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February 1, 2011

Fiction

Also in this Issue

Fiction

Fiction Series Roundup

Nonfiction

ALLEN, Crystal. How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy. 287p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Mar. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199272-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Among the many complications in 13-year-old Lamar Washington’s life are his reputation as a prankster, which is inhibiting his quest to get a girlfriend; a basketball star older brother, Xavier, who treats him with contempt; his suspicion that his best friend is being taken advantage of by his girlfriend; and the asthma that makes bowling the most strenuous sport in which he is allowed to engage. While the death of his mother is an ongoing heartache, Lamar receives support from his strict but loving father and his close-knit African-American community. He has truly come to love bowling, and the action revolves (loosely) around his desire to be the recipient of a special ball to be given away by his idol, professional bowler Bubba Sanders. Along the way, Lamar gains, loses, and regains the girl; succumbs to the temptations of easy money by using his bowling skills to hustle some marks at the behest of lowlife Billy Jenks; is physically assaulted by Xavier; pulls an alarm to disrupt his brother’s basketball game; and is finally reconciled with X after secretly paying for his algebra tutoring. There is much too much going on, and everything is resolved way too easily, but readers are likely to be pulled along by Lamar’s engaging (and frequently hilarious) narration.–Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

ANDERSON, Jodi Lynn. Loser/Queen. illus. by Brittney Lee. 357p. S & S. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9646-0; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9647-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Cammy Hall, 15, is a born outsider, positioned at the bottom of the high school social order. She dresses oddly and lives with her grandparents. She spends her time knitting amigurumi, watching old episodes of Golden Girls, and hanging out with her equally uncool exchange-student friend, Gerdi. After a humiliating incident at a school dance, she begins receiving mysterious text messages from someone calling him/herself the White Rabbit. The White Rabbit seems to know everyone’s secrets, good and bad, and gives Cammy cryptic commands to do various things to and for fellow students and teachers. At first, these are relatively harmless and even positive, and she finds herself becoming more and more popular, but when the White Rabbit’s agenda becomes more mean-spirited, Cammy must choose whether to go along with it or refuse and risk losing her newfound popularity and the affections of the boy she has long admired. This is the print version of an interactive book that was originally posted on the Loser/Queen website in online installments, with story elements determined by reader feedback and voting. Not surprisingly, the book is completely plot driven, sometimes at the expense of characterization, and the conclusion seems abrupt. However, readers will enjoy the many twists and will be eager to discover the identity of the mysterious White Rabbit.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

ARONSON, Marc & Charles R. Smith, Jr., eds. Pick-Up Game: A Full Day of Full Court. 176p. photos. Candlewick. Feb. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4562-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Some of the most distinguished names in YA literature are represented in this collection of linked stories set on a celebrated New York City playground basketball court known as the Cage. Such luminaries as Walter Dean Myers, Bruce Brooks, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Robert Lipsyte examine the ways in which players, wannabes, and hangers-on interact in the vibrant, freewheeling subculture of inner-city playground hoops. All of the action takes place on one day, with recurring characters. The contributors offer different takes on them, forcing readers to consider the individuals from a variety of points of view. It is fascinating to see how these writers bring their own unique social and artistic vision to the portrayal of the individuals who weave in and out of the narratives. The stories are of uniformly high quality; one of the real crowd-pleasers is Sharon G. Flake’s “Virgins Are Lucky,” which stars a sassy, self-respecting girl who decides not to text the handsome star player who has so casually given her his number. Other characters who will live on in readers’ memories are Adam Rapp’s smart-mouthed, sensitive eighth-grader recently rescued from homelessness by a brooding Iraq War veteran and Joseph Bruchac’s Native American man, stricken with respiratory problems as a result of his rescue work at the World Trade Center. Tying all the stories together is a shared love and respect not only for the game itself, but also for the lavishly talented (and all-too-often fatally flawed) legends of New York City playground basketball. An outstanding collection that belongs in every high school library.–Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

ATKINSON, Elizabeth. I, Emma Freke. 234p. CIP. Carolrhoda. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5604-2; ebook $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6219-7. LC 2009038923.
Gr 5-7–Emma is resigned to the seeming reality that her name, spoken aloud, is her identity. Just 12, bright and nearly six feet tall, she feels invisible at school in her New England coastal town. Her mother, Donatella, owns a bead shop, and the many beads in her shop, with individual shapes, colors, and origins, are an apt metaphor for the novel’s cast of varied characters. Quiet Emma, for instance, keeps lists to organize her life and often feels like the adult to her short, round Italian mother, who dresses and acts like a teenager. She wonders if she’s adopted like her friend, Penelope, a nine-year-old from Liberia, who lives with her two mothers across the street and urges Emma to find her “joylah.” Emma is dubious when Donatella proposes that she be homeschooled at the public library, but school officials agree to the proposal, and Stevie, a cool librarian, becomes her tutor. Then she receives an invitation to the Freke Family Reunion at a Wisconsin campground and flies out to meet the clan of Walter Freke, the father she’s never met. The reunion proves to be a life-changing weekend, for Emma connects with cousins who look like her, gains a sense of belonging, and discovers her surname rhymes with Becky. Yet, upon seeing the rigid control enforced by the reunion organizer, she begins to appreciate her unstructured home life and confidently stands up against the culture of intolerance aimed at her eccentric, odd-looking cousin, who, like her old self, just doesn’t fit in. A well-paced story told with heart and humor.–Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT

BARNHOLDT, Lauren. Aces Up. 272p. Delacorte. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73874-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89583-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–High school senior and math-whiz Shannon Card gets accepted to Wellesley College, but can’t afford to attend because her father was recently laid off. She tutors Max, her secret crush, hoping to secure a math scholarship from her school. She also gets a job waitressing at a local casino where she is invited by handsome bad-boy Cole to join a secret group of poker players. He promises her that Aces Up can help her make more than enough money for school. When waitressing proves less lucrative than she’d planned, and her relationship with Max gets complicated, Shannon succumbs to the temptations provided by Aces Up and Cole. As gambling hurts her relationships and grades, Shannon realizes that she is in danger of losing what is important to her and seeks redemption. The plot is strikingly similar to the movie 21, which is referenced in the book. Shannon is a quirky and earnest overachiever, and her account of her adventures is reminiscent of Bridget Jones’s Diary. Her narration is peppered with pop-culture references and poker strategy, and her tendency to make lists is used to amusing effect. Her droll style maximizes the humor, which could undermine the serious theme. While Shannon is endearing and genuine, the rest of the characters are poorly developed. In addition to gambling, there is underage drinking and some strong language.–Erin Carrillo, formerly at Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

BEAM, Cris. I Am J. 339p. Little, Brown. Mar. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-05361-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–When J reached adolescence, he quit the swim team and began covering his body with extra clothes to hide the fact that he had been born a girl. At 17, J dreams of being accepted as a boy, binding his breasts and despising his monthly periods. His close friend, Melissa, a cutter, tries her best to understand and support him. His parents are confused, angry, and sad. He runs away from home and enrolls in a special school for gay and transgender teens, where he makes a helpful friend, a transgender girl. He also embarks on a shaky romance with Blue, a straight female artist who believes J is a boy and to whom he must eventually confess the truth. When he learns about testosterone and how it can help with his transformation, he is overjoyed, despite the obstacles he faces in getting the drug legally. Finally, J turns 18 and is able to begin getting his shots. He applies to and is accepted at college to study photography as a transgender young man, and holds out hope that one day his parents will accept him as well. Beam is the author of the informative adult book, Transparent: Love, Family and Living the T with Transgender Teenagers (Houghton, 2007). This novel is just as impressive. J is an especially vivid character, and the supporting characters are carefully drawn. Told in third person, the story is believable and effective due to insightful situations, realistic language, and convincing dialogue. Readers who relished Julie Anne Peters’s Luna (Little, Brown, 2004) will snap it up.–Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO

BEITIA, Sara. The Last Good Place of Lily Odilon. 312p. Flux. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-2068-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Following a late-night accident 18 months earlier at her stepfather’s dental office, Lily Odilon has been suffering from memory loss. Now her memories have begun to surface, but she has vanished. Her love interest and new guy in town, Albert, becomes an immediate suspect in her disappearance. He finds himself combining efforts with Lily’s skeptical sister, Olivia, to find the girl he loves, clear his name, and bring those responsible for Lily’s troubling recollections to justice. In this debut suspense novel, the teens search for elusive truths about Lily’s family in their small Idaho town. Readers learn long before Albert and Olivia that Lily is sexually abused by her stepfather, a prominent dentist with high connections. With a chapter structure reminiscent of Paul Fleischman’s Whirligig (Holt, 1998), the novel requires readers to piece together complete pictures of the characters in three divergent story lines in order to gain a full understanding of their plight. While the multiple narrative threads may prove challenging for those readers who easily lose their way, the straightforward, sometimes simple, language of the novel will provide some clarity in comprehension. Several contrived situations and a scarcity of fully developed characters may be seen as flaws to more sophisticated readers.–Colleen S. Banick, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield, CT

BENSON, Amber. Among the Ghosts. illus. by Sina Grace. 224p. S & S/Aladdin. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9405-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–So that he can explore the Appalachians, Noleen Maypother’s scientist father sends her off to her Aunt Clara’s for the summer–apparently without checking his sister’s availability first. Noh arrives to find a vacant house and decides to take the train to New Newbridge, where her other aunt teaches at the academy. Since Noh will be a sixth grader there in the fall, it seems a logical solution. Aunt Sarah welcomes her and helps her get settled into the old boarding school. But as soon as she arrives, strange things start happening: she meets other children around the ruins of the burned-out West Wing and discovers that they are the ghosts of former students and that she is the only “realie” who can see them. And when her ghost friends start to disappear, it is up to her to solve the mystery and help the ghosts who are left. Benson incorporates some creative ingredients but fails to combine them in a satisfying way. The characters are two-dimensional, the dialogue is stilted, and the plotline so far-fetched and meandering that even the ghosts and the “nasty thing” that lurks in the background will fail to keep most students’ attention. Occasional black-and-white drawings are scattered throughout and add nothing to the story. Readers with an interest in the paranormal are better directed to books by Mary Downing Hahn or to Elizabeth Cody Kimmel’s “Suddenly Supernatural” series (Little, Brown).–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

BIAL, Raymond. Dripping Blood Cave & Other Ghostly Stories. Bk. 3. illus. by Anna Bial. 200p. Crickhollow. 2010. pap. $13.95. ISBN 978-1-933987-13-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-7–Hank Cantrell and his “not-quite-trusty” sidekick, Clifford Hopkins, team up again in these stories set in the mid-century Midwest. Spurred by the tales told by town historian Jarvis Satterly at the “liars’ bench,” the boys investigate supernatural occurrences in and around their hometown. Historical details become the backdrop to the ghostly encounters, including a group of undead Native Americans, a moonshine distiller, and an otherworldly doctor still looking to make house calls. Throughout these stories, Hank is the cool-headed hero, managing to settle the souls of the restless dead and protect their girlfriends, while his pal either passes out or runs away. Bial’s continuation of this series seems to miss the mark. The characters are exaggerated stereotypes of rural community members. Although the historical information woven into the text could be intriguing, the neatness with which each plotline is resolved works against the story as a whole. Readers looking for an enticing mystery series would do better to look elsewhere.–Colleen S. Banick, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield, CT

BIEDERMAN, Lynn & Lisa Pazer. Teenage Waistland. 320p. CIP. Delacorte. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73921-4; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90776-7; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89722-1. LC 2009049672.
Gr 9 Up–“Your weight is not your problem, it’s merely a symptom,” says the psychiatrist to a group of teens approved for surgical weight loss. The statement does not immediately stick, even though, prior to their gastric surgery, Bobby had felt the strain of living up to his father’s expectations and football legacy, Marcie harbored resentment toward her new stepfamily, and East still mourns her father’s suicide and her mother’s retreat from the world. Throughout the teens’ operations, recovery, and drastic changes in diet, their problems become more complicated as they shed pounds. While these numerous betrayals, revealed secrets, and tragic losses threaten to overwhelm readers, they effectively illustrate the various health risks and emotional consequences involved with the procedure. One senses that the authors felt a need to get all the information out there, and though this results in the characters occasionally straying into medical lecture speak, their internal journeys and external transformations help drive the narrative. An afterword from the director of the Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center is included.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

BULLEN, Alexandra. Wishful Thinking. 256p. Scholastic/Point. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-13907-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–The author of Wish (Scholastic, 2010) has created another mysterious fairy tale with strong, down-to-earth characters and an intriguing plot. On her 18th birthday, Hazel is given the name of her birth mother. She tracks her down and prepares to meet her for the first time. She has a dress altered, but when she puts it on, she sees that it isn’t the one she had dropped off. She arrives at the fund-raiser Rosanna Scott is hosting, only to find that the woman has died. Shocked and upset, Hazel scrambles to the ferry, wishing that she had gotten to know her first and finds a note explaining that she has three magical dresses that will grant her wishes. She has unknowingly just made her first one. Hazel arrives on Martha’s Vineyard, 18 years earlier, where she meets Rosanna, only to discover that she is not her mother after all. Instead her mother is a pregnant teen who lives with Rosanna. While there, Hazel falls in love with Luke and must decide whether to remain where she is or return to her own time. Bullen has done an outstanding job of pulling off the magic and realism to create a compelling novel that has love, mystery, and adventure. Time travel can always be tricky but the author has executed it well. The book ends with the first dress waiting for another needy girl to find it, thus hinting at a sequel.–Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

BUTCHER, Kristin. Cheat. 107p. (Orca Currents Series). Orca. 2010. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-275-0; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-274-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–While pondering her next big story for the high school newspaper, Laurel Quinn stumbles upon a cheating scam in her math class. Shocked by the idea of her fellow students engaged in such a dishonest enterprise, she immediately writes an exposé. Instead of gaining her recognition, she is viewed by her classmates as a traitor and her article results in increased scrutiny by the teachers. Instead of backing away from the issue, she follows an anonymous tip and finds out that the cheating is widespread. Laurel’s quest for the truth alienates her star athlete brother and his friends, and she ultimately discovers that the scandal hits closer to home than she realized. Despite some minor, unrealistic plot points, including an instance where an administrator simply hands Laurel class lists and students’ grades, Butcher’s portrayal of high school cheating is believable, with actual consequences. Teens may initially struggle to empathize with the self-righteous protagonist, but the pacing will keep reluctant readers hooked until the very end. Michael Laser’s Cheater (Dutton, 2007) and J.M. Steele’s The Taker (Hyperion, 2006) cover similar ground with a little more depth.–Lalitha Nataraj, Escondido Public Library, CA

CHADDA, Sarwat. Dark Goddess. Bk. 2. 384p. (A Devil’s Kiss Novel). Hyperion. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-2759-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–In this sequel to Devil’s Kiss (Hyperion, 2009), Billi SanGreal the only female member of the Knights Templar, discovers a powerfully psychic child. A pack of all-female werewolves kidnaps her, and Billi and crew must head to Russia to face them and their goddess, Baba Yaga. There they are assisted by the Bogatyrs and their leader, Ivan, a descendant of Anastasia Romanov. Ivan and Billi quickly develop a bond when she saves him from a ghul (vampire). While still maintaining her tough edginess, Billi gradually becomes a more sympathetic character in this installment. The action is fast paced and scary, while still allowing time for character development. The plot is steeped in lore from multiple cultures and religions. Given this, it is puzzling that no one remarks on the fact that all of the Templars just happen to have Arthurian names. Sadly, one can not help but notice that the cover is heavily white washed. It portrays Billi, who is described as favoring her Pakistani mother, as Caucasian. Boys will enjoy the story as well, but will likely not be interested in carrying around a book that looks like a paranormal romance. That said, Billi will appeal to those who appreciate tough and independent heroines, and the stories have broad appeal to anyone who enjoys horror stories.–Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

CHIBBARO, Julie. Deadly. illus. by Jean-Marc Superville Sovak. 304p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-689-85738-6. LC 2010002291.
Gr 7 Up–There’s plenty to think about and discuss in this diary-format novel based on the notorious case of Mary Mallon, also known as “Typhoid Mary.” It’s 1906 and 16-year-old Prudence is in her final year at a school for girls where cultivating the skills and charms necessary to attract a financially secure husband is the primary educational objective. The school allows senior students to seek part-time secretarial work but, unlike most of her classmates, Prudence isn’t interested in being an ornamental “Gibson Girl.” Instead, she craves a job where she can actually make a difference. She’s always been scientifically curious, particularly regarding the nature of infection and disease. She’s seen way too much ugliness growing up among the impoverished tenements of New York City and assisting her midwife mother. When she lands a position as assistant to an epidemiologist working for the Department of Health and Sanitation, she quits school completely to help investigate the microbial mystery of Mary Mallon, an immigrant cook and suspected “healthy carrier” of typhus, who adamantly denies she’s been unwittingly infecting a series of employers’ families and instead insists she’s the victim of anti-Irish discrimination. A deeply personal coming-of-age story set in an era of tumultuous social change, this is top-notch historical fiction that highlights the struggle between rational science and popular opinion as shaped by a sensational, reactionary press.–Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

CHOLDENKO, Gennifer. No Passengers Beyond This Point. 240p. CIP. Dial. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3534-7. LC 2009051661.
Gr 5-7–When their mom loses their house to foreclosure, India, Finn, and Mouse must move in with a relative in Colorado. The journey turns peculiar when the kids’ flight lands in a strange location where cell phones don’t work and they are cut off from the normal world. In a feather-covered cab with a child driver, they enter Falling Bird, a Coraline-like alternate reality where things seem better than the place they left behind, but where something indefinably sinister lurks beneath the surface. And the citizens seem determined to keep the siblings there, with false promises of an easy existence and the lure of a “dream house.” But when their dream houses literally break apart, the kids are thrust again into a homeless existence that mirrors their real-world limbo. The story is fast-moving and entertaining, but it’s hard to figure out the significance of the many devices: there’s a white cat, a black box, some puzzle pieces, clocks that count backwards, and a magic phone that knows their intentions. It’s all a bit confusing, but, if readers don’t sweat the details, it’s a fun ride, full of adventure, suspense, and good characterization. Brainy little Mouse is aptly described as “like Einstein on a sugar high,” and self-centered, desperate-for-approval India taps into her inner power by the end of the tale and comes through for her siblings. An additional purchase, for readers who like clues and adventure, and aren’t daunted by a puzzling ending.–Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

COLLINS, Pat Lowery. Daughter of Winter. 272p. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4500-7. LC 2009049099.
Gr 5-8–Addie has a secret: her mother and brother have recently died of the flux. With her father on his way to California to pan for gold, the 13-year-old is determined to survive on her own until he returns. Fearful that the townswomen of Essex, MA, will find out that she is living alone, she concocts a plan to live in the wilderness as her father taught her. But it is the dead of winter, and Addie soon finds that survival is more difficult than she could have imagined. When Nokummus, a local Wampanoag woman who lives nearby, comes to help her, Addie discovers that this woman knows more about her and her past than she could have imagined, changing her life forever. This is a beautifully written story with deep characters and a strong sense of place. While the author sometimes panders to stereotypes–Nokummus is viewed as a wise woman, fearful of what will happen to her relationship with Addie when the girl’s father returns–she is mostly spot-on with characters and the setting. However, Addie’s relationship with a local boy feels strained and makes the girl seem older than she is. For the most part, though, this quiet, haunting book will appeal to fans of historical fiction.–Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

COOPER, Mark A. Fledgling: Jason Steed. 213p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2010. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-3999-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-7–Set during the 1960s and 1970s, the novel follows Jason Steed from his birth, which caused his mother’s death and created a rift between him and his father, to a critical mission he accidentally joins at age 11. Jason is almost superhuman: his martial arts skills across several styles are amazing, his linguistic ability incredible, and his tenacity and resolve, even at age five, are impressive. But despite his amazing skills and his knack for getting himself into places and organizations where he shouldn’t be, Jason has normal emotions: he craves his father’s love, he develops firm friendships, he takes a stand against bullies, and he mourns when he cannot prevent the deaths of his friends. The action is fast, and the spy and military aspects of the Sea Cadets, a British organization that trains youngsters for the military, seem designed to appeal to reluctant male readers. The novel is violent, particularly in Jason’s final (and accidental) mission, and the deaths that impact him are handled with grace, even while physical injuries are graphically described. The writing is a little unpolished, and Jason’s maturity and abilities are over the top, but the adventure is exactly on target for the intended audience.–Alana Joli Abbott, formerly at James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

