeshed in Jim Crow laws. Music offered solace: “Spirituals, gospel, prison, and work songs: the cup of soup Odetta grew up on!” Alcorn’s eye-catching paintings boldly blend iconic and folk elements. As a shocked Odetta watches, a water fountain’s torrent of frothy letters spells out “Whites Only.” Odetta’s musical hero was Marian Anderson; Alcorn depicts her soaring with the sparrows in flowing angels’ robes, pearls, and multicolored wings. Odetta’s family found welcome in Los Angeles, where her talents came of age: “The way Odetta sang, not even Jim Crow could tell her no!” Alcorn’s prose is spirited and playful; as Odetta wins renown, her music unites people of all races. One brilliantly composed scene finds her amid a cotton field, her billowing sack teeming with birds she is waving aloft. An author’s note lends context and perspective; additionally, there is a list of recommended recordings. This is a rousing introduction to a musical trailblazer.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA ARATO, Rona. On a Medieval Day: Story Voyages Around the World. illus. by Peter Ferguson. 96p. maps. CIP. Maple Tree Press. 2010. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-897349-95-3. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-6–Alternating between male and female narrators, this book presents stories about nine fictional youth of the medieval period. From the Mayan Civilization in 720 to the Kingdom of Castile in 1395, with stops in Vinland in 1002, Japan in 1205, and other places and years, their tales provide readers with a worldview of the era. Each chapter follows one child or teen through a day in which a conflict or crisis for the protagonist brings in some cultural and social context of the period. For example, a 13-year-old reluctantly prepares for her marriage in eighth-century China; a young man contracts measles in Bagdad and is treated by the great Islamic physician Dr. Muhammad ibn Zakariya Al-Razi; and a boy gets lost in Timbuktu on a trip to the vibrant trading post with his father in 1345. The fast-paced stories make for entertaining reading. Each chapter ends with a brief history of the period and includes a simple map. An illustration of the child featured in the story begins each chapter and although beautifully rendered, a number of the youngsters are similar in both features and skin color, making them nearly indistinguishable. The book is a wonderful attempt to expand the usual concept of the medieval world beyond Europe, but some readers may feel that its fictionalized aspects diminish its informational value.–Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA BARBOUR, Scott. Should Marijuana Be Legalized? map. ISBN 978-1-60152-106-4. LC 2009040002. Gr 7 Up–In these overviews, each of five chapters is presented in the form of a question. In the introduction to Marijuana, Barbour covers the divided opinions and conflicting values pertaining to the debate. Chapters include “How Should Marijuana Laws Be Reformed?” “How Would Legalization Affect the Economy,” and “Does Medical Need Justify Legalization?” In Renewable Energy, headings focus on “What Are the Origins of the Controversy Over Fossil Fuels?” “How Affordable Is Renewable Energy?” and “What Policies Should Guide Renewable Energy’s Future?” The content in both titles is presented in a readable format and the layout of the texts is inviting, featuring a lot of white space and annotated, color photographs on most spreads. Boxed areas highlight subjects. In addition, images of pushpin notes appear on many of the pages, featuring an applicable quote that is cited. These titles would be useful in helping students to learn about and evaluate complex issues.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA BERNE, Emma Carlson. Sacagawea: Crossing the Continent with Lewis & Clark. map. ISBN 978-1-4027-6845-3; ISBN 978-1-4027-5738-9. LC 2009024139. Gr 5-8–Berne highlights Sacagawea’s importance to the Lewis and Clark expedition, as well as her unfortunate lapse into obscurity and the mystery of what happened to her in later life. Chief Joseph was the Nez Perce’s main negotiator with the U. S. Army, and he made a name for himself through his strong belief in resolving conflict through peaceful means. Although he was promised that the Nez Perce would return to their ancestral lands, they ended up farther east in Montana. Joseph spent the rest of his life advocating for peaceful relations between his people and whites. The story of Pocahontas saving John Smith’s life may be a romanticized version of an elaborate Powhatan ritual, but the friendship between the two was real. Jones begins by placing the settlement at Jamestown in the context of both European exploration and Powhatan lifeways. Pocahontas became a friend to the settlers, eventually married an Englishman, and moved to London. No actual fictionalizing takes place, but the author does suggest what Pocahontas may have thought of the strangeness of her new home. This is a welcome biography for readers wanting more information than that found in Kathleen Krull’s Pocahontas (Walker, 2007). In all three books, illustrations appear on almost every page, including period black-and-white photographs (where available), present-day photographs of important places, and well-chosen paintings and drawings. The authors succeed in painting sympathetic yet realistic portraits of their subjects and the cultures in which they lived, especially in the case of Chief Joseph, whose pain at his people’s losses is clearly evident.–Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM BORGENICHT, David & Justin Heimberg. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Weird Junior Edition. illus. by Chuck Gonzales. 128p. appendix. CIP. Chronicle. 2010. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7438-0. LC 2009039187. Gr 5-8–Readers will be amused by this latest addition to the series. Filled with tips on how to survive the bizarre–an alien abduction, vampires, and zombies, and how to pack for time travel–this humor-filled selection actually gives some practical facts to go along with the weird. Kids learn how to handle a UFO sighting, how to evict a ghost, and what to do just in case they stumble onto a cursed tomb. The tongue-in-cheek illustrations are the icing on this enjoyable book.–Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY BRISTOW, David L. Sky Sailors: True Stories of the Balloon Era. 134p. bibliog. notes. Farrar. 2010. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-374-37014-5. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-7–With equal parts adventure and science, Bristow chronicles the invention and development of the hot-air balloon, from initial attempts in France in 1783 that were viewed with suspicion and fear, through the very early 20th century when people were using balloons to execute daring feats to entertain crowds. The writing is crisp and lively, and readers will be easily drawn into the stories of these early risk-takers. Vivid detail, imaginative storytelling, and artwork from the period all make for a compelling account of a bygone time. Thorough source notes, an extensive bibliography, and further-reading lists are included.??Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA CARLSON, Dale & Hannah Carlson. Addiction: The Brain Disease. illus. by Carol Nicklaus. 195p. charts. diags. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Bick. 2010. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-884158-35-3. LC 2010002288. Gr 7-10–Preachy in tone, this volume leaves much to be desired. The illustrations are cartoonish and reminiscent of 1970s art; a lot of space is dedicated to the genetic aspect of addiction; and scare tactics, including horrifying “true” stories, are the mainstay of the argument against becoming addicted to drugs. Although helpful resources are listed in the back matter, including websites, it is doubtful that many readers will stick with the book long enough to get to them. The middle section, “Self-Test Questions,” includes “screening tests” for different types of disorders and addictions. The main thesis seems to be that we are all addicted to something and to live life to the best of our ability, we need to find out what it is and let go of it. Alternatives to this title are Wyatt S. Schaefer’s Addiction (2007) and Louise I. Gerdes’s Addiction (2004, both Greenhaven).–Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX CARSON, Mary Kay. The Bat Scientists. photos by Tom Uhlman. 80p. (Scientists in the Field). diags. maps. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. 2010. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-19956-6. LC 2010006767. Gr 5-8–This series entry takes readers along with Merlin Tuttle and a crew of BCI (Bat Conservation International) into bat caves and bridges, trees and houses to study these agile flitterers. Carson’s readable, informative text dispels the ugly myths that have haunted these nocturnal hunter/gatherers, detailing bats’ usefulness to humankind from gobbling up mosquitoes to scarfing down corn earworm moths to pollinating a multitude of plants throughout the rain forest. Replete with superb close-ups of big ears, hairless pups, furrowed faces, and fragile wings, the text describes the damage done by humans to bat environments and the ravages of white-nose syndrome, and tells of efforts to restore and protect hibernating sites and maternity colonies. Readers not ready for this richness of detail should enjoy Laurence Pringle’s Handsome Bats (Boyds Mills, 2000), while those wanting more can plunge into Sandra Markle’s elegant Inside and Outside Bats (S & S/Atheneum, 1997). Readers in the “more, more, more” contingent can investigate Karen Taschek’s more challenging Hanging with Bats (Univ. of Mexico Press, 2008). A strong scientific look at a unique and often unloved mammal and the scientists who happily investigate them.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY CLEARY, Brian P. “Washing Adam’s Jeans” and Other Painless Tricks for Memorizing Social Studies Facts. illus. by J. P. Sandy. 48p. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Millbrook. 2010. PLB $20.60. ISBN 978-0-8225-7821-5; ebook $19.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6330-9. LC 2009014099. Gr 3-6–In the introduction, Cleary defines “mnemonic” and gives a few examples. Using songs, captions, sentences, poems, and numbers to aid in memorizing are all demonstrated. “Extra Credit” and “Read On” sections encourage research or add details. Colorful cartoons fill the pages. Educators may find an example or two to use in class with related lessons but many of the mnemonics are difficult to understand and/or remember.–Loreli E. Stochaj, Franklin School, Summit, NJ CONNOLLY, Sean. Banks and Banking. ISBN 978-1-60753-077-0. LC 2009021077. Gr 6-9–Along with a concise history of money and banking, the first title focuses on the present-day crisis in banking and the recent years leading up to it. Complex concepts like lending, earning, and charging interest are presented simply and with clear examples. Lively photos and “Personal Account” asides bring home the ramifications for individuals of big-bank collapses. Readers are asked thought-provoking questions about how different aspects of banking are managed by government and big business. Connolly also covers inflation, simplifying the concept down to tracking the cost of a loaf of bread. The second title gives a clear, succinct explanation of the origins of today’s stock market and the concept of trading shares; down-to-earth examples that involve selling jam and “Harry Potter” novels are included. The author reviews global markets and consumer confidence in relation to the stock market. The Great Depression and its effects on banking and the market, and on society at large, are reviewed in both books. Connolly touches on communism versus capitalism and the role stock-market growth and crashes play in people’s political views. He explains bull and bear markets with reference to how they came to be called as such. In both books, information is delivered in an engaging manner throughout.–Meredith Toumayan, The Governor’s Academy, Byfield, MA CRUMP, Marty. Mysteries of the Komodo Dragon: The Biggest, Deadliest Lizard Gives Up Its Secrets. 40p. map. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Boyds Mills. 2010. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-757-1. LC 2010925566. Gr 4-7–There’s nothing like a toothy, bulky, 10-foot-long lizard with deadly saliva to arouse readers’ interest. While Crump’s lively text does not supply a stage-by-stage description of the animal’s life cycle and physiology, it does give enough data to satisfy many readers and researchers. More importantly, it follows a long-term research project into the chemical makeup of “dragon drool” and the possible practical applications of the chemicals in this deadly substance to human pharmacology. Clear, color photos depict dragons from hatchlings to adults, scientists hiding in blinds and weighing catches, and zookeepers cuddling dragons with “gentle” dispositions. Conservation efforts underway to protect this rare and threatened species are included. A range of topics appears in the addenda, including the dragon’s life cycle, the use of its forked tongue as an environment “tester,” dragon conservation status, and survival programs. A surefire selection in terms of appeal and information.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY DAU, John Bul & Martha Arual Akech. Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan. with Michael S. Sweeney & K. M. Kostyal. 159p. map. photos. chron. CIP. National Geographic. 2010. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0708-9; PLB $27.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0709-6. LC 2010017960. Gr 7-10–The tragic story of Sudan’s Lost Boys and Lost Girs is told in simple language by two survivors. The authors explain that a civil war between Muslim Arabs in the north and Christian Africans in the south led to thousands of Sudanese being displaced from their homes. In 1987, when Dau was 13 and Akech was 6, war came to their village. Both traveled hundreds of miles to a UN refugee camp in Ethiopia. After a few years of safety, the refugees were forced to move again, back into Sudan and eventually to a new camp in Kenya. Through all those years, starvation, thirst, and disease plagued the Sudanese. Both Dau and Akech kept hope for the future by going to school and learning. Their story has a happy ending, with immigration to the United States and marriage. Teens who know little about Sudan and its problems will be drawn into this moving, inspirational story. More than just a memoir, it is a reflection on a lost lifestyle, with plenty of details about the beliefs and culture of the Dinka, the southern Sudanese people to which both Dau and Akech belong to. Ideal for classroom use, this book is also a heartbreaking but hopeful read.–Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, MD GOLDSMITH, Connie. Battling Malaria: On the Front Lines Against a Global Killer. 