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May 1, 2011

In this Article

Fiction

Nonfiction

Fiction

ADDERSON, Caroline & Billie Livingston. Film Studies/The Trouble with Marlene. 160p. (Single Voice Series). CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2010. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-261-4; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-260-7. LC C2010-901764-1.
Gr 9 Up–In Adderson’s Film Studies, Cassandra feels like an actor cast in a series of Hans Christian Andersen stories. She holds herself apart from her dysfunctional family as well as from her fellow students. It’s only when she signs up for a film class that she meets Mason and allows herself to become interested. But even with Mason she can only open up physically. Samantha is the focus of Livingston’s The Trouble with Marlene. Her mother is an alcoholic con artist who constantly talks about committing suicide. Sammie, 16, does little con jobs to get enough money for food, but otherwise tries to hold herself apart from destructive behavior, even when her anger and hunger twist in her gut. Then one night Marlene goes too far, and Samantha considers helping her mother fulfill her dream of death. With short paragraphs, lots of white space, edgy topics, and raw language, these two stories published in one volume will catch the attention of hi/lo readers. However, though well developed, they are never finished. The narratives end at what would normally be considered the apex. Readers are left wondering how the characters ultimately deal with their dilemmas. Though these titles would appeal to fans of Ellen Hopkins, readers will have to fill in the blanks for themselves.–Heather Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL

ALMOND, David. Slog’s Dad. illus. by Dave McKean. 58p. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4940-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–The spring after Davie’s friend Slog loses his father, the two boys encounter a man on a bench whom Slog believes to be his dad, returned from heaven. The narrative then recounts the man’s illness, which included multiple amputations, and his death. Originally written as a short prose piece, Almond’s story has been not so much illustrated, but framed and given visual sequences that amplify and reinforce the boy’s grief. McKean combines paint, photography, and some digital manipulation to create some very tonal and evocative extensions. This technique is effective, but it also makes the collaboration more emotionally abstract than a simple story. But complexity and abstraction can also engender ambiguity, and it’s difficult to say for certain how readers are supposed to feel about the doubts Davie expresses about Slog’s dad’s veracity, or the way that Almond mixes the mundane and the supernatural. The Savage (Candlewick, 2008), the pair’s earlier collaboration, was a fairly clear-cut tale of magical realism, identity, and wish-fulfillment, but the focus on mourning here makes the resolution more difficult to pin down. There’s an honesty to it, just as there is a raw, emotive honesty to McKean’s illustrations, even if it’s sometimes delayed until the context for them comes like a punch in Almond’s next text section. This is a strangely incomplete, but fascinating work that may leave readers uncomfortable with the sudden ending. But for those who have dealt with the lack of closure that intertwines with loss, this will be a particularly resonant book.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH

ARNTSON, Steven. The Wikkeling. illus. by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini. 256p. Running Pr. Kids. May 2011. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-7624-3903-4. LC 2010935091.
Gr 4-8–In Henrietta’s world, every part of life is monitored and regulated by computers. House cats are considered wild and dangerous animals. Old houses and old books can make children sick. The girl’s orderly and safe life is disrupted the day she discovers a secret attic above her bedroom, where a wounded cat has taken refuge, and the windows show scenes from her neighborhood’s past and time seems to stand still. Soon after this discovery, she starts seeing the Wikkeling, a menacing yellow creature that gives children headaches with the touch of a finger. She learns that a few others can see it, too, and they work together to solve the mystery of what it is, and what it wants from them. Arntson has created a detailed and fascinating dystopian world that seems eerily similar to our own, and Terrazzini’s illustrations strike just the right note. This delightfully creepy tale will appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (HarperCollins, 2002).–Misti Tidman, formerly at Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

BEAN, Raymod. Sweet Farts: Rippin’ It Old-School. Bk. 2. 176p. AmazonEncore. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-935597-08-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–In Sweet Farts (BookSurge, 2008), Keith invented a tablet that turned the stench of even the strongest flatulence into something tolerable, or even pleasant. Now, he has become a 10-year-old millionaire. He has full access to a laboratory and a scientific support staff, and his only problem is coming up with something new and marvelous to show off at his school’s science fair. Unfortunately, he can’t think of anything dazzling, and as the weeks pass he feels more and more pressured to meet everyone’s expectations. His friends, glorying in gaseous humor, keep coming up with new ways to embarrass him. His four-year-old sister, who is unhappy with all the attention her brother is receiving, causes Keith further shame by throwing tantrums and refusing to eat anything but junk food. Bean has a good sense of the snarky, stinky humor many middle-graders love, and this book will be enjoyed by fans of the first volume.–Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

BINNS, B. A. Pull. 310p. WestSide. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-934813-43-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–David Albacore’s mom has been murdered by his abusive father and he has assumed the adult role in the family. He’s starting a new school and has the hots for Yolanda. She is smart, but going out with Malik, a hotshot who leaves bruises on her. David so desperately wants to protect one of his sisters from the likes of Malik that he agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend rather than her brother. (He’s in the process of changing his last name to distance himself from his father, so the siblings have different last names.) There’s a whole lot more complicating the teen’s life. The pace picks up quite a bit in the end as David is faced with another crisis that threatens to put his sisters in foster care. The characters’ feelings are realistically portrayed and the raw language is not gratuitous. However, the writing is often repetitious, there’s one dangling plotline, and other strands need to be expanded. Nonetheless, this is Binns’s first novel and she is an author who definitely has potential. –Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA

BLACK, Holly. Red Glove. Bk. 2. 336p. (The Curse Workers Series). CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0339-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0341-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–Cassel Sharpe spent his summer in Atlantic City with a string of blond girls, trying to forget Lila. After all, he turned her into a cat, and once she regained her human form, his mother cursed her to love him. Cassel knows he should avoid her. However, when he returns to school, he discovers that she has also enrolled in order to be near him. Soon, keeping his distance from Lila becomes the least of his worries; Cassel’s older brother Philip is murdered, and the Feds want his help to solve the crime. Working with agents will put him in danger from two sources: If Lila’s father, crime lord Zacharov, discovers that Cassel has turned informant, he will face the same fate as Philip. And if the Feds learn that Cassel is a transformation worker, they will find a reason to lock him up and throw away the key. In the midst of all the organized crime and romantic angst, Cassel also must navigate a high school where curse workers are regarded with suspicion and even hatred. While the mystery of who killed Philip isn’t the most compelling part of the book, the drama caused by the relationships and the depiction of supernatural organized crime keep the plot moving along. All of the characters from White Cat (S & S, 2010) have matured, and their development is adequately depicted in this book. Part X-Men and part Sopranos, Red Glove will appeal to teens looking for a thrilling read.–Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

