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October 1, 2011

In this Article

Nonfiction

Fiction Series Roundup

Fiction

AUXIER, Jonathan. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes. illus. by author. 386p. CIP. Abrams/Amulet. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0025-5. LC 2010048692.
Gr 5-8–Peter Nimble is a 10-year-old orphan, blinded at birth by ravens and trained as a highly skilled thief. Escaping a harsh master, he meets the mysterious Professor Cake, who tells him a prophecy in rhyme about a Vanished Kingdom much in need of rescuing. Peter undertakes the quest, accompanied by Sir Tode, a knight cursed with the body of a horse and cat. Professor Cake gives Peter a box with three sets of magical eyes to use when “the moment is right.” Once on the island, Peter and Sir Tode battle a desert of thieves, a palace of monster apes, and a pit of sea serpents to free the city from a tyrannical king. By so doing, they discover their true mettle and decide to call the Vanished Kingdom home. Children who persevere through the complex, bizarre introduction will enjoy this quirky adventure. In the first chapters, it is difficult to see how an island without a surrounding ocean, dehydrated thieves battling talking ravens, and children enslaved by apes fit into one story, but Auxier manages to tie these fantastical elements into a cogent, believable story. Using the lessons he learned as a thief, Peter remains true to his own internal logic throughout his quest. This constancy helps to smooth over places where the pace drags. As Peter and his motley cohorts enter the final epic battle, children who want adventure with a splash of fantasy and mystery will be glad they spent time in Peter’s world. –Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

BARATZ-LOGSTED, Lauren. Little Women and Me. 324p. Bloomsbury. Nov. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-514-3. LC 2010038095.
Gr 7-9–High school freshman Emily March is sick of being constantly passed over as the middle sister. It was bad enough when it was just her family, but now that her crush is fawning over her sisters, it’s too much. When she is assigned to pick a book and write about the one thing she would change in it, she chooses Little Women and she is literally sucked into the story. For the duration of the tale, she is part of the March family as the fifth and, of course, middle sister. Certainly fans of Alcott’s work will enjoy the familiar scenes from a modern point of view, not to mention the adventures of an additional sister and the great twist at the end, and they’re likely to want to go back and reread the original. Many readers will also applaud Emily’s desperate attempts to save Beth from her fate and change Jo’s and Laurie’s marriage choices. However, for those who have not read the classic, this book gives away far too much and yet doesn’t make kids realize how much they’re missing. Still, there are definitely lessons to take away from Baratz-Logsted’s message about finding your own voice. Overall, this is a well-done companion book for fans of the novel.–Kerry Roeder, Corlears School, New York City

BARRON, T. A. The Book of Magic. Bk. 12. illus. by August Hall. 176p. chron. maps. (Merlin Series). Philomel. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24741-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Guides to long-running series have two important jobs. They should remind fans of all the things they particularly love about the books, and they should whet the appetites of newcomers, thus creating more fans. Barron’s guide to his 12-book saga about Merlin succeeds in both objectives. The tone is breezy and cheerful, a bit like having a friend chat with you about his favorite books. Information about characters, creatures, places, and things is included. Buy where the series is popular.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

BICK, Ilsa. Ashes. Bk. 1. 464p. Egmont USA. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-175-4; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-231-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–A ragtag group–a teen with an inoperable and terminal brain tumor on a journey to find closure, a young soldier on leave running from personal demons, and an angry little girl whose grandfather has taken her on a backpacking trip after the death of her father–have two important things in common: the electromagnetic pulse that ripped through the sky while they were hiking in the Waucamaw Wilderness didn’t kill them, and it did not change them into crazed, flesh-eating zombies. Now they are trying to stay alive and keep as far away from the zombies as possible. However, the greatest threat to their survival may come from other survivors. In the gore, violence, and disturbing societal constructions of this postapocalyptic/zombie thriller, readers will see echoes of Suzanne Collins’s “Hunger Games” series (Scholastic), Patrick Ness’s “Chaos Walking” series (Candlewick), and James Dashner’s “The Maze Runner” series (Delacorte), making this an excellent choice for those searching for more along the same lines. The novel is equal parts horrifying and riveting, and many teens will be compelled to devour it in one sitting. But be forewarned: not a single plot point is wrapped up, so readers who like things neatly solved better wait until the whole trilogy is out.–Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

BLUE, Parker. Fang Me. Bk. 3. 180p. (A Demon Underground Novel). BelleBooks. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-61194-012-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–Val Shapiro is not your normal 18-year-old. Known as “The Slayer,” she is a half demon working with the Supernatural Crimes Unit (SCU), keeping the human population safe from vampires. But the New Blood Movement, good vampires who want to coexist peacefully in the world, convince her to help them locate the ancient and powerful Encyclopedia Magicka. If it falls into the wrong hands, the results will be catastrophic. Coincidentally, mysterious Trevor Jackson appears, claiming to be the keeper of Encyclopedia. While everyone welcomes him, Val knows he is not who he claims to be and is determined to find the truth. What follows is a quest filled with action and suspense that does not end with all secrets revealed. In this third installment in the series, the characters are deeper and more conflicted. Val must make some life-altering decisions about being a slayer, dealing with her lust demon, Lola, and her relationship with Shade, all while saving the world. Mature supernatural fans will surely want to see what happens next.–Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

BOOTH, Coe. Bronxwood. 336p. Scholastic/PUSH. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-439-92534-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–In Tyrell (Scholastic, 2006), the teen dumped the girl who lied to him and left his mother to her own devices. He set up a new life in Bronxwood, crashing with two friends who are heavily involved in drug dealing. Now his father’s out of prison and wants to reunite the family, but Tyrell finds the rules and posturing too much to handle and stays out on his own. He quickly realizes that without his own DJ equipment, he can’t make the money he needs to support himself and take care of his girlfriend, Jasmine. When the decision comes down to what’s best for his little brother, Troy, and what’s best for Tyrell, the tough choice will change his life. Returning to the inner-city setting that is as much a character as any of the individuals, Booth builds up the conflict brought on by Tyrell’s temptations – the drug dealers are more violent and persuasive, the girls are more enticing, and the family dynamics are more charged. Action scenes combine with interpersonal exchanges to keep the pace moving forward at a lightning speed, but Booth never sacrifices the street-infused dialogue and emotional authenticity that characterize her works. She has created a compelling tale of a teen still trying to make the right choices despite the painful consequences. –Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

BRADLEY, Kimberly Brubaker. Jefferson’s Sons. 368p. further reading. CIP. Dial. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3499-9. LC 2010049650.
Gr 6-9–This well-researched fictional look at the lives of the sons of Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings echoes with the horrors of slavery and the contradictions within the author of the Declaration of Independence and an admired champion of liberty. Bradley depicts Sally Hemings as a determined woman who accepts her role as a slave and secret lover of the president while she focuses on the promised freedom for her children. The story is told mainly by her three sons, Beverly, Madison, and Eston. Hemings never allows her children to forget that they are slaves while they live at Monticello and makes sure that they are aware of slavery’s repulsiveness, despite their somewhat special status. She plans to have her light-skinned son Beverly and daughter Harriet go out in the world and “pass” as white people, but this will require that they never acknowledge her or their darker family members again. Eventually financial difficulties grow, and Jefferson is forced to sell many possessions, including 130 slaves. Maddy and Eston are given their freedom at the age of 21, but Sally Hemings was never set free. Bradley’s fine characterization and cinematic prose breathe life into this tragic story.–Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

BREESE, K. Ryer. Future Imperfect. 310p. St. Martin’s/Griffin. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64151-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–Ade Patience, 17, is a junkie, but he doesn’t do drugs or alcohol. He gets high from brain trauma. When he hits his head hard–really hard–he experiences a high unlike any other. He also sees the future. His visions are always right and he can’t do anything to change what they predict. For two years he has been picking fights, jumping off buildings, crashing cars–anything to get a glimpse of the future and feel the accompanying Buzz. And for two years he has been awaiting the arrival of a girl he saw in a prescient vision, the girl he is meant to be with. But with her comes trouble in the form of Jimmi Ministry. Jimmi is dangerous but Ade will tolerate him to be near Vauxhall, the love of his life. Then Ade sees himself killing Jimmi in a fit of blind rage. Now he has to find a way to break the rules, to change the unalterable future or become a murderer. Breese weaves a complex tale populated by original characters and a plot that builds in energy and suspense, becoming hard to put down in the second half of the story. The writing is marred by a few awkward passages, and occasionally the dialogue does not fit the teen characters, but most YA readers will be pulled through those sections by a desire to see how Ade resolves his conundrum. Teens will identify with the protagonist’s feelings of helplessness and his raw desire to somehow control his future and to tame his building anger. –Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA

BROOKS, Kevin. iBoy. 290p. CIP. Scholastic. Nov. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-31768-9. LC 2010054240.
Gr 8 Up–All that was on Tom Harvey’s mind that afternoon was meeting up with Lucy, the girl he kind of liked, at her apartment in the slummy south London Crow Town towers where gangs run rampant and violence is a way of life. “Hey Harvey!” someone yells, as an iPhone sails out a window 30 stories up, striking Tom in the head, sending phone fragments deep into his brain. When he comes out of a coma 17 days later, he realizes that he and the phone have become one. He learns that Lucy was gang raped and uses his abilities to try to bring a sense of justice to what happened to her. The story goes with a superhero feel rather than trying to attempt a scientific explanation of Tom’s ability to access top-secret files internally, surf the Web, channel electrical charges, watch and blink to record videos, and mentally email and text friends and enemies alike. Amid detailing his comic-book superpowers and his fight with a villainous villain, the author raises some interesting points for discussion. Was Tom wrong to transfer £1 each from 15,000 different accounts into a single account so his grandmother could pay the bills? Is his vigilante revenge justified? This book is not for serious scientific readers, but it’s just the thing for those with a willing suspension of disbelief who like some grit and challenge with their “Zap!” “Pow!” and “Smack!” –Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

CARMAN, Patrick. Dark Eden. 336p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Nov. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200970-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206178-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–A spooky, psychological thriller. Will Besting, 15, is afraid. The fear that he feels is irrational, a byproduct of a traumatic event he experienced as a child that he can’t fully remember. His therapist Dr. Stevens, seeing no other way to help him, refers him to a mysterious man named Rainsford, who works out of an old, abandoned army base. After arriving at Fort Eden with six other patients, Will makes a break for it and manages to sequester himself in an old, nearly abandoned bunker with a mysterious bomb shelter. From there, he is able to monitor what happens at the base using old surveillance equipment. He witnesses silently as the other patients begin their “cures” in earnest but can’t shake the suspicion that something at the base is really wrong, just below the surface. Further complicating his hidden observations is Davis, a former graduate of Fort Eden who both encourages the other patients and begins to hunt for Will in earnest. Will serves as an outsider among outsiders, unwilling to be cured of his fears by the seemingly amoral Dr. Stevens and Rainsford. A crotchety old cook serves as both comic relief and as chief antagonist, with the suspenseful threat of her discovering Will right under her nose always looming. With seven different characters who have seven different fears, there is bound to be someone for readers to relate to in one way or another. While elements of this story may at first seem predictable, the supernatural twist at the end will leave teens with more questions than answers.–Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library

DIONNE, Erin. Notes from an Accidental Band Geek. 304p. CIP. Dial. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3564-4. LC 2011001166.
Gr 6-9–Elsie has her career path all mapped out: she will become the principal French horn player for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, just like her father and grandfather. The 13-year-old’s life has revolved around this single focus for years. It hasn’t left much time or space for learning to read people or navigate social situations. All that changes when she grudgingly joins marching band and, against all odds, falls in love with it. This self-absorbed, socially awkward narrator who celebrates a good day by cranking out Beethoven on the stereo will present a few hurdles for many readers. The best potential audience will be kids who have at least a passing knowledge of music. Those who get past Elsie’s obsession with the French horn and the fact that she turns snappish under pressure will be sure to identify with the scenes of mortal embarrassment that are the hallmarks of young teen life. Who wouldn’t want to die on the spot if dubbed “Zombie Chicken” by a whole group of people you just met and with whom you’ll be spending the next nine months? While this novel isn’t for everyone, it has humor, heart, and a touch of romance that will provide ample fodder for booktalks.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL

DIVINE, L. So, So Hood. Vol. 14. 212p. (Drama High Series). Kensington. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7582-3119-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-9–Senior year is just about to begin and Jayd is enraged over a picture of her boyfriend kissing another girl, a frenemy who is exhibiting vampire characteristics, and her friend’s mother demanding that she pay $1,100 for a debutante gown that Jayd never wore. Her initiation as a voodoo priestess and the dreams it brings are clarifying the drama. Could the shape-shifting rival voodoo clan be behind it all? She’ll need her new powers to keep a cool head and stay safe. This series entry relies heavily on past installments for explanation of important events, and new readers will be lost not knowing Jayd’s history. The many story lines are not fully fleshed out, and shape-shifting elements are so few and far between that they aren’t intriguing. This effort at mixing urban drama and vampire voodoo lore falls flat.–Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA

DURST, Sarah Beth. Drink, Slay, Love. 386p. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2373-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2375-6. LC 2011001449.
Gr 9 Up–How refreshing to find a stand-alone vampire book with a real twist. Pearl is a typical teen vampire–typical in her world, that is. She is heartless and mostly evil, thinking of humans only as snacks and toys. Then she meets a unicorn, who stakes her with his sparkly horn. When she awakes, she finds that things have changed a bit–for starters, she can now be in sunlight without bursting into flames, and she has started to develop something unthinkable–a conscience. Timing is bad for Pearl–her family has just been chosen to host the fealty ceremony for the king of the New England vampires, and she has been nominated to provide the feast in the form of local high school students. The story has plenty of great setups, and Durst does not disappoint in her follow-through. There’s catty and dark humor, romance, blood, danger, and, of course, there’s the unicorn, whose secrets are revealed. The story transitions easily between the vampire and human world, creating characters, settings, and situations that are quite believable and often funny while still maintaining a respectable level of darkness. Fans of vampire fiction will be pleased to find this one on the shelf.–Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

FLACK, Sophie. Bunheads. 304p. Little, Brown/Poppy. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12653-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Hannah Ward is a 19-year-old dancer with the Manhattan School of Ballet. She moved to New York City and joined the company when she was 14, and her one goal is to be promoted to soloist from corps dancer. Readers see that the life of a ballerina is physically grueling and all-consuming; there is no time for anything else. With performances almost every night and dance classes every day, Hannah rarely sees her parents, never eats as much as she would like, and spends all her time in the company of other dancers who are competing for the same coveted spots. Still, the beauty and physicality of dance have always made the sacrifices worthwhile. On a rare night out, the teen meets Jacob and begins to question her dedication. Does she have what it takes to be a soloist? Does she even want it anymore? Flack, who danced with the New York City Ballet for nine years, has written Hannah’s story with an insider’s knowledge and expertise. The result is an entertaining read, shedding light on a world most readers know nothing about. After the success of the Oscar-winning Black Swan , this title will appeal to dancers and those with two left feet. –Ragan O’Malley, Saint Ann’s School, Brooklyn, NY