128p. chart. diag. maps. photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2010. RTE $37.27. ISBN 978-0-8225-8580-0; ebook $20.96. ISBN 978-0-7613-6363-7. LC 2009020324. Gr 8 Up–This thorough look at the disease and its reemergence as a global problem is extremely well researched and presented. Organized into short, easy-to-read chapters, the book covers the history of malaria, why it is on the rise, the areas affected, how it is spread, its life cycle, treatments and diagnosis, and future prospects. The full-color photos, graphs, charts, and statistics are clear and informative, adding a great deal to the text. There is a sense of urgency about the problem that engages readers. Goldsmith discusses different organizations and individuals that have contributed to containing malaria and gives students suggestions for helping. This title offers students an eye-opening view of what life is like in other parts of the world and the dangers faced by people in developing countries.–Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX GRAHAM, Ian. Amazing Stadiums. ISBN 978-1-60753-131-9. LC 2009044043. Gr 4-6–Youngsters who enjoy construction and superstructures will be delighted with these titles. Each one features nine of the most representative examples of each type of structure. Most are relatively new, but not all, e.g., the New York City subway. Attractively designed, each page features half- to full-page color photos, with some of the text occasionally superimposed on the images. Three paragraphs of three to five sentences each do a remarkable job of describing the edifice and the type of construction. Additional information such as length, capacity, location, year of completion, method of construction, and the name of the designer is listed in a fact-file box. “Amazing Facts” appear in a separate box. Additional drawings complement the texts. The bold font varies from black on color to white on black. Captions in goldenrod-colored boxes are sometimes repetitive of the text. Unfamiliar words are in a bold font and are defined in a glossary. The introductory and concluding chapters are an asset. Unfortunately, there are no maps to show the locations of the structures or pronunciation guides. The description of the jumbo drill in Tunnels is difficult to visualize, but that is not enough to keep these titles off the shelves.–Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS GREEN, Dan. Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction! 128p. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-7534-6413-7. Gr 4-8–Two new titles follow the format of Green and Basher’s Physics and Biology (both Kingfisher, 2008) and other visually appealing introductions to the sciences. Chemistry begins with a short overview of the discipline and information on Antoine Lavoisier’s 18th-century scientific findings. Concepts are grouped by associations: “Basic States” (solid, liquid, etc.), “Nuts and Bolts” (atom, ion, etc.), “Nasty Boys” (acid, base, etc.), and more. The individual concepts are each introduced over a spread that features a computer-generated cartoon of a character representing the idea and a brief introduction to its characteristics and personality. Math follows a similar format, but without an introduction. Chapters include, among others: “Number Bunch” (zero, infinity, etc.), “Special Sum-Things” (add, subtract, etc.), and “Shape Shifters” (line, angle, etc.). In both books, the information is presented in a chatty, first-person voice. For example, “Acid” announces: “The most notorious of the Nasty Boys. I’m mad, bad, and thoroughly dangerous to know. Given the chance, I’ll eat away at Metal and burn through your skin!” Other basic facts are provided in bullet points and small boxed areas. Thee worthwhile library purchases would make handy curriculum supplements.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA HAWES, Jason & Grant Wilson. Ghost Hunt: Chilling Tales of the Unknown. with Cameron Dokey. 304p. glossary. Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-09959-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 4-9–This collection of stories is based on case files from The Atlanta Paranormal Society, TAPS, founded by Hawes and Wilson. Each of the eight selections describes the sightings and paranormal activity from the perspective of the observer, then describes how members of TAPS researched, set up equipment, and discovered explanations for what happened. What causes pennies to appear in the bedroom of two boys? Who is the ghost on the water and why do some ghosts have no legs? These mysteries are unlocked as readers follow the ghost hunters on their quest for the truth. The stories have enough elements of the unknown to make them spine-tingling, but they are more mystery than horror. A ghost-hunt guide allows readers an opportunity to experience firsthand the process TAPS uses to solve their cases. Fans of the authors’ Ghost Hunter TV series will find these stories equally if not more intriguing than the show. Those who are not familiar with the series will enjoy meeting the ghost hunters and learning how to use the equipment. The easy-to-read format and subject matter will keep even the most reluctant of readers interested.–Denise Moore, O’Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD HEINRICHS, Ann. The Japanese American Internment: Innocence, Guilt, and Wartime Justice. 112p. (Perspectives on Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. Tr $27.95. ISBN 978-0-7614-4983-6. LC 2009035467. Gr 6-10–A solid resource for school reports, this straightforward account includes an overview of the events that led up to the signing of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the relocation of Japanese Americans; details about life in the internment camps; and an examination of the long-term ramifications for the Japanese-American community. Information is accompanied by photographs and illustrations in color and black-and-white. A balanced view of the internment is presented, regarding it as a dark period in American history while acknowledging the alternative viewpoints of the time, and even revealing surprising divisions among Japanese-American groups regarding their treatment during World War II. The volume concludes on a thoughtful note, comparing Executive Order 9066 to the Patriot Act of 2001, and inviting readers to examine their conscience regarding their perspective on ethnic groups different from their own. While the author’s description of the attitudes toward Muslim Americans after September 11, 2001, would have been strengthened by a source citation, an otherwise extensive appendix with notes and citations for further research on the Japanese-American internment is included. Overall, a good choice for libraries with a need for information on this often-glossed-over part of American history.–Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA HOLBROOK, Sara. Zombies! Evacuate the School! illus. by Karen Sandstrom. 56p. Boyds Mills/Wordsong. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-820-2. LC number unavailable. Gr 3-6–With a breezy and comedic touch, Holbrook shines a light on school experiences, from academic pursuits to classroom rivalries to gym-class exploits. Humor reigns, and readers will identify with themes and emotions, such as panic in “It’s Today?” “Frantic/panic,/sinking/sorrow./The science test/is not tomorrow.” Many of the poems utilize an inner voice and encourage self-reflection. They are brief and accessible, and Holbrook sprinkles conversational, informal prompts throughout the book that encourage readers to create poetry about their own experiences. Sandstrom’s pen-and-ink illustrations provide additional humor. The simple design is attractive and the book will appeal to reluctant readers and those who are intimidated by poetry. Language-arts teachers will appreciate the writing prompts and may even consider using this book in poetry-writing units. Students who are encouraged to “write what you know” will be inspired by these selections.–Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI HUNECK, Stephen. Even Bad Dogs Go to Heaven: More from the Dog Chapel. illus. by author. unpaged. photos. Abrams. 