CORNISH, D. M. Factotum. Bk. 3. illus. by author. 684p. (The Foundling’s Tale Series). chart. maps. appendix. glossary. Putnam. 2010. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24640-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–This concluding chapter in Cornish’s epic trilogy begins with Rossamünd arriving at the sprawling city of Brandenbrass in the company of his new mistress, Europe. The haughty monster-slayer has taken him under her wing after using her aristocratic privilege in Lamplighter (Putnam, 2008) to save him from accusations that he is a rossamünderling, a monster in human form. But all of Europe’s renown and influence cannot protect him from the rumors that follow in his wake or the enemies that dog him, nor can they quell his own doubts. As befits the final installment in a coming-of-age tale, Rossamünd finds himself awed by his newfound responsibility and freedom, unsure of whom to trust, and faced with questions of his identity and true place in the world. The action-laden narrative sweeps from the high-society intrigues of Brandenbrass to a monster-hunt in the untamed wilderness as the protagonists encounter crime lords, bizarre cultists, and even the reclusive monster-lords who play out their own agendas. As with the previous installments, the main attraction is the depth of Cornish’s extraordinary Half-Continent and its inhabitants, who are realized in lively detail and given delicious Dickens-meets-Rowling names like Pater Maupin and Anaesthesia Myrrh. The “Explicarium” at the book’s conclusion proves once more invaluable in sorting out the names and terminology, but some readers may wish to have the previous books on hand to refresh their memories.–Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

DASS, Sujan. Real Life Is No Fairy Tale. illus. by Lord Daniels. unpaged. w/CD. CIP. Two Horizons. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-9816170-3-9. LC 2009941193.
Gr 4-8–Written in rhythmic prose, this heavily didactic tale reads like a hip-hop rap to engage and inspire youngsters. Tony is an African-American boy with a positive outlook despite the fact that his family is poor and life is tough. He lives with his mother, two older brothers, and young sister in an inner-city apartment surrounded by graffiti and police cars: “they saw it all as they rode/Broken-down houses/and stores that stayed closed./People outside/with nothing to do all day./Tony couldn’t daydream those problems away.” Though mean teachers and a bully at school just add to his stress, Tony’s refrain, “I focus on the good/I laugh away the bad,/and I never forget/that it could always be worse,” helps him rise above adversity. Digitally scanned and colored-ink cartoons and collaged photographs illustrate this picture book for older readers. While the design and artwork appear amateurish and the rhymes often don’t work, the book is accessible and the situations will be all too familiar to many good kids like Tony, struggling to get by at home and at school.–Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY

DAVIES, Stephen. Hacking Timbuktu. 272p. Clarion. 2010. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-547-39016-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Parkour is a philosophy and an athletic endeavor that entails moving through a space as efficiently as possible; this usually requires vaulting over fences, running up walls, and leaping over naturally occurring obstacles. Danny, 16, is a parkour devotee trying to make it on his own in London as a freelance IT tech when members of the Knights of Akonio Dolo forcefully request that he use his hacking skills to help them recover a recently discovered clue that will lead them to two million mithquals of gold bars stolen from a temple in Timbuktu in the 14th century. Danny refuses to help the treasure hunters, but hacks on his own. When they learn that he has the clue, an international race is on, and Danny must use all of his skills to stay ahead of the game. The story is packed with chase scenes that imply a great deal of physically daring movement, “Kong, kong, underpass, swan. Double kong, underpass, kash vault, kong,” but the terms mean nothing to parkour neophytes and therefore lack intensity. The clue takes Danny and his pal Omar to the Dogon region of Mali. The detailed description of the area and culture is the highlight of the book; unfortunately, respect for the culture is undermined by Danny’s decision to crawl through a Dogon burial cave and desecrate the bodies inside in his haste to reach the gold. Greed leading to poor decisions is a theme throughout the book. While the story is far-fetched, it has enough action to satisfy avid adventure readers and teens interested in parkour.–Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

DESPAIN, Bree. The Lost Saint. Bk. 2. 416p. (A Dark Divine Novel). Egmont USA. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-058-0; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-200-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–After offering herself as a sacrifice in order to rid her boyfriend of his werewolf curse, high school senior Grace Divine has absorbed some of his lycanthropic abilities. As she trains with Daniel in an attempt to achieve mastery over her powers, she meets another young man who urges her to embrace the anger that triggers her strength and encourages her to join him in the fight against evil demons and vampires. Push back from Daniel, her family, and a visiting pastor lead her to question the benevolence of her new friend; however, Grace’s passion to save her brother–whom she fears has been absorbed into a cohort of evil supernatural creatures–leads her to defy those closest to her. Like A Dark Divine (Egmost USA, 2009), The Lost Saint is a lengthy supernatural novel that, at its core, is a traditional romance. Chapters further divided into sections headed, “Later That Same Day” and “After Lunch” ensure that no detail of Grace’s life–including her obsessive ruminations on Daniel and their relationship–goes undescribed, and it is this content that makes the book difficult to read and less satisfying than, for example, Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver (Scholastic, 2009). A religious tone distinguishes this novel from others of its ilk and complicates the discussion of war and retribution–supernatural or otherwise. That said, it is not distinguished by its pacing because of its superfluous narrative content.–Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

DONOVAN, Gail. What’s Bugging Bailey Blecker? 195p. CIP. Dutton. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42286-0. LC 2010013308.
Gr 4-6–Bailey Blecker has lice, and many of her classmates are also infested. Nothing could be more mortifying than having cooties in fifth grade, but that is only one of her problems. She’s attending school on the mainland, rather than on Fox Island where she lives. She and her best friend, Olivia, had decided to attend the school together, but then Olivia pulled out at the last minute. Now Bailey is in a new school, is disappointed with the sparse attendance at her birthday party, and loses her pet budgie, Apollo. Donovan carefully scripts a heartfelt story of learning to accept one’s circumstances no matter what they are. Bailey’s fiendship with Olivia drastically changes with their move into different schools. While they are not best friends at the end, Bailey recognizes that their relationship is not over, but it is different. The author also handles the lice breakout realistically and carefully crafts the emotions involved. In a story with no easy solutions, Bailey matures and realizes that change is not always a bad thing.–Lia Carruthers, Roxbury Public Library, Succasunna, NJ

EDGAR, Elsbeth. The Visconti House. 304p. Candlewick. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5019-3; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5452-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Two lonely grade-eight kids in rural Australia develop a friendship as they work together to unlock a mystery. Laura feels like an outcast because of her family’s artist lifestyle, her curly hair and bushy eyebrows, and the decaying mansion she calls home. Leon, newer to the area, is ostracized for living with his grandmother, the rumors that circulate about his father being in prison, and his shabby appearance. The friendship between the two progresses slowly because Laura, desperate to fit in, is embarrassed to be seen with Leon. As they work together to uncover the history of Laura’s house and Mr. Visconti–its original owner–and his tragic love story, Laura learns to understand the value of friendship. Part realistic fiction, part mystery, and part romance, Edgar’s first novel is a good blend of simple prose and descriptive imagery and language, and the story behind Mr. Visconti and the house offers some interesting twists. Readers will identify with Laura’s desire to fit in and root for the friendship that develops between the two characters.–Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

FEASEY, Steve. Dark Moon. Bk. 2. 336p. (Wereling Series). Feiwel & Friends. Feb. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64643-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Dark Moon continues the adventures of Trey Laporte and friends that began in Wereling (Feiwel & Friends, 2010). Lucien Charron, Trey’s vampire friend and mentor, lies in a comalike state after rescuing his daughter from the clutches of his evil brother and nemesis, Caliban. Trey, an orphan who recently discovered that he is a werewolf, is ready to do anything to save this father figure from certain death. It is rumored that an ancient magical artifact may be the key to Lucien’s survival. Unfortunately, it is in the possession of the wicked sorceress Gwendolin, Caliban’s “Darth Vader” figure. A quest to Reykjavik, Iceland, follows, consisting of an unlikely alliance made up of a werewolf, half-vampire, sorcerer, and human as they enter the Netherworld to steal this all-powerful orb. This heart-racing action/adventure story captivates readers from the start. Feasey has expertly created an intriguing world full mystery and suspense that includes a multitude of dark and terrifying nether-creatures. This is sure to be a hit with fans of the supernatural, and the cliff-hanger ending will have readers anxiously awaiting the next installment.–Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School , NY

FIELDS, Jan, adapt. Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield . illus. by Howard McWilliam. ISBN 978-1-60270-745-0. LC 2010003919.
KELLY, Karen, adapt. Alexandre Dumas’s The Man in the Iron Mask . illus. by Mike Lacey. ISBN 978-1-60270-748-1. LC 2010003921.
MULLARKEY, Lisa, adapt. Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera . illus. by Eric Scott Fisher. ISBN 978-1-60270-749-8. LC 2010010058.
ea vol: 112p. (Calico Illustrated Classics). CIP. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2010. PLB $24.21.
Gr 5-8–Fields has taken the original story and made it more approachable to younger and reluctant readers, losing none of the Dickensian drama. The characters are true to the original tale as are the plot and its development. McWilliam’s whimsical cartoon artwork illustrates the key moments in the story and heightens its emotions and situations. Kelly does an adequate job of adapting the Dumas classic. The original is a rich, extravagant story about political intrigue, deception, history, and drama. All of the main players are here, but readers need to be familiar with The Three Musketeers in order to understand who the characters are and how they have grown. The language, sentence structure, and limited vocabulary make this appropriate for the middle grades and will introduce children to this literary classic. Unfortunately, while Lacey’s illustrations provide a break for the eye at certain points in the narrative, they fail to capture the pageantry and drama of the period. In Phantom, Mullarkey uses simple vocabulary and sentence structure without losing Leroux’s drama, horror, and suspense. The principal characters’ roles, capacities, and importance are in no way diminished, but some parts of the story that have the most action and drama (e.g., the chandelier falling or the masquerade ball) aren’t illustrated. Fisher’s cartoonish art belies the dark, serious side of the story and oversimplifies some of its key points.–Robert A. Zupperoli, Warren Harding High School, Bridgeport, CT

FLINN, Alex. Cloaked. 352p. CIP. HarperTeen. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-087422-3. LC 2009053387.
Gr 6-9–Flinn reimagines a fairy-tale world in her latest novel. Teenaged Johnny works as a cobbler in his mother’s shoe repair shop in a posh hotel in South Beach. He spends his days with his friend Meg and designs his own line of shoes while dreaming of wealth to free his family from the confines of poverty. Unexpectedly, the striking Princess Victoriana of Aloria comes to the swanky Miami hotel for a royal visit. The super-hot partying princess pleads for Johnny’s help in finding her missing brother, and offers of money and a royal marriage convince him to take her seriously–even when she explains that the prince has been turned into a frog. With the aid of a magical cloak and some headphones that allow him to hear animals speak, Johnny embarks on a journey wherein he encounters talking swans, a fox named Todd, and two angry giants. When he lands in hot water with an evil witch bent on destroying him, Meg comes to his rescue. The pair journey from South Beach to Key West, to Europe, and to Manhattan; and in the end, Johnny finds wealth, fame, and true love. Flinn cleverly plays on some lesser-known fairy tales to make this book a fun, romantic adventure with likable characters. Rapid action and amusing situations make it a quick read that will easily entice even reluctant readers.–Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

GEHRMAN, Jody. Babe in Boyland. 304p. CIP. Dial. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3274-2. LC 2010011876.
Gr 9 Up–Girls dressing up as boys are a staple of Shakespeare and teen historical fiction. The device works in this likable modern comedy even though it sometimes strains readers’ suspension of disbelief. Seventeen-year-old Natalie Rowan writes an advice column about relationships for her school paper. While “Dr. Aphrodite” is wildly popular, she’s accused of only supporting the girls’ points of view and telling them what they want to hear. When she learns about the Story of the Year Award for investigative reporting, she decides to go undercover as “Nat” at a local boys’ academy for a week to discover how the other half thinks. She hits bottom socially but, after she’s discovered cavorting with her two girl friends in a theater storage room, she’s considered a “player.” Meanwhile, she falls for her roommate, Emilio, a sensitive guy who opens up to her thinking she’s a he. The plotline gets more absurd as Emilio sets Nat up with his sister. Natalie is unmasked by a theater rival whom she upstages while appearing as herself and pretending to be Nat’s cousin. At first, Emilio is unforgiving but all’s well that ends well. Natalie flubs up so much as a boy, it’s hard to imagine that she doesn’t get caught earlier. She endures plenty of guy nudity and grossness as well. The conclusions she draws in her article are thought-provoking but heavy-handed. Natalie and Emilio are well-rounded, appealing characters, and this book will challenge girls’ perceptions about the opposite sex even as they enjoy a quick humorous read.–Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

GOLDING, Julia. The Silver Sea. 338p. glossary. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5725-1. LC 2009051263.
Gr 6-9–Toki’s and Freydis’s lives are forever changed by a raid by Sulke, their father’s enemy, while he is away. Freydis, 16, is severely injured, and 18-year-old Toki is taken prisoner. When their father, Ohthere, returns and finds his village destroyed and his son missing, he sets sail to find him and seek revenge. Using descriptive language, the author paints a vivid picture of the ninth-century Norwegian setting and the characters, providing ample images for readers’ imaginations. Ohthere’s love for his son and his disdain for his daughter are obvious. In fact, he is upset that Freydis survived the attack while her brother was captured. He reluctantly gives Freydis a slave, Enno, for protection, and the two develop a close bond and respect for one another. In his quest for revenge, Ohthere finds his son but encounters more problems from Sulke. Freydis, Enno, and Toki grow stronger during their ordeal, and Enno proves himself to be a true friend and warrior. Freydis learns that she is not worthless while Toki finds the courage to speak his mind. Children may have some difficulty with the unfamiliar terminology, but will find this book a satisfying read.–Lana Miles, Jackson Elementary School, Rosenberg, TX

GOPNIK, Adam. The Steps Across the Water. illus. by Bruce McCall. 297p. Hyperion/Disney. 2010. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1213-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-7–Rose has an embarrassing speech impediment. Sometimes she switches around the beginnings of words, for example, calling her home, New York City, “U Nork” instead. During a trip to Central Park with her father and her brother, Oliver, from The King in the Window (Hyperion, 2005), she sees mysterious steps across the lake, but no one believes her. Soon after, classmate Ethan, now Louis, reveals to Rose that the steps are real and lead to U Nork, a flip-side New York City where, believe it or not, the pace is even faster and the people are ruder. Its citizens are in trouble, and it’s Rose’s face they’ve been seeing in the sky as the only one who can save them. The rip-roaring plot is laced with original and fantastical characters who fully enjoy 20-second lunches shot into their mouths with small cannons and use giant pigeons as taxis. Gopnik’s writing is sharp and smart, and U Nork is an exciting place. Readers will cheer for Rose and her friends and have more than an occasional chuckle along the way. McCall’s glossy, full-color, full-page illustrations are beautiful in their simplicity and help create the feel of a modern fairy tale.–Mandy Lawrence, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX

GRANT, Christopher. Teenie. 264p. Knopf/Borzoi. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86191-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96191-5; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89779-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–“The only constant in life is change. The sooner you understand that, the easier it will be for you to cope with hard times, learn from them and grow.” For Teenie, this sage advice from her mother sets the tone for this coming-of-age story set in Brooklyn. Teenie is a small girl, only 100 pounds, but with big dreams. She hopes to earn a scholarship to study in Spain for a year, a dream that sets her apart from her friends, and even from her Barbadian parents, who love and care for her, but with their conservative outlook on life, fear letting her go. After a tumultuous year filled with potentially dangerous relationships, including a star athlete trying to force her into oral sex and a best friend who is accepting hundreds of dollars from an online “friend,” Teenie realizes that change, although frightening, can also be a good thing when you have confidence in your choices and the support of family and friends. Realistic descriptions of teenage life and appealing characters make for an enjoyable reading experience.–Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

HALLAWAY, Tate. Almost to Die For. Bk. 1. 256p. (Vampire Princess of St. Paul Novel). CIP. NAL. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-451-23057-7. LC 2010010401.
Gr 9 Up–Caught between two worlds, Ana always thought she would join her mother’s coven as a True Witch. But in true fairy-tale style, on her 16th birthday she finds out that she is not who or what she thought she was. She is a dhampyr princess—half-human and half-vampire. Her mom clings to the hope that Ana can still be a witch, but the teen crosses several boundaries toward becoming a blood-drinker. She has two beaus, hot vamp hunter and fellow coven member Nik; and Elias, the right-hand guard to Ana’s vamp father, Ramses. Filled with plenty of teen angst and high school mishaps, this novel is on par with the many other vampire series out there. It is well written and fun to read, but there is nothing to distinguish it from the pack.–Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

HALPERN, Jake & Peter Kujawinski. World’s End. Bk. 2. 496p. (Book of Dormia Series). score. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. 2010. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-547-48037-4. LC 2010008129.
Gr 5-9–Sleepwalking hero Alfonso Perplexon is on a school trip to France. It’s been three quiet years since the 15-year-old discovered that he is a Great Sleeper of the land of Dormia, capable of heroic feats that he would never attempt in waking life. Suddenly, he awakens to discover that he has stowed away on a ship bound for Alexandria, Egypt. Upon arrival, he finds a strange clue in an ocean cave, narrowly escapes an attempt on his life, and reunites with his old friend Bilblox, a tough, now-blind longshoreman with a seeing-eye wolf. Alfonso wants to go back to Dormia, though he’s not quite sure why. Might his long-missing father still be alive? Gradually, the details of his latest quest become clear–he must journey underground to try to find the ancient Dormian city of Jasber. Accompanied by his uncle Hill, his friend Resuza (who is now taller and much more attractive), and Bilblox, Alfonso embarks on an expedition that involves constant danger and a villainous enemy. Intricately developed and interweaving plotlines, strong characterizations, and a zestfully imagined fantasy world make for a pleasurably meandering and satisfying read. Fans of the first book will enjoy this second volume, and the story’s cliff-hanger ending will have them impatiently awaiting the next installment.–Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA

HANSEN, Joyce. Home Is with Our Family. illus. by E. B. Lewis. 282p. (Black Pioneers Series). Web sites. Disney/Jump at the Sun. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-5217-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Thirteen-year-old Maria and her family live in New York City in 1855. They are free “colored” people and own their home, but they have been notified that their neighborhood will be demolished for the future Central Park. The residents are furious that the city is taking their land and not paying them what they believe it is worth. A new girl in school, Anna, who is about Maria’s age, is uneducated and reticent about her past. Maria discovers that although Anna’s parents are free, Anna is considered a runaway and lives in fear of being captured by slave hunters. Maria is so impressed when she hears Sojourner Truth speak that she and her friends attempt to raise enough money to buy Anna’s freedom. The story gets bogged down in too much description of Maria and her family’s daily life, and the landowners’ fight against the city is not fully developed. Only in the last few chapters when the girls flee a slave hunter and Anna and her family are hidden is there any excitement. The writing is merely a dull recitation of events, not the eloquent, flowing prose her fans have previously enjoyed. The story may find some interest in the New York area, or with the Hansen’s die-hard fans.–Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

HARLOW, John Hiatt. Firestorm! 317p. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8485-6. LC 2010012073.
Gr 4-6–Orphaned Poppy, 12, is tired of stealing for Ma Brennan and living in a rough Chicago neighborhood in 1871, so she begins to plan her escape. By chance she meets Justin Butterworth, the son of a wealthy jeweler who lives in a beautiful house and has a new pet goat named Ticktock. He takes Poppy to see his goat, and she meets his sister, who gives Poppy her old clothes. Ma Brennan finds out about Poppy’s new friends and threatens to hurt Ticktock if the child does not get her a key to the jewelry shop. Although Poppy does not take anything from Mr. Butterworth, she overhears him accuse her of stealing. She runs away and takes Ticktock with her so Ma Brennan can’t harm her. The night of the Great Chicago Fire, Justin and Poppy struggle with thousands of others to flee before they are reunited. The narrative alternates between the two friends; both characters represent the time period, but lack a spark of originality. The plot moves steadily until the night of the blaze, when the action and details are literally on fire. Harlow’s afterword gives additional information about the Great Chicago Fire and clarifies which parts of her book were based on facts and real people.–Samantha Larsen Hastings, Riverton Library, UT

HARRISON, Cora. I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend. illus. by Susan Hellard. 352p. Delacorte. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73940-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90787-3; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89753-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–Based on people and events from Austen’s adolescence, this book does a better job than most to evoke the feel of the writer’s novels. The story begins with Jane and her cousin Jenny at a strict boarding school. Jane falls ill with a fever, but the headmistress refuses to notify her parents, so Jenny slips out late at night to post a letter to Jane’s mother. On the streets of Southampton she is nearly accosted by some unsavory characters but finds a protector in gallant naval captain Thomas Williams. Her mission is successful, the girls are removed from the school, but Jenny’s secret fear is that Captain Williams will mention seeing her on the streets late at night, thereby ruining her reputation. She assumes that she will never see her rescuer again, but while visiting Jane’s family, she and Captain Williams come face to face once again. Harrison takes some liberties with characterization and the ages of characters and downplays Jane’s closeness with her sister Cassandra in order to highlight her friendship with Jenny, but has obviously done her research in Austen lore. This novel does a good job of maintaining the feeling of the period, and Hellard’s pen-and-ink sketches are the perfect accompaniment to the book’s diary format. The story is lighter fare than Austen’s novels, but will certainly be enjoyed by younger teens familiar with them as well as readers who enjoy historical romance.–Misti Tidman, formerly at Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