GIBBS, Stuart. The Last Musketeer. Bk. 1. 256p. HarperCollins. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-204838-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Gibbs reimagines Alexandre Dumas’s Three Musketeers with a liberal dose of fantasy. Fourteen-year-old Greg is in present-day Paris with his parents to sell family heirlooms to the Louvre. When his mother refuses to part with a cherished stone pendant, the manager grabs it and uses it to transport himself and Greg’s unwilling family back to 1615 through a painting. The past proves dangerous as Greg’s parents are quickly arrested and he becomes a fugitive. His plan to rescue his mom and dad requires the help of three new friends (yes, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis), who dub Greg “D’Artagnan.” The four must defeat the evil Richelieu, who has a mysterious connection to the modern-day Louvre manager. Gibbs deftly packs an abundance of historical detail into a lively narrative that captures the swashbuckling spirit of Dumas’s original. Full of jovial humor, narrow escapes, sorcery, and intrigue, the novel will likely generate interest in the classic. Greg is a well-defined hero: each challenge he faces helps him recognize his own abilities and find acceptance among the friends whom he admires. Although the characters’ speech is often too contemporary, their accessible language and vocabulary make this novel a good choice for older reluctant readers. The cliff-hanger ending leaves all characters in the past, with the new Musketeers off on their next adventure, “sheathing their swords and running for their horses.” Readers will want to join them. –M. Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

GRAVES, Keith. The Orphan of Awkward Falls. illus. by author. 338p. CIP. Chronicle. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7814-2. LC 2011008008.
Gr 4-7–When Josephine Cravitz, 12, and her parents move to Awkward Falls, she explores the crumbling old mansion next door and finds a parentless boy living there. Thaddeus claims to be the grandson of the late Celcius Hibble, a famous local scientist. He eats mainly chocolate and his companions include a robot butler and a cat that he’s raised from the dead. It’s all relatively harmless–until Fetid Stenchley, a hunchbacked cannibal imprisoned in the town’s Asylum for the Dangerously Insane, escapes. He’s been locked up for murdering Hibble, who was his mentor, and he is terrifying and unpredictable from the get-go. He’s got an insatiable taste for human flesh and a strong desire to return to the scene of his most heinous crime, the mansion that Thaddeus calls home. Crazy surprises abound, and every few chapters a jaw-dropping new twist emerges. You name it, it’s in here: cloning, immortality, even a substantial nod to Frankenstein. A little scary, a little funny, and awfully suspenseful, this strange, campy tale will be a hit with fans of Greg Taylor’s Killer Pizza (Feiwel & Friends, 2011). Spare black-and white sketches add to the book’s frenetic feel. Deliciously creepy.–Mandy Lawrence, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX

GREENMAN, Catherine. Hooked. 276p. CIP. Delacorte. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74008-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90822-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89888-4. LC 2010023542.
Gr 10 Up–Thea Galehouse, a junior at New York City’s prestigious Stuyvesant High School, knows she should focus on grades and college options. Then she meets senior Will Weston and quickly becomes hooked on him. When she skips a birth-control pill and becomes pregnant, she schedules an abortion but opts out at the last minute. Though angry and disappointed, her parents support her decision to put college on hold, get an apartment with Will, and raise their son, Ian. At this point, teen readers may want to shake Thea. She asserts her independence by claiming that life with Will “feels real,” even as she clings to childhood by crocheting a replica of a bikini she wore as a young girl. This hobby provides an escape–and potential income–and lends the title its double meaning. After Thea accidentally scalds the infant with some boiling water, Will begins to distrust her and eventually pushes her to give him up for adoption. Here Thea finally comes into her own, both as a character and as a young mother. Oddly, there is little mention of her physical experience of pregnancy, and her labor and delivery take less than one page. Greenman’s pacing is sometimes off, and, in many scenes, the timing doesn’t jibe. The rags-to-riches ending strains believability, with Thea poised to launch a luxury crocheted accessories line. Her transition from arrogantly naive teen to devoted young mom learning to balance her life may hook a few readers, but this is an additional purchase.–Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

GRIFFITHS, Andy. Killer Koalas from Outer Space: and Lots of Other Very Bad Stuff That Will Make Your Brain Explode. illus. by Terry Denton. 172p. Feiwel & Friends. Oct. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-312-36789-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–Fans of Captain Underpants will delight in this collection of short–and quite sick–stories and cartoons. They are filled with “Very Bad” characters, such as The Very Bad Dentist, who tries to extract a patient’s tooth but pulls his head off instead. The Very Bad Fish replaces the bait on a fishing line with a lighted stick of TNT, and when the fisherman feels a tug and pulls up the line, he is blown to pieces. The Very Bad Giraffe devours a small boy when his parents’ backs are turned, after having told their son that “giraffes are completely harmless.” It’s doubtful that these micro-stories, or the goofy but sometimes gory cartoon illustrations accompanying them, will upset the readers at whom they’re aimed. This book is a hoot.–Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

HARRIS, Carrie. Bad Taste in Boys. 208p. CIP. Delacorte. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73968-9; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90801-6; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89806-8. LC 2010040027.
Gr 7-10–Kate Grable is a scientific genius who helps train the school’s football team. When she discovers suspicious vials in the coach’s office, she assumes that he is trying to improve the team’s performance with steroids. Then members of the team develop mysterious, violent symptoms–one of them even bites Kate–and she learns that the coach has been giving them injections of a zombie virus that spreads mainly through being bitten. She soon falls prey to the infected, which become extraordinarily violent, yet humorous, as fingers and feet start to fall off the victims as the disease runs its course. Being an epileptic, she soon discovers that the only cure for the virus is her own medicine. With the help of her longtime crush and goofy brother and his pseudo-sword, Kate manages to restore order. Teens will admire how Kate uses her brains to win the hearts of her male classmates. The plot moves along quickly, making readers feel as if they were watching an actual zombie movie. The short chapters are filled with light humor along with a silly, gory edge that will make readers laugh, rather than cringe.–Krista Welz, North Bergen Public Library, NJ

HETI, Sheila. We Need a Horse. illus. by Clare Rojas. unpaged. McSweeney’s McMullens. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-936365-40-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3 Up–A speckled steed walks through a field and asks the light why he was made a horse and not another animal. The light answers, “Because we needed another horse.” He encounters a sheep with a tennis racket strapped to her back who is unhappy that she was not made a human, but is satisfied when the horse says he likes her. He goes on to find an apple and says, “I guess they needed to make an apple…so I could come along and eat it.” To which the apple replies, “I guess they needed to make this horse, so she could come and eat me.” The horse sits down in the grass, which sings a song. Finally, the darkness comes to take the horse away, and he is not scared or lonely, for now he understands everything. Heti’s confusing exercise in existentialism will not appeal to children, and the implication of death will not be easy for an adult to explain. The text in this oversize book may attempt to impart some kind of mystical knowledge, but the message is too abstract to make any sense. Rojas’s static pictures of pointy animals and uninteresting backgrounds look more sinister than endearing. A book with no definite audience.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

HILMO, Tess. With a Name Like Love. 256p. CIP. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38465-4. LC 2010036314.
Gr 6-8–Ollie, 13, the oldest of Reverend Everlasting Love’s five daughters, is at the center of this affecting mystery. When the family sets up camp in Binder, AK, in 1957, Ollie demonstrates Christian charity in her immediate empathy for Jimmy, a boy whose mother is in the local jail, having confessed to murdering her husband. Everyone in Binder knows that he was an evil, drunken, abusive man, but with Virginia’s confession in hand, the sheriff wastes no time or energy investigating the crime that Ollie, then her dad and mom, comes to believe Virginia could not possibly have committed. Who is she protecting? Her abused, tormented son, Jimmy, a budding herpetologist who collects and cares for a garden full of frogs? The cruel local store owner, Mrs. Carter, or her sons? Reminiscent of Francis O’Roark Dowell’s Dovey Coe (S & S, 2000) in plot and Cathryn Clinton’s The Calling (Candlewick, 2011) in its portrayal of a teen whose faith is quiet, thoughtful, and completely sincere, this tug-on-your-heartstrings tale of the power of God’s love is Christian with explicitly stated but universal themes, such as, “Even a broken life is better than no life at all.” The author’s use of authentic-sounding colloquialisms–Ollie gets “pure and undefiled willies” while speaking to the cigar-chewing sheriff–lends a sweet-tea ambience that softens some gruesome scenes and adds to the story’s charm.–Joel Shoemaker, formerly at South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

HOBBS, Valerie. Maggie & Oliver or a Bone of One’s Own. illus. by Jennifer Thermes. 181p. Holt. Oct. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9294-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–Maggie and Oliver live parallel lives in early-20th-century Boston. Oliver is a mutt whose cozy home is abruptly taken away after his owner dies. Ten-year-old Maggie’s job as a maid ends when she steps out of line by speaking to the visiting Duchess of Landsaway. She is cast out with nothing more promising than a golden locket that reveals a mysterious picture. In alternating chapters, the story focuses on each character’s efforts to survive amid ever-present hunger and frigid weather. Underage Maggie goes to work in a shirtwaist factory where she endures inhumane conditions and a cruel boss. There she befriends Daniel, a street-smart youngster who shows her the ropes. Meanwhile, Oliver goes searching for his owner, whom he believes is still alive. He encounters a few good samaritans, but many other people are not so kind. He eventually finds himself locked in a lonely, cold kitchen where he is expected to be a ratter or else. Threaded through the chapters are chance meetings between Maggie, Oliver, and the duchess. This is mainly a warm story about friendship, but it’s also an introduction to the treatment of children and animals in the early 1900s. Thermes’s illustrations bring needed lightness to the difficulties and call to mind artists of that era. The ending is predictable but satisfying. –Diane McCabe, Loyola Village Elementary School, Los Angeles

HORNIMAN, Joanne. About a Girl. 192p. Allen & Unwin. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-74237-144-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Anna first sees mysterious Flynn as she runs down the street clutching a white guitar. She sees her again that night when she sings and plays the guitar in front of an audience. This beautiful and talented girl intrigues her. After the two officially meet, Anna’s infatuation only grows deeper. They begin a romance that leaves Anna in love and Flynn confused. When she ultimately decides that she is ready for a relationship, Anna is thrilled but Flynn is often distant. As it turns out, she has a secret that could mean the end for both girls. The descriptions of Anna’s feelings for Flynn are both romantic and whimsical. Readers will see what she feels as she is truly in love for the first time and experiences the pain that often accompanies it. Unfortunately, a section in the middle of the book explains Anna’s past and family situation. While the information is helpful in understanding her, it interrupts the flow of the novel. Otherwise, this Australian import is a lovely little book about falling in love and everything that comes with it.–Sarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA

HUDSON, Tara. Hereafter. 416p. CIP. HarperTeen. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-202677-4. LC 2010045622.
Gr 7 Up–Amelia is dead and she knows it. As her spirit haunts the area near High Bridge, she wonders who she was before. She has nightmares of drowning, and after each one she wakes up in a cemetery, but she’s never been able to force herself to turn and look at the headstones. Then one night a boy is drowning in the river. She saves his life and makes a connection with him that allows him to see her while all other attempts at communicating with the living have failed. What follows is a chaste supernatural romance that doesn’t really deliver. Hudson tries to set up the rules for her spirit characters, but they end up being cumbersome rather than furthering the story. Amelia can’t touch items in the living world, but after saving Joshua, they are able to touch, and it causes all sorts of tingles for them. Although she can’t touch things, she can, apparently, be contained by them as evidenced by extended scenes of her riding in Josh’s car, the doors of which need to be opened for her since she can’t touch them. An evil spirit named Eli is trying to keep Amelia as his assistant in the afterlife, and Josh turns out to be a “seer” whose grandmother has been working for years to exorcise the spirits from the area of the bridge. All of the elements of an intriguing supernatural thriller/romance are here; unfortunately, they should add up to more than they do. Only the most die-hard genre lovers will stick with this one. –Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

HYDE, Natalie. Saving ARM PIT. 136p. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-151-4. LC 2011-91398-3.
Gr 3-6–It’s hard to keep a good attitude when your baseball team has never won a game, and, in fact, the whole town of Harmony Point has a reputation for losing. Last Halloween, vandals deleted letters from the town’s name, leaving the sign to read “ARM PIT.” Clay and his teammates are tired of losing and tired of the town being a joke. Things look up when a new postmaster who actually knows something about baseball arrives and takes over coaching the Terriers. They don’t win their next game but they do make a double play. Then, as soon as they start to believe in themselves, they learn that Coach Blackmore may be transferred because the post office simply doesn’t have enough business to justify keeping it open. Coming up with a secret letter-writing campaign to increase mail and keep Coach Blackmore, the kids request summer-camp brochures, write to the state government for information, make the Town Council aware of potholes, submit a grant for a playground, and more. Through the letter writing, the kids are able to bring about change and become aware of the power of words, and the power of organization. Examples of responses to their letters are included between chapters. This book would be a terrific read-aloud for students to learn about citizenship, community service, and collaboration. Sportsmanship and hard work, respect for coaches are also valuable lessons within the story.–Nancy Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO

JENNINGS, Patrick. Lucky Cap. 213p. CIP. Egmont USA. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-054-2; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-275-1. LC 2010051413.
Gr 4-7–The summer before Enzo enters middle school he has “the most amazingest trip in the history of time,” courtesy of his dad’s new job with Kap, a major sportswear company. He spends a month staying in hotels, getting tips from pro athletes, and wearing the latest and greatest gear, including a one-of-a-kind prototype cap. Enzo believes that it is responsible for his amazing trip and his subsequent run of good luck upon starting school. He is nominated for class president, makes the basketball team, and is more popular than he ever imagined. His swift ascension to success and popularity isn’t faultless, as he ditches his immature best friend almost immediately for someone he thinks is cooler. But overall, though, things are great, until the cap disappears. Suddenly, his luck turns and Enzo becomes desperate to find it before his life spirals out of control. Short chapters and plenty of humorous dialogue and descriptions keep the story moving at a quick pace. Enzo tries to figure out his identity and how to do what’s right. The narrative also touches briefly on issues of marketing and branding, which could make for an interesting discussion. Enzo certainly has his flaws, and they make him a believable character whose voice will ring true with children even when they don’t agree with his choices.–Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