BOLL, Rosemarie. The Second Trial. 320p. Second Story, dist. by Orca. 2010. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-1-897187-72-2. LC C2010-900609-7.
Gr 5-9–Thirteen-year-old Danny sits sullenly in a Canadian courtroom as the details of his father’s trial unfold. Readers learn how the man has brutalized his wife for years. Danny doesn’t believe it; his father has always been great with him. His mother’s lawyer warns that her life is in danger, and after his father gets a light sentence, they are barreling toward some sort of victim-protection program. Suddenly he is packing and saying good-bye to his grandparents forever. His younger sister and his mother try to tell him that they were telling the truth, and that this is the only way. But Danny has plans of his own. He’ll wait until Christmas, and then he’ll call his dad and things can get back to normal. When they get to their new home with their new identities, the boy’s attitude gets steadily worse as he falls in with the wrong crowd and starts shoplifting, ditching school, and smoking. This story is beautifully told, and readers will be pulled along with Danny as he slowly comes to face reality and his own demons. With most of the graphic violence offstage, this story is sensitive enough for younger readers to handle, yet the characters seem so real.–Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO

BUITENDAG, Louis L. The Bloomswell Diaries. 258p. Kane/Miller. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-935279-82-2. LC 2010933233.
Gr 4-7–Young Ben Bloomswell is staying with his uncle in New York City while his parents go off on their latest hush-hush mission. Nefarious kidnappers snatch him and stuff him inside a mechanical man that transports him to the grim Sugarhill School for Boys. After an escape involving masticating mastiffs and fire, Ben stows away on a cargo ship bound for his London home. There he meets Whip Peterson and John Holiday, circus performers who recognize his parents’ names and offer to help him reach his sister’s boarding school in Switzerland. They train Ben in evasive maneuvers that he uses to elude villainous armies of mechanical men who want to recapture him before he can reach Liza. The story ends with a lead on his parents’ possible whereabouts and undoubtedly a sequel. This book starts cold and warms up by the middle. The introductory chapters do not properly settle readers into the alternate steampunk reality, Ben and his parents are not fully drawn, and Buitendag skates over secondary characters and settings with cursory details, weakening the story and leaving readers with too many questions. However, Ben’s kidnapping is a claustrophobic, harrowing event that revs up the action and helps frame the protagonist’s quest. Children who like Philip Reeve’s steampunk fiction or the “39 Clues”-style adventure (Scholastic) will like the leaps and thrills despite the slow beginning. –Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

CALETTI, Deb. Stay. 313p. CIP. S & S/Pulse. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0373-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0375-8. LC 2010021804.
Gr 9 Up–Interweaving a young woman’s past and present experiences in alternating chapters, this novel reveals how Clara’s romance with Christian tips slowly but inexorably toward obsession during her junior and senior years of high school. After graduation, Clara and her father slip off to a Washington beach town in secret to escape her now ex-boyfriend’s frightening and unpredictable reach into her current life. In this cunningly crafted narrative, readers will slowly come to understand the danger posed by the cute Scandinavian boy who swept Clara off her feet and how what feels like love can crack and crumble when an insecure and possessive guy won’t accept their breakup. Her summer job at a lighthouse and the friends she and her father meet, especially Finn, who sails his family’s tourist boat with his brother, make Clara hopeful about the future. The suspense rises like the tide while readers applaud the teen’s healthy new life and relationships but fear that she hasn’t seen the last of the unstable and unpredictable Christian. Characters and new love ring true and would make this fine chick lit in and of itself, but the looming specter of the ex-boyfriend finding Clara makes it a novel with an appealing edge. Fear tinges this summer romance and underscores the issue of abusive and claustrophobic relationships among teens.–Suzanne Gordon, Lanier High School, Sugar Hill, GA

CANN, Kate. Consumed. 325p. CIP. Scholastic/Point. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-26388-7. LC 2010020171.
Gr 9 Up–This sequel to Possessed (Scholastic, 2010) picks up the story of Rayne, a city girl turned country mouse who lives and works at a creepy historic manor in rural England. The evil-bent St John, who wooed her and betrayed her, no longer presents a threat, but the horrifying supernatural events that took place at Morton’s Keep have left Rayne shaken. She finds some comfort in a blossoming romance with handsome fire-dancer Ethan, but her experiences have left her wary to trust. In addition, the mansion’s longtime manager has been suddenly called away and beautiful Miss Skelton arrives to take over with new ideas for bringing in revenue. Rather than ignore the Keep’s dark past, she exploits it to attract a new breed of guest. Rayne is torn between the old and new ways and afraid of invoking more malevolence. She senses that the local fire rituals (intended to bind the Keep’s evil) may no longer suffice. Once again, something terrifying is afoot. Most distressing of all, the mysterious tale of the “green lady” seems to be coming true as the phantom phenomenon seeks out Rayne to do her bidding to protect the village. This entertaining tale is paced with precision; darkly gothic scenes described vividly through Cann’s superb imagery help set the mood for this thrilling and romantic mystery. New readers may find themselves bewildered but fans of Possessed will enjoy this novel.–Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

CARLSON, Melody. Rendezvous. Bk. 3. 202p. (On the Runway Series). Zondervan. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-310-71788-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Rendezvous continues the story of Erin and Paige, who have a reality TV series about fashion. The sisters are heading off to Paris to interview designers, and glamorous Paige can’t wait to shop till she drops. Erin, however, is more down-to-earth and is looking forward to taking photos, visiting important sites, and learning more about the city. The filming goes well with only a few bumps, and the sisters have fun getting haircuts, visiting designers (where Erin receives a beautiful Birkin bag that Paige covets), and working on new ideas for the show. When they meet up with a pair of wealthy models and are invited to the country chateau belonging to Eliza’s family to film a charity event, Erin develops a deeper understanding of how deceitful and shallow the supermodel is, and how blessed she is to be able to hold true to her Christian beliefs in the overwhelming midst of excess. This title will be snapped up by readers of the series, but those unfamiliar with it would be better served by starting with the first book. –Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

CARMAN, Patrick. Shantorian. Bk. 2. 170p. (Trackers Series). Web sites. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-545-16501-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–In Trackers (Scholastic, 2010), Adam, Finn, Lewis, and Emily found themselves pulled deeper and deeper into the world of high-tech hacking–and “tracking,” the ability to trace online criminals’ movements by the signs they leave behind. Now, billions of dollars have vanished into the ether, and Carman mixes a quick-cut, TV procedural-style of dialogue and narration as the four teens find themselves in the custody of an FBI-style intelligence force. Adam is interrogated by an agent who believes he is lying; the agent swears that he will “break him.” Then there’s the mysterious Shantorian, the super-hacker the Trackers are pursuing, as well as furtive Lazlo and gorgeous, smart Zara, who may be the Trackers’ allies–or maybe not. The book is accompanied by a website filled with video files that support the story. Primarily of interest to fans of the first book.–Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