HAUTMAN, Pete. The Big Crunch. 282p. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-24075-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–June has attended six schools in the last four years and is once again the new kid, this time at a Minnesota high school. First on her agenda: find some friends and a boyfriend. Wes broke up with Izzy just before school started and he doesn’t want another girlfriend, but after seeing June, he can’t get her out of his mind. June meanwhile starts dating Wes’s best friend. Wes is in a fog. A chance encounter with her sparks a romance between the two. But before it even has a chance to get started, it’s time for June to move again. Told from June’s and Wes’s alternating points of view, this book follows their romance through the four seasons. With rapid-fire dialogue and plenty of sappy language, the author nails the confused, self-absorbed teen characters obsessed with first love. However, the plot falls flat by focusing too closely on what love feels like instead of building a story.–Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA

HOWARD, Barb. The Dewpoint Show. 231p. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2010. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-156-9. LC C2010-900229-6.
Gr 6-9–Leonard gazes through his bedroom window like he’s watching television. He doesn’t observe as much activity in his new home in a rural Canadian town as he did when he lived in the city, and he is content with little to observe beyond his elderly neighbor and her hot tub. Although his parents seem to be interested in their son, they lack their own observational skills as his mother buys two chairs, but doesn’t remember to buy one for Leonard, and his father gets a car with only two seats. The story uses television and remote vocabulary such as “zoom in,” “zoom out,” “episodes,” “pause” and “remote,” etc., to focus on how connected Leonard is to his limited life. The book may serve as a cautionary tale to remind readers of the limitations of passive technologies. Leonard’s behavior might seem peculiar to kids, but they’re sure to compare his actions with real television watchers (and other technology users) who focus on viewing rather than participating in life. Schools hosting events that encourage families to boycott TV for a week or similar programs will welcome this thought-provoking book as a fine read aloud that is sure to stimulate some active thinking.–Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

HUBBARD, Mandy. You Wish. 304p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-292-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-10–Kayla McHenry’s 16th birthday is not going well. It’s bad enough that her mother, a professional event planner, is throwing a party that she does not want, including pink frills and a cake with four layers. And her best friend, Nicole, is dating the boy Kayla’s madly in love with, Ben Mackenzie, and they arrive three hours late to the celebration. When it’s time to blow out the candles on her cake, Kayla wishes that for once her wishes would come true. The next morning she awakens to a bright pink pony in her yard, and the following day to an endless supply of gumballs. Then a live Raggedy Ann appears in her closet, and after that she encounters a boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name. Now Kayla wonders what else will happen and how, more importantly, she can stop the wish she made on her 15th birthday from coming true–that Ben would kiss her. Although the story has a few plot holes and unanswered questions, such as what made the cake magical in the first place, they will not detract from its appeal. With slapstick high jinks, a likable protagonist, and some snappy dialogue, this novel will be a hit with girls who enjoy light, comedic stories with a little romance mixed in.–Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA

HURD, Thacher. Bongo Fishing. illus. by author. 240p. Henry Holt. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9100-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–This lighthearted tale begins when a boy named Jason meets Sam, a friendly blue alien who drives a spaceship that resembles a 1960 Dodge Dart. Though he’s from the Pleiades star cluster, Sam is clearly familiar with American culture: he wears purple high tops, loves glazed doughnuts, and listens to Count Basie on the interstellar radio system. Jason takes an outer-space trip with Sam and his wife (a huge Elvis fan) that’s filled with awesome sights and folksy, sometimes humorous dialogue. The funniest moments come through twists of Earth conventions, as when a phone recording tells Jason that “you must dial four hundred twenty-six ones” when trying to contact another universe. Intriguing gadgets and amusing descriptions of alien technology add to the fun, as do the lively illustrations. Brief interludes revealing that a mysterious villain is keeping tabs on Jason are less successful. When the evil Dr. Zimburger finally appears in the second half of the book, he’s too silly and hapless to be much of a threat. This results in a lack of tension that prevents the book from being totally involving, especially since Jason isn’t a particularly memorable protagonist. His experiences are action-packed, but his thoughts and responses are generally unremarkable. Sam and his wife are delightfully atypical aliens, though, and the moments of humor are consistently strong throughout, making this an acceptable choice for readers looking for light science fiction.–Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

ITOH, Project. Harmony. tr. from Japanese by Alexander O. Smith. 252p. Viz Media. 2010. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4215-3643-9. LC 2010017385.
Gr 9 Up–Itoh ups the dystopian-fiction ante considerably by including a backstory, main plot, and postcript, each of which is disturbing in its own way. In Japan, Tuan Kirie and her friends Miach Mihie and Cian Reikado are taught about a period called the Maelstrom during which nuclear bombs and diseases ran rampant and destroyed the country once known as the United States of America. A horror of disease has driven the older generation to remake society, replacing nation-states with smaller “admedistrations,” organizational bodies that use nanotech “medicules” and societal pressure to ensure that each person is as healthy as possible. The three teenagers, led by Miach, attempt to use this technology to commit suicide and thus rob society of valuable resources–their own lives. Miach is successful but Cian reveals the plot and she and Tuan are saved. Thirteen years later, Tuan continues to rebel, even while she attains a high-level position in the international medical police corps. It is under this aegis that she investigates when Cian commits suicide (one of thousands, worldwide). During her search, Tuan discovers that there may be something even more repugnant than a world of perfectly healthy people. Itoh presents a future in which humanity willingly collaborates in its own subjugation to “medical correctness.” Fans of Orwell and Westerfeld will find this novel intriguing.–Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

JONES, Frewin. The Emerald Flame. Bk. 3. 344p. (Warrior Princess Series). CIP. HarperTeen. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-087149-9. LC 2010004604.
Gr 6 Up–In medieval Britain, as the Saxon invaders are at war with Wales, Branwen ap Griffith is charged by the old gods, the Shining Ones, with the task of killing the one-eyed warrior and rescuing Caradoc, the god of the wind, to return him to the sacred cave of Merion. Together with her companions, including the part-owl, part-human woman Blodwedd, she fights her way through many dangers. Jones draws on the Welsh myths of the Mabinogion, although this may not be clear to readers. The absence of background notes, together with the use of ancient place-names such as Powys, Brython, and Mercia, may leave readers at a loss when it comes to understanding the historical context of the successive Saxon and Viking invasions of Britain, and the struggle of the local inhabitants against them. While this is a story full of action and rousing adventure, some of it fairly violent. There is also the theme of Branwen’s allegiance to the old gods and her struggle with those Britons loyal to the new ones. However, there is no explanation of what this means or why there is such antipathy towards the old gods. The character of Branwen is adequately drawn, and there are some appealing interactions between her and her companions. A major plot twist at the climax is unexpected and nail-biting. However, there are some loose ends, suggesting the possibility of another sequel. Buy where the earlier volumes have been popular.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

KEATON, Kelly. Darkness Becomes Her. Bk. 1. 288p. S & S/Pulse. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0924-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0926-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Fast-forward a generation. New Orleans, now called New 2, has been decimated by natural disaster. Nine prominent families have banded together to buy the city from the federal government; all that used to be New Orleans is now considered “beyond the rim,” an area rumored to be riddled with supernatural beings and happenings. Enter Ari. Inexplicably abandoned by her mother soon after the city’s fall, she is now a hardened 17-year-old living in Memphis. When she visits a sanitorium near the border where her mother spent her last days, her discoveries lead her deep into New 2. In search of information to help solve the puzzle of her origins, she soon realizes how intricately intertwined her fate is with that of the city and that it will be up to her to lift the curse that has plagued the women in her family for centuries. Darkness Becomes Her is part “Lightning Thief,” part “Twilight,” and part “Maximum Ride.” Unfortunately, Keaton reveals the specifics of Ari’s mother’s delusion at the book’s start, something if left uncovered until later would have packed a much greater punch. Yet, to write this title off as a predictable “been there, done that” experience doesn’t do it justice either. For fans of any of the above-mentioned popular series, it’s an excellent suggestion for a next read. Keaton paints richly detailed scenes of the New Orleans landscape and crafts fully realized, sympathetic characters. Ari’s journey from loner to wary member of a band of misfits and her fall for one of them spins a compelling thread through her quest. Darkness Becomes Her will leave many readers clamoring for the next installment.–Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

KINCH, Michael. The Blending Time. 288p. Flux. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-2067-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–It is the year 2054, and the world has been decimated by environmental changes, plagues, and war. Opportunities for decent jobs and living conditions are limited, particularly for those with little schooling or influential connections. When Jaym, D’Shay, and Reya each turn 17, the mandatory age at which all children of the NorthAm Sector receive their work assignments, the choices are the military, Canal work, street patrol, or blender. Knowing the short life-expectancy statistics of workers in the first three choices, each “s’teener” opts for the unknown fourth choice. Together they travel to Africa along with thousands of other blenders whose mission is to intermarry and live with the African people and help to repopulate the continent after a solar pulse left the population unable to produce viable children. All is not well on this continent, and the three find themselves in a fight for their lives against powers both large and small who want the blender project to fail. Myriad postapocalyptic novels are on the market this year, and at first glance, this seems to be just another one of many. However, Kinch’s novel is a frighteningly clear vision of a very possible future where government is in the hands of the few and powerful, and everyone else can expect little from life but deprivation and violence. Graphic scenes of warfare and rape help to build the unrelenting pace of the novel. Readers who enjoyed Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games (Scholastic, 2008) and Joëlle Anthony’s Restoring Harmony (Putnam, 2010) may also appreciate this debut novel.–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

KLASS, David. Stuck on Earth. 227p. CIP. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-39951-1. LC 2008048133.
Gr 5-9–On a mission to evaluate Earth and determine whether or not its dominate species (Homo sapiens) will be allowed to continue or will be exterminated (quickly and painlessly, of course) so a more deserving race can have the planet, Ketchvar III, a snail-like superintelligent being inhabits the body of a 14-year-old boy so he can experience human existence up close and personal. Horrified by his host’s dysfunctional family, incarceration in a mind-numbing environment (high school), and the bullying of other students, Ketchvar has nearly written off humans for good when he meets the girl next door. Humorous misunderstandings and poignant moments with his host’s alcoholic father and bitter mother save this from being just another “people have ruined the planet; let’s get rid of them and start over” book. Ketchvar’s social gaffs and misconceptions provide some laugh-out-loud moments as do his internal dialogues with his reluctant host. Though no new ground is broken, Stuck on Earth will resonate with kids who feel like aliens in their own homes.–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

KLISE, Kate. Grounded. 196p. CIP. Feiwel & Friends. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-57039-2. LC 2010013008.
Gr 4-7–When her father, older brother, and young sister died in a plane crash, Daralynn was at home, grounded for having been out fishing without her parents’ permission. Her mother opens a beauty salon in their small Missouri town (population 402) and also prepares the hair of the deceased at the local funeral home. Clem Monroe suddenly appears on the scene, selling prepaid cremation plans to unsuspecting seniors and wooing Daralynn’s Aunt Josie. She and many other residents are taken in by his schemes, giving him cash for a business that will never come to fruition. When Daralynn realizes that Clem is telling lies and acting suspiciously around town, she uses her journal to tell her father and siblings about the events, and the mystery is wrapped up in a unique way. The relationship between Daralynn and her mother, neither of whom has really dealt with her grief, is portrayed sensibly and tenderly. The fringe characters also shine; Clem is a slick con man, and Aunt Josie, free-spirited and kindhearted, understands Daralynn’s prickly, hostile mother. The title of the book is serendipitous in many ways, and will leave readers with much to think about.–Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

KOWALSKI, William. The Way It Works. 112p. (Rapid Reads Series). Orca/Raven. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-367-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Walter Davis is an industrious young man who has become homeless through no fault of his own. As he struggles to regain his footing after his mother’s debilitating illness and death, the story explores the plight of the unemployed and inexperienced trying to make a living in difficult economic times. Especially intriguing are the details about how Walter maintains some respectability while living out of his car, and how other characters respond when they learn that he is homeless. The plot wraps up a bit too neatly, and some may find the overall tone a tad simplistic. Still, reluctant readers will be drawn to the fast-moving story with its modern, urban setting and sympathetic, true-to-life hero.–Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

LANE, Andrew. Death Cloud. Bk. 1. 320p. (Young Sherlock Holmes Series). bibliog. Farrar. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38767-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-9–Sherlock Holmes, 14, is expecting a quiet summer, relaxing with his family after a difficult term at school. However, political upheaval in India, his mother’s illness, and brother Mycroft’s position in the Foreign Office result in Sherlock being sent to distant relatives instead. Adapting to life at Holmes Manor in Farnham, he makes friends with a village ruffian and is soon given an American tutor to keep him out of mischief. When Sherlock and Amyus Crowe, the tutor, discover a body covered with mysterious swellings, they are thrown into a conspiracy of chemicals, knives, and money. Over the course of his investigation, Sherlock is kidnapped twice by pale and crippled Baron Maupertuis, once after a brutal boxing match, and the second time while with beautiful Virginia Crowe, daughter of Amyus. In their final confrontation, Sherlock and Virginia discover the Baron’s plot to bring down the whole of the British Empire. Lane successfully blends the traditional Holmesian confidence with the teen’s awkward self-consciousness. The vulnerability of the character is well illustrated through his relationship with Mycroft, as well as his friendship with Matty, the young orphaned longboat operator. While the crush on Virginia seems a bit shoehorned in, her character does provide some needed humor. Occasionally the action overwhelms the investigative components, but the narrative still flows smoothly. A menacing villain and an unexpected twist make for a thoroughly engaging read that will keep readers turning pages. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for the next tale.–Joel Shoemaker, formerly at South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

LEBLANC, André. The Red Piano. tr. from French by Justine Werner. illus. by Barroux. unpaged. Web sites. Wilkins Farago, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-9806070-1-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-8–During China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), a young musician is sent to a labor camp, forbidden to play the piano, forced to labor in the fields and become “reeducated.” But she manages to sneak out at night to play a piano hidden in Mother Han’s home and even to copy into tiny notebooks music smuggled into the camp. When authorities discover what she has done, they denounce and humiliate her in front of everyone and destroy the instrument. Years later, after Mao’s death, she is freed. Based on some events in the life of international concert pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei, this picture book is poetically told in the present tense and features an unnamed protagonist. Her passion for music shines in the author’s words: “Her fingers fly across the keyboard. The day’s woes are forgotten, along with the late hour, the tiredness and the danger.” Barroux’s stylized illustrations, most often large spreads, are colored solely in red and black. The red endpapers and washes throughout likely symbolize Mao’s “little red book” of sayings mentioned in the text. Ominous backgrounds and figures outlined and colored in black emphasize the oppression endured by the labor-camp inhabitants. The girl is a tiny, powerless speck as she sneaks across the fields each evening, and larger as she crosses those same fields, free at last to face her future. Mao’s picture and other propaganda appear on posters. There is a brief author’s note on the Cultural Revolution and a website that directs teachers to an extensive discussion and resource guide.–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

LOWRY, Lois. Like the Willow Tree: The Diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce. 224p. (Dear America Series). map. photos. CIP. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14469-8; PLB $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-26556-0. LC 2010013369.
Gr 3-6–Lydia Amelia Pierce, 11, and her older brother, Daniel, are sent to live in the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake, ME, after her parents die in the 1918 influenza epidemic. Lydia must become accustomed to living, working, and learning with the Shakers and the other orphaned or abandoned children cared for at the settlement. However, Daniel toys with the idea of running away, and does indeed leave for a time. Although Lydia worries about him, her time with the Shakers is marked by a sense of acceptance and appreciation for what she has. Effective use of detail and language immerses readers in Lydia’s world, especially her life with the Shakers, making for a standout historical fiction read. The book covers just six months of the children’s lives. Lydia grows and changes, but her development is slow and subtle as she learns to let go of her sorrow and appreciate the simple joys in life. Pages of historical notes and photographs at the end of the book provide thorough coverage of the epidemic as well as the Shakers and Sabbathday Lake. These notes are especially helpful in clarifying which parts of the story are real and which are fiction. Readers with a high interest in historical fiction or classes studying early 20th century America, and, of course, “Dear America” fans will appreciate this novel.–Heather Talty, Lower School Library, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

LYNCH, Chris. Angry Young Man. 167p. CIP. S & S. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-689-84790-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1989-6. LC 2009052832.
Gr 9 Up–Robert may have spent his early years tormenting his younger brother, Alexander, but the truth is, he really loves him. Presently, loving him is kind of hard. Now going by the name Xan, he’s a strange 17-year-old who gets intensely passionate about injustice in the world. Their mother, a struggling waitress, faces her own brand of injustice when a slimy bill collector begins harassing her on an almost daily basis. While tension builds in the family’s household, Xan makes a new friend in Harry, a mustached braggart with whom he begins spending all of his free time. Robert begins to suspect something is amiss with his brother–maybe something even more than the usual weirdness. After Alexander gets arrested for vandalism while espousing one of his causes, Robert fears that his brother may truly be beyond saving. The story is told entirely from Robert’s perspective, and Lynch’s dry and sardonic wit makes him a likable and charming protagonist. The story is well paced and provides an eerie look into the small town of repressed aggression in which the boys grew up. Alexander’s actions may ultimately be wrong, but his heart is in the right place as he fights to make the world just a little bit better. A quick read, but one that will stay with readers long after it’s over.–Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library

LYNCH, Chris. Prime Evil. Bk. 3. 148p. (Cyberia Series). Scholastic. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-02795-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–As punishment for foiling Dr. Gristle’s evil plans in Cyberia (2008) and Monkey See, Monkey Don’t (2009, both Scholastic), Zane is now being sent to “camp”...outside! In a world full of technology, it has become unthinkable to actually go outdoors. Zane, however, sees the opportunity as an adventure–until he arrives and finds himself living in a barn with hostile animal roommates. Able to communicate with them, he tries to reason them into a better mood, but this is an impossible task since Dr. Gristle’s brother, Bucky, and his wife are purposely riling the creatures into a frenzy. As Zane learns more about the angry animals’ conditions on the ranch, he discovers Dr. Gristle’s newest plot to use “CattleLivid Converters” as an energy source. With the help of new friend, Edmund, Zane hopes to thwart the evil doctor’s plans once and for all. Lynch finishes the trilogy with another fun science-fiction adventure. Full of slapstick humor and an interesting plot, this is a sure winner for fans of the first two books.–Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

MACDONALD, Betty. Nancy and Plum. illus. by Mary GrandPré. 240p. CIP. Knopf. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86685-2; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96685-9; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89776-4. LC 2009039778.
Gr 3-6–Living at Mrs. Monday’s Boarding School is truly torture, but orphaned Nancy and Plum make the best of their situation. While they tackle their seemingly never-ending list of chores, from cleaning windows to mending socks, their imaginations set them free. The sisters daydream about the perfect Christmas, having a family, and how their lives could be different, perhaps even wonderful. Eventually, they become fed up with Mrs. Monday and they make plans to run away. Once they escape, Nancy and Plum contact their uncle, spend the night in a haystack, and eventually find the family of their dreams. Originally published in 1952, this edition preserves the charm of MacDonald’s writing and is a great choice for fans of her “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” series (HarperCollins). GrandPré’s detailed illustrations enhance the story and help to capture the time of horse-drawn carts, working farms, and pinafores. The rich description draws readers in, inviting them back to a simpler time. Nancy and Plum are lovable characters whom readers will be drawn to and their colorful adventures keep things moving along. However, the book is rather slowly paced until the girls decide to run away. With a simple plot and well-developed characters, this title is a good choice for a wide range of readers, especially those who enjoy MacDonald’s imaginative stories.–Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City, UT

MCMANN, Lisa. Cryer’s Cross. 231p. S & S/Pulse. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9481-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9483-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–This horror/suspense offering never really gets a full shiver going, even though McMann infuses her story with a 50-year-old wooden school desk and a menacing collective of tortured souls possessing it. Even when the desk-spirits seem to explain the bizarre disappearances of two of several high school students in the tiny Montana town of Cryer’s Cross, the intended creep factor intended falls short. What doesn’t fall short is the solid characterization of Kendall, a senior who tries to keep control of her OCD even after Nico, her best boy-friend since infancy, goes missing. Weird carved messages show up on the desk he was using before his disappearance, and Kendall thinks she hears his voice when she sits at it. Luckily, she has the distractions of soccer, a new boy from Arizona who slowly warms up to her, and her family’s potato harvest to keep her from obsessing about Nico’s loss and the eerie desk–until they just become too compelling. Then she, too, faces danger from the trapped entities that inhabit the desk. The mystery of why and how the desk is possessed and urging teenagers to harm themselves is given a quick and illogical gloss over when explained. Discerning readers are unlikely to suspend disbelief, but they may find character and setting help redeem the book.–Suzanne Gordon, Lanier High School, Sugar Hill, GA