JORDAN, Sophie. Vanish. 294p. (A Firelight Novel). HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-193510-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209349-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8-11–Jacinda is a draki–she can shift from human to dragon form on command. She’s done the unthinkable–shown her true form to a human, and a hunter at that. But she did so to save his life, because she happens to be in love with him. Jacinda is rescued by her sister, who suddenly manifests her draki form for the first time, and by Cassian, son of the draki pride leader. Jacinda and her sister both have powers that have not been seen in the pride in several generations, and so they stand out–yet Jacinda repeatedly risks her life and the secrecy of the pride to be with Will. Resting on touches of a “Twilight” story line and the shape-shifting many-powered beings does not help this supernatural romance stand out of the pack. A sequel to Firelight (HarperCollins, 2010), it opens mid-action, leaving first-time readers feeling a bit left out. There is not enough character depth to believe Jacinda’s obsessive school-girl love, and the setting is only lightly developed. The draki world may have been formed in the first book, but does not carry through to the second. The ending leaves no doubt that there is more to come. Purchase where there is a following for the first book.–Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

KANG, Hildi. Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan. 178p. CIP. Tanglewood. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-933718-54-5. LC 2010047359.
Gr 5-8–In seventh-century China, 13-year-old Chengli heeds the call of a desert wind. He works for a silk merchant in Chang’an when he joins a caravan traveling the Silk Road to Kashgar. An orphan, he longs to see the desert where he was born and hopes to learn more about his father, an inspector murdered by bandits. Chengli makes friends on the journey, including a princess being married off to a neighboring king, her servants, and a fellow camel boy with dark secrets. He explores every town along the way, meets several other people traveling west, survives a bandit attack, and gathers scraps of information about his father. When bandits kidnap the princess, Chengli leaves the caravan to join up with Kazakh nomads and attempt a rescue. The transitory style of caravan life leads to characters appearing and disappearing just as quickly, but Chengli and his friends slowly change and grow as they near Kashgar. This fast-paced adventure is filled with friendship, historical detail, changing scenery, and action. It will appeal to a wide range of readers.–Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

KEHOE, Stasia Ward. Audition. 458p. Viking. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01319-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–A Boston audition opens doors for Sara–the chance to study with a professional ballet company, attend a private high school, and dance before ecstatic audiences–a dream world away from her rural Vermont home. Now a rising junior, Sara is both scared and excited about her opportunity, wondering if she’ll ever measure up to her fellow dancers. However, tendus, relevés, and piqué turns are not the only thing she learns there; she also is smitten by the attention of Remington, the lead male dancer and burgeoning choreographer who delights in both her artistry and her innocence. When the two become lovers, a relationship destined for failure, Sara begins to doubt everything about herself. Told through short vignettes (poemlike in their spare yet precise language), Sara’s coming-of-age tale is one of passion and romance, colliding with her vision of whom she ultimately hopes to be. Her confused feelings are believably expressed, and her attitudes toward her friends and the adults in her life will ring true, especially to those readers who are also involved in the performing arts. While Sara’s exposure to smoking, drinking, and sex, as well as her attempts to balance her newfound freedoms with her one-time innocence, are fairly predictable, her self-questioning is well handled, and she grows, both as a dancer and as a person, throughout the book. Kehoe’s tale will appeal to teens yearning for a life on the stage and give them food for thought via an easy read.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, The Naples Players, FL

KENNEDY, Emma. The Case of the Frozen Hearts. Bk. 1. 336p. (Wilma Tenderfoot Series). CIP. Dial. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3540-8. LC 2009040050.
Gr 3-6–This first book in the series is uneven and ultimately unsatisfying. Told through the perspective of a Snicket-esque third-person narrator, it begins the story of Wilma Tenderfoot, orphan and aspiring detective. When she’s hired as a servant for bitter Mrs. Waldock, she gets the chance to fulfill her dreams: legendary detective Theodore P. Goodman lives next door. While he attempts to solve a mystery involving a stolen jewel and victims found with frozen hearts, Wilma willfully inserts herself into the case, sometimes finding clues and sometimes just getting into trouble. For much of the book, even young readers may sympathize with Goodman over Wilma. She is a bit plucky, too precocious, and her appearances can be a grating. The mystery itself is interesting and develops well as Goodman, and, in a parallel plot line, villainous Barbu D’Anvers, follow well-placed clues to discover the culprit. However, the resolution is weak, and the frozen hearts have little to do with the culprit or plot.–Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

KENYON, Sherrilyn. Invincible. Bk. 2. 420p. (Chronicles of Nick Series). St. Martin’s/Griffin. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-312-59906-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–This installment rejoins increasingly irritatingly sarcastic Nick Gautier, 14, in the aftermath of the last book’s zombie battle, amid the shape-shifters, daimons, and other immortals he now has burgeoning abilities to see among the residents of New Orleans. It turns out that he has tremendous dark powers that he’s destined to use for great evil, and as he wrestles with his own identity and new abilities (as well as teen issues like crushes and an odd relationship with his naive young mother) he’s faced with a tangle of complex, confusing, or meandering plot threads and too many one-dimensional characters (often with their own angsty backstories and superficial struggles) with competing agendas. Nearly incomprehensible as a stand-alone novel, there is little in the way of writing, character, plot, or originality to recommend in this one, though fans of Infinity (St. Martin’s, 2010) will undoubtedly clamor for it.–Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

KEPHART, Beth. You Are My Only. 240p. Egmont USA. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-272-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–From the opening lines voiced by 14-year-old Sophie Marks, readers will know that something about her reclusive life is definitely wrong. Homeschooled by a mother obsessed with order, who keeps them moving to avoid the “No Good,” Sophie disobeys instructions to stay hidden and makes contact with Joey, the boy next door, and the two old women who care for him. Her chapters alternate with those narrated by Emmy Rane, a young mother whose baby is kidnapped during the few minutes she goes inside for a blanket. Her husband’s accusations and police suspicions about Emmy’s erratic behavior lead to her incarceration in a mental hospital. Drawn into the warmth of Joey’s unconventional family, Sophie gains courage to challenge her mother’s prohibitions and uncovers the truth of her past. The dual narratives reveal losses that all of the characters have suffered. Miss Cloris and Miss Helen abandoned their plans of travel and adventure to care for Joey after the death of his family. Even the kidnapper acted from a twisted logic of loss. Although Emmy’s and Sophie’s stories converge in a reunion, the future remains uncertain. Kephart ably creates two distinct voices. Emmy’s fragile mental state includes flashbacks to her own childhood and fragmented accounts of her frantic search for Baby. Sophie’s account of the love and perseverance of Joey’s family bolsters her own resolve for a different life. Readers will hope that the open ending can include room for them in Sophie’s future. An evocative exploration of many forms of loss and survival.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

KING, A. S. Everybody Sees the Ants. 282p. Little, Brown. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12928-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-19181-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Lucky Linderman has been tortured by Nader McMillan since they were seven, when Nader inexplicably peed on him in a restaurant bathroom. Now it’s the summer before sophomore year, and ever since Lucky unintentionally got the bully in trouble with his social-studies survey about suicide, Nader’s harassment has escalated. What’s more, everyone thinks Lucky is serious about killing himself, and in addition to this and the bullying, his parents’ marriage is falling apart. The only way Lucky can escape his life is through a touch of mysterious magic, in which he dreams of communicating with his grandfather, who has been MIA since the Vietnam War. In his dreams, Lucky is strong and fearless, ready to stop at nothing to rescue him. When Nader smashes him into the concrete at the community pool, crushing his face and pride, Lucky’s mom flies them to Arizona to stay with her brother and his wife for a few weeks. During his time away Lucky learns that he is okay with being a “momma’s boy,” that he can’t keep escaping his life in the jungle of his dreams. King’s heartfelt tale easily blends realism and fantasy. Through a man he never met, Lucky learns he can stand up for himself and stop Nader from terrorizing him and other students. Some mild language and discussion of male and female anatomy are included, but they are within the realm of the story and necessary for these teens to sound real. A haunting but at times funny tale about what it means to want to take one’s life, but rising above it so that living becomes the better option.–Lauren Newman, Northern Burlington County Regional Middle School, Columbus, NJ

KOSTICK, Conor. Edda. 440p. CIP. Viking. 2011. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01218-3. LC 2011003000.
Gr 8 Up–This book continues in the same adventurous world in which Epic (2007) and Saga (2008, both Viking) took place. The protagonist of Edda is Penelope, the lone human in a computer world, whose avatar lives freely while her human body lies nearly immobile. When war in her universe is imminent, the characters from the previous two novels become part of the story and the three, Erik, Ghost, and Penelope, work together to bring peace. The novel is action-packed, exciting, and full of moral quandaries. For gamers, lovers of fantasy, and readers of the previous books, it’s not to be missed.–Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

LEVITHAN, David. Every You, Every Me. photos by Jonathan Farmer. 256p. CIP. Knopf. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86098-0; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96098-7; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89621-7. LC 2010048723.
Gr 8 Up–Writing in a first-person journal format, complete with crossed out words and sentences, 16-year-old Evan invites readers into his confused existence as he mourns the loss of the girl he considered his best friend. Whatever happened to Ariel tore apart their friendship and left Evan and Ariel’s boyfriend, Jack, bereft. Evan seems to teeter on the edge of sanity, musing about fractals and binary numbers and “so many frequencies playing in my mind.” When photographs with ties to Ariel begin appearing on Evan’s route home and in his locker, he and Jack try to track down the connection. A lead via Facebook turns out to be a dead end, and the locations show that the photographer must be intimately familiar with Ariel’s life. The short chapters and the photographs themselves make this a quick read for most students. Plot holes may rankle some readers: Evan trashes Ariel’s bedroom and no one notices? He is nearly run over by a train and there are no consequences? Some readers may feel a tad cheated by the ending, which introduces a heretofore unknown character. Nonetheless, the idea of a photographic novel is intriguing, and readers are likely to get caught up in the drama. Suggest it to those who enjoyed Matt de la Pe ñ a’s I Will Save You (Delacorte, 2010) or the verse books by Ellen Hopkins. –Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

LU, Marie. Legend. 300p. Putnam. Nov. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25675-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–In this futuristic tale told in alternating voices, the United States has devolved into factions and California is a part of the Republic. The people are oppressed, except for the privileged few, and Day is carrying out a raid on a hospital for plague medicine for his family. Readers learn that he has been fighting against the Republic for some time, with phenomenal success. Unfortunately, his raid ends with a Republic soldier wounded, and Day is also injured while making his escape. The other narrator is June, who is Republic-trained, privileged, and also in possession of remarkable abilities. She vows vengeance on her brother’s killer–he is the wounded soldier. June knows about Day, and she also knows that he doesn’t kill, so why did he kill her brother? It’s a good question, since he didn’t. There is plenty of intrigue and underhanded dealing going on, mostly by Republic officials. The mystery surrounding June’s brother and the constant recurrence of various strains of plague are solved by the end, with June and Day joining forces to fight injustice. The door is left open for a sequel since June and Day make their escape and head toward the Colonies (the western part of the former United States not including California) to seek aid in their fight against tyranny. The characters are likable, the plot moves at a good pace, and the adventure is solid. This is a fine choice for those who enjoyed Gemma Malley’s The Declaration (Bloomsbury, 2007), Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother (Tor, 2008), and fans of the “Star Wars” franchise.–Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

LUNIEVICZ, Joseph. Open Wounds. 352p. glossary. CIP. WestSide. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-934813-51-5. LC 2010053732.
Gr 6-10–Seven-year-old Cedric Wymann is raised by an alcoholic, violent father and a stoic, bitter grandmother. Going to the movies with her, he becomes entranced by the sword-fighting scenes in Captain Blood and other films of the day. A chance meeting with a famous swordsman cements his fascination with the sport. Eventually Cid and two friends fight off the neighborhood bullies. After the disappearance of his father and the suicide of his grandmother, Cid spends five years in a brutal orphanage before being claimed by a British cousin who suffered the loss of an arm, a leg, and an eye in the trenches of World War I. “Lefty” becomes a caring father figure to Cid and, along with a drunken, retired Russian fencing master, guides him through the next few years as he learns to fence and studies the great works of Shakespeare. At 16, he is hired to teach local actors how to perform swordplay on the stage. Fate brings his childhood friends back into his life, and they again face the bullies they fought off years earlier, but their tormentors are now under the protection of a wealthy businessman. Of course the final face-off is at a fencing competition. Lunievicz does a good job of portraying the New York City in the 1930s and ’40s that teems with violence and hard living. However, there is a lot going on in this novel. At times it seems too crowded with characters who symbolize many different aspects of the times, but they are generally well drawn and believable. In the end, this is a novel about fencing, and the descriptions of the instruments, the action, and the finely choreographed movements of this elegant sport are riveting. –Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI

MCCALL, Guadalupe Garcia. Under the Mesquite. 224p. glossary. CIP. Lee & Low. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-429-4. LC 2010052567.
Gr 7 Up–This stunning debut novel in verse chronicles the teenage years of Lupita, a character drawn largely from the author’s own childhood. Poised to enter her freshman year in high school, Lupita comfortably straddles the country of her birth, Mexico, and that of her family’s adoptive country, the United States. She and her seven siblings live with their Mami, a gifted gardener and tender of her brood, and Papi, a hardworking construction worker. When her mother is diagnosed with cancer, the disease begins to sap the family’s lives both emotionally and financially. The simplicity of the story line belies the deep richness of McCall’s writing. Lupita, a budding actress and poet, describes the new English words she learned as a child to be “like lemon drops, tart and sweet at the same time” and ears of corn as “sweating butter and painted with chili-powdered lime juice.” Each phrase captures the essence of a moment or the depth of her pain. The power of Lupita’s story lies also in the authenticity of her struggles both large and small, from dealing with her mother’s illness to arguments with friends about acculturation. This book will appeal to many teens for different reasons, whether they have dealt with the loss of a loved one, aspire to write and act, are growing up Mexican American, or seeking their own identity amid a large family. Bravo to McCall for a beautiful first effort.–Jill Heritage Maza, Montclair Kimberley Academy, Montclair, NJ

MABERRY, Jonathan. Dust & Decay. 528p. CIP. S & S. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0235-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0237-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Benny Imura is back, and so are his friends, his brother, and lots of zombies. In the seven months since the teens and Benny’s half brother, Tom, burned down Gameland and killed Charlie Pink-Eye, Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong have been training with Tom, learning samurai skills to help them survive. They plan to leave Mountainside, heading east through Yosemite to find the jet they sighted at the end of Rot & Ruin (S & S, 2010). But their plans are thwarted almost immediately, and once again they are fighting for their lives. Charlie Pink-Eye has been replaced by White Bear, a bounty hunter with grander plans and an axe to grind. A new, bigger Gameland has been opened, and White Bear is determined that the group of friends be the main attraction. It was the evolving relationship between Tom and Benny that gave the first book such emotional depth and complexity. That relationship is now stable and hence less interesting. However, this sequel is chock-full of gory action, complicated teen relationships, and several plot twists. Though the plot from the first book is recapped, readers should still begin with it (and look forward to a third installment). –Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA

MANGUM, Erynn. Sketchy Behavior. 224p. Zondervan. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72144-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-9–Kate Cater, 16, is unwittingly thrust into the middle of a murder investigation when a sketching assignment makes her the target of a serial killer. Kate’s art teacher invites a local police officer into the classroom to talk about the career of a forensic artist and asks her students to give the occupation a try by sketching the portrait of a man currently wanted for murder. Kate’s superior “practice” sketch is leaked to the media, along with her name, and she quickly becomes the murderer’s new target. During her ordeal, Kate begins to question her faith as she ponders the role God plays in the big picture. The book’s pacing is sometimes uneven; the story moves slowly when Kate is stuck at home with her bodyguards, but readers will fly through the scenes where the bad guys are pursuing her. Despite its occasional flaws, the novel is worth adding to collections in which there is strong reader demand for contemporary Christian fiction.–Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

MARR, Melissa & Kelley Armstrong, eds. Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions. 464p. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201579-2; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-06-201578-5; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209324-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–The 16 short stories in this enticing anthology, written by today’s most popular authors of paranormal teen fiction, showcase strong female protagonists (and a few guys) undergoing journeys both actual and spiritual. Readers will be happy to see familiar characters and settings from some of their favorite authors’ novels. The selections feature ghosts, genies, harpies, faeries, necromancers, vampires, psychics, and Untouchables. In Carrie Ryan’s “Scenic Route,” set after “the Change,” two teens living in a remote mountain cabin fight zombies and bandits while constantly dreaming about and planning their ideal road trip. Jessica Verday’s lighthearted “At the Late Night, Double Feature, Picture Show” features a kick-ass heroine battling cannibal Girl Scouts while trying to save defanged Rocky Horror-obsessed vampires after their car breaks down. Margaret Stohl’s wryly funny “IV League” is about two not-so-bright “Drinkers” visiting East Coast Ivy League universities intent on getting admitted despite the fact that these institutions normally won’t take “their kind.” These consistently well-written stories offer something for every taste, whether it’s dark, edgy, and violent or funny and sweet.–Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

MARSDEN, Carolyn. Starfields. 210p. glossary. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4820-6. LC 2010045791.
Gr 4-6–Marsden’s book is best when it focuses on Rosalba, a nine-year-old Mayan girl who lives in a remote area of Mexico and whose people still follow the beliefs of their forebears. Ideas such as appeasing the Earthlord for good weather and crops contradict the contemporary viewpoint of Alicia, a child from Mexico City who is traveling with her father as he researches environmental concerns in the region. Nevertheless, the girls become fast friends. Alicia helps Rosalba realize that her isolated community must take a proactive stance against the damage of encroaching road construction. First, though, Rosalba has to overcome limitations imposed on her by her own culture. Interspersed with the chapters about Rosalba’s fight to make herself heard are the words of an unidentified individual undertaking ancient rituals; these segments are rife with unfamiliar terms, and the tone is overwrought and cryptic. Rosalba and the finally named shaman meet across time and space, but it comes too late to be satisfying. In the final analysis, though, the annoying shaman’s accounts are a minor quibble because Rosalba’s story of self-realization is a strong one, and the juxtaposition of traditional and new ideas delivers considerable food for thought. A burgeoning environmental crisis is timely, as well. –Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

MARTIN, Ann M. Ten Rules for Living with My Sister. 227p. Feiwel & Friends. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-36766-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Nine-year-old Pearl Littlefield always seems to be saying and doing the wrong thing. Consequently her older sister ignores her, or worse, hangs a “no Pearl allowed” sign on her bedroom door. Pearl wants very badly for Lexie to include her in her life and comes up with 10 rules to help her not to annoy her sibling. She finds that when she tries to follow them, she and Lexie get along better. When the girls’ grandfather comes to live with them, Pearl has to move in to Lexie’s bedroom. Both of the girls knows this isn’t going to be easy and they have to adjust to make it work. Filled with humor and realistic family situations, the story takes an emotional turn when it becomes evident that their beloved grandfather has dementia. Sibling rivalry, distracted parents, and aging grandparents aren’t new elements in children’s literature but Martin’s expertise at capturing a character’s authentic voice brings a high level of depth and meaning to this work. The longing to be like her sister comes across loud and clear and will resonate with readers who are, or have, younger siblings or are just trying to find their way with various relationships. Give this book to those who have loved Beverly Cleary’s Beezus and Ramona (Morrow, 1955) and to graduates of Peggy Gifford’s “Moxy Maxwell” stories (Random).–Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL

MARTINEZ, Jessica. Virtuosity. 290p. CIP. S & S/Pulse. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2052-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2054-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–In this riveting novel, 17-year-old violin prodigy Carmen Bianchi is forced to question everything she believes when she falls hard for a rival musician. At first, she is, with her manager mother’s encouragement, completely focused on her career and winning the Guarneri Competition. On her mother’s orders, Carmen even takes prescription pills to steady her nerves during performances. When she meets Jeremy King, her main competition, he helps her see beyond her own sheltered world. This is a beautifully written story, especially the descriptions of the pressures and pleasures of Carmen’s life as a professional musician. Readers will sympathize as she deals with a controlling parent, high-stakes situations, ethical choices, and uncertainties over Jeremy’s romantic motives. Carmen’s mother seems less fully developed, but the budding relationship between the teens is realistic, and the Chicago setting adds to the story. The portrayal of Carmen’s world, in which every performance is terrifying and even one stumble could end her career, is unique and convincing. The novel builds to a satisfying finish as the competition arrives and Carmen discovers a terrible secret. Even readers without much interest in music will enjoy this exceptional novel.–Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Unified School District

MESSER, Stephen. The Death of Yorik Mortwell. illus. by Gris Grimly. 173p. CIP. Random. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86858-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96858-7; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89928-7. LC 2010014255.
Gr 5-8–When spoiled Master Thomas of Ravenby Manor throws a rock at orphaned servant Yorik Mortwell, the 12-year-old falls from a tree and dies. Now a ghost, Yorik quickly acquires a new master, the Princess of the Aviary Glade, who demands that he haunt Ravenby–“You’re a ghost and you’ve got to haunt something”–and to spy on it. Upon returning to the estate, Yorik goes in search of his servant sister, Susan. He encounters a pack of demon-hounds, Master Thomas, and the Yglhfm, evil Dark Ones that sit on shoulders whispering and wreaking havoc. Yorik must find how to defeat them. Full-page, macabre illustrations appear throughout. Lemony Snicket, Harry Potter, and Neil Gaiman enthusiasts will appreciate this engaging, eccentric adventure.–Krista Welz, North Bergen Public Library, NJ

MURDOCK, Catherine Gilbert. Wisdom’s Kiss: A Thrilling and Romantic Adventure, Incorporating Magic, Villainy, and a Cat. 304p. glossary. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-56687-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-10–Murdock welcomes readers back to Montagne in this companion to Princess Ben (Houghton Harcourt, 2008). This delightful romp, set decades after Queen Benevolence passed the throne to future generations, brings together an unlikely trio of allies: adventure-hungry Princess Wisdom, who would rather turn cartwheels and engage in spitting competitions with the coachman than perform her royal duties; Fortitude, a remarkably gifted young woman who dreams only of her long-absent true love’s return; and Tips, a talented circus performer disguised as a soldier, who is caught between the two heroines. Princess Wisdom’s future mother-in-law, Duchess of Farina, has devised a diabolical plot to dispose of the current Queen of Montagne and seize the throne. With assistance from an extraordinary feline, the three must put their differences aside to foil the plot and save the kingdom. But can they make their own dreams come true? Murdock weaves together a colorful tapestry of diary pages, correspondence, encyclopedia entries, and theatrical scripts to create this decidedly unique spin on a beloved fairy tale. Richly developed characters, humor, exciting plot twists, and, of course, magic combine to craft a most enjoyable read. Fans of Gail Carson Levine will be charmed by this witty, whimsical fantasy. Exceptional! –Alissa J. LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI

MYERS, Walter Dean. Checkmate. Bk. 2. 136p. (The Cruisers Series). Scholastic. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-91627-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Zander Scott and the Cruisers are now coping with middle-school pressures at Da Vinci Academy for the Gifted and Talented in Harlem. Vice principal Culpepper asks for their help when Sidney, the school chess prodigy, is picked up by the police for attempting to buy drugs. But as Zander learns, there are no easy answers to serious problems. The novel ends on a hopeful note following a climactic chess match between Da Vinci and a rival school with Sidney’s realization: “It could go wrong, but I know I got some people on my side.” Myers includes his trademark themes, such as personal responsibility, making difficult choices, and coping with pressure, but scales back their intensity for a younger audience. Although setting and language are urban, situations and characters are universal enough to appeal to most middle schoolers. The antidrug message comes through loud and clear, but is authentically expressed by the characters. Although second in a series, Checkmate ably stands alone: personal details about the members and references to how the Cruisers formed provide enough backstory for new readers to know the group well. Zander is an engaging, thoughtful narrator who makes introspection look cool; the three other members of his group are distinct characters in their own right. –M. Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

NERI, G. Ghetto Cowboy. illus. by Jesse Joshua Watson. 224p. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4922-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5449-8. LC 2010007565.
Gr 5-8–Cole has been skipping school so much that he might have to repeat seventh grade. His fed-up mom drives him from Detroit to North Philadelphia to live with the father he’s never met. Feeling abandoned, Cole at first struggles to get along with his father. But eventually his dad’s vocation as a horse-whispering cowboy–he runs a stable in the inner city, which is a safe haven for local kids–gives them a chance to connect. Cole learns the history of black horsemen and how to live the “Cowboy Way,” befriending a horse of his own and joining a fight to save the stable when it’s threatened by the city. This well-written book is based on a true story of urban cowboys in Philadelphia and New York. Cole’s spot-on emotional insight is conveyed through believable dialogue and the well-paced plot offers information about a little-known aspect of African-American history as well as a portrait of contemporary urban stable life. Watson’s illustrations punctuate the intriguing aspects of the story and make the novel more appealing.–Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA

OKIMOTO, Jean Davies. Maya and the Cotton Candy Boy. 192p. glossary. CIP. Endicott and Hugh. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-9823167-4-0; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-9823167-5-7. LC 2011922481.
Gr 4-7–Maya Alazova loves her seventh-grade math class and admits that her face turns beet red when handsome Daniel Moran is assigned as her partner in language arts. While this novel is basically a coming-of-age story with the typical young romance and peer interactions, it also shows the struggles of an immigrant family and the harsh reality of making a life in a new country. Maya, along with her parents and younger brother, came to the United States from Kazakhstan in 1992 in hopes of finding security and opportunities. Maya has done well in her ESL classes and is now mainstreamed into the regular classroom. Some of her classmates are not as understanding as others and she often finds herself the object of jokes and ridicule. When she feels the pressure of school and family issues, she visualizes her home country and the dog she left behind, imagining him at her side and gaining inner strength to help her cope. Simple things like a field-trip permission form or a phone call from a boy take on different meanings when seen through the eyes of someone who has an entirely different cultural perspective. Maya tells her story well, and observant readers will come away with a better understanding of the sacrifices made by similar families. Hopefully they will gain some empathy for the next new kid in the classroom. –Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

OLSEN, Gregg. Envy. Bk. 1. 304p. (An Empty Coffin Novel). Sterling/Splinter. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-8957-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4027-9009-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–Found electrocuted in the bathtub, Katelyn Berkley, 15, who had a history of cutting, appears to have committed suicide. But from chapter one of this thriller there are suggestions that someone else was involved in her death. Hayley and Taylor Ryan, who, along with Katelyn, were the only children to survive a tragic bus crash years earlier, may be the only ones who can uncover the truth. The twins possess a kind of supernatural insight, allowing them to receive messages from the dead via dreams, visions, and Scrabble letters. What emerges is a picture of a lonely girl, a vengeful neighbor, and a fake online boyfriend. An author’s note explains that the events in the book were inspired by one of the earliest cases connecting cyberbullying to teen suicide. This book’s timeliness will give it relevance and appeal to teens who themselves regularly experience social ups and downs online. The author is master of the short, dramatic sentence, at times overusing it in service of the book’s taut, suspenseful mood. With its punchy prose, pop-culture references, and steady stream of unraveling clues, this book has potential for reluctant readers. Give it to teens with a macabre bent, who won’t be turned off by a few genre clichés.–Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

OPPEL, Kenneth. This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. Bk. 1. 304p. S & S. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0315-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0317-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–When Konrad Frankenstein, the beloved twin brother of headstrong, quick-tempered Victor, falls inexplicably and deathly ill, Victor embarks on a dark quest to find a cure. Enlisting the help of his cousin/adopted sister, Elizabeth, and his best friend, Henry Clerval, he seeks a disreputable alchemist named Polidori who sends them to retrieve the ingredients for a potion that will supposedly restore Konrad’s health. However, the potion also has a history of killing those who drink it. Despite the ambiguous nature of the remedy, Victor feverishly follows his course, pulling himself, Henry, and Elizabeth into greater danger with each relentless step. Sharp readers will find allusions to Mary Shelley, her literary circle, and classic horror films; for those simply wanting a good story with plenty of action, this book will not disappoint. Many details remain the same as in the original work; for instance, Victor’s arrogant desire to overcome the power of illness and death makes him a slightly unlikable protagonist. But here’s a sign of a good storyteller: readers may not like Victor, but they will certainly want to find out what happens to him. –Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

OSTERLUND, Anne. Exile. 295p. CIP. Penguin/Speak. 2011. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-14-241-739-3. LC 2010009645.
Gr 7-10–This sequel to Aurelia (Penguin/Speak, 2008) has poor pacing; it is the vivid characters who keep the pages turning. Aurelia, crown princess of Tyralt, is on the run due to the scheming of her sister, Melony. She is joined by Robert, son of the former royal spy and her childhood friend. On their journey, they struggle with their developing feelings for one another–and attempt to stay alive. As they travel to remote noble strongholds, the vast frontier, and the desert, Robert comes to terms with his need to protect Aurelia, and Aurelia faces choosing between her kingdom and Robert. Strong, guarded, sensitive Robert is contrasted with the headstrong and passionate Aurelia. They both make mistakes as they experience new places and people, slowly maturing. The plot itself is rather threadbare. References to time passing are handled clumsily, and a subplot about Aurelia’s mother feels tacked on. Newcomers will feel lost until they figure out the story, but readers of the first book might enjoy finding out what happens next. –Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, MD