CASZATT, Terry. Brass Monkeys. 337p. Charlesbridge/ Mackinac Island. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-934133-30-9; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-934133-31-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Eugene is the new kid at the worst middle school ever, where “confusion, boredom, and fear” rule the day. Teachers lead classes that are literally mind-numbingly dull and their evil principal has an even more devious scheme to control the students. When Eugene learns that he has been chosen to oppose this takeover, he reluctantly sneaks along as Principal Ming transports a trainload of students to the hidden underground city of Monkeyopolis, turns them into monkeys, and prepares to steal the “Amberlight” that gives them spirit. The city and its surroundings set up nice bits of school-related humor. The place is constructed out of “school junk,” including “buildings made of ballpoint pens” and band-instrument chimneys; teachers chasing Eugene wield guns that fire deadly chalk and erasers. The boy and his allies try to locate a missing rebel leader, surviving plenty of battles, chases, and narrow escapes along the way. The sometimes-convoluted plot includes mostly unexciting action scenes and too much fretting, followed by pep talks, as Eugene frequently jumps from hope to despair and back again. The hero’s growth from timidity to confidence isn’t especially compelling, and his friends are generally stock characters. On the other hand, the broad satire of school culture is much more successful, and is right at the level that this audience will get and appreciate. For most, however, the funny moments may not be enough to keep kids involved in the drawn-out story.–Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

CHENG, Andrea. Where Do You Stay? 134p. Boyds Mills. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-707-6. LC 2010938271.
Gr 5-7–Jerome is living with his aunt and her family after the death of his mother. The sixth grader is processing his loss while also adjusting to a new family life with older cousin Damon, who resents his presence, and younger cousin Monte. Jerome meets Mr. Willie, an older man squatting in the carriage house of an abandoned mansion in the neighborhood, and the two strike up a friendship over a shared love for piano playing. Jerome has someone to talk to about his mother and slowly comes to terms with life in his adoptive family. This short novel captures the fledgling relationship and the difficulties in communication that can occur. The parallel between Mr. Willie’s homelessness and Jerome’s emotional homelessness are touching as the two go about creating a garden together. Recollections of his mother’s teachings are shown in italics and are spot-on in portraying the world through the 11-year-old’s eyes.–Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA

COATES, Jan L. A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk. 291p. map. glossary. CIP. Red Deer. 2011. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-0-88995-451-9. LC C2010-904506-8.
Gr 8 Up–In 1987, seven-year-old Jacob Deng’s world explodes into chaos and confusion; his village in Southern Sudan, Duk Padiet, is attacked and destroyed by the Northern militia. The boy is suddenly left to wander the continent on his way to a refugee camp in Ethiopia and, later, Kenya. Jacob does not, however, wander alone. He is one link in a “never-ending chain” of boys. Lions, malaria, guns, and war threaten these “lost boys” at every turn. Throughout his tremendous and harrowing journey, Jacob thinks about Mama and strives to find those things that will lift him from the murk of war and tumult. And he learns to read. This novel, based on the life of the real Jacob Deng, provides insight into the struggles of the Sudan as well as a strong, clear voice. Coates gives an unflinching and poetic glimpse into the life of a boy who chose hope in the face of adversity. An interview with Deng is included.–Naphtali L. Faris, Youth Services Consultant, Missouri State Library, Jefferson City, MO

COLLINS, Yvonne & Sandy Rideout. Love, Inc. 409p. Hyperion. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3115-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Tenth-grader Zahra Ahmed-MacDuff struggles with her Pakistani/Scottish-American heritage as well as with her parents’ recent separation. She is placed in group counseling with other teens where she meets Kali and Syd. Much to the girls’ surprise, they soon find that they have more in common than divorcing parents: the same boyfriend. They are being three-timed by Eric (aka Rico and Rick). The girls plan and orchestrate their revenge on Eric with precision and style. Their Austin, TX, community can’t help but notice, and soon word gets around that the trio can be hired for all manner of romantic troubles; thus Love, Inc., is born, specializing in matchmaking, mediation, surveillance, breaking up, and revenge. Business is booming and the teens’ friendship also blooms. Through Love, Inc., the girls discover their own strengths and work with them to understand the confusing world of relationships, including their own. Several subplots keep the book flowing and interesting. The three main characters are well-developed, each with her own quirks and fortes, and the supporting cast members are also refreshingly multidimensional. Not necessarily a quick read, but still a worthy one for teens wanting a book that is fun while still containing some substance.–Mindy Whipple, West Jordan Library, UT

COOPER, Michelle. The FitzOsbornes in Exile. Bk. 2. 464p. Knopf/Borzoi. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85865-9; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95865-6; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89802-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–At the end of A Brief History of Montmaray (Knopf, 2009), the FitzOsbornes flee their fictional island kingdom after an attack by the Nazis. The young royals are homeless and are taken in by their widowed Aunt Charlotte at her English estate. Although they are relieved to have a roof over their heads and food to fill their stomachs, being “kept” comes with a price. Aunt Charlotte begins training the girls to be proper ladies and find wealthy husbands, while the boys are expected to receive a respectable education and find suitable wives. Aunt Charlotte has her hands full. While Veronica and Sophie comply with being thrust into London Society’s Season, they do so reluctantly; Veronica has her eye on getting the word out about the injustices of Nazism, and Sophie’s goal is to not look foolish. All of the characters challenge the notions of “proper” behavior while trying to stay under their aunt’s scornful radar. They are not always successful, and young Henry’s antics are some of the funniest moments in the book. Political activism is a major theme in this story. The author explains, “While Montmaray does not exist, most of the world events described in the novel actually occurred,” and she includes a lengthy list of real people who are mentioned in the book. Readers who enjoys good character development and/or historical novels will be drawn in easily.–Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

CROOK, Connie Brummel. No Small Victory. 237p. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2010. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-169-9. LC C2010-900232-6.
Gr 4-6–The Great Depression has hit Bonnie’s family hard. Her father is in debt, and they must move from their comfortable farm on Prince Edward Island in the middle of the night. The new farm is far up north in Lang, Ontario, and rented. Worse, it was quarantined because of disease, and some neighbors keep far away. To add to the upheaval, Bonnie’s favorite cat is killed in the first few pages of the book, but he is soon replaced by a couple of good friends and a faithful dog. In episodic chapters, the girl survives a lice infestation, a scarlet-fever outbreak, and a difficult teacher, but in the end she becomes an integral part of her community and finds herself victorious at an important spelling bee, truly no small victory. Reminiscent of Bonnie’s favorite book, Anne of Green Gables, in both character and tone, this is an entertaining story with a great basis in history (Lang actually exists, now as a historic site). Not remarkable, but a good read.–Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

DAGG, Carole Estby. The Year We Were Famous. 250p. Clarion. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-618-99983-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-10–Threatened with the loss of their family farm, Helga Estby hatches a highly unusual plan to walk from her small town near Spokane, WA, to New York City to earn a purse of $10,000 offered by an interested New York publisher. It is 1896 when Helga and her shy, 17-year-old daughter, Clara, start out on an unthinkable quest: two women alone, crossing thousands of miles with only $10 and the clothes on their backs. They confront a would-be attacker, Indians, flash floods, treacherous terrain, injury, and deprivation as they make their way across the nation. On their journey they share tales of their adventure with incredulous townspeople, protest for the right to vote, and experience the kindness of strangers. Foiled and disappointed at their destination, the women are not awarded the promised money, but a letter from home tells them that the sale of farm equipment has stayed the loss of their property for the coming year. Helga and Clara decide to spend that time writing a book from the copious journals they kept while traveling. Family secrets are revealed along the way, and Clara blossoms from a quiet, unsure girl into a confident adventurer and writer-in-training. Based on a true (if sketchy) account of the author’s great-aunt and great-grandmother, this is an engaging and emotionally compelling tale. Fully realized characters and vivid descriptions of the natural world and physical challenges on their journey capture readers’ empathy and attention and make for a very satisfying read. –Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI

DATLOW, Ellen & Terri Windling, eds. Teeth: Vampire Tales. 452p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-193515-2; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-193514-5. LC 2010018436.
Gr 8 Up–This inevitable and anticipated vampire-themed anthology from an editorial dynamic duo is a compilation of 17 short stories and two poems by award-winning, well-known, and/or new authors typically specializing in fantasy and sci-fi genres inside and out of the YA market. An accessible, interesting introduction reminds readers that vampire lore has long existed in many countries and cultures, evolving over time. An eclectic mix of tales and tones, the stories (refreshingly not all focused on romance) are dark, humorous, bittersweet, haunting, mocking, or combinations thereof. They explore varying myths and themes of mortality, friendship, survival, the passage of time, misperception, manipulation, transformation, and change. Holly Black and Cassandra Clare invite readers to an already dangerous dinner party gone awry. Kaaron Warren’s vampire Claudia befriends would-be victim Ken, who provides her with a list of terminally ill people, ultimately ending up on it himself decades later. Catherynne M. Valente’s “high risk” teen Scout lives in a world in which humans turn vamp for countless absurd reasons. Tales like Melissa Marr’s “Transition,” Steve Berman’s “All Smiles,” Garth Nix’s “Vampire Weather,” and Tanith Lee’s “Why Light?” will leave readers thirsting for more. Containing occasional swears, this biting, anti-fluff compilation is for fans of the paranormal, Datlow and Windling’s other anthologies, and CW’s Supernatural . –Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

DELANY, Shannon. Secrets and Shadows. Bk. 2. 304p. (A 13 to Life Novel). St. Martin’s/Griffin. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-312-60915-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–This story picks up where 13 to Life (St. Martins, 2010) left off, with 16-year-old Jessica missing her mother, who passed away, and pining for her boyfriend, who just happens to be a werewolf pretending to date her unstable best friend. Jessica has to choose between Pietr, the werewolf, and Derek, a handsome jock who seems to have a dark secret, all while working with Pietr’s siblings to rescue their mother from the CIA. Some plotlines feel quite reminiscent of the “Twilight” series (Little, Brown), with a supernatural love interest rejecting his human paramour for her own good, although his family embraces her. But Delany’s story has some clunky slow parts and takes far longer to engage readers. However, it ends with a suspenseful bang, and avid fans of the first book, and of paranormal romance in general, will certainly be left wanting more.–Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

DERTING, Kimberly. Desires of the Dead. 358p. (A Body Finder Novel). CIP. HarperCollins. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-177984-8. LC 2010017838.
Gr 9 Up–This sequel to The Body Finder (HarperCollins, 2010) is just as suspenseful and gripping as its predecessor. Violet Ambrose is trying to balance the normal (a boyfriend, jealous classmates, a boy-crazy best friend) with the paranormal. She has the unique ability to sense and locate bodies, and if the dead can’t rest, neither can she. So when the teen detects a dead boy hidden in a shipping container, she makes an anonymous phone call to the police. Suddenly she is in the direct path of Sara Priest, an FBI consultant who commands a team of “gifted” people who help with criminal investigations. Sara wants her assistance, but Violet is afraid of being poked and prodded by a government agency. However, when she starts receiving disturbing threats, she reluctantly agrees to help Sara in a case that ends up hitting very close to home. The third-person narrative reads more like a crime novel than paranormal teen fiction, and readers will hold their breath as Violet traipses around deserted shipyards and dark woods looking for the bodies that call to her. In addition, the sexy scenes between Violet and her boyfriend will satisfy romantics and the introduction of an enigmatic new character will heighten the conflict in the next installment in this riveting series.–Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Northampton Community College, Hawley, PA

DETORIE, Rick. The Accidental Genius of Weasel High. illus. by author. 208p. Egmont USA. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-149-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-244-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5 Up–Meet Larkin Pace. He hates his name. He doesn’t get along with his sister. His friend Freddie is really weird. He has a crush on his friend Brooke. Schoolyard bully Dalton Cooke is his nemesis. When he grows up, he wants to be a filmmaker. By his own definition, Larkin’s unique ability to memorize every line in every movie he’s ever seen makes him an “accidental genius.” The book is divided into several mini-chapters, as though Larkin were keeping a journal for a class. Spaced throughout these entries are amusing and sometimes poignant comic strips that illustrate the boy’s often-painful adolescence. Of note is Larkin’s unreciprocated crush on Brooke and his burgeoning friendship with an elderly neighbor for whom he does chores, charming retired actress Miss Sadie. Larkin serves as a relatable “everykid,” and many readers will enjoy spending some time with him. Marketed as “a book for the Wimpy Kid who has grown up,” it will nevertheless appeal both to tweens and young adults.–Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library

DICKERSON, Melanie. The Healer’s Apprentice. 262p. Zondervan. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72143-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–Set in 1386, this historical romance has a fairy-tale structure and a Christian emphasis. Rose serves as the apprentice to Frau Geruscha, the court healer. She is not very good at her chosen profession, yet she sees this as her only hope to escape the prospect of an arranged marriage. Enter Lord Hamlin, to whom Rose must minister after he is injured. She falls hard for him, and he for her, but neither can admit their feelings due to her social status and his betrothal to Lady Salomea. Rose soon catches the eye of the philandering Lord Rupert, Lord Hamlin’s brother, and a romance ensues. But alas, Rupert breaks her heart with a proposal she is unwilling to accept, which makes her realize that she never loved him in the first place. Lurking in the shadows is the evil Moncore, who has driven Lady Salomea into hiding because he threatened her life. The identity of Lord Hamlin’s betrothed is transparent from the start, so anticipation is built around how the two lovers will get to the “happily ever after.” Rose is beautifully boring, and not very well developed, but is believable as the young maiden longing for a prince to rescue her. She and Hamlin rely on their faith to make their dreams come true. Fans of fairy tales will enjoy this story.–Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

DIXON, Heather. Entwined. 480p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200103-0. LC 2010011686.
Gr 7-10–This novelized reimagining of the Grimms’ “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” is a successful and appealing blend of fantasy, romance, mystery, and creepiness. After her mother’s death and the banning of all diversions by her grieving and distant father, the eldest of the 12 sisters, Princess Azalea, finds a magical entrance to a fantasy world of a dancing pavilion to which the sisters can escape each night. Azalea slowly begins to understand that the handsome and mysterious Pavilion Keeper has a sinister plan that will ensnare her, but it is only toward the climax that its terrible meaning becomes clear. Her battle with the Keeper will require all of her courage, ingenuity, and ultimately something magical beyond herself. While the plot has a fairy-tale feel, the relationships among the sisters have more of a contemporary domestic sensibility. There are hints of something deeper, too, with 16-year-old Azalea trying to fill the shoes of her mother even while she grieves for her, and struggling with the weight of that responsibility. Woven around the fantasy is a gentle romance theme accompanied by touches of humor, with the king attempting to marry off his daughters and the princesses insisting on their autonomy. Dixon successfully distinguishes the younger girls by emphasizing only one or two traits for each. The three eldest, Azalea, Bramble, and Clover, are more fully drawn. The suitors are by turns appealing and funny, but it is the Keeper who stays with readers. Fans of Gail Carson Levine’s Fairest (HarperCollins, 2006) or Julie Kagawa’s “Iron Fey” series (Harlequin Teen) will cheer on Azalea and her sisters in their quest for family and happiness.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