2010. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9629-8. LC number unavailable. Gr 2 Up–After recovering from a near-fatal illness, Huneck established a chapel dedicated to the relationship between dogs and their owners on his property in Vermont. He originally wrote about it in The Dog Chapel: Welcome All Creeds, All Breeds. No Dogmas Allowed (Abrams, 2002). He begins this book with an update about the chapel 10 years after its foundation. The introduction is lengthy–six pages of fairly small print–but touching. It is illustrated with color photographs of the small chapel, its walls covered with notes and photos from dog lovers who visited or were influenced by Huneck’s work. Following the introduction, the artist presents about 30 short sayings about dogs, one per spread, in large informal print and illustrates each one with his characteristic style. The sayings are clever and celebrate the richness that pets bring to life. They also offer comfort for those who might have lost a beloved canine friend. The illustrations are simple and solid, but brightly colored and have a gentle humor of their own. This book is a fitting remembrance of Huneck, who recently passed away, and a good choice for those who may be dealing with their own loss.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT JARROW, Gail. Lincoln’s Flying Spies: Thaddeus Lowe and the Civil War Balloon Corps. 109p. map. photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. Calkins Creek. 2010. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-59078-719-9. LC 2010925627. Gr 5 Up–Born in 1832, Thaddeus Lowe grew up interested in science and mechanics and wanted to build a flying machine. Studying the works of aeronaut John Wise, he set up his own factory in 1856 and planned to travel across the Atlantic in a balloon. This trip never came to fruition, but Lowe received a great deal of publicity, as well as more knowledge about flying. By the outbreak of the Civil War, he knew that he could serve the Union cause by using his balloons to spy on the Confederate forces. President Lincoln, who had a keen interest in new technology, met with Lowe and encouraged the army to utilize his services. By September 1861, Lowe and his Balloon Corps were spying on Confederates in Virginia; in 1862 they traveled with General McClellan and participated in the Peninsular Campaign; and in 1863 the Balloon Corps made observations around Fredericksburg. In later years, Lowe worked as an inventor and built an electric railway in California. This volume presents Civil War history and highlights this extraordinary man. Photographs, drawings, reproductions, and sidebars appear on almost every page.–Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges JUDD, Jennifer Cole & Laura Wynkoop, eds. An Eyeball in My Garden: And Other Spine-Tingling Poems. illus. by Johan Olander. 64p. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5655-1. LC 2010008081. Gr 4-6–These 44 poems cover all things creepy in a variety of ways. Some of them are unsettling, such as “The Corner,” in which a mysterious “no-shape” sits in the corner of the room, “A No-Shape./A hint of eyes,/A dark you cannot see out of.” Others are funny, like “Ghost Fish,” which tells of the ghost of a dead pet goldfish that haunts the toilet, determined not to be forgotten. Still others revel in grossness. “Mummy’s Menu” features dishes like “Kidney stew with chunks of spine,/Pickled brains in zesty brine.” Each poem is decorated with a humorous or macabre black-and-white drawing. The collection straddles the line between scary and innocently goofy, and some of the selections are a little inconsistent. For larger poetry collections.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA KALLEN, Stuart A. Toxic Waste. ISBN 978-1-60152-124-8. LC 2009052242. Gr 9 Up–The first book discusses the seriousness of toxic and electronic waste, the effectiveness of cleanup efforts, and future challenges. The second title examines the global demand for coal power, environmental impacts of burning and mining it, and the future of the industry. In a concise, objective manner, the books investigate historical, economic, political, and environmental issues. Primary-source quotations; short narrative texts, followed by relevant quotations; a section with a bulleted list of one-sentence facts; pertinent illustrations; and annotated lists of key people, organizations, and advocacy groups are included. Opposing quotes are paired off in brackets. These books are well researched and carefully organized, and the discussion and quality content make them useful for research.–June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA KIESBYE, Stefan, ed. Are Natural Disasters Increasing? 135p. (At Issue Series). bibliog. index. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2010. PLB $30.85. ISBN 978-0-7377-4665-5; pap. $21.85. ISBN 978-0-7377-4666-2. LC 2009042506. Gr 7 Up–This book includes a good selection of viewpoints on weather-related natural disasters, their frequency, and whether or not they are primarily caused by global warming or poor human planning. More importantly, there is much discussion around the fact that naturally occurring disasters are having increasingly devastating effects on human populations because of governments’ lack of involvement regarding underprivileged populations. Many believe our planet is experiencing climate change on a scale that is producing increased flooding and drought, which is, in turn, having a devastating effect on the lives of those whose sustenance relies on the affected areas. The poor suffer most by virtue of having no alternative means of support once their local habitat is destroyed. The argument is also made that natural disasters are not in fact increasing so much as occurring where populations should not have settled. Anthropogenic global warming and the economics of disasters are also explored in this context. The concepts are clearly laid out by well-respected professionals in the field, and the arguments are all supported with data, though there is a tendency to overuse acronyms in the text.–Meredith Toumayan, The Governor’s Academy, Byfield, MA LAIRD, Elizabeth, retel. Pea Boy and Other Stories from Iran. illus. by Shirin Adl. 61p. bibliog. Frances Lincoln. 2010. Tr $22.95. ISBN 978-1-84507-912-3. LC number unavailable. Gr 3-6–In these folktales, Laird writes as a storyteller would speak, with natural cadence and authentic voice. These tales do not all have happy endings, and sometimes the main characters act very foolishly and suffer the consequences of their poor choices. The message of each story, however, is intelligent and witty, and provides a glimpse into the culture. Although the format and cover illustrations make this look like a picture book, there is a lot of text, making the book better suited to middle graders. The stylized mixed-media illustrations are a good match for the stories. Adl often uses cloth with patterns characteristic of the region in her compositions. The resulting artwork conveys a great deal of fun and exuberance while still reflecting the cultural background of the stories. A well-done and attractive addition to any folktale collection.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT LEWIS, J. Patrick. Skywriting: Poems to Fly. illus. by Laszlo Kubinyi. 32p. chron. notes. Creative Editions. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-56846-203-5. LC 2008014229. Gr 4-6–Thirteen poems celebrate innovations in flight, soaring chronologically from Icarus to the space shuttle Columbia. Not all of the airborne contraptions were successful, as in the humorous poem “Marquis d’Equevilley’s Multiplane”; with an oval shape, “It was not bound/Ever to get off/the ground!” All but one of the poems rhyme, including the shape poem, “The Concorde 001.” The free verse “LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin” sounds more textbook than poetic. Detailed pen-and-ink illustrations with pastel watercolors highlighting the colors of the sky, pilots, and hopeful crowds convey the excitement and wonder humans have experienced in the pursuit of flight. Endnotes offer a paragraph of introductory information about each attempt. A time line with one notable fact from each of the 13 years marked by these forms of flight, from 800 BC to AD 2002, is included. Lee Bennett Hopkins’s Give Me Wings (Holiday House, 2010), which also features 13 poems about flight, is for a slightly younger audience.–Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne’s County Free Library, Stevensville, MD Gr 5 Up–Three of Macaulay’s classic construction books, Castle, Cathedral, and Mosque, are combined in one volume, with a wealth of new material added. Rather than merely colorizing the original lines of the first two, the artist created all new illustrations and reworked most of the text for consistency and accuracy. Felt-tipped markers and colored pencils offer striking new views in Castle and Cathedral, matching the depth, detail, and clarity of the earlier versions without the extensive crosshatching used in the original black-and-white drawings. The content of some pictures has changed, frequently adding to the human stories that are told along with the construction. The architectural complexities of the church come through in both versions of Castle, for example, but the new one subtly adds the emotional element of a funeral in progress in the background. Other changes add key steps not covered previously, such as roofing the crypt in Cathedral. Some written passages are expanded and others are more concise, depending on the topic. Some steps, such as the window-making in Cathedral, are placed earlier or later within the narrative. While the first two titles are fully revised works, Mosque remains mostly unchanged, beyond some minor text editing; with a few exceptions, such as the addition of towels for the bathing men, the illustrations are identical. Though most libraries won’t want to discard their copies of Cathedral and Castle, the new color artwork and updated content give this three-books-in-one volume high value and strong appeal.–Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR MALLORY, Kenneth. Adventure Beneath the Sea: Living in an Underwater Science Station. photos by Brian Skerry. 48p. map. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Boyds Mills. 2010. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-607-9. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-8–Mallory has been “messing about” with water for a goodly while, as evinced in such books as Swimming with Hammerhead Sharks (2001) and Diving to a Deep-Sea Volcano (2006, both Houghton). Here he invites readers to squeeze into Aquarius, a venerable science-station habitat resting on the sea floor at a depth of 60 feet in the Florida Keys. The readable text explains the complexities of training for a weeklong stay, the aims of the scientists on the team, and what it is like to spend 24/7 in squashed companionship in a 43' x 9' cylinder as part of a crew of seven. He groans over less-than-gourmet freeze-dried meals, recounts major inconveniences like toilet clogs (plus the somewhat unsavory solution to same), and describes a scary power outage. Sidebars contain interesting information on what the crew ate, the history of various underwater habitats, and the dangers of too-rapid decompression while returning to the surface. Full-color photos abound. Uneven in quality, they range from close-ups of the insertion of computer chips into live fish bellies to longer shots of reef residents and wet-suited divers going about their work. All in all, this is a rather nifty look at scientists busily at work on interesting projects, all the while living like human hermit crabs in a shell-type lab.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY MOORE, Heidi. Ocean Food Chains. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-3859-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-3866-6. LC 2009049547. Gr 4-7–Each volume features an environment with flora and fauna unique to specific areas of the world. Marine animals found in the different oceans and at various depths are covered in the first title. The second book compares animals living in the rain forests of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Silverman introduces the various plants and animals surviving in deserts around the world. Along with color photos of animals in their habitat, diagrams illustrate how food chains and webs flow. The pictures and charts will draw readers in and help reiterate the importance of each link. Each book explains the dangers these food chains face due to pollution, species removal, introductions of alien species, and human carelessness. Ten ideas on how individuals can help save these systems are appended. Good additions to supplement information regarding various ecosystems.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX O’KEEFE, Sherry. Spin: The Story of Michael Jackson. 144p. (Modern Music Masters Series). photos. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2010. PLB $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-134-6. LC 2009054191. Gr 6-9–The King of Pop’s roller-coaster-ride life is recounted in this detailed biography. From humble beginnings in Gary, IN, to a sheltered life on the road as a child and young man, Jackson never knew a normal childhood. His talents surpassed those of his brothers, and family conflict drove him to separate himself professionally. O’Keefe does not shy away from the star’s deep insecurity and bizarre behavior, including the molestation charges and multiple plastic surgeries. Finally, the text mentions his struggle with prescription drugs with little explanation and recounts the day of his death. Overall, he is presented as a misunderstood, talented recluse with a kind, quiet nature. The narrative is occasionally bogged down by detailed discussions of contracts and music-business wheeling and dealing. Full-color photos appear on almost every spread, presenting accessible and varied portions of text. The story of the man and his music is well told, and this offering is less formulaic than typical series biographies.–Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY QUADRI, Habeeb & Sa’ad Quadri. The War Within Our Hearts. 183p. appendix. Kube. 2010. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-1-84774-012-0. LC number unavailable. Gr 8 Up–This advice book for Muslim teens covers such topics as alcohol, modesty, music, pornography, the Internet, friends, suicide, abuse, and more. The authors adhere to a fairly strict interpretation of the Qu’ran, so there is no reference whatsoever to dating and they advocate as much separation of the genders as possible. There is also no reference to LGBTQ issues, which is in keeping with the conservative tenor of the book. The approach is positive, encouraging young Muslims to be respectful of both themselves and others. The cover and chapter titles would suggest that the language is teen-friendly, but the tone of the text is academic, dealing more with the Qu’ranic justifications for Islamic law than with helpful advice for reconciling these laws with Western culture. This volume will certainly be what some Muslim teens are looking for, but will not appeal to all. The lack of an index also impedes access to information. Dilara, Iman, & Yasmine Hafiz’s The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook (Acacia, 2007) covers similar material with a more liberal and teen-friendly approach. Purchase where titles of a more conservative nature are needed.–Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH SCRIVEN, Maggie. Short & Sweet Skits for Student Actors: 55 Sketches for Teens. 165p. CIP. Meriwether. 2010. pap. $17.95. ISBN 978-1-56608-168-9. LC 2009051822. Gr 5-9–Clean, straitlaced and with a sometimes corny sense of humor, these skits will be a welcome resource for teachers who want to incorporate a bit of drama into their classrooms. The majority of the selections feature present-day scenes of school, friends, and home, usually addressing conduct of life, but a few of them veer into the fantastical with actors playing cows, cats, and dogs. Actors are encouraged to play these scenes standing up and with light costuming to suggest the animal being portrayed. Most of the selections are for two to three players, but educators will be hard-pressed to find a collection that features short scenes for groups of 10-16 specifically tailored for classroom use. Flexible casting is possible for quite a few of the pieces.–Madigan McGillicuddy, Los Angeles Public Library SHAKESPEARE, William. Macbeth. ISBN 978-1-935550-02-0. Gr 8 Up–Abiding by the premise that the text is supreme, Newlin’s cuttings reveal the stories through the use of original dialogue and short connecting narratives to compensate for missing scenes. Each adaptation is accompanied by simple stage directions and a prop list. A sample program indicates possible double-casting of roles, and Newlin’s personal notes on the pros and cons of his own high school production will embolden neophyte directors. A preface explains the origins of Newlin’s adaptations, and an essay on “Performing Shakespeare,” which follows the text, includes rehearsal suggestions and a discussion of the application of Aristotle’s six elements of drama. A good bibliography of print and online resources completes the work. Newlin’s prose is clear and explanatory, stressing the importance of understanding Shakespeare’s words and of granting license to the young actors’ own ideas. Problems do occur, however, with the adaptations themselves because large sections of the plays have been omitted to accommodate the time frame, and the scenes do not always follow their original order. For example, in Midsummer, readers learn that Puck has engineered Titania’s falling in love with an “ass,” but Oberon’s reasons for wanting to humiliate her are never divulged. Geared to an older audience than Carole Cox’s Shakespeare’s Kids (Libraries Unlimited, 2009), Newlin’s titles maintain Cox’s philosophy of empowering young actors with Shakespeare’s own words and could serve well as introductory texts for simple productions if additional narratives are supplied.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, The Naples Players, FL Gr 7 Up–American history is brought to life in this engaging story of revolution and treason. Most people know very little about Benedict Arnold–only that he was a traitor during the American War of Independence. Sheinkin recounts the tale of a larger-than-life persona, from his uncertain boyhood to his immense popularity as an unpredictable, yet brilliant, commander in the American army, and finally, to his end days, living in London, despised and disgraced. The story of Arnold’s bravery and his rise in the esteem of the colonists is played out against the political squabbling and fears the Continental Congress had about military figures becoming too powerful and upsetting the delicate democracy they were busy creating. Through letters, journals, historic accounts, and other resources, Sheinkin keeps readers wanting to know what will happen next. Short, episodic chapters titled with relevant dates are an effective way to pace various battles–on the field and off–and understand their place in the larger picture of the war. Other key figures are well developed in the narrative. Seeing a glimpse of these personalities makes their subsequent actions believable and meaningful. The Notorious Benedict Arnold is likely to make readers want to learn more about the American Revolution and its players, great and small. Source notes at the end of the book allow them to do just that.–Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI STANLEY, George Edward. Sitting Bull: Great Sioux Hero. maps. ISBN 978-1-4027-6846-0; ISBN 978-1-4027-5965-9. LC 2009024141. Gr 5-8–These volumes are beautifully arranged with thick glossy pages, clear type, period photographs, enchanting portraits, lithographs, woodcuts, color maps, and a few relevant modern photographs of existing natural wonders. Each biography weaves the life and struggle of the featured Native American leader with the white man’s “manifest destiny” to settle the New World and includes an evolutionary explanation of the term “American Indian.” The accounts are rich with exhaustive details, especially of skirmishes, treaties, and battles. The heroes’ stories are accented with other players’ mini biographies and side stories on topics such as militia and modern reservation casinos. A few enduring expressions and quotes are explained, such as “counting coup,” “GERONIMO!” and “A good Indian is a dead Indian.” The point of view alternates between the subject and his various allies and adversaries. Conflicting historical accounts are analyzed responsibly. These biographies, particularly Tecumseh, could lead to research on politics, diplomacy, human rights, peace, or conflict resolution.–S. McClendon, Friends School of Atlanta, Decatur, GA STEVEN, Peter. The News. ISBN 978-0-88899-822-4; ISBN 978-0-88899-823-1. LC C2009-906508-8. Gr 10 Up–These books have a Canadian focus. Steven makes a strong case for the power of the news media to shape our thinking about national and world events. What is presented and how it is described is often influenced by the corporations that own the media, the advertisers, or, in some countries, the government. The author encourages readers to be alert to these allegiances and come to their own conclusions based on the facts given. He stresses the need for ethical journalists to question their choice of stories and how to write them and explains that citizen “journalists” now add to the information pool by posting on blogs, Wikinews, YouTube, and Twitter. Valverde challenges our assumptions about the rule of law and the reality of what police really spend their time doing. According to her, they maintain order and use violence when deemed necessary. It is important that the rule of law is based on accountability. Citizen oversight should be utilized to ensure that law-enforcement practices promote democracy. The history of British law is described in greater detail than U.S. law. Both titles have a sociological approach, but no charts or illustrations, and readers are left wanting more examples regarding complaints about the limitation of the news and the need to improve local police protection.–Peggy Fleming, formerly at Churchville-Chili High School, Churchville, NY TOMECEK, Stephen M. Art and Architecture. 