PEET, Mal. Life: An Exploded Diagram. 416p. Candlewick. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5227-2; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5631-7. LC 2010042742.
Gr 9 Up–Peet’s brilliant, ambitious novel bridges the years between World War II and the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City, but at its heart is a star-crossed affair set during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The titular life is that of 17-year-old Clem Ackroyd, a working-class boy living in British government-assisted housing. The object of his lust, 16-year-old Frankie Mortimer, resides in ritzy Bratton Manor. Despite their class differences, Clem and Frankie launch a torrid (and top secret) romance, engaging in some eyeball-melting make-out/groping sessions wherever and whenever possible. As the threat of nuclear annihilation grows, Peet effectively juxtaposes the tension surrounding Cuba with the increasingly sexual relationship between the lovers: “I absolutely refuse to die a virgin,” bemoans Frankie at one point. Peet’s immediate writing style brims with fine detail, from the “cigarette and strawberry juice” tastes of the couple’s first kiss to Frankie’s train compartment that “smelled of fart and smoke.” While much of the narrative consists of Clem’s point of view, an omniscient narrator occasionally takes readers into the minds of Frankie and several villagers, and into the respective war rooms of the U.S. and Russia. The horrific ramifications of war are implicitly stated, but not in a heavy-handed way. Recommend this memorable novel to mature teen readers, and if you can wrest away a copy, read it yourself.–Sam Bloom, Groesbeck Branch Library, Cincinnati, OH

PEIRCE, Lincoln. Big Nate on a Roll. Bk. 3. illus. by author. 224p. (Big Nate Series). HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-194438-3; PLB $14.89. ISBN 978-0-06-194439-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–Big Nate is used to being the shining star of his scout troop, but now Artur–Mr. Perfect–is stealing his spotlight. Not only that, but it is Artur’s fault that Nate has detention, and it is his fault that a certain obnoxious girl thinks Nate has a crush on her. The sixth grader is fed up and determined to show that he is better than Mr. Perfect by outselling Artur for the troop’s fund-raiser. At stake is more than Nate’s reputation–the winner also receives a new skateboard. This series is a great answer for kids looking for “Wimpy Kid” read-alikes, and Nate delivers the comic relief and action appealing to reluctant readers. The comic-strip illustrations throughout add to the fun. This book delivers what fans have come to expect.–Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA

PERKINS, Stephanie. Lola and the Boy Next Door. 340p. Dutton. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42328-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9-11–Seventeen-year-old Lola lives with her two fathers in San Francisco. An aspiring costume designer, she has an extreme style and a penchant for outlandish outfits, sequins, and wigs and no longer cares what anyone else thinks about her exotic outfits. She also dreams of a future with her boyfriend, Max, as he pursues his rock-and-roll career. But life rarely follows a plan, and Lola’s seems to be falling apart. Her parents don’t like Max, who is 22, and seem to go out of their way to express their displeasure (not that the restrictions have stopped Max and Lola’s more amorous activities). Then Cricket Bell, the guy who broke Lola’s heart two years earlier, and his twin sister move back into the house next door, and Lola’s unstable birth mother moves in until she can find a new place to live. As everything begins to come apart at the seams, she learns that, like fabric, life’s pieces can be sewn back together to create something better than what was originally designed. Perkins’s novel goes a bit deeper than standard chick-lit fare, and Lola is a sympathetic protagonist even when readers disagree with her decisions. Her shaken certainties and the obstacles that are thrown in her path give her maturity and depth and, ultimately, settle her more firmly into her dreams with a greater confidence. Secondary characters are well developed and lend believability to the novel. Step back–it’s going to fly off the shelves. –Heather Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL

RANDALL, Thomas. Spirits of the Noh. Bk. 2. 272p. (The Waking Series). Bloomsbury. 2011. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-251-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Kara, an American expat attending high school in Japan, again finds herself pitted against a demon from Japanese mythology that has come to life and is threatening her friends. Despite this inventive and intriguing premise, the narrative is often bogged down by an overabundance of explanations about the characters’ motivations. Moreover, heavy-handed foreshadowing in the prologue diminishes any sense of tension as readers immediately know who and what are behind the attacks, and are merely left waiting for the characters to piece together the puzzle. Although the writing, characterization, and pacing leave something to be desired, the author’s attention to cultural authenticity brings richness and texture to the story. Details of Japanese school life such as osoji, the students’ daily ritual of cleaning their school, are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, and the traditions of Noh theater, so integral to the plot, are outlined with clarity and ease. Also, the beautifully described setting of Miyazu, home to one of the three most famous vistas in Japan, allows readers to expand their knowledge of the Japanese landscape beyond Tokyo. The paranormal aspects of the story and the excellent portrayal of both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture will draw in an audience, especially among manga and anime fans.–Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

REED, Amy. Clean. 272p. CIP. S & S/Pulse. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1344-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1346-7. LC 2010026771.
Gr 9 Up–Olivia (Ms. Perfect, who is not addicted to diet pills), Kelly (pretty messed up: alcohol and sex definitely go together), Christopher (homeschooled, church-going, mom’s “little angel,” possibly gay meth head), Jason (dad not very nice, to say the least), and Eva (talks about herself in dramatic third person) all tell of being in rehab along with the Scary Guys: Gas Man, Satan Worshipper, Heroin Addict, and Compulsive Liar. All appear to be white and mainly middle or upper class. Chapter headings alternate between “Drug & Alcohol History Questionnaire,” “Group,” “Personal Essay,” and the names of the teens. This is a quick, frank read, with humor, information, and action that will keep teens interested. Those who read Reed’s Beautiful (S & S, 2009)–and even those who haven’t–will be drawn to the great cover, and fans of Ellen Hopkins will love this novel. One quibble, however: a rant by a counselor about race and class is likely to alienate some readers.–Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA

ROLLINS, James. Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx. 370p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-147382-1. LC 2010045619.
Gr 5-9–In this sequel to Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow (HarperCollins, 2009), Jake’s wild adventures take readers on a journey through space and time, where Nefertiti and her father, Pharaoh Neferhotep, are waging war against the Skull King and his minions, who are hunting Jake and his sister, Kady. The siblings don’t know if their parents are alive or dead. When a new exhibit on Egypt opens at the American Museum of Natural History, they discover that it is sponsored by Bledsworth Sundries and Industries, the company thought to be behind their parents’ disappearance. They take a close look at the mummified body that they heard was half-man, half-bird and discover that it is a grakyl–a deadly creature from another world that gives a warning to Jake and Kady: the Skull King will find and kill them and everyone they love. Suddenly they are back in Pangaea with their friends from the previous book, facing danger and adventure at every turn. And they must defeat the Skull King or the bridge between one time and another could be closed forever. A wild ride with some quick-thinking teens fighting for survival.–Kathryn Kennedy, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA

SALES, Leila. Past Perfect. 320p. S & S. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0682-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0684-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Chelsea Glaser, 16, is finally old enough to get a job at the mall where normal people spend their summers instead of at the Colonial Essex Village where she’s been working with her parents since she was six. However, her friend Fiona convinces her to spend one more summer as a historical interpreter, and Chelsea’s previous life comes back to haunt her when her ex-boyfriend, Ezra, shows up for orientation. It’s not unusual for a main character to ponder reconnecting with an old flame or pursue a forbidden love interest, but what sets Past Perfect apart is that it takes place in a colonial reenactment village complete with costumes, romance, and an ongoing rivalry with the Civil War reenactors across the street. Chelsea is an appealing narrator with a sharp sense of humor, and readers will tear through this novel to find out whether she reunites with Ezra or gets together with Dan from the rival museum. Although there is no surprise ending here, this is a satisfying and fun read.–Rachael Myers-Ricker, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY

SANDLER, Karen. Tankborn. 373p. Lee & Low/Tu Books. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-662-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Mishalla and Kayla have been best friends for as long as they can remember, but as they near their 15th birthdays, they know they may never see each other again. In their world, GEN’s (short for Genetically Engineered Non-Humans) are given their work assignments at that age and are not allowed any contact with former friends or nurture parents. What the girls do not realize is just how dangerous their assignments are about to become as both of them get embroiled in a plot to uncover decades-old information regarding genetic manipulation, scientific scandal, and corruption at the highest levels of government. In her first novel for teens, Sandler has created a fascinating dystopian world in which a caste system, supported by manipulated historical records and a religion based solely on insuring the obedience of the GENs, was manufactured by their ancestors who escaped a dying Earth two centuries earlier. The author’s speculative vision of the darker side of future possibilities in genetic engineering and mind control is both chilling and thought-provoking. This is a dark novel that will appeal to those who enjoyed M.T. Anderson’s Feed (Candlewick, 2002), and it would make a good stepping-stone to Anthony Burgess’s classic, A Clockwork Orange (W.W. Norton, 1963). –Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

SCHROEDER, Lisa. Sprinkles and Secrets. 224p. S & S/Aladdin. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2263-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2265-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–In this sequel to It’s Raining Cupcakes (S & S, 2010), Isabel has won a baking contest and now it is her BFF’s turn to make her dream of becoming an actress come true. The only problem is that the TV commercial Sophie’s been offered is for Beatrice’s Brownies, the rival bakery to Isabel’s family’s shop. When she has to choose between her big break and her best friend, she stalls by lying. The story is told in a similar style to the first book with chapter headings named after favorite treats. Sophie is a likable girl who cares very much about her friends. However, as in the previous story, supporting characters lack depth, including Isabel. Sophie’s creative solutions to her problems are realistically kidlike, and the happy ending will give readers the warm and fuzzies, as will the included recipes.–Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

SHREVE, Susan. The Lovely Shoes. 252p. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-68049-3. LC 2010027937.
Gr 5-9–Franny lives with her mother, Margaret, who is Danish, and her father, a pediatrician. In 1950s Ohio, she knows that Easterbrook’s residents are judging her mother, who is beautiful and carefree. She knows that they are also judging her; due to a birth defect, her left foot curls in, and she has always had to wear big, ugly orthopedic shoes to correct her way of walking. After a particularly embarrassing episode at her school’s Valentine’s Day dance, Franny simply locks herself in her room, too mortified to go to school or be seen. She blames her mother for the incident–toilet paper stuffed inside more stylish shoes to make them fit unceremoniously trails out of said shoes, but her mother has another idea up her sleeve. Margaret decides to write famous shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo to ask him to create a last so that Franny may have beautiful shoes forever. Signor Ferragamo agrees, and she and her mother make the trip of a lifetime to Italy. It is there that the girl discovers her true self with the help of her mother, Signor Ferragamo, and a boy named Filippo. This is a sweet, touching story about differences, cruelty, and finding out who you really are. Franny’s voice is authentic, and readers will experience, through her words, what it’s like to feel so very different from everyone else.–Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

SKOVRON, Jon. Misfit. 362p. CIP. Abrams/Amulet. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0021-7. LC 2010048691.
Gr 8 Up–Jael’s father tells her hardly anything about her mother or his past. They move often and are currently living in Seattle, where he teaches at the Catholic school she attends. On her 16th birthday, he gives her a strange necklace that belonged to her mother. He warns her not to wear it and when she does she has visions of his past and of her mother. Astarte was a goddess, a demoness, who came to Paul while he was in seminary. They fought demons together until Astarte sacrificed herself to save their daughter. The Grand Duke of Hell, Belial, continues to hunt them to this day. Paul didn’t want Jael to know about her past, but Astarte’s brother Dagon appears to her as well as Asmodeus and between them and her visions, Jael learns about her mother and her own powers, which have been restored to her. This gripping story, steeped in myth and religion, will have readers on the edge of their seats as Jael fights for her life against Belial, who is determined to kill her. Jael is a strong, believable character who also kicks butt!–Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

SULLIVAN, Laura L. Guardian of the Green Hill. 304p. CIP. Holt. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8985-1. LC 2010029231.
Gr 4-7–Just weeks after the climactic events of the Midsummer War in Under the Green Hill (Holt, 2010), Meg Morgan is beginning to understand the ramifications of her actions on that fateful night of the fairy battle. Mythological entities the world has not seen for generations are awakening, and no one is sure what that will mean. Meanwhile, the occupants of the Rookery are faced with a new threat in the form of Gwidion Thomas, an artist with a familial connection and sinister intentions toward the Guardian, Meg’s great-great-aunt. As Meg struggles with the possibility of becoming the next Guardian, her youngest brother is taken by the fairies, and she might be the only one who can save him. With rich language and an abundance of interesting characters, Sullivan continues the story of the Morgan siblings and their friends as they navigate the exciting and dangerous crossover between the human and fairy worlds. Sullivan’s writing has a timelessness that contrasts nicely with Meg’s distinctly modern ideas and weaves a compelling story that will pull readers along. Though there is summary information about the first book scattered throughout, readers will benefit from familiarity with the characters and events in the preceding title. The ending leaves plenty of potential for future adventures.–Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

SUZUMA, Tabitha. Forbidden. 454p. CIP. S & S/Pulse. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1995-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2754-9. LC 2010027433.
Gr 10 Up–To call the Whitely family dysfunctional is a gross understatement. The father left, and the mother’s time is consumed with work, her boyfriend, and drinking, so 16-year-old Maya and 17-year-old Lochan take charge of their three younger siblings. While maintaining good grades, the teens keep house, cook, clean, and care for the children while confiding in one another. In many ways they are mature beyond their years but in truth they are neglected children looking for love and stability. The story gently unfolds through the alternate voices of Maya and Lochan. What may begin as tender moments of caring between a brother and sister eventually turns to incest. They know society abhors incest and the two are in turn disgusted and ashamed, but then defensive and hopeful about their sexual relationship. It’s a credit to the author that she is able to create genuine compassion for characters involved in this cultural taboo.–Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

URBAN, Linda. Hound Dog True. 162p. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-547-55869-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–Mattie Breen is a self-conscious and sensitive child about to begin fifth grade in her fifth school. This time, she and her mother are back in her mother’s girlhood home with Uncle Potluck, the “Director of Custodial Arts” at the school Mattie is slated to attend. She dreads the prospect of recesses and lunch times–any times where she might find herself in unpredictable social situations–so she devises a plan to become her uncle’s invaluable assistant. As he prepares the school during the last week of summer, Mattie accompanies him and records “Custodial Wisdom” in a silver notebook. She hopes to impress him so that he will want her help during the school day. Uncle Potluck is an intelligent, positive character, and he adds an extra heap of credibility to his many stories by referring to them as “hound dog true.” He is a kind and sensitive example for his reclusive niece–a storyteller, like her. Quinn, who is visiting next door, and is as much an artist as Mattie is a writer, also makes a start in bringing the timid girl out of her shell. The most action readers will find in this story is Uncle Potluck tripping over a vacuum cleaner cord, but the characters are well limned, and Mattie’s perceptions and observations add a tender dimension. There are many books that offer adventure and twists and unusual story lines. Most of them do not offer young readers such fine writing and real characters. That is hook enough.–Corrina Austin, Locke’s Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