FERRIS, Aimee. Will Work for Prom Dress. 265p. Egmont USA. 2011. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-141-9; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-240-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Trying to earn enough money for an expensive prom dress, Quigley Johnson has worked at a series of strange jobs, such as placing toppings on frozen pizzas in a factory assembly line and playing a murder victim who falls facedown into a plateful of salad at a dinner theater production. None of them has turned out well, and she’s not doing any better at college admissions or finding a date for the prom. The art institute she dreams of attending has turned her down, and the only guy who shows an interest in her is David, an arrogant know-it-all who refers to himself as the Art King and treats her as a competitor. However, when her friend Anne lines up a gig for them as models for a fashion-design course, things look as though they are taking a turn for the better. Quigley is paired up with cute, smart Zander, who creates beautiful designs for her, appreciates her artistic talent, and seems to be interested in her romantically as well as professionally. Complications ensue when David asks her out and does not take rejection well. By the conclusion of the novel, Quigley has learned some lessons about friendship and about making big decisions wisely, and all ends happily. While it touches on some serious issues, this is a fun, lighthearted read. Quigley’s various employment experiences are laugh-out-loud funny, and Ferris achieves just the right snarky tone with the protagonist’s descriptions of her misadventures.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

FRIESEN, Jonathan. The Last Martin. 264p. CIP. Zonderkidz. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72080-5. LC 2010048275.
Gr 5-7–Martin Boyle was “born dead,” his lifeless body placed on his mother. Suddenly the baby moves. From that moment on, his mother does everything in her power to protect him from anything that could possibly harm him. In fact, she crosses over into paranoia and obsessive behavior. Martin’s friend Charley is used to him getting on the bus each day with his portable air bag strapped to his chest and his mother running to school to check on his safety. During an annual trip to visit the old family cemetery, the boy realizes a strange correlation among the Martins in the family. It is tradition that the first boy be named Martin, but each time a new Martin is born, the old one must die. His Aunt Jenny is pregnant with a boy, due shortly. Martin knows that his days are numbered so his actions become reckless, which lands him in detention and gives him a chance to get to know his crush, Julia. He has been writing a story about a white knight, a black knight, and a princess, which Julia loves. The story symbolizes an escape that both Julia, a foster child, and Martin crave. The crisis of Martin’s impending death is the joining factor in this odd hodgepodge of characters, including Poole, a spirited but unkempt homeless boy. They form a bond in trying to keep Martin alive. This is a sobering read in many respects as many of the adults are directly responsible for the emotional baggage these children carry. Julia fights against it, Poole runs away, Martin’s sister cowers, but Martin triumphs. Minor characters such as the physical education teacher who employs completely illegal means of punishment will further fuel readers’ angst. This is a great choice for discussions.–Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

GUREVICH, Margaret. Cheer Captain. ISBN 978-1-4342-2551-1. PRIEBE, Val. Drive to the Hoop. ISBN 978-1-4342-2500-9.
ea vol: illus. by Pulsar Studio. 72p. (Jake Maddox Sports Stories: Girls with Game Series). glossary. Stone Arch. 2011. PLB $23.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–In Cheer Captain, Julia wants to become captain of the cheerleading squad at her new middle school. However, she worries that if she does, it could harm her friendship with Ava, another cheerleader and a friend. In Drive to the Hoop, Mel is also new in town. She has a chance to move up from the freshman basketball team to JV, but this upsets the other freshman players. Mel, like Julia, wonders if she can form friendships while being successful in her sport. Both easy chapter books deal with popularity and competition from a female perspective, which is a nice niche to fill. Unfortunately, the stories are contrived, and the illustrations are poorly executed. These hi/lo titles are extremely formulaic but are likely to circulate and could be considered for larger collections.–Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA

HANNIGAN, Katherine. True (...Sort of). 368p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. May 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196873-0; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-196874-7. LC 2010017315.
Gr 4-6–Are we defined by the labels others assign to us? Does friendship have the power to transform our lives? Hannigan tackles these questions and more in this story. Delly Pattison is strong on creativity, a dangerous thing since the idea of impulse control has never crossed her mind. Constantly being told how bad she is eventually makes for one angry kid, and when she is 11 and resorts to fistfights, she is on the verge of being sent to an alternative school. As she struggles to control her behavior, Delly begins to notice a new classmate. Ferris Boyd doesn’t speak and can’t be touched, yet the two bridge the gap. Trust and friendship follow, and are strong enough to handle crisis when it occurs. Told in carefully crafted language that begs to be read aloud, the story runs the gamut from laugh-out-loud funny to emotionally wrenching. Readers will likely be divided in their response to Delly’s propensity for combining existing words into new ones; a present that’s a surprise, for example, is a “surpresent.” The same may be said of the touches of magical realism that occasionally advance the plot. Even those who quibble with bits and pieces will find meaty themes, a host of fleshed-out characters, and the same storyteller’s ear that created Ida B . (Greenwillow, 2004). –Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

HARMER, Wendy. I Lost My Mobile at the Mall: Teenager on the Edge of Technological Breakdown. 265p. Kane/Miller. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-935279-97-6. LC 2010933234.
Gr 7-10–When Elly Pickering loses her handbag (and more importantly, her mobile phone) while out shopping, she immediately decides her life is over. It’s the third phone she’s lost, and her parents aren’t going to shell out for a fourth, “what with the Global Financial Crisis and everything.” Thus begin a series of technology-related mishaps for the Australian teen. Her best friend’s boyfriend posts embarrassing pictures of her on a social networking site, she discovers possible evidence that her boyfriend is unfaithful, etc., which culminate in a complete separation from all forms of electronic communication. The effects of technology on our lives and relationships is a worthy topic and one with great potential for humor, but the characters are too superficial and the message too heavy-handed to be entertaining.–Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

HAWORTH, Danette. Me & Jack. 240p. Walker. June 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-9453-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Joshua Reed’s mother passed away a few years ago, and he and his dad are constantly moving because his father is an air force recruiter during the Vietnam War. It’s not the easiest of circumstances for a sixth grader. In his newest home, in the steep hills of Pennsylvania, Joshua and his father decide to adopt a dog from the local pound. Jack spooks and scares most of the community because he’s so strange looking (he’s actually a Pharaoh hound). He is blamed for breaking into the chicken coop, knocking over garbage cans, and more. Joshua has to defend Jack and determine who or what is frightening the community, while simultaneously making a comfortable place for himself. The constant presence of the Vietnam War plays an integral role in this novel. When attending church for the first time, Joshua and his father hear the pastor congratulate a local family on their son’s upcoming return and empathize with a family whose son is MIA. Me & Jack is well paced and keeps readers focused and concerned about the characters and their development.–Patty Saidenberg, George Jackson Academy, New York City