174p. (Experimenting with Everyday Science Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2010. PLB $35. ISBN 978-1-60413-168-0. LC 2009030195. Gr 4-7–This fun and informative book features 25 simple experiments using common household items and foods such as blueberries, colored cellophane, food coloring, Magic Markers, miniature marshmallows, and wooden toothpicks to demonstrate principles and inspire creative thought about the intersection of science with the visual and mechanical arts. The six chapters include activities that illuminate certain scientific aspects of each respective subject. For example, “Science and the Origin of Art” includes experiments on wood, rocks, sediment, metal, pigments, and paper, while “Light and Color” studies shadows, bending light, light and pigments, mixing pigments, and separating pigments. Each activity is logically ordered under headings such as “Time Required,” “Materials,” “Safety,” “Procedure,” “Analysis” (typically three questions), “Our Findings” (which briefly answer the “Analysis” questions), etc., and include one or more helpful illustrations. Interspersed are one- to two-page spreads about related topics–for example, text about the formation of clay segues into the experiment about sediments. Accessible for independent reading by children with a scientific bent or curiosity about how the world works, these experiments would also be useful for scout projects or science clubs. It would be mind-stretching for parents to conduct these experiments with their children, perhaps one each weekend, discussing the results and looking for examples in their environment.–Joel Shoemaker, formerly at South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA TOMECEK, Stephen M. Music. 165p. ISBN 978-1-60413-169-7. LC 2009022333. Gr 6 Up–Each of these texts offers 25 easy-to-perform activities that illuminate scientific principles. After the same brief series introduction in each volume, Tomecek devotes several pages to a comprehensive outline of safety precautions ranging from preparing for an experiment to washing hands and disposing of chemicals properly at the conclusion of an activity. Topics in Music include the history of music, various instruments, and how scientific principles explain the creation of sounds. Tools discusses levers, pulleys, and meters and explains how people use them in their daily lives. Both books include four to six experiments that can be performed in the classroom or at home. A brief introduction, time required, a list of materials, and a safety note precede the step-by-step instructions. Questions in the final “Analysis” and sections titled “What’s Going On?” and “Our Findings” offer explanations for the results. Following each experiment are additional comments on the science behind the experiment and link to the one that follows. Photographs, simple diagrams and illustrations, and sample data tables appear throughout, and the layouts are clear and colorful.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA Gr 4-8–Large, eye-catching color photos accompany a quiet, informative text in this elegant book that celebrates an equally elegant North American mammal: Antilocapra americana–“the antelope-goat of America.” Urbigkit provides enough quality information to satisfy many young researchers, and Gocke’s outstanding photos record the migratory year of Wyoming’s Sublette herd. Along the way, such topics as the need for multiple stomachs and cud-chewing are explained, and a fine lesson in migration is shown in the photos and discussed in the text. The role of human construction in deciding the fate of the general pronghorn population is mentioned, as is the small recovery of desert populations in the Southwest. Urbigkit offers further information on a final page, along with a list of adult sources (recent juvenile works are somewhat thin). Handsome, slim, and as fast-paced as the pronghorns themselves, this is a lovely addition.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Gr 5-9–All of Walker’s impressive writing talents are on display in this book on the frozen continent. The author’s clear and lively narrative begins with a brief history of the first explorers, including some grisly deaths, and then describes in detail the work of current researchers. Walker paints a vivid picture of the hardships and special considerations required of those who work in Antarctica. Children will almost shiver as they read the description of the scuba diver’s preparations to enter an icy lake. Additionally, the author does a great job of explaining some really complex scientific activities, such as mapping the ground using ice-penetrating radar, so that readers without great knowledge of advanced science can grasp how this work is done. She also shows how Antarctic research can help them understand global climate change and other types of earth-science research. Nearly every page has sharp color photos of the continent and researchers in action or explanatory diagrams. With its superb design and Walker’s gripping prose, this book will draw readers in and keep them involved.–Denise Schmidt, San Francisco Public Library WICKINGS, Ruth. Pop-Up: Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Pop-Up Book. illus. by Frances Castle. unpaged. diags. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5056-8. LC 2010005488. Gr 3-6–Wickings presents an entire crafts workshop between two covers. The 3-D album opens with small diagrams of some common pop-up crease patterns and noise-making tricks, featuring a pop-up robot on the next spread as a sample, and goes on to include blank, slotted layouts for four pop-up scenes flanked by foldout sheets of perforated, pre-glued card stock parts to punch out, fold, and attach. Though this is no substitute for Joan Irvine’s many books or David A. Carter and James Diaz’s magisterial Elements of Pop-Up (Little Simon, 1999), it would make a welcome gift item for budding paper engineers.–John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library WILKES, Sybella. Out of Iraq: Refugees’ Stories in Words, Paintings and Music. 70p. illus. map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Evans Brothers, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-237-53930-6. LC number unavailable. Gr 5-9–Wilkes, who works with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Syria, juxtaposes stories from refugees with summaries of Iraq’s recent history. She does not minimize the brutality of Saddam Hussein and his political supporters from his ascendancy to power in 1979 until his downfall. However, most of the book is devoted to the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. The resulting destruction, displacement, civil war, and sectarian violence caused thousands of Iraqis to flee to neighboring countries. Among those Wilkes interviewed are a musician, journalist, clown, teacher, and artists. Readers also hear from children and young adults, including members of religious minorities. The tales of abduction, death, and harrowing escapes are not easy reading. Yet, the stories also highlight people’s determination to survive and their desire for access to education and a return to a stable family life. Photos of refugee camps and some of the individuals profiled further personalize the accounts. Numerous paintings by children and adults range from depictions of peaceful times in the past to invasions, bombings, and the exodus of refugees. The work of UNHCR in resettlement is explained, and suggestions for how to use this book in a classroom setting are given. The departure of U.S. combat troops may reduce news coverage in the United States, but thousands of Iraqis remain displaced. This book puts names and faces to sound bites and statistics and offers a perspective not available in other resources.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Also in this Issue
Fiction
Non-Fiction
ABDEL-FATTAH, Randa. Where the Streets Had a Name. 313p. glossary. CIP. Scholastic. Nov. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-17292-9. LC 2009043122. BARRETT, Tracy. King of Ithaka. 261p. CIP. Holt. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8969-1. LC 2009050770. BICK, Ilsa J. Draw the Dark. 338p. CIP. Carolrhoda Lab. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5686-8; ebook $9.53. ISBN 978-0-7613-6221-0. LC 2009051612.