VAN DIEPEN, Allison. The Vampire Stalker. 257p. CIP. Scholastic/Point. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-28375-5. LC 2010028519.
Gr 8 Up–Amy, 17, is a huge fan of the popular “Otherworld” novels. She adores Alex, the handsome vampire-slayer protagonist. Without knowing how, Alex chases Vigo, an evil vampire, through a temporary portal and ends up in Amy’s real world of modern-day Chicago. The development of the story relies heavily on convenience and the unbelievable, predictable traits of a one-dimensional cast. Amy’s clueless mom allows Alex, a moody boy she’s never met, to stay at their apartment for a few days, thus providing a snug environment for the teens to bond. Also, Amy is good friends with the super-hip school librarian, who used to study a little-known branch of science called “literary physics.” She still has connections at the university, where she can borrow special equipment for locating portals between dimensions, thus providing Alex a way to get back to Otherworld. Chrissy, Amy’s unrelentingly bratty, rebellious eighth-grade sister, agrees to meet in person a guy she met on Facebook. He turns out to be Vigo (he caught on to 21st-century technology quickly). He kidnaps Chrissy, thus sparking a final showdown between him and Alex. When Vigo makes a ransom call to Amy, she recognizes a “ping” sound in the background as one that is played at the end of the announcements at a particular store at a particular mall; thus she and Alex are able to track Vigo there. The police ready themselves for the vampire onslaught by “having wooden stakes made” as if wooden stakes are hard to come by and must be special-ordered. Suspension of disbelief is unsustainable. –Jennifer Prince, Buncombe County Public Library, NC

VERNICK, Audrey. Water Balloon. 310p. Clarion. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-59554-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Seventh-graders Jane, Leah, and Marley have been best friends forever, riding bikes, playing their own version of Monopoly, and enjoying their annual water-balloon blitz. Then Marley’s father moves out, and everything changes. She has to spend the summer with him in his new place where nothing is familiar. Jane and Leah are going to theater camp and are inseparable, and Marley’s dad has gotten her a job babysitting twins. When Jane invites Marley to her pool party (complete with high school boys), Marley decides that this is the perfect time for the blitz, but she quickly realizes that she has made a mistake. Jane and Leah have outgrown Monopoly, the water balloons, and her. Luckily, there is Jack, the boy who just might make the summer memorable for Marley. The book moves along at a pace that will keep tweens interested, and the dialogue among the characters feels real. Marley’s relationships with her friends and family are complex, and even the most reluctant readers will relate to her and the choices that she makes. Put this book on your “must-have” list. It won’t stay on the shelves long.–Tammy DiBartolo, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA

VRETTOS, Adrienne Maria. Burnout. 190p. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9469-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4391-6312-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Nan has been clean for awhile now. After months of drinking heavily that culminated in a night when she almost died, she willingly went to rehab, got sober, and went home. But now she’s waking up in the subway in a Halloween costume gone wrong, skeleton makeup on her face, and absolutely no idea how she got there or what happened the day before. Did she relapse or is something sinister going on? And, what happened to her friend Seemy? In this exciting and fast-paced thriller, readers get to know Nan through a series of flashbacks that are interspersed with the nightmare she’s in now–scared, alone, and unable to remember anything from the day before. She tries to retrace her steps as best she can by going back to places that were important to her and Seemy before she went to rehab and she and Seemy drifted apart. Although at first readers might think that all that’s important is the mystery of Nan and Halloween night, they will soon be pulled in not only by Nan’s current predicament, but also by the chain of events that led to her implied downfall. The book serves as an in-depth analysis of Nan herself, and readers will become engrossed in her story and the decisions that led her to this breaking point. The novel is gripping and will keep readers glued to their seats, wanting to know if Nan will ever remember what really happened on that terrifying night.–Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

WAGNER, Hilary. The White Assassin. Bk. 2. 242p. (The Nightshade Chronicles). CIP. Holiday House. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2333-0. LC 2011009579.
Gr 4-7–Three years have passed since the underground city of Nightshade was liberated by intelligent and long-lived rats led by Juniper in Nightshade City (Holiday House, 2010). Now, the White Assassin, Billycan, has returned ready to exact revenge. He rules over a horde of simple-minded, savage swamp rats willing to do his dirty work. Carn, whose family was murdered by Billycan, intends to go undercover and capture him so that Juniper can use truth serum on him to find out the plans for overthrowing Nightshade. Carn meets smart and pretty Oleander; teaming up with her and her group proves both beneficial and dangerous when Billycan is captured and dark secrets emerge. When Billycan’s son, Julius, who is being raised by Juniper, is kidnapped, alliances are broken, lies are exposed, and lives are lost. Much of the story alternates between Billycan’s emerging memories from the time he spent in an experimental lab and the present-day Trillium rats as they try to uncover the truth regarding Billycan’s past. Readers not familiar with the first book may find themselves needing further background information to keep the vast array of characters straight. Fans of Brian Jacques’s “Redwall” series (Philomel) will enjoy another fast-paced fantasy with dastardly villains and unsuspecting heroes. As in the first book, Wagner has built up to a crescendo climax with a big cliff-hanger that will keep fans clamoring for more.–Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

WARDLAW, Lee. 101 Ways to Bug Your Friends and Enemies. Bk. 3. 288p. (101 Ways Series). CIP. Dial. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3262-9. LC 2011001161.
Gr 6-8–Steve “Sneeze” Wyatt, eighth grader and aspiring inventor, is having one heck of a year. Now that he’s taking a few classes at the high school, things are becoming very complicated with friends and enemies alike: he’s in love with Hayley, who, in turn, is in love with his high-school friend Cullen; he and best friend Hector (aka “Hiccup”) are having spats; and a varsity golfer is bullying him. On top of that, his Nice Alarm was rejected at the Invention Convention®, which has put a damper on his ambition, and his hapkido class is interfering with his job at Gadabout Golf, which he loves. With a unique cast of characters (including supportive parents) and plenty of conflict and humor, this is a good choice for reluctant readers, including those who haven’t read the first two books.–Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Peachtree Montessori International, Ann Arbor, MI

WELSH, M. L. Mistress of the Storm: A Verity Gallant Tale. 320p. CIP. Random/David Fickling Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-75244-2; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-75245-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89917-1. LC 2010018721.
Gr 4-8–Verity Gallant, 12, has always been the odd one out–the plain, dark-haired child overlooked in favor of her pretty, talented younger sister, Poppy. Her life changes dramatically after she receives an old book from an exotic stranger whom she sees in her local library. It tells the legends of the Mistress of the Storm, a being who commands obedience and terrifies all who cross her. Suddenly, the girls’ never-before-seen step-grandmother appears, taking over Verity’s room and taking an immediate dislike to the child. New friends Henry and Martha help Verity deal with the cruel woman and try to make sense of the stories she reads. As she begins to understand the many secrets about her family and the truths that are hidden in the book, she realizes that her life is in danger and that she needs to find strength and courage to save her parents and sister. An action-packed conclusion brings answers to many questions and offers a new beginning. Welsh has created a moving and gripping fantasy that will keep readers guessing and a cast of characters that moves beyond stereotypes and expectations, including a variety of helpful grown-ups. Verity is a sympathetic and engaging heroine, and readers will appreciate her friendships and relationship with Poppy, who becomes more sympathetic and supportive as the story evolves. Verity’s grandmother is a threatening, looming presence, and her meek parents add a touch of humor. Fantasy fans will enjoy discovering along with Verity that behind everyday small-town life is a world that offers hidden magic–and not-so-hidden danger.–Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

WHITE, Ruth. A Month of Sundays. 176p. CIP. Farrar. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-39912-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4299-3370-4. LC 2010036311.
Gr 5-7–Times are tough for a single mom in Elkhorn City so when April Garnet Rose turns 14, her mother decides to move from Kentucky to Florida where there are more and better jobs. Garnet will stay with her father’s sister, June, and her family in Black Rock, VA, while her mom gets established and settled. However, she has never met her father (he left before she was born) or any of his family. Though Garnet is initially uncomfortable with Aunt June, her husband, and their sons, she comes to appreciate family and the small community. She also realizes why her aunt is so actively seeking God by visiting different churches each week. When June’s cancer disappears, she attributes it to faith healing by Reverent Shepherd, whose son, Silver, has become Garnet’s first love, but a tragic accident results in her first loss. Garnet narrates her journey of discovery and heartbreak, maturation, and growing understanding. It is her voice that makes the relatively speedy resolution plausible. As in her other novels, White captures a small rural community in the mid-1950s that is peopled with likable, memorable characters.–Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

WINTERS, Ben H. The Mystery of the Missing Everything. 264p. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196544-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209340-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Bethesda Fielding, previously featured in The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman (Harper, 2010), is now an eighth grader at Mary Todd Lincoln Middle School. She relishes solving a good mystery and gets the chance to do so when the school’s lone sports trophy is stolen from a glass case near the office. Principal Van Vreeland, portrayed in broad caricature, overreacts to the theft by canceling all school trips, even the popular week of outdoor education at Taproot Valley. In response, Bethesda determines to solve the crime, and the plot moves along in a humorous and engaging style while the mystery seems to expand in several unforeseen directions. For instance, someone tries to thwart her investigation by flattening her bike tires and filling her locker with silly string. And her friend Tenny Boyer, whom she recruits to interview suspects, won’t divulge why he has returned to MTLMS after beginning the year at another school. Noises in the school’s ductwork and the letters “IOM” inscribed on the wall of the smashed trophy case add further puzzling details. Ms. Finkleman gets involved by seeking funds for the eighth grade’s “Save Taproot Valley” Web video. At an assembly, she fingers Tenny as the culprit in a dramatic effort to catch the real thief. Winters differentiates his large cast of characters by providing insights into a variety of adolescent vulnerabilities, making this a case that will interest both solid and reluctant mystery readers.–Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT

WOLF, Allan. The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic . 472p. bibliog. notes. Web sites. CIP. Candlewick. Oct. 2011. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-10-7636-3703-3. LC 2010040150.
Gr 7 Up–Returning to the free-verse narrative structure of New Found Land: Lewis and Clark’s Voyage of Discovery (Candlewick, 2007), Wolf gives another watershed historical event a fictional, strongly internalized, obsessively researched treatment. Here the tragedy of the Titanic plays out in 24 voices–including those of survivors and victims–from Captain E.J. Smith down to Lolo Navratil (a toddler who was the last living male passenger), along with a ship’s rat, and even the iceberg itself, plus occasional abstract interludes and actual telegrams. All of the poems are headed by identifying names and tags (“John Jacob Astor/The Millionaire”); most are long introspections or contrasting takes on shipboard encounters and incidents. Despite breaking now and then into blank, concrete, or irregularly rhymed verse, they display a sameness of cadence and language that gives the whole work epic scope, but makes many of the individual points of view hard to distinguish from one another. Rounded off with more than 30 pages of published references, summary biographies, and factual material condensed from the “sea of information” compiled about the disaster’s course and victims, this doorstopper will likely overwhelm younger audiences, but will be meat and drink to “Titaniacs” (as the author dubs them) of the more rabid sort. –John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library

WOODS, Brenda. Saint Louis Armstrong Beach. 144p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25507-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Saint Louis Armstrong Beach is an 11-year-old, clarinet-playing resident of Tremé, a neighborhood near the French Quarter in New Orleans. As Saint saves up his street-performing tips for a new clarinet and tries to make sense of his broken relationship with his former best friend, a catastrophic storm gathers. Saint is forced to evacuate the city, but decides to turn back in search of the neighborhood stray dog. He ends up heading right into the path of Hurricane Katrina. With his engaging voice, readers will quickly take a shine to Saint. The dialogue is strong, smooth, and natural. The food, music, and tempo of New Orleans all come to life, told with an efficiency that keeps interest high. The conclusion is a bit abrupt, however, leaving some loose ends. Woods skillfully provides a sense of the growing tension as the storm approaches. The real-life events of Hurricane Katrina–the evacuation, the levees failing, the Superdome– are integrated smoothly into the story. While the tragedy of the event is not glossed over, the overall theme is one of hope.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

YOO, David. The Detention Club. 304p. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-178378-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7 –On the first day of sixth grade, Peter and his friend Drew are shocked to discover that they are no longer popular. Familiar things no longer seem important to their classmates (“That’s so fifth grade!”), many of them became friendly with students from the other elementary school over the summer, and the school bullies have spotted them and are determined to make them miserable. The boys conduct several “get-popular-quick schemes,” all of them ending in disappointment or disaster. Additionally, someone is on the prowl, determined to take something from every person. If Peter and Drew can catch the thief, then maybe they could finally recapture their lost stature. Yoo’s quirky characters come off a little uneven, good for only an occasional laugh. While this story may hold some kids over until the next “Wimpy Kid” release, most libraries can safely pass.–Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY

Nonfiction

ARETHA, David. Black Power. 128p. (The Civil Rights Movement Series). photos. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2011. PLB $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-164-3. LC 2010046103.
Gr 9 Up–Aretha’s history of the Black Power movement begins where many Civil Rights accounts leave off, with the formation of organizations that rejected nonviolence as too slow and ineffectual a means of achieving racial equality. Black Power is often associated with militancy, and both sides of that image are presented here. Aretha examines the foundations of the movement and the backlash against it, the Black Pride and Black Arts movements, and the state of Black Power in the age of Obama. Illustrations are mainly photographs, both historical and contemporary; the one exception is a page from a coloring book put out by the FBI to discredit the Black Panthers. The caption is slightly unclear, but the text resolves the matter. This is a solid introduction to a subject that teens may have read about in fiction like Kekla Magoon’s The Rock and the River (S & S, 2009).–Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

BANKSTON, John. Jacqueline Wilson. 128p. ISBN 978-1-60413-773-6. LC 2010047679.
BAPTISTE, Tracey. Sharon Creech. 118p. reprods. ISBN 978-1-60413-774-3. LC 2010030595.
ea vol: (Who Wrote That? Series). photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2011. PLB $35.
Gr 5-8–Wilson knew from an early age that writing was her calling. Growing up in a turbulent home and dropping out of school at 16 pushed her to start writing for Jackie, a magazine for teenage girls. This well-written biography includes a quick-paced, fact-filled synopsis of her life. A dense introduction to Creech’s career, books, and personal life creates a thorough biography. Detailed descriptions make this book interesting to the author’s followers, but students unfamiliar with her work will find the book overwhelming and full of random pictures that create a confused organization. Only true fans will find the quotes, personal information, and publishing details of interest.–Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