HOLDER, Amy. The Lipstick Laws. 238p. CIP. Houghton/Graphia. 2011. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-547-36306-6. LC 2010027416.
Gr 9 Up–April Bowers is entering 10th grade at Penford High, and it appears that she will spend another year without friends. That changes, though, when she is paired with the most popular girl in gym class. Britney invites April to become a “friend in training,” meaning that she must prove herself to be socially worthy. Reluctant to do so, but desperately wanting to belong, April eventually signs the “Lipstick Laws,” ensuring her spot with the in-crowd. Things go well until she realizes that the pact means that she can no longer be herself but must become a sycophant to Britney’s every whim. After April is dropped, she decides to become a “Lipstick Lawbreaker” and get back at Britney. When things go too far, both girls need to step back from the brink, but only one does. Focusing on some of the serious aspects of high school, this book is about teen angst and how unrelenting peer pressure and subtle bullying can dominate and ruin a person’s life. Holder presents the teen milieu through realistic dialogue and situations, and lightens heavy moments with humor. The protagonist is well developed, and her struggles and gradual self-realizations are believable as she ultimately finds true friends and the self-confidence to make the right choices.–Sharon Morrison, Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library, Durant, OK

HORSFALL, Jacqueline. For the Love of Strangers. illus. by Mary B. Kelly. 292p. glossary. Leap. 2011. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-61603-003-2. LC 2010937608.
Gr 6-9–Russian mythology and modern-day themes intersect in this overly earnest, yet readable novel. Ten years ago, Darya and her baby brother were adopted from a Russian orphanage. Helping strangers is instilled in her at an early age: her adoptive mother, Tee-tee, runs a safe house for victims of domestic abuse, and Darya frequently cares for battered women and frightened children. But the 16-year-old begins to have encounters with the whitetail deer that live around her property, and she thinks that they also are asking for her help. Tee-tee finds the deer to be a nuisance, but Darya can’t resist their call. She has always felt like an outsider, but now she must decide whether she will completely separate herself by taking on the hunters as well as her adoptive mother. While the deer’s connection to Darya is poetic and the mythological detail is beautifully inserted, it is the safe house and its residents that are the most compelling part of the book. The story moves along at a good pace, and reluctant readers will find this to be a book they can take in. The simple black-and-white illustrations accentuate the magical realism. However, in many places the story feels overwritten with forced imagery. For example, Darya is a well-drawn character, and but others, such as Tee-tee, are too caricaturish. A fine first effort, but an additional purchase.–Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

JINKS, Catherine. The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group. 416p. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-15-206615-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Life for 13-year-old Toby Vandevelde has been pretty normal until he awakens in the hospital and discovers that he was found naked and unconscious in the local wildlife park’s dingo pen. If that isn’t disturbing enough, Toby gets the shock of his life when he is visited by Father Ramon Alvarez and his freaky-looking friend, Rueben. They reveal that he is, in fact, a werewolf. What follows is a whirlwind of events that involves Toby’s prankster friends, his overworked mother, an underground werewolf fight ring, kidnappers, abused werewolves, and members of the Reformed Vampire Support Group. As with The Reformed Vampire Support Group (Harcourt, 2009), these supernatural creatures are not romanticized or portrayed as gorgeous, strong, and sexy. Instead Jinks shows them as mistreated, weak, uncontrollable, and in need of therapy. She weaves an action-packed story that has a tempo all its own. The constant plot twists and turns thrust the characters into bizarre situations that are at times as humorous as they are scary. The ending leaves room for another installment. The story can stand on its own, but it will be enjoyed most by those familiar with the characters from the previous book.–Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School , NY

KARP, Jesse. Those That Wake. 336p. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-55311-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Things have been bleak in New York City ever since “Big Black,” the explosion that destroyed Con Edison and the two-week aftermath of darkness, rioting, looting, and murder. Residents interact with their cell phones more than with one another. For four New Yorkers, though, things are much worse than bleak. One day Laura wakes to find that no one remembers her existence. Mal’s brother is missing, and his only lead is that Tommy was running errands for someone in an empty office tower that doesn’t seem to conform to the laws of physics. Jon Remak is an agent for a cooperative of loosely aligned groups that tracks the Global Dynamic, an intricate network of indicators that can be used to predict human history. Mike Boothe is a teacher who finds a door in his high school’s basement that did not exist before. The four meet in the course of their investigations and discover that they face an adversary that is bent on controlling all of humanity. Karp has created a terrifically gloomy set and peopled it with both very real characters and others that are eerily unreal. His Global Dynamic smacks of Asimov’s psychohistory while the entire tone seems like something from Philip K. Dick. With plenty of action, challenging ideas, and bizarre antagonists, this one should appeal to a broad section of teens.–Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

KERZ, Anna. Better Than Weird. 220p. Orca. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-362-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–In this stand-alone sequel to The Mealworm Diaries (Orca, 2009), Kerz focuses on Aaron, one of the supporting characters from that book. Dubbed “Cantwait” by his sixth-grade classmates for his impulsive and immature behavior, Aaron struggles to make sense of his current social interactions with his peers. After an incident with the morning announcements draws the attention of the class bully, he attempts to focus on his father’s imminent return after an eight-year absence. He creates lengthy lists of activities and hobbies that his dad will teach him, even after his custodial grandmother cautions him to manage his expectations. In the end, his father’s arrival, coupled with his continued difficulties at school, leaves Aaron with more questions than answers. Kerz succeeds beautifully at crafting a convincing narrative centered on the life of a 12-year-old boy who cannot control his behavior. Not unlike the character of Jason in Nora Raleigh Baskin’s Anything but Typical (S & S, 2009), Aaron’s voice is convincing as a child desperate to understand his surroundings. Supporting characters, from Aaron’s father to his classmates, are also realistically portrayed. –Colleen S. Banick, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield, CT

KLISE, James. Love Drugged. 319p. Flux. 2010. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-2175-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–Fifteen-year-old Jamie is so scared that his gay classmate will out him at school after finding him on a chat site that he desperately tries to respond to flirtations from Celia, a cute, rich girl in his First Knights Club. When his heart (and other body parts) just won’t cooperate, Jamie “steals” an experimental drug designed to repress the homosexual response from Celia’s father, a pharmaceutical scientist. As Jamie increases his dosage in order to be more physical with Celia, the side effects of the drug get progressively worse, until finally he realizes he must confront Dr. Gamez with the truth. During this confrontation, Dr. Gamez reveals that Jamie has just been a convenient guinea pig in his research, and Jamie recognizes just how evil the scientist and his drug really are. If the plot weren’t unbelievable enough, it goes into overdrive on the final pages–Jamie sets the lab on fire; he comes out to his friends and family who, of course, love him unconditionally; newspapers distort the story, causing gay and antigay activists to demonstrate in Chicago streets; there is a lawsuit and countersuit where Jamie is awarded a million dollars; and his poverty-stricken parents get a new restaurant and begin life anew. Although this novel tries in the end to be positive, it seems to have a 1980s mindset while writing for 21st-century teens. –Betty S. Evans, Missouri State University, Springfield