STEVENSON, R. L. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. ISBN 978-1-60754-849-2. LC 2009033192.
STOKER, Bram. Dracula. ISBN 978-1-60754-847-8. LC number unavailable.
ea vol: Pauline Francis, retel. 56p. (Foundation Classics Series). illus. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Skyview Bks. 2010. PLB $28.50. GIDWITZ, Adam. A Tale Dark & Grimm. 249p. Dutton. Nov. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42334-8. LC number unavailable. GILL, David Macinnis. Black Hole Sun. 342p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-167304-7. LC 2009023050. KESSLER, Jackie Morse. Hunger. 180p. Houghton/Graphia. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-547-34124-8. LC number unavailable. KEYES, Pamela. The Jumbee. 385p. Dial. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3313-8. LC 2009040048. PARK, Linda Sue. A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story. 128p. CIP. Clarion. Nov. 2010. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-547-25127-1. LC 2009048857. PERKINS, Mitali. Bamboo People. 272p. Charlesbridge. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-328-2. LC number unavailable. PRATCHETT, Terry. I Shall Wear Midnight. 355p. appendix. HarperCollins/Harper. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-143304-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-143305-4. LC 2010024442. ALCORN, Stephen. Odetta: The Queen of Folk. poem by Samantha Thornhill. illus. by author. unpaged. Scholastic. Dec. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-439-92818-2. LC number unavailable.
MARCOVITZ, Hal. Can Renewable Energy Replace Fossil Fuels? charts. ISBN 978-1-60152-113-2. LC 2009050482.
ea vol: 96p. (In Controversy Series). photos. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ReferencePoint. Nov. 2010. PLB $26.95.
HOPPING, Lorraine Jean. Chief Joseph: The Voice for Peace. map. ISBN 978-1-4027-6842-2; ISBN 978-1-4027-6004-4. LC 2009024132.J
ONES, Victoria Garrett. Pocahontas: A Life in Two Worlds. ISBN 978-1-4027-6844-6; ISBN 978-1-4027-5158-5. LC 2009024136.
ea vol: 124p. (Sterling Biographies Series). illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. glossary. index. notes. CIP. Sterling. 2010. Tr $12.95; pap. $5.95.
–––– . The Stock Market. ISBN 978-1-60753-082-4. LC 2009029073.
ea vol: 46p. (World Economy Explained Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Amicus. 2010. PLB $23.95.
–––– . Fabulous Bridges. ISBN 978-1-60753-132-6. LC 2009030864.
–––– . Tremendous Tunnels. ISBN 978-1-60753-134-0. LC 2009030865.
ea vol: 32p. (Superstructures). diags. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Amicus. 2010. PLB $28.50.
–––– . Math: A Book You Can Count On! 64p. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7534-6419-9.
ea vol: illus. by Simon Basher. glossary. index. Kingfisher. 2010. LC number unavailable.
PARKS, Peggy J. Coal Power. ISBN 978-1-60152-107-1. LC 2009040878.
ea vol: 96p. (Compact Research: Energy and the Environment Series). charts. diags. maps. photos. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ReferencePoint. Nov. 2010. PLB $26.95. MACAULAY, David. Built to Last. illus. by author. 272p. glossary. Houghton Harcourt. 2010. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-547-34240-5. LC number unavailable.
–––– . Rain Forest Food Chains. ISBN 978-1-4329-3860-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-3867-3. LC 2009049548.
SILVERMAN, Buffy. Desert Food Chains. ISBN 978-1-4329-3856-7; ISBN 978-1-4329-3863-5. LC 2009049491.
ea vol: 48p. (Protecting Food Chains Series). diags. map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann Library. 2010. PLB $32.; pap. $8.99.
–––– . A Midsummer Night’s Dream. ISBN 978-1-935550-00-6.
ea vol: Nick Newlin, adapt. 61p. (The 30-Minute Shakespeare Series). further reading. Web sites. Nicolo Whimsey Press. 2010. pap. $7.95. LC number unavailable. SHEINKIN, Steve. The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery. 352p. bibliog. notes. Roaring Brook/Flash Point. Nov. 2010. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-486-8. LC number unavailable.
SULLIVAN, George. Geronimo: Apache Renegade. map. ISBN 978-1-4027-6843-9; ISBN 978-1-4027-6279-6. LC 2009024135.
ZIMMERMAN, Dwight Jon. Tecumseh: Shooting Star of the Shawnee. map. ISBN 978-1-4027-6847-7; ISBN 978-1-4027-6288-8. LC 2009024142.
ea vol: 124p. (Sterling Biographies Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. glossary. index. notes. CIP. Sterling. 2010. Tr $12.95; pap. $5.95.
VALVERDE, Mariana. The Force of Law. Web sites. ISBN 978-0-88899-817-0; ISBN 978-0-88899-818-7. LC C2009-906509-6.
ea vol: 144p. (Groundwork Guide Series). chron. further reading. index. notes. CIP. Groundwood. 2010. Tr $18.95; pap. $11.
–––– . Tools & Machines. 182p. ISBN 978-1-60413-171-0. LC 2009022332.
ea vol: (Experimenting with Everyday Science Series). diags. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web site. CIP. Chelsea House. 2010. PLB $35. URBIGKIT, Cat. Path of the Pronghorn. photos by Mark Gocke. 32p. map. bibliog. Boyds Mills. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-756-4. LC number unavailable. WALKER, Sally M. Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed. 104p. chart. diags. illus. maps. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Carolrhoda. 2010. PLB $20.95. ISBN 978-1-58013-607-5; ebook $11.78. ISBN 978-0-7613-6222-7. LC 2009034282.