BAUER, Helen. Beethoven for Kids: His Life and Music. 144p. diag. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Chicago Review. Oct. 2011. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56976-711-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-8–This well-written text tells the story of Beethoven’s life and music from his birth in Bohn to his death in Vienna. Bauer explains some terms contextually and defines others in a three-page glossary. Even so, readers already familiar with musical terminology will have an easier time understanding the book. The text winds above and around rather lengthy information boxes that describe places and people who influenced Beethoven. The material in them is interesting but reading it breaks up and slows down the main narrative. The activities primarily explore the composer’s music. For example, one activity suggests designing a CD cover for a collection of Beethoven’s music. Most of the suggestions are entertaining, but some, like writing program notes for a Beethoven symphony, are less likely to appeal to average children. The book is handsomely formatted with decorative boarders and illustrated with black-and-white reproductions of archival artwork. This is a good choice for young musicians who are willing to put some effort into learning about a great composer’s life and work.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

BELGE, Kathy & Marke Bieschke. Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens. illus. by Christian Robinson. 176p. further reading. index. Web sites. Zest. 2011. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-9819733-4-0. LC 2010936579.
Gr 9 Up–This important and lively book covers a range of emotional and physical health topics. Subjects run the gamut from self-identity through queerphobia to dating and sex. By keeping the tone light and humorous, the authors keep readers engaged while imparting all kinds of information. They address a wide range of maturity and experience levels and provide accurate facts as well as some discussion of possible emotions. Both authors contribute occasional sidebar stories that come directly from their own experiences. Simple cartoon-style illustrations add to the appeal.–Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

BERLATSKY, Noah, ed. The Taliban. 226p. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). charts. bibliog. index. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2011. PLB $39.70. ISBN 978-0-7377-5239-7; pap. $27.50. ISBN 978-0-7377-5240-3. LC 2010030907.
Gr 8 Up–This volume centers around four main questions: “Who Are the Taliban?”; “How Should the United States Deal with the Taliban?”; “What Is the Taliban’s Relationship with Pakistan?”; and “What Is the Taliban’s Relationship with Other Nations?” It is within this framework that key leaders and experts such as Barack Obama, Peter Bergen, and Dmitry Shlapentokh explore issues from America’s transitional military strategy to how the U.S. economic crisis has forced Russia and China into an uneasy alliance against the Taliban. Each chapter contains a brief preface and is packed with a diversity of nuanced arguments concerning Pakistan, shaky economics, the Afghan drug trade, and shifting geopolitics. The volume includes a handful of sidebars and charts and concludes with the contact information for related organizations such as the Afghanistan Relief Organization and the U.S.-Afghanistan Women’s Council. With fresh, varied perspectives, this book equips students with the critical-thinking skills necessary in a world of ever-increasing partisan extremism.–Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

BINGHAM, Jane. The Great Depression, 1921-1937: The Jazz Age, Prohibition, and Economic Decline. ISBN 978-1-60413-933-4; ISBN 978-1-4381-3711-7. LC 2010044889.
–––– . Women at War, 1900-1920: The Progressive Era, World War I, and Women’s Suffrage. reprods. ISBN 978-1-60413-932-7; ISBN 978-1-4381-3634-9. LC 2010044828.
COSTER, Patience. A New Deal for Women, 1938-1960: The Expanding Roles of Women. reprods. ISBN 978-1-60413-934-1; ISBN 978-1-4381-3651-6. LC 2010045959.
GORMAN, Jacqueline Laks. The Modern Feminist Movement, 1961-1979: Sisters Under the Skin. ISBN 978-1-60413-935-8; ISBN 978-1-4381-3711-7. LC 2010045990.
STEARMAN, Kaye & Patience Coster. Women of Today, 1980-Present: Contemporary Issues and Conflicts. ISBN 978-1-60413-936-5; ISBN 978-1-4381-3710-0. LC 2010046014.
ea vol: 64p. (A Cultural History of Women in America Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2011. PLB $35.; ebook $35.
Gr 5 Up–Eye-catching layouts with good use of color, photographs, and informative sidebars, many of which use primary-source quotations, are the highlights of these appealing volumes. Each one consists of a brief introduction and eight topical chapters. After a succinct overview of contemporary events, the chapters describe women’s lives at home, at work, in education, in politics, in the arts, and their role in the general culture. Women of color are included, often in a separate chapter. Women at War explores the changing role of women during the Progressive Era, the impact of World War I on their lives, and the struggle for voting rights. The Great Depression surveys an era after women won the right to vote and when the nation’s economic crash placed new hardships on families. New opportunities for women were a part of the New Deal and World War II and together changed American culture–these topics are explored in the volume covering the years 1938-1960. The Modern Feminist Movement delves into the years of protest and quest for equal rights. The final volume, Women of Today, highlights women’s achievements, including U.S. Supreme Court justices, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and presidential candidates. These volumes are rapid reads and introduce a wide range of political, economic, social, and cultural history. Readers are sure to linger over the excellent selection of photographs. Worthy additions for all history collections.–Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges

CURRIE-MCGHEE, Leanne. Exercise Addiction. 96p. (Diseases & Disorders Series). charts. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. notes. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Lucent. 2011. PLB $33.45. ISBN 978-1-4205-0551-1. LC 2010039535.
Gr 6 Up–Extremely readable, with helpful illustrations and sidebars, this book includes a definition of exercise addiction (with symptoms), describes how it may be related to other psychological disorders, profiles the types of people most at risk for developing it, discusses psychological and physiological dangers, and offers treatment options. The signs are given frequently, but since the book is targeted for adolescents, who can develop problems with body image, the repetition is warranted. Personal stories appear throughout, and there is a helpful list of questions for readers to ask themselves. This volume is interesting enough to read even if not required for an assignment. –Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

ELIAS, Jamal J. This Is Islam: From Muhammad and the Community of Believers to Islam in the Global Community. 120p. (This World of Ours Series). chart. maps. photos. reprods. further reading. index. CIP. Berkshire Pub. 2011. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-933782-81-2. LC 2010023974.
Gr 9 Up–This short work aims to teach about Islam in the post 9/11 cultural climate of misconception and fear of Muslims. Elias’s intent is to inform readers about the religion from a historical perspective and to avoid cultural biases. The major topics and keywords of Islamic studies are covered in comprehensive but readable chapters that are complete with pictures and graphics displaying information, quick facts, and discussion topics. The author includes a list of scholarly resources that will aid teachers and students with further research. Some chapters are oddly placed. It is difficult to see why philosophy and theology, considerably advanced topics, are discussed before more basic chapters on the pillars of Islam and mosque life. Also, there is no section specifically on Islamic art and architecture. Other chapters suffer slightly due to their brevity. In his discussion of theology, the author introduces readers to most of the major theological schools in early Islam, but curiously omits the role of the influential Hanbali theology that informs many contemporary revival and reform movements, a discussion somewhat analogous to introducing Christian theology without mentioning the Protestant reformers. Despite these minor weaknesses, the work will give readers a solid overview of Islam along with tools for further investigation.–Justin Parrott, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

FINGER, Brad. 13 Photos Children Should Know. unpaged. photos. chron. glossary. Prestel. 2011. PLB $14.95. ISBN 978-3-7913-7047-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Thirteen photos that depict famous moments range from Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 landing in France to the Deepwater Horizon disaster of 2010. The choices are quite diverse, capturing the celebratory moments of Beatlemania, the Olympics in China in 2008, and the romantic wedding of Charles and Diana. Images also show political triumphs, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech in 1963, and the tragedy of 9/11. Personal triumphs include Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay at the summit of Mt. Everest, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on the moon, and an impish Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue. The pictures showcase the subjects and some, such as Lewis Hines’s photo of the workers on the Empire State building, show the genius of the photographer. The brief text gives a basic introduction to these events and people. Overall, the images seem rather random, and photos of these moments are available from many sources.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

FRADIN, Judith Bloom & Dennis Brindell Fradin. Tornado!: The Story Behind These Twisting, Turning, Spinning, and Spiraling Storms. 64p. maps. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0779-9; PLB $26.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0780-5. LC 2010042813.
Gr 4-6–A welcome and popular addition on a topic that always needs updating. Like many other general surveys, this narrative contains eye-witness accounts, old newspaper headlines, and lists of the worst tornadoes in U.S. history. Without the gimmicks of the foldout pages of Mary Kay Carson’s Inside Tornadoes (Sterling, 2010), the intensity and power of these brief but deadly storms are shown in large color photographs, drawings, and diagrams. While there are similarities in design–text and text boxes at a modest slant as in Cynthia Pratt Nicolson’s Tornado! (Kids Can, 2003)–the authors’ use of National Geographic’s scrapbooklike graphics with text boxes looking like torn and windblown pieces of paper is engaging. The updating of the tornado rating system known as the Enhanced Fujita (EF) makes earlier works slightly outdated, although this season’s tornadoes make even this work almost outdated. A two-page global map of tornado locations and intensities is included.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

FRANCIS, Amy, ed. Should the United States Be Multilingual? 120p. ISBN 978-0-7377-4892-5; ISBN 978-0-7377-4893-2. LC 2010037586.
LANKFORD, Ronald D., Jr. Green Cities. 110p. ISBN 978-0-7377-5151-2; ISBN 978-0-7377-5152-9. LC 2010037581.
ea vol: (At Issue Series). bibliog. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2011. Tr $31.80; pap. $22.50.
Gr 7 Up–In a pro vs. con approach that is standard fare for such works, Multilingual takes on the value of linguistic diversity. Green Cities addresses disputes over suburban vs. urban sustainability, the rebuilding of New Orleans, and the value of local agriculture. Each work begins with an introductory overview followed by brief arguments drawn from a diversity of newspapers, journals, government documents, and published monographs. Titles of positions put forward are “English-Only Legislation Causes Problems for Libraries” and “Green City Transportation Has Drawbacks” and “Sensible Urban Growth is Achievable.” Each volume concludes with the contact information for related organizations such as the Linguistic Society of America and the Alliance to Save Energy. While the diversity of arguments in Green Cities will assist teachers with research projects, those in Multilingual derive strictly from opposing ideological camps.–Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

HARRIS, Lois V. Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe. unpaged. photos. reprods. bibliog. CIP. Pelican. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781455614721. LC 2011014767.
Gr 3-6–This brief picture-book biography attempts to introduce Parrish to a new generation. Harris gives a cursory account of his subject’s childhood in the late 1800s as the son of artist parents, his training in America and France, and his success as a book illustrator and print artist. The text is sprinkled with direct quotations from Parrish’s letters to friends and family, which gives it some interest, but Harris’s writing, overall, lacks sparkle. Black-and-white photographs of people and places in Parrish’s life and color reproductions of some of his most famous works for children are included. The photos and illustrations are large enough to see clearly, but the unimaginative page layout and typesetting give the book a blocky feeling. Unlikely to have much appeal to children in general, this work may be of interest to report writers. It may also be a useful companion to some of Parrish’s illustrated books, including The Knave of Hearts (Calla Editions, 2008).–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

HOWELL, Brian. Sports. ISBN 978-1-61714-804-0. LC 2010042558.
LUSTED, Marcia Amidon. Entertainment. ISBN 978-1-61714-799-9. LC 2010042455.
ea vol: 112p. (Inside the Industry Series). chart. photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ABDO. 2011. PLB $23.95.
Gr 5-8–These two well-designed books describe a variety of careers in these popular fields. Because they help readers assess if these positions are suitable for their personality types and backgrounds, the titles are good choices for career exploration and self-discovery. They are also useful for research and reports. The nine chapters each provide answers to a specific question, such as “Is an entertainment job for you?” Sidebars and full-color photos appear throughout. Following sections furnish career information in different formats. “The Get Your Foot in the Door” sections offer tips for gaining experience and networking. A listing of professional organizations’ websites and a “Market Facts” chart that cites the numbers of jobs, growth rate, median wage, and related jobs and skills, are appended. Because this type of information is usually not contained in one source and is challenging to find by other means, these two volumes are solid additions.–Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

KOSTYAL, K. M. 1862, Fredericksburg: A New Look at a Bitter Civil War Battle. photos by Lori Epstein. 48p. map. bibliog. chron. index. CIP. National Geographic. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0835-2; PLB $27.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0836-9. LC 201011798.
Gr 4-6–War is hell, as evidenced by this narrative about one of the most devastated sites of the Civil War. Fredericksburg, VA, and its vicinity saw battle four times over the course of the conflict. Realistic, full-color pictures of modern-day re-enactors mix with clear language to bring the action to life. The text is interspersed with personal accounts, such as those from slave John Washington, an unknown soldier from the Second Wisconsin regiment, and a white woman named Jane Beale. Fredericksburg was almost completely destroyed, but was reborn after the ruin and by the end of the 1800s had a few new industries. Brief chapters tell the war’s story from the perspective of what happened at Fredericksburg in a concise manner. A chronology from fall 1862 to spring 1865 is appended. A valuable resource for classrooms, libraries, and travelers to Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

LUNGE-LARSEN, Lise. Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words and Wisdom from Greek and Roman Mythology. illus. by Gareth Hinds. 90p. bibliog. index. Web sites. CIP. Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2011. RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-15229-5. LC 2010031635.
Gr 3-7–Mythology meets etymology in this handsome collection that introduces words derived from the gods, goddesses, and humans featured in Greek and Roman tales. From “Achilles’ Heel” to “Victory,” 17 terms are presented along with the stories of the characters that inspired their origins. Each section begins with a page containing a definition and a quote from a well-known children’s book that makes lively use of the featured word, all attractively bordered by a thematic frieze (round eyeballs for “Hypnotize” or emblems of the arts for “Muse”). Clearly and vividly written, the subsequent tales range in length from quick summations (a two-page entry for “Genius”) to more detailed recaps of myths (Arachne and Athena’s weave-off for “Arachnid”). Entries end with additional notes about the highlighted word and its uses and variations. Hinds’s pencil-and-watercolor illustrations have a classical feel, showing statuesque characters girded in golden armor or draped in graceful clothing, frightening beasts (the Furies, set against a crimson background, are particularly haunting with their dripping-with-blood eyes and batlike wings), and an array of human emotions. A thoughtful author’s note and a chart listing the Greek and Latin names for the characters are appended. The colorful artwork and brief chapters make this volume ideal for classroom sharing. Use this unique offering to launch a discussion about the elemental power of story and its influence on modern-day language.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

MILLER, Brandon Marie. Thomas Jefferson for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities. 132p. diags. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. Web sites. Chicago Review. 2011. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56976-348-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-7–Jefferson is a complicated figure. His contribution to the founding of our nation was immeasurable, but he was much less successful in managing his personal affairs. In this warts-and-all picture of the president, Miller recounts Jefferson’s early life, his rise to prominence in the political arena, and his later years. In lucid prose, the author gives a thorough account of the achievements for which Jefferson is most famous, but also draws attention to the irony of his slave ownership (especially in his relations with the Hemings family), and makes ample reference to the man’s extravagant lifestyle that led to serious debt. The well-chosen activities are age appropriate, relate directly to the text, and offer a range of options. Black-and-white photos and images of artifacts and period artwork illustrate the text. The page layout is attractive, with wide borders trimmed in color. Miller’s book is a good choice for those looking for an honest appraisal of the man. Thomas Jefferson (DK, 2009) also mentions the president’s slave ownership and his debt problems but handles both with a lighter touch.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