KRISHNASWAMI, Uma. The Grand Plan to Fix Everything. illus. by Abigail Halpin. 272p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. May 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9589-0. LC 2010035145.
Gr 4-6–Dini and her friend Maddie love the movies of Bollywood and especially the “filmis” featuring their favorite star–the beautiful singer/actress Dolly Singh. When Dini’s mother announces that the family is moving to India for two years, the 11-year-old friends are stunned. At first they are sad that they will be apart but then they are cheered by the idea that Dini may get a chance to meet Dolly. However, the town to which Dini’s family is moving is so small that it is not even on a map, much less near Bombay, which is the Bollywood universe. In a series of coincidences and rewriting of life scripts, Dini manages not only to meet her idol, but also to patch up the star’s love life. The lilting text conveys the nature of the Hindi language and culture in a subtle yet effective style. The electricity goes on and off at odd times, monkeys wreak havoc in water tanks, and a certain flower blooms only once every 12 years. The story line is girly-girl yet the humor, characters, and kismet make this light novel an enjoyable read.–D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

LEWIS, Gill. Wild Wings. illus. by Yuta Onoda. 282p. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1445-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1449-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–A small, close-knit Scottish village becomes the backdrop for this dramatic story of animal rescue and the unlikely friendship of an 11-year-old boy and girl from different backgrounds, with the plot growing to involve people from two continents. Callum McGregor first encounters Iona McNair catching a fish from the swift river on his family’s property with her bare hands. Curious about the girl’s self-sufficiency and the “secret” she offers to share with him, he follows her to a platform of branches in a tall tree from which they can watch a male osprey building an aerie. They vow to keep the nest a secret. The female, named Iris by Iona, returns to lay her eggs, then becomes entangled in some fishing line, and the two young people must get help. A naturalist from the nearby preserve who treats the bird’s injured foot and straps a satellite transmitter to her in order to follow her on her migratory journey to Africa and back. Then things begin to go wrong. Iona is suddenly gone, and when Iris’s signal ceases as she journeys to her winter home, Callum must rely on a young girl in a hospital and a medical resident–both thousands of miles away–to help rescue the osprey. In the end, the village people work together to create a miracle of their own. Lewis offers sage advice on friendship and support. She shows that reaching out to others can bring life-changing results. This heartwarming and informative story, with its well-developed main characters, compares favorably with Carl Hiaasen’s Hoot (Knopf, 2002) and Farley Mowat’s Owls in the Family (Little, Brown, 1962) in offering an adventure that is hard to forget.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

LIEBERMAN, Leanne. The Book of Trees. 250p. glossary. Orca. 2010. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-265-1. LC 2010929059.
Gr 9 Up–Tired of her life of clubbing and singing in a band, Mia Quinn turns to Judaism to find direction and earns a scholarship to a girls’ seminary in Jerusalem. But when she doesn’t fit in and is uninspired by her classes, she begins to explore the city, struggling to make sense of the intense political situation. She befriends Andrew, an American street performer, and he soon becomes her confidant and romantic interest. After reading a book about the displacement of Arabs from Israel in 1948 and witnessing a bus bombing, Mia leaves the seminary, becomes sexually involved with Andrew, and joins the cause to rebuild Palestinian homes. While it is understandable that an inquisitive teenager would refuse to accept everything that she is taught, and Mia’s decision to leave the school (and the confines of Orthodox Judaism) is inevitable, it doesn’t make sense that she would so readily accept everything she reads in one small paperback and believe everything that she hears from Andrew’s friends. Mia comments: “I wanted to untangle who was right or wrong, but I didn’t have the whole story.” Unfortunately, with no positive adults (or even better-informed young adults) to help her sort through her complicated questions, Lieberman fails to provide readers with even a small part of the whole story. The lack of historical background information, balance, and perspective makes it difficult to recommend this book. Sarah Glidden’s How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less (Vertigo, 2010) and Marc Aronson’s Unsettled: The Problem of Loving Israel (S & S, 2008) do a much better job of providing a context for exploring the complicated, highly charged issues surrounding the Israeli-Arab conflict.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

LOCKHART, E. Real Live Boyfriends. Bk. 4. 225p. (A Ruby Oliver Novel). CIP. Delacorte. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73428-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90438-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89758-0. LC 2009041988.
Gr 9 Up–This book is the latest installment in the saga that is Ruby Oliver’s life. All the 17-year-old wants is a “real live boyfriend,” whom she finds in Noel. Things are going great–he is everything she wants–until he starts ignoring Ruby and acting oddly around her. They break up after causing a colossal scene in class and Ruby begins hanging out with Gideon, the older brother of her ex best friend, Nora. Meanwhile, Ruby’s father is too depressed over the death of his mother to get off the couch and her mother has taken a vacation with a friend. It wouldn’t be a story about Ruby if there weren’t a ton of drama involved. Writing in the same fast-paced narrative that fans have come to expect, Lockhart has done it again. Fans of neurotic Ruby Oliver are going to love reading about her latest trials and tribulations. And while it isn’t necessary to be familiar with the previous books, newcomers may find themselves yearning for a little more Ruby in their lives. –Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

LOTTRIDGE, Celia Barker. The Listening Tree. 172p. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2011. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-052-4. LC C2010-904389-8.
Gr 4-6–It’s the height of the Great Depression, and Ellen watches as her father and the other men in their small rural town hop a freight train west in search of work. When things get desperate, the nine-year-old and her mother leave their small Saskatchewan farm for Toronto where Ellen’s aunt has promised them room and a job at her boarding house. It’s a time of change for Ellen, from farm life to the big city, and nothing is quite the same. The big house is filled with a variety of boarders including a lawyer who now drives a cab, students, and others working odd jobs to support their families. Ellen shoulders her new responsibilities around the house but shies away from the large Kennedy family next door. She is content to reread her treasured books and listen from her perch outside her bedroom window where she can sit on the large elm branch, camouflaged by the leaves, and watch as the world unfolds underfoot. It’s when Ellen overhears a scam to evict the Kennedys that she learns to take action and stand up for what she believes is right. In an age when children are not meant to be heard, Ellen joins forces with her neighbors, making friends along the way. With its child’s-eye view of life in 1935 and the hardships faced by families and business owners, this reassuring story about growing up and learning to speak out should find a place in many collections.–Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