MAHONEY, Karen. The Iron Witch. 292p. Flux. Feb. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-2582-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Donna Underwood is not your typical high school senior. At a party, she meets Alexander (Xan), who is also anything but typical, and in fact bears the scars on his back from where his wings were removed. Donna wears elbow-length gloves to cover up her iron hands, made for her when she was seven and her father was killed, her mother driven insane, and Donna burned by a terrifying creature called Skriker. These teens are trying to act normal in the world of the “commoners,” but Donna is forced to use her atypical strength and knowledge about the fey world to save her friend Navin, with Xan’s help. Teen girls will love the descriptions of Donna’s feelings about her new love interest, Xan, and the details about clothing, friendship, and her attempts to fit in. Fantasy lovers will enjoy reading about a different world trying to hide in ours. There are subtle references to sex and underage drinking and drug use. At the end, readers are aware of more to come, and this book should prove to be the beginning of a popular series.–Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD

MASHONEE, Jana & Stephan Galfas. American Indian Story: The Adventures of Sha’kona. 279p. Wampum. 2011. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-0-9842012-1-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–Mashonee is a Native American, award-winning vocalist. Her Grammy-nominated CD, American Indian Story, tells of her Native roots, and this book adds narrative to it. Overcome by extremes in weather, Sha’kona and her family are forced to leave their ancient land. Her great-grandmother had predicted that Sha’kona would be a special child and that she had been chosen to lead her family to a New World where they would become strong and grow into a great nation. During this epic journey, she realizes that she is gifted with “other eyes” as was her great-grandmother. As she leads her people through harrowing adventures to get to the New World, she begins to understand the power of her gift. From the bear she discovers strength, from the eagles’ direction, from the white buffalo wisdom, and from herself she learns love for all things. Her predictions and visions enabled her people to arrive safely in a new home. Part fact, part fantasy, this book is more than a story about Native American lore. It is a beautifully written saga about a girl’s amazing journey from childhood to adulthood and self-actualization and discovery.–Sharon Morrison, Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library, Durant, OK

MEANEY, Flynn. Bloodthirsty. 234p. CIP. Little, Brown/Poppy. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-10214-8. LC 2010008620.
Gr 10 Up–Finbar Frame is a shy, awkward, misunderstood 16-year-old who has spent his life in the shadow of his athletic and popular twin brother. He is tired of being seen as a freak and a loser, so when his family moves from Indiana to New York, Finbar decides it is time for a change. He realizes that with his pale skin and wild eyes he possesses many vampire characteristics–even a severe sun allergy. Armed with a new wardrobe, a silver Volvo, big sunglasses, and some attitude, He becomes something he has never been–popular. But he soon finds that being a player is not everything, a lesson he learns the hard way. Bloodthirsty is witty, laugh-at-loud funny, and real. Readers can easily relate to Finbar’s trials and tribulations, and his path to self-discovery. This is an original and enjoyable first novel for older teens.–Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

MILLS, Tricia. Winter Longing. 266p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-288-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8-11–Winter Craig, a high school senior in Tundra, AK, finally musters the courage to confess her feelings to Spencer, her best friend and childhood crush, by inviting him to the Snow Ball. They instantly become a couple, but the very next day, Spencer is killed when he crashes his plane during a flight test. Now Winter and her friend Lindsay, who was also close to Spencer, are left to grieve for him in their own ways, which brings conflict at first, and then a deeper friendship between the girls. As Winter works through her loss, her neighbor Jesse is there for her, and now she also has to deal with her developing feelings for him, the guilt and confusion they bring, and the wrath of his mean ex. Chapters are separated by Winter’s memories of Spencer, but as the plot evolves these thoughts are replaced with quotes about love taken from a Quote-a-Day calendar that he had given her. Mills’s depiction of grief is real and well paced, as is the tension she builds around Winter and Jesse’s budding relationship. This contemporary story packs a punch and is a suitable novel for booktalking.–Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

MOORE, James A. Subject Seven. 336p. Pen guin/Razorbill. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-304-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–In a secret compound, several children were artificially created and genetically modified in an experiment known as the Janus Project, until the alpha of their group, Subject Seven, escaped after brutally murdering a top scientist and the guards assigned to him. Subsequently, the remaining youngsters involved in the failed experiment were wiped clean of their memories and given to adoptive parents in various locations throughout the United States. Moore’s first YA novel opens years later as the five children, now teenagers, begin experiencing terrifying fugue states where it appears someone has been in control of their bodies and actions while they were unaware, sometimes for weeks at a time. It isn’t until that same unknown entity calls them all together that they discover what they are truly capable of and how much the Janus Project wants to destroy them. Although the theme of this story isn’t new–think Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and the comic hero The Incredible Hulk–this updated version is uniquely appealing to teens with its underlying themes of adolescent angst, budding sexuality, and body issues underscored by violent and visceral storytelling. Moore has written several books for adults primarily in the fields of horror, fantasy, and science fiction.–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

MYERS, Walter Dean & Ross Workman. Kick. 208p. HarperTeen. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200489-5; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-200490-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-9–In an interesting joint effort, Myers teamed with high school student Workman to produce this novel about a soccer player who runs into trouble helping a friend. Veteran police sergeant Jerry Brown is asked to look into the case of a 13-year-old boy who crashed a car belonging to his friend’s father. Brown takes a special interest in the case when he is informed that the boy, Kevin Johnson, is the son of an officer who was killed in the line of duty. As Brown delves more deeply, he begins to suspect that the friend’s family has something to hide. He also develops a bond with Kevin, who, although angry and troubled, is basically kindhearted and well-intentioned. Workman wrote the chapters narrated by the boy, and Myers wrote those narrated by Brown. This approach works quite well in terms of narrative voice, as Myers’s more polished style reflects an adult perspective, while Workman’s less-refined prose seems appropriate to his character’s outlook and experience. There is some exciting soccer action, and the interaction between Brown and Kevin is heartwarming, yet natural and unforced. While some may feel that the denouement falls a little flat, the novel should have wide appeal to soccer fans, aspiring writers, and boys from difficult family circumstances who are trying to figure out how to make their way in the world.–Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

NEUMEIER, Rachel. The Floating Islands. 388p. Knopf. Feb. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84705-9; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-94705-6; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89782-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6 Up–Tragically losing his family in Tolounn and then turned away by his Tolounnese uncle, grieving Trei, 14, ventures to the Floating Islands (kept aloft by wind dragon power) hoping his mother’s family will take him in. Seeing the kajuraihi–an elite group of men who borrow wind dragon power to fly–Trei immediately longs to become one despite being only half-Islander. He finds a kindred spirit and eventual coconspirator in his sharp-tongued cousin Araenè. Society would have Araenè’s ambitions stop at wife and mother but with her culinary talent she’d prefer to be a chef. A habitual secret jaunt while disguised as a boy leads her to the hidden school for mages and she discovers yet another supposedly male-centric gift. Neumeier’s primary heroes–Trei, Araenè and, to some extent, Trei’s friend and fellow kajuraihi novice, Ceirfei–all struggle to find their true purposes despite the limitations others place on them. In the process they prove to be invaluable allies and assets when warmongering Tolounn threatens to conquer the Floating Islands. While the mechanics of magic need more explanation and similar-sounding names may give pause, the well-drawn protagonists are sympathetic and behave consistently. Emotions are palpable, from grief and doubt to frustration. Neumeier has a talent for world-building and a knack for description, evident in her unique settings. Recommended for general purchase in school and public libraries with a fantasy fan base.–Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

NICHOLLS, Sally. Season of Secrets. 228p. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-21825-2. LC 2010017070.
Gr 4-7–Molly and her sister, Hannah, live with their grandparents in Northumberland, on the border between England and Scotland. Their mother has died and their father, unable to cope, has left them with his parents temporarily, though it is becoming more of a permanent situation, much to the girls’ dismay. A ray of hope shows itself to Molly with the appearance of “my man,” the Oak King or Green Man, the spring and summer figure in the life cycles of seasons. A mythical figure–as is his nemesis, the Holly King or Beast Man, ruler of fall and winter months–he is for Molly all too real. She witnesses as he perishes in the face of the Beast Man, only to reemerge as an unruly, adolescent, Puck-like figure when spring returns. As seasons change, so do Molly and her family members. Her father slowly recovers and rediscovers that his girls need him, and Molly begins making friends at school. She still takes comfort in “her man,” and through him sees the never-ending struggles of life. At first somewhat slow, the book proves to be captivating as Molly’s fantasy/coping skills introduce her to a life cycle that is painful, yet part of a continuum, and not solely the unbearable loss she initially experiences. For thoughtful readers, this tale is a gem. British lingo may be a bit unfamiliar to American children, but it in no way hinders understanding the dialogue in this meaningful story.–Tracy Karbel, Chicago Public Library

NOLEN, Jerdine. Eliza’s Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary. 160p. map. bibliog. Web sites. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5814-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1723-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–As she turns 12, Eliza is a Virginia house slave, increasingly responsible for the care of the ailing mistress who taught her to read and write. Since Sir sold her mother a year earlier, Eliza has only motherly cook Abbey, the discarded diary Abbey encourages her to write in, and a story quilt her mother made. When the mistress takes Eliza along to stay with family in Maryland, Eliza learns of the Underground Railroad from fellow slaves and a found stack of newspapers containing the serialized Uncle Tom’s Cabin. With the help of a shadowy Harriet Tubman herself, Eliza escapes to freedom in Ontario, where by chance she reunites with her mother. Presented as the girl’s diary published later by the adult Elizabeth, the narrative suffers from thin characterizations and awkward pacing resulting from sometimes forced pauses to record her mother’s stories. While the writing is peppered with salient details of slave life and the times, Eliza experiences little of the brutality and, more important, the difficult choices, fleshed-out relationships, and internal struggles that humanize Patricia McKissack’s Clotee in A Picture of Freedom (Scholastic, 1997), Jennifer Armstrong’s Bethlehem in Steal Away (Orchard Books, 1992), or Elisa Carbone’s real-life Ann Marie Weems in Stealing Freedom (Knopf, 1998). More didactic than authentic, Eliza’s story serves as an effective vehicle to relate and contextualize 10 important folktales and Bible stories that were woven through the slave experience, though readers may wish for a more fully realized narrative holding those stories together.–Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

NORTH, Pearl. The Boy from Ilysies. Bk. 2. 320p. (Libyrinth Trilogy). Tor. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-2097-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–This sequel to Libyrinth (Tor, 2009) focuses less on the value of books and literacy and more on the struggles of two groups of people once alienated from one another by their beliefs, and now united in an effort to create a thriving community of both Singers and Libyrarians. Because of this change in direction, North has created that rare thing: a second book in a series that is stronger than the first. Po, a 15-year-old from Ilysies, was raised in a culture where women rule and men play a subservient role. He suffers enormous shock when exposed to the more liberal mores of the Libyrinth, and his need for a strong female consort and a meaningful life leads him to make choices that may ultimately result in the destruction of everything he has worked for. Readers who enjoy the world-building novels by Tamora Pierce and Anne McCaffrey may also enjoy this series.–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

NORTHROP, Michael. Trapped. 232p. Scholastic. Feb. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-21012-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–High school sophomore Scotty Weem’s narration reveals immediately that he survives southern New England’s worst nor’easter ever recorded, but also that others in his group will die. The chilling story begins innocently enough as the snow starts to fall early in the day. When an early dismissal is announced, Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason finagle their way into the shop to work on Jason’s project, a go-kart, until their rides come. But they soon find themselves stranded in their rural high school building with five others: pretty Krista and her friend, Julie; thuggish Les; weird Elijah; and one gruff teacher. Their cell phones don’t work. Their rides don’t show up. The teacher goes for help and never returns. The power goes off. As hours, then days, pass, the water stops, the heat goes off, and they get increasingly hungry, cold, and scared. Readers might speculate about what they should have done, could have done, if stuck in their place, but the author does an admirable job of keeping the tone and plot appropriately sophomoric, i.e., they don’t always do the right thing, but do the best they can with knowledge and skills even they recognize are inadequate. The climax is propelled as much by the teens’ interpersonal conflicts as by Jason’s improbable deus ex machina from the shop. Teens should enjoy reading this survival story with their feet up in front of a toasty fire.–Joel Shoemaker, formerly at South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

OLIVER, Jana. The Demon Trapper’s Daughter. Bk. 1. 352p. (Demon Trapper Series). St. Martin’s/Griffin. Feb. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-312-61478-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–The year is 2018, and Riley is no ordinary Atlanta teen. She is training to be a demon trapper like her father. The economy has gone to hell, and so it makes perfect sense that hell would send forth demons to wreak havoc on Earth. The opening scene has Riley trapping a lower level Biblio-fiend that lives in a university library and storing him in a sippy cup until turning him in. This sounds like it is a tongue-in-cheek novel, but it is not. Riley’s father is killed by demons, and there is some mysterious link to Riley, placing her life in danger. Her father’s hot bad-boy former apprentice, Beck, has a crush on Riley, as does the kinder, wholesome, and religious trapper Simon, creating the romantic angle. There is a mystery involving the potency of the Holy Water used to fight demons and treat the wounds they inflict, and the fact that demons seem to know Riley’s name. Another intriguing subplot is how the rich can have dead people reanimated to be their slaves for a year after death, and families must sit vigil over the graves of loved ones to keep this from happening. Catholic dogma permeates this book and will either offend or entrance practitioners. While the various twists and subplots seem ridiculous at times, on the whole this first in a series is engrossing.–Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO

PATTERSON, James & Ned Rust. The Gift. 341p. (Witch & Wizard Series). CIP. Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-03625-2. LC 2010010706.
Gr 7-10–In Witch & Wizard (Little, Brown, 2009), Whit and Wisty Allgood were taken from their family in the middle of the night, accused of witchcraft, and imprisoned by the corrupt government. This sequel picks up as Whit manages to save his captured sister from public execution. On the run from “The One Who Is The One” (the evil ruler of this apocalyptic world), the siblings’ recently discovered magical powers are their only hope of finding their rebel cohorts and escaping capture and certain death. Once safe for the moment, Whit becomes preoccupied with finding his murdered girlfriend in the Shadowlands and jotting poetry/spells in his magic journal. Wisty practices her power of controlling fire while dabbling in an occasional musical performance and exploring a budding romance with the drummer of a popular rebel rock band. There is no real safe haven for these siblings, though, and they find themselves imprisoned once again by “The One” with only a would-be traitor holding their key to escape. The action is relentless and there are too many close calls to count in this supernatural suspense thriller. The narration alternates between brother and sister, which, particularly in these very short chapters, can be confusing. Patterson’s trademark mastery of gruesome and terrifying imagery makes this otherwise dull tale come alive a bit as readers are whisked at breakneck speed toward a culmination with no resolution. This sequel can stand alone, but is unlikely to draw new readers into the series.–Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

PHILLIPS, Dee. Dare. ISBN 978-1-61651-246-0.
–––– . Goal. ISBN 978-1-61651-249-1.
ea vol: 45p. (Right Now! Series). Saddleback. 2010. pap. $7.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6 Up–In fewer than 500 words, Phillips has created two engaging hi/lo readers. Both first-person narratives feature teen protagonists, age-appropriate story lines, and easy reading that doesn’t feel so simplified that it’s insulting. The fonts, layered graphics, and manipulated photos give the stories a graphic-novel appeal. At the end of each book, “What’s Next?” provides extension activities and discussion topics about the stories’ themes. In the first book, Kristi accepts a dare to spend a night in a haunted house. While she doesn’t believe in ghosts, she admits to being frightened by the voices she hears. In the morning, she is greeted by a cheering crowd. She survived Dare, a TV reality show where contestants spend the night in haunted houses. But were the voices part of the show? Readers are left hanging and wanting more. In Goal, Carlos attends a tryout for Chivas USA, a professional soccer team. There is only one coveted spot and flashy teammate Josh is also trying out for the position. Coached by his late grandfather, Carlos learns not to be a “glory boy,” but to consider the needs of the team. Though Josh outscores him, his aggressive play and unsportsmanlike conduct put the team at risk, resulting in a satisfying ending. Good thing there are several books in this series.–H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

PIGNAT, Caroline. Wild Geese. 335p. CIP. Red Deer. 2010. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-0-88995-432-8. LC C2010-904508-4.
Gr 5 Up–In this sequel to Greener Grass (Red Deer, 2009), Kit Byrne finds herself on the run as a criminal, and with Mick O’Toole she boards the Erin, a ship bound for Quebec in 1847. On their journey, they fight to survive the horrendous Atlantic Ocean crossing with other Irish Famine families. While disguised as Mick’s brother, “Kenny,” Kit befriends a family who takes her under their wing. They lament meager rations, worry about people around them getting “the fever,” and pray for the voyage to end. Tossed into the mix are a stowaway, Billy; a hateful sailor, Coyle, who wants “Kenny” and Mick dead; and the vengeful Lynch brothers who follow Kit from Ireland to bring her to justice. She manages to escape capture and make it ashore, but soon faces additional struggles. In Canada she learns the fate of her mother and siblings who sailed before her and has to adjust her plans for survival in a new world. Although Kit faces many adversities, she does not realize that she grows stronger with each one. She only knows that life is hard and that she does not know what to do with hers. Not until she understands her role in life is she able to open up and truly love. This is a compelling historical novel with well-researched details and plenty of backstory for those who have not read the first book.–Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

PIKE, Christopher. The Secret of Ka. 407p. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. 2010. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-547-34247-4. LC 2009049976.
Gr 6-8–This fantasy adventure delves into the world of magic genies and flying carpets. Sara is spending her summer with her father in Istanbul. She is bored and stuck in a hotel because it is too hot to go outside, until she meets Amesh, a delivery boy in her father’s company. She tricks him into taking her to the construction site, where she finds a magic carpet. Their first trip takes them to a strange island where they find several temples, each one inhabited by a djinn. Amesh releases one and falls under its control. He steals the carpet and returns to the mainland, leaving Sara stranded on the island. In order to get back and save Amesh from the danger he had gotten himself into, she must take charge of the djinn herself and become a Kala. However, powerful forces want to control the carpet and Sara. This story explores cultural differences, Middle Eastern mythology, and friendship. It is more lighthearted than Pike’s recent vampire series and will attract a younger audience.–Erik Carlson, New York Public Library

PRINZ, Yvonne. All You Get Is Me. 288p. HarperTeen. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-171580-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Many issues are crammed into this coming-of-age novel–the politics of illegal immigration and the rights of migrant farmworkers; dealing with abandonment by a depressed, alcoholic mother; and adjusting to life on an organic farm after growing up in San Francisco–but the heart of this book is a love story. Aurora, 15, and her father witness a car accident in which a Mexican woman illegally in the United States is killed by a reckless driver. Roar’s dad, a former human-rights lawyer turned farmer, urges the remaining family to press a civil suit. Fearing his reaction to her blossoming relationship with the son of the woman responsible for the accident, Aurora hides her growing feelings for Forest. A sweet first love unfolds over the course of the summer and culminates in Aurora’s tenderly described first sexual experience. The writing is fluid and the plot moves quickly, but it is grounded by descriptions of summer on a vegetable farm. This book should appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen and contemporary romance.–Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

PRYOR, Bonnie. Simon’s Escape: A Story of the Holocaust. 160p. (Historical Fiction Adventures Series). map. photos. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2010. PLB $27.93. ISBN 978-0-7660-3388-7. LC 2009029322.
Gr 5-7–In this mediocre novel, a Jewish boy survives the German invasion of Poland, the removal of the Jews to the Warsaw Ghetto, the death of his entire family, and a dangerous and unlikely escape to the woods. It has a purposeful narrative and dialogue that is often didactic and stilted. Introducing children to the events of the Holocaust is difficult primarily because it was so horrific, and allowing unaware readers to imagine that this book is an “Adventure” story is irresponsible. Considering how many fine memoirs and works of juvenile fiction are available to young people on the topic, this book is barely additional at best.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

RAYBURN, Tricia. Siren. 344p. Egmont USA. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-074-0; RTE $19.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-092-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Vanessa and Justine Sands have spent their summers in Maine hanging out with the neighboring Carmichael brothers for almost as long as they can remember. But this year, after a terrible fight with their parents about her future plans, Justine jumps off a cliff to her death. Vanessa doesn’t believe that her sister killed herself so she starts digging for answers. It turns out that Justine’s death isn’t the only one that summer. Dead men are washing ashore all along the coast, and the weather is going crazy. As she searches for clues, Vanessa begins to suspect that there might be a connection between the many deaths. This novel starts out well, but quickly drags. Rayburn’s writing has an almost cinematic quality, but that causes problems when things aren’t explained clearly and readers are left to infer too much in the action. While the premise of sirens in modern-day North America is fascinating, the idea is not fully explored. Far too much of the book is spent with Vanessa chasing after her sister’s boyfriend for answers. Also, the science behind the climactic scene makes absolutely no sense and isn’t plausible.–Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