MILLER, Ron. Is the End of the World Near?: From Crackpot Predictions to Scientific Scenarios. 120p. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. Oct. 2011. PLB $33.26. ISBN 978-0-7613-7396-4; ebook $24.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8047-4. LC 2010051963.
Gr 6-9–Is our planet doomed? “The simple answer is yes,” writes Miller. The only question is whether the end will come from a giant asteroid or errant black hole, a supernova’s gamma ray burst or our Sun’s transformation into a red giant. But these are, most likely, distant future possibilities; the human species is far more immediately vulnerable. The author devotes most of his presentation to a selective tally of our possible ends, from religious and pseudoscientific predictions (including the supposed Mayan apocalypse “scheduled” for December 21, 2012) to an array of more feasible pandemics, ecological breakdowns, nuclear conflagrations, supervolcanoes, and other natural catastrophes. He also tucks in references to prominent end-of-days novels and films, and takes his eschatological narrative to the universe-ending “Big Crunch” before closing on a perversely optimistic note. Capped with generous annotated lists of multimedia resources and illustrated throughout with dramatic photographed or digitally rendered disasters, this title may not be as earnestly thorough as Jim Willis’s Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z (Visible Ink, 2006) or as gleefully alarming as Philip C. Plait’s Death from the Skies! (Viking, 2008), both of which are aimed at older readers, but it makes intriguingly disquieting reading nonetheless.–John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library

NAPOLI, Donna Jo. Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters. illus. by Christina Balit. 192p. map. photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. National Geographic. Oct. 2011. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0844-4; PLB $33.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0845-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–Wise, witty, and thoroughly entrancing, this august collection is ideal for those who want more from their mythology. Beginning with the beginning (“Gaia: Mother Earth” and “Uranus: Father Heaven”), Napoli presents 25 tales introducing the major players of the Greek pantheon along with an assortment of celebrated heroes and mortals (including Perseus, Heracles, Jason, and Helen). At once eloquent and elemental, these lyrically written portraits deftly detail each character’s origins, realm of power, and legendary story lines. Filled with sensual imagery, the language is poetic, yet balanced by amusing asides and wry observations that add a contemporary, almost conversational accessibility. The accounts gloriously regale the familiar adventures of these deities and champions, while imbuing them with personality. For example, Hades, “spitting mad” at being confined in Cronus’s belly, bursts out ready and willing to take on the Titans: “roaring into war beside his siblings felt natural–like butter on a burn–it felt fat and rich and right.” Again and again, Napoli encourages readers to trawl these tales for greater truths: Theseus is portrayed not only as a monster-slaying hero, but also as a man who gradually gains the wisdom needed to become a just ruler. Stunning stylized paintings featuring luminous colors, rich patterns, and star-infused motifs add depth and drama to the text. Full-spread images introduce the characters, incorporating their iconic symbols and details of their dominions, while smaller insets provide glimpses of the action. Interesting sidebars appear throughout, providing historical, scientific, and cultural information. A must-have for most collections.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

NICOLSON, Cynthia Pratt. Totally Human: Why We Look and Act the Way We Do. illus. by Dianne Eastman. 40p. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Kids Can. 2011. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-569-9. LC 2010904769.
Gr 4-7–Using funny, surreal composite illustrations, Nicolson and Eastman seek to depict a variety of biological facts as incongruent as the images. Exploring what makes humans crave junk food, yawn, cry, see colors, and various other attributes, the author relates the information to evolution and links humans to organisms as early as the first cells on the planet. The artist’s playful juxtapositions place a frog’s head on a boy’s body so readers see the connection between tadpoles breathing air and hiccups. The vocabulary lesson that goes with a discussion of emesis (vomiting) also explains this process as a means of survival. While words like “amygdalae” are defined in context, there is no help with pronunciation. Colorful sidebars explain human oddities, revealing how attributes such as involuntary reflexes related to the survival of early man and continue to impact people today. A three-headed body reveals a frowning, smiling, and questioning face while the text explains how expressions are a language all humans know, but also describes Moebius syndrome. The bizarre image of a baby with a dolphin head may also cause readers to remember the significance of tickling. While the facts are uncommon and occasionally incredible, these are just the types of details that might inspire young fact hounds.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

OPINI, Bathseba & Richard B. Lee. Africans Thought of It: Amazing Innovations. 48p. (We Thought of It Series). illus. maps. photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2011. PLB $21.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-277-5; pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-276-8. LC 20109070631.
Gr 3-6–The African continent as a whole reveals a rich smorgasbord of cultural and societal contributions from its people. A few pages focus on elements that shaped their early way of life, including hunting, medicine, communication, and music. Vivid photographs feature authentic objects used (such as the vuvuzela instrument or the bao game), while people engaged in activities capture an enthusiastic look at the reliance on community. Colored backgrounds and borders present a busy, though uncluttered, dynamic portrayal of nuanced cultures. Three cartoon panels show how furnaces were made, with four naked boys sitting around one; this inclusion seems to be a random addition within the rest of the uniform presentation. Scientific and creative achievements focus on the innovative use of natural resources to depict Africa as a major contributor to the world landscape. Overall, succinct definitions and compact descriptions provide a brief and interesting blend of the contemporary with the traditional. The informative and age-appropriate introduction highlights the authors’ personal and professional experiences; the succinct time line and recommended resources offer advanced (and slightly dated) options for further exploration. The mention of historical and contemporary issues (Apartheid, HIV/AIDS) may gloss over the severity of the obstacles at hand through the slightly glib conclusion (“This history, along with the courage and determination displayed by people all over Africa, suggest that there is every reason to be optimistic about the future of this great continent”), but it’s the plethora of rich examples that most successfully support this statement.–Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

REYNOLDS, Jan. Only the Mountains Do Not Move: A Maasai Story of Culture and Conservation. photos by author. unpaged. glossary. notes. Web sites. CIP. Lee & Low. Oct. 2011. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-333-4; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-844-5. LC 2010050879.
Gr 3-6–Traditionally the Maasai lived a nomadic life as herders in East Africa. Moving their goats and cows to graze in different areas, members of the tribe existed in harmony with animals such as giraffes and elephants. However, severe droughts and the establishment of wildlife preserves have reduced available grazing lands. Reynolds documents the ways in which members of the Il Ngwesi tribe in Kenya have responded. Her text and excellent-quality photos introduce the daily lives of men, women, and children. She shows how traditional roles and ceremonies exist alongside adaptations such as growing crops, cultivating wild bees, and guiding tourists to see animals in natural habitats. Although the Maasai proverbs Reynolds includes hint at a positive outcome, the people face ongoing challenges from environmental and political forces. This thought-provoking photo essay reveals a culture in the midst of change.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

RUBALCABA, Jill. I. M. Pei: Architect of Time, Place, and Purpose. 128p. diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. Tr $23.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5973-6; ebook $23.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6081-7. LC 2011001910.
Gr 8 Up-Incorporating biographical information and architectural history, Rubalcaba presents a portrait of the Pritzker Prize winner, trained in the Beaux-Arts style, but profoundly influenced by modernist structures of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Early chapters focus on Pei’s childhood, education, and first architectural assignments and are followed by discussions of his celebrated buildings, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research to the addition to the Louvre Museum. These latter chapters consider site and structural challenges, inspirations (from Pei’s family ancestral gardens in China to Pueblo cliff dwellings), controversies, as well as the architect’s approach to the projects, stamped with his “love of geometry, passion for history, and…minimalist touch.” The design of Pei, which features a clean, spacious layout and attractive fonts, is worthy of its subject. Reproductions of the architect’s sketches and plans are included, as well as black-and-white and color photos of people, sites, and site models, which are framed in sharp architectural lines. Much in the same vein as readers might image the “surprises” Pei built into his designs, the author often waits until the end of chapters to unveil photos of the architect’s always innovative, always spectacular buildings. An illustrated time line, a list of a “few” (32) of the honors Pei has received, and other useful resources conclude the book. While libraries that own Louise Chipley Slavicek’s I.M. Pei (Chelsea House, 2010) may not need an additional title on the man, this book would enhance any collection.–Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

SAWYER, Kem Knapp. Mohandas Gandhi. 144p. (Champion of Freedom Series). illus. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2011. PLB $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-166-7. LC 2010047904.
Gr 8 Up–This is a fairly straightforward biography, focusing on Gandhi’s political roles and belief in nonviolent resistance. The less-savory aspects of his personality, including his treatment of his wife and sons, are covered briefly. Sawyer conveys the importance of his early years fighting racial inequality in South Africa to his philosophy of satyagraha, mentioning the inspiration provided by Tolstoy and Thoreau. The chapters devoted to Gandhi’s return to India are largely a report on the resistance to British rule in which he played a central role, but at this point it reads more like history than biography.–Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

SCHRIEMER, Peter. Ocean Adventures. ISBN 978-0-310-72141-3.
–––– . Wilderness Discoveries. ISBN 978-0-310-72142-0.
ea vol: 32p. (The Nature of God Series). w/CD. photos. Zonderkidz. 2011. Tr $16.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–These religious-centered introductions to some of the ecosystems and habitats in Hawaii and Michigan are written in a chatty, informal style. Superlatives abound in a text filled with exclamation points, e.g., “Hawaii has one of the most unique coral reef systems on the planet!” ( Ocean Adventures ) and expressions of wonder at the creatures being described: “God designed most owls to be nighttime hunters!” ( Wilderness Discoveries ). Some species are singled out in text boxes–“Hello, My Name Is:” and “Crazy Cool FACT!”–that highlight interesting information about them. Pronunciation guides appear sporadically, but they’re not very helpful; e.g., “‘cetaceans’ (si-ta-tions),” and there is no help for other names such as “nene.” The illustrations are a combination of color photographs and drawings, but many seem to be stuck on the page, with an amateurish cut-and-paste look. Without a table of contents, the specific chapters on the areas of these states are difficult to find, and with no index (even to the many biblical quotations), the books are strictly for browsing. Marginal purchases. –Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

STEIN, R. Conrad. Ancient Mexico. ISBN 978-1-59935-161-2. LC 2010041379.
–––– . The Mexican-American War. ISBN 978-1-59935-160-5. LC 2010041378.
ea vol: 144p. (The Story of Mexico Series). illus. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2011. PLB $28.95.
Gr 8 Up–Ancient Mexico begins with speculation about when the Paleo-Indians arrived in the Americas and then highlights each major culture until the conquest of the Spanish conquistadors. The Mexican-American War starts with Texas declaring its independence from Mexico, the war itself, and then concludes with the aftermath. The paragraphs are long and information rich. The text is punctuated with vibrant pictures, paintings, and political cartoons that help re-create history for readers. However, the writing style is more academic than lively, with sporadic quotes from historians. The specialized subject matter and in-depth examination of the topics restrict these titles to a narrow audience. Purchase only if you have an extensive Mexican history collection.–Samantha Larsen Hastings, Riverton Library, UT

WADSWORTH, Ginger. First Girl Scout: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low. 210p. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Clarion. Nov. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-24394-8. LC 2011009642.
Gr 5-7–This well-documented biography introduces readers to the founder of the Girl Scouts. The first half of the book covers Low’s childhood in Georgia (her father was an officer in the Confederate army) and her troubled marriage to a wealthy and well-connected Englishman, William Mackay Low. After her husband’s death, Low longed for something to occupy her time, and she found it in 1911, when she met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts. First she helped his sister run the newly founded Girl Guides in Great Britain; she then brought the concept home to the U.S., where the name was eventually changed to Girl Scouts. Low’s personality really comes to life through the details in the narrative. Wadsworth shows readers that this remarkable woman was a skilled leader and hostess in spite of having suffered severe hearing loss that made conversation difficult. Although her friends and family sometimes noted that she was disorganized and a poor manager of money, they knew that she could “stir up their daily lives in delightful, unpredictable and sometimes exasperating ways.” The attractive book design features chapter headings that look like Girl Scout badges, and most spreads include period photos or reproductions of primary-source documents. Exemplary nonfiction.–Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

WALKER, Sally M. Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917. 140p. chart. maps. photos. bibliog. index. notes. Holt. Nov. 2011. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8945-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–This intriguing title tells the story of a little-known event. In late 1917, the French freighter Mont-Blanc was sent to North America to be refitted and loaded with much-needed war material. With its hull packed with TNT, picric acid, and gun cotton, and its deck stacked with barrels of benzene, it made its way along the coast of Nova Scotia to Halifax Harbour before setting sail for Europe. It was there, as it entered Bedford Basin, that the Mont-Blanc encountered the empty Belgian relief ship Imo riding high in the water. Amid a cacophony of ships’ whistles, communication became muddled, and the Imo rammed the Mont-Blanc. Sparks soon ignited the leaking benzene. Though the ship began to burn almost immediately, it happened slowly enough that people became aware of it and either started toward the harbor or stood at their windows to watch. Unfortunately, it did explode, creating the largest man-made blast in the world prior to the dropping of the atomic bomb. The impact flattened more than 16 square miles and killed almost 2000 people. The author describes the holocaust and how it changed the lives of five families. The text reads smoothly with unfamiliar words defined in the text. Illustrations consist of two full-page maps and numerous black-and-white photos. The final chapter revisits the featured families and their descendants, thus tying up the loose ends. The acknowledgments, source notes, and bibliography indicate thorough research. This tragic, but well-told story belongs in most collections.–Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS

WENZEL, Angela. 13 Art Mysteries Children Should Know. unpaged. photos. reprods. chron. glossary. Prestel. 2011. PLB $14.95. ISBN 978-3-7913-7044-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–This smorgasbord of mysteries is presented in chronological order beginning with the Ark of the Covenant at the time of Moses to the present-day graffiti painter known as Banksy. Some of them pose personal questions about specific artists such as to whom van Gogh gave his ear or how Caravaggio died. Others focus on a particular work of art such as Mona Lisa’s smile or Goya’s portrayal of the Spanish royal family. Styles of painting include surrealism and the works of Bosch, van Eyck, and Vermeer. There are quizzes, activity suggestions, time lines, sidebars, and brief text explaining why these questions are considered mysteries. Excellent-quality reproductions appear throughout. This is definitely a different approach for introducing young people to various aspects of art history. Readers can pick and choose those chapters that sound interesting to them but would need to find additional information elsewhere for reports. The illustrations are well chosen to support these succinct inquiries into some perplexing puzzlements from the world of art.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

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