REEDY, Trent. Words in the Dust. 266p. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-26125-8. LC 2010026160.
Gr 5-8–Zulaikha’s life in Afghanistan is not easy. She is teased constantly for a facial deformity and although the Taliban is no longer in power, it has violently taken her mother from her, and the 13-year-old is left keeping house for a busy, traditional father and his bad-tempered wife. She is trapped by the confines of her culture as well as by her own fears, but things begin to change when she meets a mysterious woman who wants to work with her on her writing and teach her about poetry. When American soldiers roll into town and offer her the chance to fix her cleft palate, Zulaikha allows herself to wish for a better and different future. Reedy was inspired by a girl he met during his tour of duty in Afghanistan, and Zulaikha’s character is based loosely on her experiences. Infused with poetry, and wrought with hardship, the story gives a bleak, but ultimately hopeful, portrayal of girlhood in Afghanistan. It is full of hard truths, painful lessons, beautiful human interaction, and the promise of possibility.–Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

REVIS, Beth. Across the Universe. 400p. Penguin/Razorbill. Mar. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-397-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–Imagine leaving everything behind in order to be with the people you love, only to be left with nothing. Amy and her parents have been cryogenically frozen to be awakened in 300 years when their spaceship reaches the planet they will colonize. Unfortunately, Amy is unfrozen 50 years too soon. Her parents are too critical to the colony to awaken early, so by the time she sees them again, she will be older than they are. The culture on the spaceship is unfamiliar and everyone Amy meets is either an emotionless drone or lives in the mental ward. But there is little time for her to grieve the loss of her former life, because someone is thawing other colonists and leaving them to die. In order to find the murderer, Amy must join forces with Elder, the teenage future leader of the ship. But all of the inhabitants onboard have been told lies, and there are secrets that even Elder doesn’t know. This compelling novel is told in alternating chapters from Amy’s and Elder’s points of view. Amy is a contemporary character in a fish-out-of-water situation, and her grief and fear are realistically depicted. And as Elder learns the truth behind the ship, he begins to experience a coming-of-age that is convincingly written. The mystery will propel readers along, and the budding romance between Amy and Elder set against the backdrop of a dystopian society will appeal even to readers who don’t enjoy science fiction. Revis’s thrilling debut novel hints at more great books to come.–Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

RIORDAN, Rick. The Lost Hero. Bk. 1. 557p. (Heroes of Olympus Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2010. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1339-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–This book will delight fans of The Lightning Thief (Hyperion, 2005) as Percy, Annabeth, and others play roles in the new prophecy and its subsequent quest. A few months after The Last Olympian (Hyperion, 2009) ends, Jason wakes up on a bus filled with problem kids from the Wilderness School who are headed to the Grand Canyon. He has no memory of his previous life, but seems to be with his girlfriend, Piper, and his best friend, Leo. The action takes off quickly: storm spirits attack them and capture their coach, who turns out to be a Satyr. Searching for Percy, who is missing, Annabeth arrives and takes the three to Camp Half-Blood, where they learn that they are demigods. Their parents are gods in their Roman rather than Greek personae. By sunset of the solstice in three days, the teens must rescue Hera, Queen of the gods, or Porphyrion, the giant king created to destroy Zeus and unseat the gods of Olympus, will rise. Their quest takes them across the United States, sometimes flying on a mechanical, 60-foot dragon, as they use their power and wits against Medea, King Midas, and the giant cannibal Enceladus. Riordan excels at clever plot devices and at creating an urgent sense of cliff-hanging danger. His interjection of humor by incongruous juxtaposition–Medea, for example, heads up a New York City department store–provides some welcome relief. The young heroes deal with issues familiar to teens today: Who am I? Can I live up to the expectations of others? Having read the first series is helpful but not essential, and the complex plot is made for sequels.–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

SCHUTZ, Samantha. You Are Not Here. 292p. Scholastic/PUSH. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-16911-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Annaleah had been spending all of her time either with Brian or thinking about him. In the space of a few whirlwind weeks, she’d fallen in love and alienated her closest friends. When he suddenly drops dead shooting hoops. Annaleah retreats into herself and lingers at his graveside. When Brian was alive, his attention was hot and cold: one minute he was sweet, spontaneous, and caring, the next he’d disappear without explanation. Was he with another girl? Much of this novel-in-verse dwells on Annaleah’s grief and her awkward position as a pseudo girlfriend who had never met Brian’s family or friends. In the midst of her sorrow, her longing for her own long-gone father and anger toward her present-but-absent mother pop into her thoughts. Though her voice rings true, her endless grief becomes tedious, even as the narrative pace moves quickly. However, this “enough already!” reaction echoes the feelings of her patiently skeptical friends. Eventually, her heartache reaches a neat resolution in the shape of a new boy. While there is an “aha” moment in relation to her father, the mother thread hangs loosely at book’s end. Though certainly not unique among novels-in-verse for teenagers (think Lisa Schroeder’s books), Schutz’s work will undoubtedly be welcomed by fans of the genre.–Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

SCHWABACH, Karen. The Storm Before Atlanta. 320p. bibliog. Random. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85866-6; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95866-3; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89318-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Jeremy and Dulcie quickly learn the truths of Civil War battle. Although Jeremy, an indentured servant, is technically required to receive food, clothing, and an education in return for his work, he often finds himself hungry, barefoot, and out of school. Eager to join the war effort, he flees the misery of Old Silas’s neglect, has a brief stint as a paper boy, and joins the Union Army as a drummer boy. Dulcie, a young slave in Georgia, escapes and nearly drowns, but is rescued by Jeremy and Charlie, a young Confederate soldier whom Jeremy has befriended (an author’s note following the story explains that this was not unheard of at the time). The Peace Society, a clandestine organization of pro-Union Confederate soldiers, becomes a surprising and important force in the three characters’ lives. This is a fair and informative look at the role of young people in the conflict. The depictions of medicine and nursing are grim and believable, and the cruel treatment of slaves is evident, although graphic descriptions are kept to a minimum.–Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

SCOTT, Inara. The Candidates. Bk. 1. 304p. (Delcroix Academy Series). Hyperion. 2010. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1636-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-10–Dancia works hard at being nondescript because of her supernatural powers: not too smart, not too pretty, not too friendly. So when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up at her house the summer before her freshmen year of high school and offer a full scholarship, she is sure that there has been some kind of mistake. Once at the academy, the teen begins to make friends and let people in to her life, including two equally interesting but very different young men. While this should be a good thing, Dancia can’t help but worry; caring too much causes trouble. When she feels threatened, her protective instincts kick in and things happen that she can’t control, like windows breaking and things collapsing, and sometimes people getting hurt. At Delcroix, Dancia realizes she is not alone with her powers and that a program can help her to control and strengthen her talents. Unfortunately, while great for Dancia, not everyone whom she has grown close to feels the same way. While nothing about Scott’s premise is especially groundbreaking, the plot is quick and gratifying, and Dancia is much more empowered than the female protagonists in some other popular supernatural thrillers.–Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA

SELFORS, Suzanne. Mad Love. 323p. Walker. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-8450-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–“What does a person do when confronted with a situation that is either madness or magic?” This is the very question that 16-year-old Alice Amorous asks herself. As the daughter of novelist Belinda Amorous, the Queen of Romance, things had been going so well. Then Belinda has a nervous breakdown and is hospitalized for bipolar disorder. Now not only must Alice fend for herself, but the publishing company is also threatening to take back the $100,000 advance unless a new romance novel appears before the August 31st deadline. Enter a pale boy named Errol who claims to be Cupid himself, insisting that Alice must pen the veritable version of the greatest love story ever told: his romance with Psyche. Alice may have just stumbled upon her mother’s latest novel. Selfors is adept at making Alice a sympathetic and believable character. She keeps the pace going with the near-miss moments between Alice and her love interest, Tony. The story takes place in Seattle in the midst of a stifling, humid summer, which creates an atmosphere appropriate for Alice’s situation. The story may seem like a lighthearted teen romance novel, but at moments it turns contemplative when dealing with Belinda’s mental and Errol’s physical illness. The author leaves readers wondering whether or not Errol is mad for believing that he is, in fact, Cupid or whether there is some magic in the world after all.–Kimberly Castle, Medina County District Library, OH

SHAN, Darren. The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a Killer. Bk. 1. 261p. (Saga of Larten Crepsley Series). CIP. Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-07863-4. LC 2010012805.
Gr 6-8–This adventure story traces the early life of master vampire Larten Crepsley. Sent to work in a Dickensian factory, young Larten kills the abusive foreman and flees. He takes shelter in a cemetery crypt where he meets the 500-year-old vampire General Seba Nile, who explains to the terrified youngster that vampires aren’t evil. Although they drink human blood, just as the legends say, they do not harm those on whom they feed. When he invites Larten to travel with him as his assistant, the boy agrees. As the first entry in a projected series, this story includes quite a bit of exposition. The plot action covers more than 20 years, taking Larten through his first “blooding” and into full vampire status, and features his first meetings with mysterious Cirque owner Hibernius Tall; Seba’s vampire ally Paris Skyle; and the vampaneze Murlough. At times, the pacing feels rather rushed with the effort to introduce many important characters, settings, and themes from Shan’s “Cirque du Freak” saga (Little, Brown). Transitions are often abrupt, jumping several years between chapters. A cliff-hanger ending promises further revelations. “Cirque du Freak” aficionados will be intrigued by this glimpse into Crepsley’s formative years, but the uninitiated will want to read the original books first.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

SHANG, Wendy Wan-Long. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu. 320p. CIP. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-16215-9. LC 2010013536.
Gr 4-6–Lucy knows that sixth grade is going to be the best year ever: she finally gets her own room now that her older sister is off to college, and she and her friend Madison are ready to rule the basketball courts. But Lucy’s parents put a glitch in those plans when her father returns from a business trip to China with Lucy’s great-aunt, who will visit until Christmas. Lucy again has a roommate, and resents this elderly lady who does not speak English and cooks only Chinese food for a family used to pizza and burgers. To make matters worse, her parents insist that she attend Chinese school on Saturday mornings, which means forgoing basketball practice. She is busy with her suburban American life and doesn’t feel the need to converse in Chinese or to dwell on Chinese traditions. Slowly, though, she comes to appreciate all that Yi Po has lived through and the quiet ways that her great-aunt shows her love for the family. When Lucy is bullied by a popular girl, she thinks about what her brother told her about Yi Po’s life during China’s Cultural Revolution and determines that she will act with similar courage and conviction. Lucy is an engaging character, and Shang skillfully weaves in Chinese history and legend as she brings the relationships between Lucy and her family and friends to life. Fans of Grace Lin’s Year of the Dog (2006) and Year of the Rat (2008, both Little, Brown) will enjoy meeting this feisty protagonist as she learns to dismantle some walls she has built around herself.–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

STANLEY, Brenda. I Am Nuchu. 340p. WestSide. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-934813-47-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–After a divorce, Cal, Doran, and their younger sister move with their mother from Spokane, WA, to “the res”–Fort Duchesne in Eastern Utah. Older brother Cal is unhappy with the move, while Doran, a “contented soul,” is willing to make the best of it. They move in with their grandfather, a tribal elder, and begin to experience their Indian heritage. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the drinking and the dead ends that exist at the Fort. The shortcomings of white folks in town are just as starkly portrayed, with taunts of “Tonto” and racist cutouts taped to lockers at school. The author treads lightly when discussing Native American traditions, as her characters are out of touch with their Indian heritage, and readers and Cal learn together that Nuchu is the name that Ute people call themselves. The story and characters sometimes seem thinly drawn. The revelation that Eddie (a possible victim of fetal alcohol syndrome) is a close relative causes barely a ripple of comment. There is a paternity secret that everyone (but the two brothers) seems to be in on, and a long-past murder and one within the narrative, both of which get little real investigation. The stories of some of the characters seem to be missing pieces or are unfinished. Suicidal tendencies of one of them appear out of nowhere. Still, the strong sense of place, a basketball plotline, and Cal’s gradual appreciation of both sides of his heritage might draw some readers to this novel.–Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

STEVENSON, Sarah Jamila. The Latte Rebellion. 332p. Flux. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-2278-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–After a classmate hurls a racial slur at her, Asha Jamison, who is half Indian, a quarter Mexican, and a quarter Irish, and her best friend, Carey, who is half Chinese and half Caucasian, use the experience as inspiration for a moneymaking enterprise to raise funds for a graduation trip. At first, the girls sell T-shirts emblazoned with the logo of their new venture, “The Latte Rebellion,” hoping to promote awareness about students of mixed ethnicity. But business soon turns political, and Asha finds herself at the center of a burgeoning social movement. As her involvement in it deepens, she becomes more self-reflective in her search for identity, resisting categorization. Stevenson’s debut novel expertly handles complex issues around race and ethnic identity without seeming pedantic, and her authentic descriptions of the San Francisco Bay Area complement the story well. Teens will relate to Asha’s typical adolescent struggles with her parents, as well as her attempts to mend a heartbreaking rift with Carey. A welcome addition to a rapidly evolving genre of multiethnic young adult literature.–Lalitha Nataraj, Escondido Public Library, CA

STONE, Phoebe. The Romeo and Juliet Code. 300p. bibliog. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-21511-4. LC 2010030005.
Gr 4-6–Eleven-year-old Felicity Bathburn Budwig does not appreciate being deposited in Bottlebay, ME, by her parents, but she understands the necessity as it is 1941 and London is under constant bombardment by the Germans. She is welcomed into her father’s family’s Victorian house populated by The Gram, Aunt Miami, Uncle Gideon, and the reclusive “Captain Derek,” who turns out to be a boy recovering from polio. Felicity and Derek team up to discover why Gideon receives letters from her father that she is not supposed to see and to puzzle out the code they contain. In doing so, the girl uncovers family secrets surrounding her parents’ estrangement from the Bathburn clan. Felicity’s internal observations propel this mystery forward with good effect. She rather resembles a combination of Noel Streatfeild’s English waifs and Polly Horvath’s Primrose from Everything on a Waffle (Farrar, 2001). Her insecure whisperings to her bear, Wink, show her private feelings in an endearing flashback to childhood, and readers will identify with the protagonist in all her schemes. The girl’s thoughts articulate clues for readers to notice, making this a story truly told through the eyes of its narrator. Her perspective is not necessarily accurate, yet just like the codes she deciphers, it allows readers to uncover the truth. Pair this up with Noel Streatfeild’s “Shoes” books (Random) or Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn Dixie (Candlewick, 2000) as a quietly touching story of finding one’s place in the world.–Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

STRACHER, Cameron. The Water Wars. 238p. Sourcebooks/Fire. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-4369-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–In a futuristic world desperate for water, Vera and her older brother, Will, struggle to help their father eke out a meager living and care for their stricken mother. When Vera befriends Kai, a wealthy teen whose father is a wildcat water driller away for months at a time, he soon becomes a fixture at their home. After he fails to meet them one day, Vera and Will stumble upon evidence that he was abducted. Their search for their friend takes them far from their republic of Illinowa in what was the Midwestern United States through the republic of Minnesota and into Canada. Along the way, they are befriended by a band of pirates and taken hostage by a group of domestic terrorists. They eventually escape and track Kai and his father to Bluewater, the shadowy organization that has a monopoly on the water desalinization process and intends to exploit Kai’s rare gift of divination. Stracher has created a realistic dystopian world ravaged by drought and taken from today’s headlines as scientists warn of probable water shortages in the future. The fast-paced plot, nonstop action, and hopeful conclusion will appeal to teens, who likely won’t mind that some of the minor characters are two-dimensional stereotypes. Others, such as the pirate leader Ulysses, are intriguing, fleshed-out characters who complement Stracher’s likable sibling protagonists.–Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

VAN DRAANEN, Wendelin. The Running Dream. 352p. Knopf. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86667-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96667-5; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89679-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Jessica has run her personal best at a track meet–then there’s a tragic bus accident and the high school junior loses her leg as well as her future dreams. From waking up in the hospital and coping with the trauma, to her return home, then school, she tries to grab her life back. On one level the story offers inspiration to those dealing with physical changes in their own lives and the stages of recovery, fight, survival, and victory as Jessica reaches deep to push past her wall of self-pity and loathing, and moves beyond the “finish line.” On a deeper level, there is her blind discrimination toward a fellow classmate who has cerebral palsy. Rosa is hard to understand and easy to ignore. She is anchored to a wheelchair. Jessica, encumbered by her crutches and her tender “stump,” is seated in the back of the class, out of the way, next to Rosa. She learns that the girl is smart, wise, and friendly. They pass notes and share lunch. Rosa writes, “I wish people would see me and not my condition.” When Jessica is running again–on a specially engineered prosthesis–she challenges herself to help her friend be seen. How Jessica orchestrates putting Rosa in the forefront of a community race and pushing her wheelchair across a finish line is a study in faith and determination. Readers will cheer for Jessica’s recovery and be reminded to recognize people for their strengths and not overlook them because of their disabilities.–Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

VERDAY, Jessica. The Haunted. 471p. S & S/Pulse. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7895-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8542-6. LC 2010922986.
Gr 8 Up–This sequel to The Hollow (S & S, 2009)finds Abbey home after recovering from the news that the unbearably beautiful boy she loves, Caspian, is actually dead. Neither vampire nor ghost, he is a Shade, a shadow “living within the shade of real life.” The convenient plot slowly reveals that Abbey and Caspian are soulmates, but in order for them to be together as destined, she has to die. To that end, four Revenants, helpful sorts who are supposed to assist souls to crossover, appear. A fifth, Vincent, torments Abbey, but he wants her alive to prevent her union with Caspian. Set in Sleepy Hollow, NY, the series includes characters from Washington Irving’s story “The Headless Horseman,” and each chapter opens with a quote from the tale. Abbey’s talent as a perfumer is the most interesting thing about her, but unfortunately this only results in lists of essential oils and nonessential details. Abbey and Caspian’s unconsummated love–he can only touch her on the anniversary of his death–results in lines such as, “Desire hit me like a rock.” Clumsy exposition and awkward sentence construction are not helped by clichéd language replete with pedestrian minutiae. The big revelations are obvious rather than powerful, and the cliff-hanger conclusion is more gimmicky than intriguing. Purchase only where the first book has fans.–Janice M. Del Negro, GSLIS Dominican University, River Forest, IL

VOIGT, Cynthia. Young Fredle. illus. by Louise Yates. 224p. Knopf. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86457-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96457-2; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89586-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–It was a Peppermint Pattie that was Fredle’s undoing. A kitchen mouse who was already too curious for his own good (his mother admonishes, “Curiosity killed the cat. Think about what a terrible monster curiosity must be, if it can kill a cat”), Fredle becomes ill from consuming too much chocolate and is pushed out of the family’s nest. The Missus traps him and releases him outside, a terrifying place for a creature with no familiarity with grass and sky, let alone raptors, snakes, and raccoons. Fredle’s adventures and attempts to return home (and what is home, anyway?) are chronicled in a way that makes readers begin to grasp what it must be like to be a mouse, and the struggle to understand where he fits in. The allure of the world versus the beauty of belonging is just one of the many complex issues addressed in this engaging story about a plucky little mouse who, after his adventures, returns to his family and sets out to change things for himself and others like him.–Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD

WESTON, Robert Paul. Dust City. 300p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-296-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Henry Whelp is a wolf, and not just any wolf–he’s one of the animals that has evolved to human size and intelligence. His father is in prison for murdering a girl and her grandmother, à la Little Red Riding Hood, while Henry is living at a juvenile detention facility. With help from his human friend Jack (possessor of magic beans, of course), Henry escapes from the home and obtains letters his father wrote to him about the real circumstances surrounding his crime. Dad worked for Skinner, the mobster who controls illegal trade in dust–manufactured quasi-fairydust that causes wishes to become reality–and he asks his son to investigate what happened to the fairies who used to provide the real thing. Henry starts running dust for Skinner in an attempt to discover the truth, facing ever-increasing danger. He’s aided by Fiona, a beautiful young female wolf, and the two eventually travel to the fairies’ former home, the floating city of Eden, where they risk their lives to reveal the fairies’ fate. This dark tale will appeal to fractured fairy tale and “Hunger Games” fans alike, and its urgency and obvious parallels to real drugs ring true in spite of the imagined setting and characters. There’s some extreme violence, including some committed by the generally sympathetic Henry, but it contributes to the story’s immediacy and sense of danger.–Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

WILLETT, Edward. Song of the Sword. Bk. 1. 330p. (The Shards of Excalibur Series). Lobster. 2010. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-897550-90-8. LC C2010-901474-X.
Gr 7-10–Two years after her mother has disappeared, and two foster homes later, 15-year-old Ariane moves in with her Aunt Phyllis in small-town Regina, but any hope of normalcy is soon dashed. Mean girl Felicia and her “coven” of followers target Ariane, and she experiences troubling visions and then hears mysterious chanting from the water. She discovers that she is a descendant of the Lady of the Lake and learns that she has no choice but to try to find the scattered shards of the sword Excalibur before Merlin, in the human form of computer mogul Rex Major, can find them and restore his broken powers. Stumbling upon Ariane as the Lady of the Lake reveals herself to her, Felicia’s nerdy brother becomes entangled in the quest. As Ariane and Wally travel throughout Canada trying to locate the first shard, they are pursued by ruthless Rex Major, who will stop at nothing to get the power to rule both Earth and the Faerie world. When Ariane learns that her mother also descended from the Lady of the Lake, she wonders if her disappearance is tied to this mysterious and dangerous mission. This is a fantasy of epic proportions, with the perfect blend of suspense; well-developed, likable characters; and a touch of sarcastic humor. Ariane and Wally find four shards and the hilt of the sword, ensuring readers that this is just the beginning of the fantastical journey.–Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

WILLIAMS, Allen. The Witches’ Kitchen. illus. by author. 277p. CIP. Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7595-2912-0. LC 2009045625.
Gr 7-10–From a fantasy illustrator comes a dark and twisted fairy tale in which a toad wakes up dangling over a bubbling cauldron. Her memory nonexistent, she manages to escape into the Witches’ Kitchen, only to find that it is endless, constantly changing, and full of malevolent creatures wishing to eat her. While Toad desperately searches for a way out of the kitchen and the witches’ evil grasp, she encounters unlikely companions including an iron-handed artistic imp named Natterjack and a fairy with swords for wings. Witch sisters Sarafina and Emilina desperately want to kill Toad for her magic before her new friends help her to recover her memory or escape the kitchen. Williams’s pencil illustrations are the high point of this book. As the story unfolds, each darkly terrifying creature is more sinister and threatening than the one before, from skeletal birds to demons. Williams leaves the story with some unfinished plot twists and hints of a sequel. The writing is at times choppy, and with so many characters introduced, some readers may find the story difficult to follow. However, true aficionados of dark fantasy will savor this disturbing tale and take the time to sort out the characters and plot twists and turns.–Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

WYNNE-JONES, Tim. Blink & Caution. 352p. CIP. Candlewick. Mar. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3983-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5455-9. LC 2010013563.
Gr 9 Up–Blink and Caution are two teenage runaways in Toronto. Blink is getting by day to day by stealing breakfast leftovers from room-service trays in a fancy hotel when he accidentally observes a faked kidnapping of a wealthy CEO. Caution is on the run from an abusive and possessive drug-dealer boyfriend when she meets Blink. She falls in with him at first because she thinks he will be an easy mark, but finds herself strangely drawn to him. Blink, however, is obsessed with the kidnapping he witnessed, and the media storm surrounding it. To solve the mystery, the teens travel to a remote cabin, where they find that they are in over their heads, and it will take all of their cunning and street smarts to make it out alive. In this edgy, suspenseful read, Wynne-Jones does an excellent job of portraying the pair’s budding relationship as they learn to trust one another in highly charged circumstances. The story is told in alternating viewpoints, with Blink’s segments in second-person present tense, which adds a heightened sense of immediacy and urgency, though it may take some getting used to for readers unfamiliar with the style. Those who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers will not want to miss this novel.–Misti Tidman, formerly at Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

YANSKY, Brian. Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences. 227p. CIP. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4384-3. LC 2009049103.
Gr 9 Up–When aliens invade Earth, it only takes them seconds to conquer the planet and neutralize most of the people. Some are left alive because of their ability to hear the telepathic commands of the aliens and that makes them prime slave material. Jesse relies on the imagined voice of his father, reminding him to never give up and to always stay alert to ways of gaining advantage over an adversary. Years of wrestling and martial-arts training come in handy when outwitting the Sanginians. When Jesse’s powers of communication begin to progress and other abilities manifest themselves, he decides it’s time to make a break for freedom, taking the friends he has made along with him. But how do you fight an alien invasion and find hope for a future? Jesse’s down-to-earth first-person narration alternates with coldhearted communiqués from the alien conqueror, Lord Vertenomous. Yansky handles a typical sci-fi theme with a sense of humor. The irreverent attitude of youth that distinguishes Jesse and his friends keeps the story from becoming morose and stereotypical. There appears to be a sequel in the making, as the book ends with a beginning.–Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Nonfiction

ABERBACK, Brian. Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal. 112p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3379-5; ISBN 978-1-59845-212-9. LC 2009012295.
BOWE, Brian J. The Ramones: American Punk Rock Band. 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3233-0; ISBN 978-1-59845-213-6. LC 2008040362.
BURLINGAME, Jeff. Aerosmith: Hard Rock Superstars. 112p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3236-1; ISBN 978-1-59845-210-5. LC 2009006469.
ea vol: (Rebels of Rock Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. discography. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2010. PLB $31.93; pap. $9.95.
Gr 7 Up–Avid fans of rock music will find these titles appealing, entertaining, and enlightening. Each book begins with a brief introduction to the band through an account of a major musical event. Subsequent chapters include short biographies of the various band members. Black Sabbath musicians grew up in Birmingham, England, and came from poor working-class families. The Ramones were not related, although they all lived in the same apartment complex in Queens, New York. Aerosmith formed more by chance and the group members always seemed at odds with one another. Direct quotes add life to the well-written and lively narratives, communicating dramatic highs and lows, tensions, disagreements, and personnel changes, as well as drug use, alcohol, and personal relationships. Descriptions and analyses of the music and albums offer insight into the impact each band had on today’s rock music. These volumes are attractively formatted with black and gray silhouettes of concertgoers running along the bottom edges of the pages and have copious color photos of the performers in action.–Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

ADOFF, Arnold. Roots and Blues: A Celebration. illus. by R. Gregory Christie. 86p. CIP. Clarion. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-23554-7. LC 2009026625.
Gr 5 Up–This exquisite collection of poems and paintings celebrates the history and culture of blues music. Adoff traces the horrific journey of slaves to America and the role that music played as a means of survival, of passing on “the ancestor words.” Even as the lyrics describe harsh realities, the innate beauty of music made with sticks, spoons, or whatever was at hand speaks of an irrepressible hope: “Under the hot sun: the chop chop/hoe/measures out the beats of freedom.” Christie’s haunting acrylic images bring to life the drama and emotion of the music, as well as the dignity of his subjects. In the latter half of the book, Adoff introduces blues performers Bessie Smith, Lonnie Johnson, Son House, Ma Rainey, Robert Johnson, Johnny Lee Hooker, B. B. King, and Muddy Waters, stepping down on the “Chicago/train/station/platform/with a suitcase/of Mississippi River/with a suitcase/of Mississippi/Delta with a suitcase of Mississippi/dripping/on side/walk/s.” As with Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers’s Blues Journey (Holiday House, 2003), this splendid addition to American history units should resonate with a wide audience. Adoff comes full circle with this stirring poem: “And we have always sung about hearts and healing/broken pieces into new and beating creations when/eyes open to first light of morning sun shining/in my back door/shining/in my back door./Shining/shining:/Always.”–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

ALTMAN, Linda Jacobs & Stephanie Fitzgerald. Colorado. ISBN 978-1-60870-046-2. LC 2010003903.
BJORKLUND, Ruth & Stephanie Fitzgerald. Massachusetts. ISBN 978-1-60870-053-0. LC 2010003927.
BRILL, Marlene Targ & Elizabeth Kaplan. Minnesota. ISBN 978-1-60870-054-7. LC 2010003909.
ea vol: 2nd ed. 80p. (It’s My State! Series). charts. diags. maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. index. score. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. PLB $21.95.
Gr 3-6–These information-packed updates will be great resources both for kids doing reports as well as for families who are planning a trip. Each book begins with “A quick look at” section, which includes trivia about the state’s nickname, flower, and cookie. The following chapters cover geography, history, culture (including famous people, events, and current demographics), government, and economy. Each chapter is full of interesting facts, entertaining details, and fun quotes. The texts are accessible, straightforward, and clear, and are broken up on each page by a colorful photo, graph, time line, or map. The illustrations are relevant and accurately captioned; they supplement the texts rather than repeat them. A kid-friendly recipe and craft project appear in each volume. Back matter consists of photos of the state flag and seal and the state song. Solid additions to any collection.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

ANTRAM, David. How to Draw Cartoons. ISBN 978-1-4488-1576-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-1597-5. LC 2010002563. –––– . How to Draw Manga Warriors. ISBN 978-1-4488-1581-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-1609-5. LC 2010007158.
BERGIN, Mark. How To Draw Comic Book Heroes. ISBN 978-1-4488-1579-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-1604-0. LC 2010007157.
–––– . How to Draw Fantasy Art. ISBN 978-1-4488-1578-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-1601-9. LC 2010002558.
ea vol: illus. by author. 32p. (How to Draw Series). glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2010. PLB $25.25; pap. $11.75.
Gr 6 Up–These volumes don’t add anything new to the kids’ drawing book canon, aside from covering some popular subgenres. Ever since Lee J. Ames flooded the market with his “Draw 50” series (Broadway), it seems as if most of the books follow his format. There are some notes of instruction and suggestions about how to get started, and then pages of objects for budding artists to try their hands at replicating. The problem is that because only a couple of them are devoted to each subject, the gaps between the steps are pretty significant and the finished products quite detailed. These titles are not for beginners, and most children are likely to be daunted by their inability to duplicate the art in the books. These titles do offer helpful information about perspective, drawing materials, facial expressions, proper proportions, and the like, but it is followed by much more difficult material.–Jason M. Poole, Webster Public Library, NY

BARDHAN-QUALLEN, Sudipta. Kitchen Science Experiments: How Does Your Mold Garden Grow? illus. by Edward Miller. 64p. (Mad Science Series). diags. photos. bibliog. index. CIP. Sterling. 2010. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-2413-8. LC 2010003749.
Gr 5-7–The promised mold garden is only one of 18 activities in this collection. Introductory material covers microscope use and offers steps to become a “mad scientist,” including, “Be prepared for anything.” The first three chapters focus on cell properties, bacteria or single cells, and fungus, the unseen things that lurk around a kitchen. The section concludes with an activity to mummify a fish, scaled and gutted, demonstrating how decay is avoided. The final chapter covers a range of mostly chemistry-oriented experiments using acids and bases, oxidation, and Charles’s Law. Background information and simplified explanations accompany each experiment, which is set apart in a recipe format using a smaller type size. Directions include few illustrations and broadly labeled steps, such as “Prepare the Fish,” requiring careful reading. Safety reminders are highlighted when potentially dangerous supplies or equipment is used. The only photos are of a sampling of common bacteria. Cartoon spot art adds design interest. Many of the experiments are in other collections, but this combination is fresh. Readers will want to grab an apron and get started.–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

BARDOS, Laszlo C. Amazing Math Projects You Can Build Yourself. illus. by Samuel Carbaugh. 139p. (Build It Yourself Series). diags. bibliog. glossary. index. Nomad. 2010. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-934670-58-3; pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-1-934670-57-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–This activity book is illustrated with lively black-and-white cartoon figures and shapes to reproduce, cut out, and construct. Many of the projects will require adult help for understanding and manipulation. The focus is on geometry, numbers, and shapes and includes levels of math from mere counting to Fibonacci sequences to the hyperboloid. The brightly colored cover draws readers in but the dense text might turn off those with less understanding of math. There are step-by-step instructions clearly numbered for each project and quick explanations about the math involved. While many patterns are included, they must be enlarged or reproduced on heavier paper so a copier is necessary. While individuals are instructed to copy patterns, no copyright privileges are extended for teachers or schools, making this a home-use product only.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

BICKERSTAFF, Linda. Your Immune System: Protecting Yourself Against Infection and Illness. diags. ISBN 978-1-4358-9442-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-0612-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-0810-6. LC 2009047645.
CANINO, Kate. Maintaining a Healthy Weight. ISBN 978-1-4358-9439-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-0609-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-0807-6. LC 2009053186.
LA BELLA, Laura. Blood Pressure Basics. diags. ISBN 978-1-4358-9441-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-0611-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-0809-0. LC 2009054124.
PETERSON, Judy Monroe. Understanding Cholesterol. diags. ISBN 978-1-4358-9440-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-0610-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-0808-3. LC 2009052451.
WATSON, Stephanie. Vitamins and Minerals: Getting the Nutrients Your Body Needs. ISBN 978-1-4358-9443-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-0613-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-0811-3. LC 2009054121.
ea vol: 64p. (Healthy Habits Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2010. PLB $29.25; pap. $12.95; ebook $29.25.
Gr 5-8–While these titles may not provide enough detailed material to inspire or support healthy habits, students will be able to absorb the information and report on the various topics discussed. “Myths and Facts” and “Ten Great Questions to Ask a Health Professional [or Doctor]” sections are included to varying effect. They do reinforce some major points, but at times hold little real-world applications. For example, would readers really ask, “How does HIV affect the immune system?” during a doctor’s visit? Additionally, photos tend to be superfluous; there’s a picture of a slice of pizza (Cholesterol) as an example of unhealthy food but no explanatory diagram of cell processes. Overall, these books will help readers who lack background in these subjects gain some basic knowledge.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

BLASHFIELD, Jean F. Golda Meir. 112p. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7614-4960-7. LC 2009030630.
NADEN, Corinne J. Benazir Bhutto. 96p. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7614-4952-2. LC 2009029654.
RAATMA, Lucia. Shirley Chisholm. 96p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4953-9. LC 2009029673.
SONNEBORN, Liz. Wilma Mankiller. 112p. maps. ISBN 978-0-7614-4959-1. LC 2009029399.
ea vol: (Leading Women Series). photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. PLB $27.95.
Gr 6–10–These books illuminate the lives of their extraordinary subjects and the important roles they played in history. Meir survived pogroms in Russia as a child and became prime minister of Israel. Readers learn about Bhutto’s student years at Radcliffe College and her rise to prime minister of Pakistan, the first woman to lead a Muslim state. Chisholm, who grew up in Brooklyn, NY, was the first black woman elected to Congress, and she also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination. The story of Mankiller’s lifelong work for the Cherokee Nation and her role as its first female principal chief will absorb readers. The women’s lives are revealed within the political and historical context of their times and include quotes from autobiographical material. Sidebars describe important events such as the Civil Rights Movement (Chisholm), and color and black-and-white photos are included in each volume. The books close with a summation of the lasting impact of the subjects’ political careers. The compact size, chronological organization, and accessible writing styles make these biographies good resources for reports.–Ragan O’Malley, Saint Ann’s School, Brooklyn, NY

BLISS, John. Art That Moves: Animation Around the World. reprods. chron. ISBN 978-1-4109-3922-7. LC 2009051125.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Punk: Music, Fashion, Attitude! chron. ISBN 978-1-4109-3916-6. LC 2009052585.
HENSLEY, Laura J. Art for All: What Is Public Art? map. chron. ISBN 978-1-4109-3923-4. LC 2009051126.
RAUM, Elizabeth. Twenty-First-Century Shakespeare. chart. ISBN 978-1-4109-3920-3. LC 2009050693.
ea vol: 32p. (Culture in Action Series). illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Raintree. 2010. PLB $29.
Gr 5-8–Art That Moves is a good choice for children interested in animated movies. Bliss looks at techniques from the early beginnings to modern times and mentions recent film releases such as Cars (2006) and Where the Wild Things Are (2010). Guillaindelves into the history of punk and follows its influence on modern art, fashion, and politics. Art for All focuses on descriptions of art applications in memorials; public installations; and in politics, religion, and nature. Examples represent a sampling of artwork from around the world, such as the Berlin Holocaust Memorial, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple, and a Diego Rivera mural in Mexico. Shakespeare discusses modern adaptations of the Bard’s classic works; teachers may find this a useful resource to help students see how Shakespeare remains a part of today’s culture. All four volumes are quick, interesting, up-to-date reads with plenty of supportive, captioned, full-color photographs. They also provide related project suggestions, including designing a September 11 memorial, making a stop-action movie with a digital camera, designing punk apparel, and creating Shakespearian word art. Worthy additional purchases, better for general interest than reports.–Lynn K. Vanca, freelance librarian, Akron, OH

BLISS, John. Preening, Painting, and Piercing: Body Art. 32p. (Culture in Action Series). illus. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Raintree. 2010. PLB $29. ISBN 978-1-4109-3924-1. LC 2009051182.
Gr 5-8–Physical beauty impacts all cultures from ancient to current times, and this book covers different looks achieved through makeup, body painting, tattoos, and piercing. Photographs, advertisements, paintings, and artifacts show a variety of cultures and time periods and help readers see the huge changes in the fashion of physical appearance. During the 1500s, women began using makeup to create the palest skin possible, and ancient Egyptian mummies give archaeologists evidence of eye makeup created from lead paint. Body art was documented by European explorers like Christopher Columbus and Sir Francis Drake. The author does a good job of explaining that some cultures have negative stereotypes of tattooed people being criminals and some piercing can be dangerous to people with allergies. Fun activities are included, but the one that stands out is in the stage makeup section that encourages children to try face painting. This book would appeal to a narrow audience, but it is well written and has few biases.–Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

BOSWORTH, Lo. The Lo-Down. 239p. CIP. S & S. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1200-2; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1201-9. LC 2010021499.
Gr 9 Up–A love and relationships guide from another Hills girl. Unlike some of her tabloid-tastic cohorts, Bosworth is seemingly the tamest of the group. Known as the confidant to her girlfriends, she’s the kind of friend who listens to the dating woes of others and honestly wants to help empower them. Drawing from personal experiences and those of her friends, she urges readers to take charge of their self-esteem and psyches when a relationship falls apart. “You have to understand that he just isn’t the right guy for you, not that you must not be the right girl for him.” Though clearly not a feminist manifesto, Bosworth’s dating advice is dispensed in a breezy manner that many readers will relate to. The text contains all the usual elements–quizzes, rogues’ gallery boys to avoid, the type of guy to seek out, activities to soothe a broken heart, and plenty of personal anecdotes. The author is like the young hip aunt who offers advice about boys at family gatherings. However, with Laguna Beach and The Hills so 15 and 5 minutes ago, respectively, readers could be unfamiliar with Bosworth. Nonetheless, The Lo-Down still may provide guidance for teens exploring their first dating relationships.–Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

BROWN, Don. Gold! Gold from the American River! illus. by author. unpaged. notes. CIP. Roaring Brook/Flash Point. Feb. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-223-9. LC 2010014375.
Gr 4-6–This colorful book recounts the discovery of gold in the American West circa 1848. From James Marshall’s discovery through the treacherous trip by more than 300,000 migrants willing to leave home to try their luck, Brown relates their history through firsthand accounts from the Library of Congress and personal stories of success and failure. The author offers facts and describes experiences to show the arduous travel, toil, and suffering that the forty-niners found at their destination. The full-page pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork surrounds the text nicely with detailed maps and realistic vignettes of the travelers’ and miners’ lives. The author does not hesitate to reveal the darker side of mining communities. One illustration vividly depicts the shotgun murder of an American Indian, with a description of the tragic fate of many Indians in the goldfields through violence, disease, and enslavement. The book presents a thorough description of a unique period in American history, illustrated in a manner to attract younger readers.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

COOPER, Alison. Facts About Judaism. 45p. (World Religions Series). illus. maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen. 2010. PLB $26.50. ISBN 978-1-61532-323-4; pap. $11.75. ISBN 978-1-61532-326-5. LC 2009052263.
Gr 3-6–This is a repackaging of a 2004 edition published in the UK that was also published as What Do We Know About Judaism? in 1995. Spreads filled with text boxes, color illustrations and photographs, maps, and symbols attempt to provide succinct, simple answers to broad, complex questions such as “Who Are the Jews?,” “How Did Judaism Begin?,” “How Do Jews Pray?,” “How Does the Jewish Calendar Work?,” and “Who Are the Jewish Leaders?” The problem with this approach is that the writing can become so simplistic and general that it risks becoming misleading. For example, it is impossible to tackle a question like “How Do Jewish Families Live?” without explaining the various levels of observance within the Jewish community, and the different customs among Jews around the world. The text only vaguely differentiates between Orthodox Jews and Progressive Jews, a term used in Britain; there is no mention of Reform, Conservative, or Reconstructionist Judaism, the three other main branches of Judaism in the United States. The book is adequate at illustrating rituals, observances, and holiday customs, but students looking to develop an understanding of the basic tenets of Judaism and how it is practiced here, the history of the people, and the connection that Jews of the diaspora feel toward Israel will be disappointed. Douglas Charing’s Judaism (DK, 2003) is far superior at providing historical and current information on Judaism throughout the world.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

COSTER, Patience. The Struggle Against Apartheid. maps. reprods. ISBN 978-1-84837-640-3. LC 2009051269.
HYNSON, Colin. The Civil Rights Movement. reprods. ISBN 978-1-84837-638-0. LC 2009051261.
MASON, Paul. The Iraq War. maps. ISBN 978-1-84837-639-7. LC 2009051266.
WILLIAMS, Brian. The War in Afghanistan. maps. ISBN 978-1-84837-641-0. LC 2009051268.
ea vol: 48p. (Timelines Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Arcturus. 2010. PLB $34.25.
Gr 7-10–Each book approaches its subject by tracing 21 key dates related to its history. Each date and accompanying fact is explained, illustrated, and connected to previous and future events by a chronology and notes referencing related topics. This is a useful format to help students see the relationships between single events and their causes and effects in history. Complex subjects are explained so that novices can comprehend them. An example is the excellent summary of the role WMDs played in the lead-up to the Iraq war. An occasional punctuation error or poor word choice mars an otherwise readable style; these are minor. The crisp photos are compelling, although the captions contain some errors. For instance, the photo of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X’s meeting is incorrectly identified as occurring at the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. Malcolm X was assassinated prior to this signing (as previously noted in the text). The apartheid title has differing dates (by one day) for Nelson Mandela’s sentencing. Due to publishing lag time, the most recent information in the Iraq and Afghanistan titles is somewhat dated. Stanley McChrystal is listed as the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, but David Petraeus replaced him in June 2010. Summaries of key people are provided, along with dense glossaries, listings of further reading, and websites.–Lisa Crandall, formerly at Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

COUNTDOWN TO CATASTROPHE . charts. ISBN 978-0-7614-4944-7. LC 2010008619.
THE FINAL VICTORIES . ISBN 978-0-7614-4950-8. LC 2010012738.
THE FIRST BLOODY BATTLES . charts. ISBN 978-0-7614-4946-1. LC 2010008623.
GLOBAL CHAOS . charts. ISBN 978-0-7614-4948-5. LC 2010012734.
HORRIFIC INVASIONS . ISBN 978-0-7614-4947-8. LC 2010008624.
TERROR AND TRIUMPH . ISBN 978-0-7614-4949-2. LC 2010012737.
ea vol: 128p. (World War II Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. PLB $24.95.
Gr 6-9–These six volumes, each of which could stand alone, make a cohesive set when read together. The information is accurate and the volumes are liberally illustrated with many rarely seen black-and-white photos. Some color images enhance the texts. Much of the content will likely require some prior knowledge for complete understanding. Sidebars give additional political, biographical, and historical information. The format is attractive with one-quarter to full-page photos, but the captions are mostly redundant. Almost every page needlessly pulls one sentence out of the text and repeats it on the same page in a blue stylized font. Unfortunately, the entire set is plagued with typographical errors, incomplete sentences, and repeated textual phrases. Each volume contains several color maps, but they seem to be too few or misplaced, and are too cluttered, making it difficult at times to find the places mentioned in the texts. Each title concludes with a self-contained time line. The material as presented is acceptable, but the mechanical glitches make these books additional, rather than first, purchases.–Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS

DE LA BEDOYERE, Camilla. 100 Things You Should Know About Deadly Creatures. ISBN 978-1-4222-1996-6.
FARNDON, John. 100 Things You Should Know About Archeology. maps. ISBN 978-1-4222-1994-2.
MATTHEWS, Rupert. 100 Things You Should Know About Gladiators. ISBN 978-1-4222-1970-6.
PARKER, Steve. 100 Things You Should Know About Extinction. maps. ISBN 978-1-4222-1998-0.
–––– . 100 Things You Should Know About Fossils. maps. ISBN 978-1-4222-2000-9.
ea vol: 48p. (100 Things You Should Know About Series). illus. photos. index. Mason Crest. 2010. Tr $19.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-7–These colorful books are jam-packed with facts about a variety of high-interest topics. As one might expect, each title offers a plethora of numbered tidbits about the topic at hand. Each fact is really a paragraph, and most page spreads have five “facts” on them. The books are heavily illustrated with colorful drawings and photographs, each of which has a corresponding caption. Most pages also have a callout box with a quiz, an activity, or additional facts. Each spread, therefore, has a lot to look at and digest. Some readers may find the format to be too busy and distracting, but kids who are used to their text in small chunks may welcome the format. Reluctant readers and visual learners will enjoy browsing these titles, but researchers should be aware that the books contain no documentation of the authors’ sources.–Marcia Kochel, The Galloway School, Atlanta, GA

DICONSIGLIO, John. The News Never Stops. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4109-3843-5. LC 2010003543.
HENSLEY, Laura J. Advertising Attack. charts. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4109-3842-8. LC 2010003445.
HILE, Lori. Social Networks and Blogs. charts. map. ISBN 978-1-4109-3845-9. LC 2010003546.
ea vol: 56p. (Mastering Media Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Raintree. 2010. PLB $33.50.
Gr 6-10–These books attempt to help teens navigate and understand the challenges of a 24-hour news cycle, nonstop advertising, and the expectations of social-networking sites demanding that they keep in touch. In the first book, print, TV, and Internet news are discussed and the future of newspapers is considered. However, the definition of “bias” doesn’t support the definition in the glossary, and some illustrations are not supported by the accompanying text. In Advertising Attack, readers are guided through the variety of guises and the methods used to sell goods or services. Beginning with the earliest forms of market promotion and moving on to Internet ads, the strategies are analyzed. Readers are encouraged to be aware of these tactics. Social Networks explains the variety of communications technologies available on the Internet as well as the many pitfalls and responsibilities associated with their use. Common sense and safety when divulging personal information are stressed. A map of the world showing countries practicing Internet censorship shows the United States and Canada as being suspected of censorship without any data or information explaining the allegation. All three volumes have an emphasis on British organizations such as the BBC and media personalities. The intent of these books is to encourage critical thinking when confronted by the ceaseless barrage of information, solicitation, and chatter, and they open the door to further discussion.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

EDWARDS, Wallace. The Cat’s Pajamas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Kids Can. 2010. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-308-4. LC C2010-900209-1.
Gr 4-7–Edwards begins this picture book with a definition of “idiom,” and English teachers will thrill to find a book that deals with this elusive idea. The expectation will be that the pictures will get to the true meaning of the expressions, but readers will be surprised. In fact, Edwards’s illustrations show the literal meaning, which is effective in its own way. When he depicts a pelican swallowing a frog to illustrate “having a frog in one’s throat,” it’s clear that the meaning could not be literal. It is patently ridiculous. A list of the real meanings is provided at the end of the book. The illustrations are handsome and detailed, which adds to the ridiculous nature of the literal interpretations. This is a useful book to introduce this figure of speech to older kids; it will make them laugh as they tease out what each entry actually means.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

EGGLETON, Bob. Dragons’ Domain: The Ultimate Dragon Painting Workshop. illus. by author. 127p. photos. index. David & Charles. 2010. pap. $22.99. ISBN 978-1-60061-457-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Here is a book for those dragon lovers who are bored with beginner drawing books. Eggleton starts with a thorough discussion of materials and some basic drawing and painting techniques. Then he spends an entire page on each of several key dragon body parts, such as feet, wings, frills, and tails. After some insightful discussion of finding inspiration and references from nature and fantasy pop culture, the artist demonstrates how to create a handful of different types of dragons. He takes readers from the first conceptual stages through sketching, drawing, painting, and finishing touches. Each project takes a dozen or more pages to demonstrate. Eggleton assumes that his audience has a certain level of skill. He says things like, “Starting with the head and working down, really get the fine detail into the piece,” without explaining exactly how to do that. Beginners may be frustrated by this brevity, but those who have been drawing dragons on their school notebooks for years will understand what to do from the illustrations. The book is full of Eggleton’s own work in progressive stages of completion, photographed in color and attractively placed on backgrounds with fantasy-themed borders. This book is likely to be a high-use item in any teen section.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

EVANS, Michael & David Wichman. The Adventures of Medical Man: Kids’ Illnesses and Injuries Explained. illus. by Gareth Williams. 72p. diags. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2010. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-263-8; pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-262-1. LC C2010-903124-5.
Gr 5-8–Using tangible experiences that kids can relate to, this book does a fantastic job of explaining common medical issues in an accessible way. A variety of heroic characters explain otherwise complicated and seemingly scary conditions and occurrences. Through the use of science fiction, adventure, and comics, the book covers nut allergies, concussions, broken bones, strep throat, ear infections, and asthma. For example, the immune system’s reaction to allergies is illustrated in terms of an impending alien attack during which security turns on everyone, even the good guys. This happens while one of the characters is having a reaction to nuts, so one is used to explain the other. The fictional stories are interspersed with brief factual articles on the topics that are being discussed. The extensive glossary is straightforward and user-friendly. The pumped-up graphic illustrations are extremely engaging and further bring these otherwise abstract concepts to life. While the stories are inventive and entertaining, the medical facts are at the forefront, and readers will come away thinking about these conditions in a whole new way. This is a great approach to educating kids about health issues.–Kerry Roeder, The Brearley School, New York City

FALLON, Michael. How to Analyze the Works of Andy Warhol. ISBN 978-1-61613-534-8. LC 2010015882.
____ . How to Analyze the Works of Georgia O’Keeffe. ISBN 978-1-61613-535-5. LC 2010015883.
LUSTED, Marcia Amidon. How to Analyze the Works of Stephen King. ISBN 978-1-61613-536-2. LC 2010015007.
ea. vol. 112p. (Essential Critiques Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Essential Library. 2010. PLB $32.79.
Gr 9 Up–These titles look at works of art and literature through the lenses of prevalent schools of criticism. The first chapters introduce the concept of critical theory, its purpose, and how to develop and support a thesis statement. In subsequent chapters, an overview of each work is followed by a critique using a particular theory. In Andy Warhol, critical theories are applied to 32 Campbell’s Soup Cans, Turquoise Marilyn, 16 Jackies, Brillo Boxes, and Mickey Mouse. Georgia O’Keeffe’s Evening Star No. V, The Black Iris, Red Hills with White Shell, and Pelvis Series Red with Yellow are addressed. In Stephen King, feminist criticism is applied to Carrie, archetypal theory to The Green Mile, historical criticism to The Stand, and structuralist criticism to the “Dark Tower” series. Within the body of each critique, the thesis statement, arguments, and conclusion are explicated in sidebars. “Thinking Critically” sections offer questions to guide readers in their assessments. Chapters close with “Other Approaches” to applying each critical framework, including alternative thesis statements. Each volume concludes with an illustrated time line, glossary, and extensive list of resources. Lavish full-color photos, movie posters and stills, and art reproductions greatly enhance the summaries of each work. Readable and attractively packaged, these titles provide excellent introductions to the daunting world of critical theory.–Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

FRITZ, Jean. Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider. illus. by Ian Schoenherr. 144p. maps. reprods. bibliog. notes. CIP. Putnam. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25546-5. LC 2010006008.
Gr 6-9–Fritz covers a lot of territory in this slim biography. She recounts the facts of Hamilton’s life from his birth to unwed parents in Nevis, West Indies, in 1755 (or 1757) to his death in New York in 1804 in a duel with Aaron Burr. The book is divided into five parts: “Beginnings,” “Soldier,” “Aide-de-Camp,” “Statesman,” and “Endings,” and highlights Hamilton’s talents as an essayist and his influence in the creation of the early federal government, especially its financial infrastructure. Illustrations, period reproductions, and maps all add to the wealth of historical events brought to life by this knowledgeable author. For teachers looking for an independent read that supports curriculum, the book provides a richly detailed and eye-opening account of this important American’s personal history. Its length and the illustrations suggest a young audience, but the language, amount of information, and organization of the text may require more mature readers or eager students of American history.–Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI

GIBSON, Karen Bush. Native American History for Kids: With 21 Activities. 127p. diags. maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chicago Review. 2010. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56976-280-6. LC 2010005695.
Gr 5-8–In an attractive format containing eight chapters, the text of this comprehensive look at Native tribes covers origin theories, Southwestern tribes, East Coast tribes, participation in Anglo wars, the Plains Indians, the destruction of the Native American cultures, and the resurgence of tribal rights and cultural pride. Each chapter contains a lucid summation of the topic under consideration, augmented with black-and-white illustrations and a craft or project tied into the subject matter. For example, “Fighting the White Man’s Wars” discusses the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the war history of the nations of the Southeast. Sidebars cover the origin of scalping, Native American slavery, and brief biographies of notable individuals. The project for this chapter gives step-by-step instructions for constructing a model trading post. The background and instructions for all projects are admirably clear and well laid out for either students working alone or for class projects. This title is particularly well suited for classroom use. It is an excellent introduction to a vast and often ignored history.–Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

GIFFORD, Clive. The Business of Soccer. charts. ISBN 978-1-61532-610-5; ISBN 978-1-61532-615-0. LC 2009045778.
–––– . Soccer Players and Skills. diags. ISBN 978-1-61532-611-2; ISBN 978-1-61532-612-9. LC 2009045774.
–––– . Soccer Rules and Regulations. diags. ISBN 978-1-61532-608-2; ISBN 978-1-61532-613-6. LC 2009045781.
–––– . Teamwork in Soccer. diags. ISBN 978-1-61532-609-9; ISBN 978-1-61532-614-3. LC 2009045765.
ea vol: 32p. (Spotlight on Soccer Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2010. PLB $23.95; pap. $10.
Gr 3-6–While standard soccer books treat each topic as a short chapter within one longer book, Gifford has divided the topic to allow for a more detailed discussion. Business of Soccer covers the management of teams and professional players. In Players and Skills, the author not only describes the various positions, but also devotes a spread to “set-piece skills,” or how to plan to restart the match after a ball goes off the field. Rules and Regulations explains the rare “penalty shoot-out” that occurs whenever a match ends in a draw, as well as the often occurring “offside” rule that is difficult to judge. Teamwork discusses substitutions and tactics for both offense and defense. It also provides some additional tips on set-piece skills. Each volume includes special highlights of notable games located in the “On the Ball” section. Colorful photographs, mainly of adult men and women players, enhance the texts. While it could be argued that one book encompassing these four subjects would suffice, individual titles can be selected as interest merits or to supplement collections for intermediate players.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

GRAHAM, Ian. Farming and the Future. ISBN 978-1-61532-578-8. LC 2009045755.
SPILSBURY, Richard & Louise. Farming and the Environment. ISBN 978-1-61532-577-1. LC 2009045750.
–––– . Feeding the World. ISBN 978-1-61532-579-5. LC 2009045754.
–––– . From Farm to Table. ISBN 978-1-61532-580-1. LC 2009045756.
ea vol: 32p. (Food and Farming Series). diags. maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2010. PLB $23.95.
Gr 4-7–These books were apparently authored by people who have little or no connection to the world of agriculture. It is debatable that world hunger is caused by farmers’ production costs. Feeding the World strongly suggests that the use of petroleum-based fuels is the major cause of high food prices. The reality of the situation is that farm fuel has very little, if any, bearing on food prices. Farmers’ overhead is not a factor in the price the initial buyers of the products pay. (Farmers’ markets are the exception.) Farmers are fortunate if the prices they receive cover their production costs. Statements such as “Animals are reared to be killed” in Farm to Table play on the emotions of readers when it could have easily been stated that animals are raised for food. This title finds it unacceptable that seven pounds of grain are needed to produce one pound of beef when, theoretically, it could be used for human consumption. No indication is given that the grain fed to cattle is rarely the same grain consumed by humans. Two pages later, the authors have no problem with the fact that 1100 pounds of milk are required to manufacture 84 pounds of cheese. The books have other errors, and some statements are so poorly worded that they do not make any sense. These books have little redeeming value.–Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS

HAAS, Robert B. I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird: My Adventures Photographing Wild Animals from a Helicopter. photos by author. 64p. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0693-8; PLB $27.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0694-5. LC 2009052955.
Gr 6 Up–Haas describes the challenges and successes he has experienced in his work and shows off some of his most famous photos, including one of flamingos standing in a formation that resembles a huge pink bird. Most pictures appear full bleed opposite the text. Plenty of white space, broad margins, and widely spaced lines contribute to the book’s clean look. For each of the eight creatures featured there is a caption detailing an aspect of the animal, such as its conservation status, diet, behavior, or habitat. This is a coffee-table type of book with visuals that wow and a simple, thrilling narrative that is easily dismissed for the photos. Shelved with books on photography, it serves as a beautiful but additional purchase.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

HALKA, Monica & Brian Nordstrom. Halogens and Noble Gases. 157p. (Periodic Table of the Elements Series). charts. diags. maps. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Facts On File. 2010. PLB $40. ISBN 978-0-8160-7368-9. LC 2009031088.
Gr 9 Up–Beginning with an overview of chemistry and physics, this volume is arranged into two sections: halogens and noble gases. Each one begins with an introduction to its family and is followed by chapters devoted to a single element or pairs of elements. The chapters focused on elements feature a chart highlighting key information: symbol, atomic number, melting and boiling point, etc. A description of the element follows and includes its discovery, naming, and role in history. Information on key scientists is also included, when appropriate. An explanation of the chemistry of the element is provided, and each chapter concludes with an accounting of its specific technology and current uses, as well as the benefits and challenges it poses to society. Possible future uses and adaptations are also presented. Color illustrations and sidebars that clarify fundamental concepts appear throughout. The text concludes with a table of units and conversions, a list of acronyms, a periodic table of the elements, and a chronology of key events from 1731 to 2009. The writing and explanations are clear and would be appropriate for generalists as well as chemistry students.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

HANEL, Rachael. Identity Theft. 144p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4901-0. LC 2009033403.
PERL, Lila. Genocide: Stand By or Intervene? 128p. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7614-4900-3. LC 2009033407.
RILEY, Gail Blasser. Internet Piracy. 112p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4902-7. LC 2009050574.
ea vol: (Controversy! Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. PLB $25.95.
Gr 8 Up–Presenting multiple sides to controversial topics, these books are well researched and informative. They focus on the U.S. but include some discussion of international issues, explain legislative acts in understandable language, and give compelling personal examples of those affected by these crimes. The simple layouts utilize helpful paragraph headings and sidebars set against yellow backgrounds. Full-color photographs and graphics are sprinkled throughout. Hanel explores types of identity theft, common scams, and prevention, which is a contentious point. Many argue that governmental proposals to secure data are invading people’s privacy and civil liberties. Genocide examines the U.N.’s efforts to define and make the crime of genocide punishable under international law. Perl describes chilling genocide of Armenians and Jews, and inside Cambodia, Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia, and Darfur. Unlike the other titles that let readers form their own opinions, the author heavily criticizes “the reasons often cited by American officialdom” in a section entitled “The Failure of the U.S. to Stop Genocide: Justified or Not?” Enslow’s “Issues in Focus” series covers similar topics. Internet Piracy discusses copyright protection, theft of intellectual property, and the rise of online piracy of software, movies, and music. The book addresses the debate between those who push for freedom of information and those who want to crack down on violators. With rapid changes in technology and legislation, Identity Theft and Internet Piracy are recommended for all libraries seeking quality and current materials on these topics. Genocide is suggested for libraries that need updated books covering 21st-century events.–June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA

HASLER, Nikol. Sex, a Book for Teens: An Uncensored Guide to Your Body, Sex, and Safety. illus. by Michael Capozzola. 191p. diags. photos. index. Web sites. Zest. 2010. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-0-9819733-2-6. LC 2010920191.
Gr 10 Up–Hasler, the host and writer of the popular web series “The Midwest Teen Sex Show,” offers a book that’s funny (a silhouette of two cows engaging in the book’s said topic is on the cover and introduces chapters), accurate, and packed with the information readers need to make informed decisions. Her focus is on keeping the mind, body, and spirit safe, and no topic is considered taboo. From explaining the ways people might identify themselves sexually to birth control and good communication to “Kinks, Fetishes, and Fantasies,” Hasler offers down-to-earth advice in a nonjudgmental tone. She uses slang teens will most likely be familiar with, as well as technical terminology (“blue balls” and “vasocongestion”). The questions from teens at the end of each chapter will be of particular interest to readers, and the author’s answers often serve to dispel commonly held myths. The book contains an extensive chart on sexually transmitted infections, anatomical drawings, and spot-art cartoons that add levity to serious discussions. Hasler is a clear and precise writer, and her book can be referenced either by chapter or read cover to cover. This frank and unflinching book is perfect for older teens.–Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

HINMAN, Bonnie. Eternal Vigilance: The Story of Ida B. Wells-Barnett. 128p. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2011. PLB $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-111-7. LC 20100008144.
Gr 6-10–Hinman tells of Wells-Barnett’s tireless efforts as an antilynching crusader and civil rights advocate. She begins with an episode of Wells as a young woman being removed from the white section of a railroad car and details how she became a teacher and then a journalist to support herself and her orphaned siblings. It was during her time as a journalist in Memphis that three African-American men were lynched, an event that launched her national campaign. Hinman paints an engaging portrait of the activist who was instrumental in the formation of the NAACP. Each stage of Wells-Barnett’s life is placed in historical context, providing students with a better understanding of the world in which she lived. Well-chosen black-and-white photographs and other period materials are included throughout the text. Dennis and Judith Fradin’s Ida B. Wells: Mother of the Civil Rights Movement (Clarion, 2000) covers the subject’s personal life in more detail. Hinman’s biography is a good addition for libraries needing more material on this passionate woman.–Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

KESSLER, Colleen. A Project Guide to Sponges, Worms, and Mollusks. ISBN 978-1-58415-876-9. LC 2010030944.
O’NEAL, Claire. Exploring Earth’s Biomes. maps. ISBN 978-1-58415-878-3. LC 2010034850.
–––– . Projects in Genetics. charts. ISBN 978-1-58415-877-6. LC 2010030898.
SMALLEY, Carol Parenzan. A Project Guide to Fish & Amphibians. notes. ISBN 978-1-58415-873-8. LC 2010030900.
ea vol: 48p. (Life Science Projects for Kids Series). diags. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2011. PLB $29.95.
Gr 4-8–These books present basic information in a format and size that seems designed to appeal to readers younger than the reading level. Each book begins with a complex introduction, e.g., Fish & Amphibians includes a chart of “Late Devonian obe-finned fish and amphibious tetrapods” and continues on to an uneven presentation of the topic. Activities are the focus of this series, but the instructions are sometimes vague and/or overly complex, e.g., in Biomes, the reversible effects of cold on the behavior of fish instructs the experimenter to place a frozen container in a fish bowl to observe the change in the fish’s breathing as the temperature falls. Guidelines as to the size of the fish bowl or what to use as a frozen container are limited to advising against using ice cubes because of the danger to fish in chlorinated water. Yet in Fish & Amphibians a similar project uses ice cubes. Genetics jumps right in to a description of the differences between homozygous and heterozygous traits and then employs Gummi-Bears, marshmallows, and pairs of socks in projects. Many illustrations are not of the highest quality–some are blurry and others have an amateurish “cut and paste” look to them. The yellow banana slug seems to float above the text in Sponges, Worms, and Mollusks, and the picture’s caption, like most of the others, does not specify a location for the animal. Due to the contrast in reading level and the overall look and feel of the books, these are additional purchases.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

KUIPER, Kathleen, ed. Ancient Egypt: From Prehistory to the Islamic Conquest. 206p. map. ISBN 978-1-61530-148-5; ISBN 978-1-61530-210-9. LC 2010008661.
–––– . Mesopotamia: The World’s Earliest Civilization. 214p. ISBN 978-1-61530-112-6; ISBN 978-1-61530-208-6. LC 2009053644.
–––– . Pre-Columbian America: Empires of the New World. 194p. ISBN 978-1-61530-150-8; ISBN 978-1-61530-211-6. LC 2010013770.
ea vol: (Britannica Guide to Ancient Civilizations Series). bibliog. photos. reprods. appendix. glossary. index. CIP. Britannica Educational. 2010. PLB $40.; ebook $40.
Gr 9 Up–These overviews cover government and society, religion, art and architecture. Each one spans thousands of years. The texts are interspersed with fact boxes that discuss such topics as famous people, significant dates, and specific places. The volumes all read like extended encyclopedia entries, and the writing style is dry. Some of the sentences are so convoluted that they are hard to decipher, and the tone is certainly one of attempting to convey just the facts and dates. However, the words used throughout seem at times dismissive of the civilizations. For example, in Ancient Egypt, when discussing myth, one sentence reads, “...much religious activity focused on constant reiteration or repetition rather than development.” Additionally, the illustrations are all in black-and-white, and many of the photographs are grainy. Perhaps this series could be used for student research but these are not books that one would read cover to cover. Many other resources present more engaging and insightful views of these civilizations.–Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

LOSSANI, Chiara. Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind. illus. by Octavia Monaco. unpaged. CIP. Eerdmans. Feb. 2011. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-8028-5390-5. LC 2010028330.
Gr 4-8–This book follows van Gogh from childhood through the development of his tumultuous artistic career, concluding with his untimely death. In tracing the events of the artist’s life, the author explores his close relationship with his younger brother, Theo, through excerpts from their personal correspondence. Darker elements of van Gogh’s life, such as alcoholism, mental illness, and suicide, are touched upon in a way that is honest but not gratuitous. Large, imaginative illustrations match the lyrical quality of the text, while bold brushstrokes, vivid color, and images of sunflowers subtly evoke the artist’s style. Reproductions of van Gogh’s paintings are deftly integrated into many of the illustrations, providing readers with a look at his artistic evolution. While a background in art history is not required for a basic understanding of this title, the casual name-dropping of van Gogh’s artistic peers and oblique references to characteristics of Impressionism might be lost readers unfamiliar with the subject. Although the narrative is largely fact-based, thoughts and feelings are significantly fictionalized. Most notably, a recurring motif of the wind as a confidant and guiding force in the artist’s life detracts from this title’s appropriateness for school reports. Although beautifully written and illustrated, this title is an additional purchase for a limited audience.–Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

MCALLISTER, Ian & Nicholas Read. The Sea Wolves: Living Wild in the Great Bear Rainforest. photos by Ian McAllister. 121p. maps. further reading. index. CIP. Orca. 2010. pap. $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-206-4. LC 2010928820.
Gr 5-9–The authors make no pretense of objectivity in their overview of the lives of the sea wolves that live on the mainland and coastal islands of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. They devote much of the first chapter to debunking myths about “big bad” wolves and stress their similarity to humans. Such comparisons crop up elsewhere in the text, which follows the animals through the seasons, beginning with spring births. Readers learn about the wolves’ social structure, habitat, survival skills, and physical characteristics. The text explains how coastal wolves differ from other wolf populations in size, coloring, and swimming ability. Advocacy for their survival permeates the book, especially the concluding chapter, where the authors admonish readers to change “our greedy, short-sighted ways.” The only humans they admire are First Nations people, who have coexisted peacefully with wolves in the GBR for hundreds of years. The book’s style is informal and conversational. The arresting images of wolves and their surroundings reveal McAllister’s passion for his subject and his skill as a photographer. Librarians might consider purchasing the volume for its captivating, full-color photos and its introduction to a unique subject while keeping in mind the heavy doses of advocacy that accompany the information.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

MARCOVITZ, Hal. Bias in the Media. 112p. (Hot Topics Series). charts. photos. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Lucent. 2010. PLB $32.45. ISBN 978-1-4205-0224-4. LC 2009048285.
Gr 5-8–Young researchers are ill-equipped to judge the integrity of media, much less distinguish between conservative or liberal points of view. Marcovitz’s thorough text not only gives them an in-depth look at bias in the news, but also leaves them with knowledge that will help them discern such slants in the future. The book discusses the various cable channel leanings toward liberal or conservative views, the impact bloggers are making in media, bias toward groups (women, minorities, gays, Middle Easterners), the potential for unbiased media, and how to remain evenhanded in the reporting of news. This text needs to be introduced to kids, perhaps in the context of a current-events class. Discussion questions are included. A comprehensive, useful book.–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

MILLER, Ron. Seven Wonders Beyond the Solar System. ISBN 978-0-7613-5454-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-7278-3. LC 2010028446.
–––– . Seven Wonders of the Gas Giants and Their Moons. ISBN 978-0-7613-5449-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-7281-3. LC 2010015558.
–––– . Seven Wonders of the Rocky Planets and Their Moons. ISBN 978-0-7613-5448-2; ISBN 978-0-7613-7283-7. LC 2010015553.
ea vol: 80p. (Seven Wonders Series). diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. Feb. 2011. PLB $33.26; ebook $24.95.
Gr 5-8–These titles highlight some of the universe’s more awesome natural features. In Solar System, Miller introduces the largest known galaxy, nebula (the Tarantula Nebula), and star (red hypergiant VY Canis Majoris), along with a pulsar, a supernova’s cloud, a galactic supercluster, and Gliese 581D–until recently considered to be the most earthlike exoplanet yet discovered. His tally of chief wonders among our solar system’s Gas Giants includes Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, and the moon Europa’s probable underground seas. Rocky Planets opens with the solar system’s largest volcano, Olympus Mons on Mars, and closes with “Life on Earth.” Related objects or features come in for shorter notices throughout, and each volume ends with an annotated resource list plus an invitation to readers to add an eighth wonder of their own choosing. Some of the broad array of artists’ conceptions and processed space photos are uninformative illustrative filler, and a few minor errors, such as a confusion between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in Rocky Planets, creep in. Still, both newly starstruck readers and confirmed students of the heavens will find plenty to marvel over in these volumes.–John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library

MOSS, Marie. Hello Kitty Sweet, Happy, Fun Book! 128p. illus. photos. reprods. Running Pr. 2010. Tr $29.95. ISBN 978-0-7624-3770-2. LC 2010923296.
Gr 3 Up–For serious fans of Sanrio’s ubiquitous white cat, this gorgeous volume will warm hearts and bring a smile to many faces. Those uninitiated into the cult of Kitty may find themselves shuffling off to the nearest mall in search of their first Hello Kitty item after viewing. Started more than 35 years ago in Japan as a simple sketch on a vinyl coin purse, the character’s charm has created a billion-dollar industry. Hello Kitty and her friends appear on items as varied as stationery, jewelry, surfboards, Macy’s parade balloons, and jet airliners. Moss has carefully researched this compendium of all things Hello Kitty; it is filled with photo after photo of design items from around the world. Though the brand is aimed at children and tween collectors, many among the legions of fans are fully post-adolescent. A beautifully designed book to be sure, but one perhaps better suited as a gift rather than a circulating item.–Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

NELSON, Murry. The Rolling Stones: A Musical Biography. 159p. (Story of the Band Series). photos. chron. further reading. index. notes. discography. Web sites. CIP. Greenwood. 2010. PLB $35. ISBN 978-0-313-38034-1. LC 2010014753.
Gr 10 Up–Although the l960s saw the birth of many British bands, the Rolling Stones is one of the few that has seen a 40-year success as a group. Nelson chronicles the lives of the band members and their works, decade by decade, in great detail. Readers will have to wade through the many musicians who came and left before the final group was deemed the best combination. Added to that are the hundreds of venues and endless recording sessions documented throughout the book, which contribute little to understanding the reasons for the group’s continuing popularity. Brief background on the musicians’ early education, their developing interest in music, and the historical context in which they lived will meet the expectations of readers wanting an introduction to the Rolling Stones. The detailed accounts of continual rifts among the band members, the financial woes, the drug arrests, and the womanizing read like the National Enquirer. The group definitely capitalized on their rowdiness and rebelliousness to keep their names in the press and to excite their audiences. A seven-page time line, a five-page list of albums, and a few grainy black-and-white photos complete the volume.–Peggy Fleming, formerly at Churchville-Chili High School, Churchville, NY

O’KEEFE, Sherry. From China to America: The Story of Amy Tan. 112p. photos. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2010. PLB $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-138-4. LC 2010007594.
Gr 7 Up–Born in California, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Tan grew up as an American on the outside and Chinese on the inside. As her mother pointed out to her, “You must be proud you different. You only shame is be ashame.” Growing up, Tan faced the loss of her brother and father and the morbid outlook of her mother. Their tumultuous relationship led her to write stories about mother-and-daughter conflict, which later became the basis for The Joy Luck Club. This book gives readers a brief overview of the novelist’s life and a greater understanding of the inspiration behind her novels.–Denise Moore, O’Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

O’NEAL, Claire. Volunteering in Your School. ISBN 978-1-58415-920-9. LC 2010011982.
–––– . Ways to Help in Your Community. ISBN 978-1-58415-921-6. LC 2010017963.
REUSSER, Kayleen. Celebrities Giving Back. notes. ISBN 978-1-58415-922-3. LC 2010014904.
SAUL, Laya. Ways to Help Disadvantaged Youth. ISBN 978-1-58415-918-6. LC 2010006536.
ea vol: 48p. (How to Help: A Guide to Giving Back Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2010. PLB $29.95.
Gr 4-6–These well-organized books will encourage children to contribute to the world around them. Each title is filled with examples of volunteer opportunities that can be accomplished with some adult involvement and supervision to guide, steer, and maintain focus so that youngsters will have varied and successful experiences. In School, O’Neal suggest that readers can organize the always-needed clean-up day, set up a recycling center, or plant a garden to enhance and contribute to the school community. Community offers specific examples and steps for making a neighborhood safer, organizing yard sales, spending time with an elderly person, helping at a soup kitchen, or offering to do storyhours at a library. In Celebrities, Reusser writes about 17 people, including Bono and his interest in eliminating world hunger and poverty, President Carter’s dreams of building homes for the homeless, and charitable works by Rihanna, Shakira, Tony Hawk, and others. Disadvantaged Youth suggests tutoring, having a toy or food drive, etc. Each title lists additional resources that include books and online resources, such as national associations and state chapters of those associations. The best part of each book is the introduction, which clearly states what some of the primary issues and challenges are in each specific area. Except for Celebrities, this series is a good starting point to introduce and implement volunteerism in and around children’s communities.–Patty Saidenberg, George Jackson Academy, New York City

PLUMLEY, Amie Petronis & Andria Lisle. Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make. photos by Justin Fox Burks. 144p. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Storey. 2010. spiral $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60342-578-0. LC 2010022154.
Gr 2-8–These projects were tested by kids between the ages of 5 and 13, and there is no denying their appeal or their ability to instruct and inspire. After learning the basics (threading a needle, knots, simple stitches), beginners can easily dive into the initial projects–a needle holder and pincushion. A ratings system guides intermediate sewers to items that require more skill, like doll clothing and skirts, with plenty of tasks in between that build confidence and experience. Almost everything is hand sewn, with any machine use acknowledged in the “Note for Grown-Ups” sections that identify the steps requiring adult help. The authors have a fun and encouraging writing style, offering tips to personalize projects and breezily stressing that results do not have to be perfect. Also helpful are the practical techniques like repairing rips and holes or replacing buttons. Bright photos add to the enjoyment and provide guidance for the step-by-step instructions. A “Sewing School Dictionary” and “Resource Guide” are included. However, librarians may find that the ebook binding and the attached envelope of patterns will make it difficult to keep everything complete and intact. These features make the book better suited as an excellent gift idea for creative kids or for adults conducting youth-centered group activities.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

REILLY, Kathleen M. Food: 25 Amazing Projects Investigate the History and Science of What We Eat. illus. by Farah Rizvi. 124p. (Build It Yourself Series). charts. map. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Nomad. 2010. pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-1-934670-59-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–This broad overview of food touches on its history and future, production and packaging, social and cultural practices, and health and safety concerns. Treatments are balanced, but provide only an introduction to the book’s long list of topics. However, the information presented and questions posed on food packaging, mega-farming, locally grown vs. commercially grown foods, free-range grazing, and healthy food choices make this a particularly up-to-date survey. Scientific and technical terms are highlighted in bold print and defined in an inset on the spread where they are found. Every chapter concludes with two to three hands-on activities that range from cooking to science and art projects (piñata cakes, potato maze, and a farmer’s market survey). For each one, step-by-step instructions and a supply list are provided. The required kitchen tools and supplies are generally readily accessible, but some of the latter may need to be purchased. While a few of the activities are ho-hum, most will be of interest to the intended age group. Safety is mentioned only once, embedded in an early activity. Each spread offers a mix of black-and-white spot art; “Did you know?” information, decorated page borders, and possibly a word chart and/or graph, lending a cheerful look to the pages. The resource list at the end of the volume is somewhat generic, but does include websites. This soup-to-nuts look at the business and consumption of food will make a good addition to most collections.–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

RICE, Condoleezza. Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me. 321p. chron. glossary. Delacorte. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73879-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90747-7; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89613-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–The former Secretary of State recounts her life, beginning with her family history and childhood in Birmingham, AL, during the 1950s and ’60s. From extremely supportive parents she learned that she could become anything she put her mind to, despite the rampant racism that existed in the South. A 16-page insert of black-and-white and color photos adds detail, and the glossary has more information on the many political leaders whom Rice refers to in the book. This valuable memoir about breaking glass ceilings may inspire readers to test their own potential.–Stephanie Malosh, Donoghue Elementary School, Chicago, IL

ROSE, Jamaica & Michael MacLeod. The Book of Pirates: A Guide to Plundering, Pillaging and Other Pursuits. 224p. illus. reprods. chron. glossary. index. CIP. Gibbs Smith. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4236-0670-3. LC 2010009086.
Gr 5-10–This delightful book, written partly in pirate dialect, is full of creative activities, interspersed with plenty of fascinating historical facts. Constructing a foundation for the intrigue to come, the introduction defines piracy. The opening chapter is a true-or-false account of some of the many well-known myths about pirates: that they wore boots, eye patches, hooks, peg legs, etc. Subsequently, the authors discuss the origins and history of these rogues, the lives of famous pirates (including females), rules and codes and behavior, and present-day piracy. Those planning to attend an event as a pirate can follow the instructions for proper attire, along with diagrams and directions for makeup and the construction of a foam cutlass (ask Mom or Dad to help...). Jokes, games, songs, and a recipe for making cannonballs (from peanut butter) add to the fun. Though the activities will appeal to elementary students, the format, dense text, font size, and vocabulary seem more appropriate for an older audience. Black-and-white drawings, maps, and diagrams appear throughout, and numerous dusty mauve text boxes and page inserts create the look of an aging book. A glossary of pirate terms and a copious index are included. This title has a lot to offer; it just might have trouble finding its audience.–Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

STOREY, Rita. Make Your Own Creative Cards. ISBN 978-1-61532-591-7; ISBN 978-1-61532-593-1. LC 2009023754.
–––– . Make Your Own Toys. ISBN 978-1-61532-592-4; ISBN 978-1-61532-594-8. LC 2009023752.
ea vol: 24p. (Do It Yourself Projects! Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2010. PLB $23.95; pap. $9.40.
Gr 4-6– In each book, Storey demonstrates eight creative projects. The first one includes pop-up, pull-tab, and sewn cards. The toys in the second title are old-fashioned, like a yo-yo and a beanbag. The author assumes that crafters can manage a sewing needle or wire a simple circuit. The activities all include step-by-step instructions with color photographs, including one of a child holding the final product, and a paragraph with interesting facts about the card or toy. Directions are fairly clear, but at times the pictures are a little confusing. For example, in the yo-yo project, the instructions say to cut circles out of stiff cardboard, but the picture doesn’t seem to show the paper as cardboard. Some of the materials in Toys might be difficult to find, like a small motor or plastic mirrors. The books are good choices for collections needing new craft titles, but the analogous ones in the “Design and Make” series (Watts) have 10 and 11 projects, respectively, and use more readily available supplies.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

SULLIVAN, George. Tom Thumb: The Remarkable True Story of a Man in Miniature. 208p. photos. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. Clarion. Feb. 2011. Tr $20. ISBN 978-0-547-18203-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–A talented performer and charming celebrity, Charles S. Stratton, born in 1838 in Bridgeport, CT, began his career at the tender age of five. Around his first birthday, Charley’s parents noticed that he had stopped growing at 25 inches long and 15 pounds, and their doctor soon confirmed that their son would be a little person into adulthood. As a preschooler, Charley embraced his size, reveling in the attention he attracted and making friends all over town. His relationships and reputation landed him on the radar of P. T. Barnum who, with dollar signs in his eyes, convinced Charley’s parents to bring the boy to New York City for a four-week display at his American Museum. Although Barnum lied about Charley’s age and nationality to sell tickets, the Strattons decided to trust him with their son, now known by his stage name, General Tom Thumb. From his first performance, Tom’s career took off and years of touring both in the U.S. and abroad followed. Presented by Sullivan with respect and admiration, Tom is shown as a complex person with sincere struggles and desires outside the spotlight. Extensive notes are provided for the quotes found throughout the text, though they do not always point to primary-source material. The many period photographs and illustrations that fill out the narrative will fascinate readers.–Heather Acerro, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN

TARNOWSKA, Wafa’. The Arabian Nights. illus. by Carole Hénaff. 128p. bibliog. glossary. Barefoot. 2010. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-122-2. LC 2008028159.
Gr 4-6–A collection of 8 of the more than 1000 tales shared over the centuries. Tarnowska has based her selections on a recent release of a contemporary edition by noted Arabic professor Malcolm C. Lyons. A native of Lebanon, she grew up hearing the stories her grandmother embellished with female characters who showed true courage and heroism. She begins with the familiar tale of Shahrazade. “Aladdin” will likely be the most familiar to children, but the rest of the characters and adventures will enlighten and entertain them. This volume is lovely, in both story and art. Children will delight in hearing these stories shared aloud or reading them independently. The illustrations are outstanding, capturing the rich and deep golds, greens, purples, and blues of the costumes, deserts, and wildlife in this ancient land. The stories are interwoven, bound on either side by Shahrazade, who tells the tales in order to live another day. “The Diamond Anklet,” a Cinderella tale; “The Ebony Horse,” a tale of a young shah’s true love and his quest to rescue his princess, and six others that feature women of extraordinary cleverness and wisdom are included. This beautiful, oversize book will enchant readers and listeners for many nights.–C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY

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