LUNDGREN, Jodi. Leap. 215p. Second Story, dist. by Orca. 2011. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-1-897187-85-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–School’s out and 15-year-old Natalie Ferguson anticipates spending an exciting summer honing her skills at dance school. She catches the attention of Kevin, her friend Sasha’s 19-year-old brother, and finds herself in a fast-moving relationship that soon turns intimate. Before long, Natalie realizes that Kevin is a less than ideal boyfriend, and she questions the steep price she paid to be with him–losing her friendship with Sasha and enduring a pregnancy scare. Natalie’s home life is no easier; her parents have been divorced for years, and she struggles to cope with her father’s emotional neglect of her and her sister. She is also stunned by the recent discovery of her mother’s romantic involvement with another woman. Confused by the state of her love life and her family relationships, Natalie fully immerses herself in dancing. When her new teacher encourages her to step outside her comfort zone, Natalie finds her groove and gains the confidence to take charge of her life. She also comes to terms with her mother’s sexuality. Lundgren effectively uses a diary format to draw readers into the teen’s world. Despite a slight lack of focus because of what seem like too many issues for Natalie to deal with, this novel, with its luminous descriptions of dance and frank discussions of sexuality and relationships, will captivate teens looking for a story they can relate to.–Lalitha Nataraj, Escondido Public Library, CA

MCCLINTOCK, Norah. Victim Rights. 290p. (A Ryan Dooley Mystery). CIP. Red Deer. 2011. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-0-88995-447-2. LC C2010-904509-2.
Gr 9-11–Bad-boy teen detective Ryan Dooley feels sucker punched when he learns that his girlfriend has been raped on a school-related trip by pretty boy Parker Albright. Depressed and ashamed, Beth attempts suicide and her mother keeps Ryan from her daughter, blaming him for being an overall bad influence. Enraged that Parker laughs off allegations and is backed by wealthy parents and their stable of lawyers, Ryan is the prime suspect when Parker turns up dead. A series of transparent red herrings leads readers to assume that he is guilty. Plot twists abound as the police then arrest Beth, and Ryan focuses on finding the real killer. Bits and pieces of his background are woven into this episode, but much is left out regarding his law-breaking past and how he came to be in the guardianship of an ex-cop “uncle.” Characterized as an outcast with a tough-guy exterior, Ryan grows on readers as he shows his vulnerabilities and loyalties to those who matter to him. His uncle is also well developed and leads readers to want to know more about his steadfast, parental guidance of an often-hotheaded teen. A loose description of the author’s style might be Elmore Leonard meets the Hardy Boys in terms of mature themes and occasional profanity–with a tidy ending.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

MARGOLIS, Leslie. Everybody Bugs Out. Bk. 3. 195p. (Annabelle Unleashed Series). Bloomsbury. May 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-526-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Annabelle’s first year at a coed middle school continues to provide challenges and opportunities to observe that human and animal behavior are not all that far apart. This time it is the bugs that take center stage. It is February and everyone seems to be paired up in anticipation of the big Valentine’s Day dance except Annabelle. Even her secret crush/science-fair partner has been snatched away by her friend Claire before she could declare her interest in him. Since love doesn’t seem to be in the cards, can their project on how colors attract bugs at least win them first prize at the science fair? While the connection between bug attraction and first crushes is a bit of a stretch, Margolis makes a great attempt to make a case. Annabelle’s mix of confidence and anxiety is spot-on for tween readers, and this third installment in the series will not disappoint fans of the first two.–Kathleen Meulen Ellison, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

MONIR, Alexandra. Timeless. 292p. CIP. Delacorte. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73838-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90726-2; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89410-7. LC 2010019657.
Gr 7 Up–When her mother dies in a car accident in California, Michele Windsor is sent to New York City to live with her high-society grandparents whom she has never met. Via her Great-Great-Aunt Clara’s diary, she is suddenly propelled back in time to 1910, where she not only meets and interacts with her Windsor ancestors but also with the young man whom she has been dreaming of her entire life, Philip Walker. The two fall in love. Trying to live between her two worlds, Michele discovers that only by giving up her “timeless” love for him can she allow Philip to attain happiness and reach his true potential. While much of the explanatory prose and dialogue tend toward trite, there are enough twists and turns to make the story interesting, if rather hokey. Philip’s promise to find a way back to her will entice readers to seek out the sequel. While the protagonist is generally well-developed, the secondary characters are fairly stereotypical: e.g., the ever-faithful boyfriend, willing to sacrifice his societal position for love, who finds solace in his music. Youngsters intrigued by time travel will revel in Michele’s adventures into the past, enjoying the historically accurate details, while her amorous trysts with Philip, accented by the difference in mores between his time and hers, will appeal to romance fans. An additional purchase for collections trying to attract reluctant, romance-prone readers.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, The Naples Players, FL

MORRIS, Taylor. BFF Breakup. 280p. S & S/Aladdin Mix. May 2011. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0758-9; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0759-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–Brooke and Madeline have been BFFs since, like, forever. The plan is to continue being besties in high school and college, and then date and marry boys who are best friends, and then live next door to each other so that their children can be best friends too. But now with big changes happening in their lives–such as starting junior high–Brooke is worried about how they’ll fit into a bigger community of students. And Madeline is concerned about her parents, whose tensions frequently erupt into terrible shouting matches. It only takes a few sharp words, a few poorly worded emails, and a few jealous misunderstandings, and suddenly Brooke and Madeline are avoiding one another and wondering what they ever saw in each other. Skillful writing and the opposing points of view portrayed in alternating chapters clearly capture the changing dynamic. Madeline feels unsupported by Brooke as her family struggles to adapt to a new definition, and Brooke feels betrayed when Madeline shuts her out in favor of new, popular friends. The hard but valuable lessons that both girls learn through this typical but emotionally devastating experience eventually allow their relationship to evolve, but there’s no doubt it was a tough road to reconciliation. Tweens will easily relate to their experiences.–Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

NELSON, Blake. Recovery Road. 310p. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-10729-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–After one too many incidences of drinking and fighting, Madeline Graham’s parents send her to Spring Meadows, which is just one of a string of rehab centers on what is called Recovery Road. She is just getting used to the routine of it all–therapy, work, and mealtime–but then, on one fateful weekly Movie Night in town, Maddie meets Stewart, a damaged teen fighting demons of his own. The two begin an intense relationship that flourishes in the bubble of recovery’s routine. Once Maddie is released, though, she finds that their connection just isn’t the same, even though she still loves him. She has sex for the first time while not drunk. When she tries to move on with her life, though, she feels the need to keep rescuing Stewart from himself. The story, told by Maddie, is all about finding the wrong kind of love and trying to make it right. She and Stewart have a deep connection because they understand one another on a different level due to what they are both going through. Maddie is a strong, likable teen, and the rest of the characters are believable and genuine as they help her move on with her life after rehab. The chapters are concise, which will grab reluctant readers. This is a great book for teens who are, or know someone who is, dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. Nelson doesn’t glamorize it, but paints a portrait of the struggle that people go through when fighting substance abuse.–Kimberly Castle, Medina County District Library, OH

OSTOW, Micol. Family. 384p. Egmont USA. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-155-6; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-197-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Seventeen-year-old Mel decides to escape from her broken, sexually abusive home. Finally free, but far from unscathed, she parks herself on a bench in San Francisco where she is “saved” by Henry. He takes her first into his van and then to the ranch where he lives with his “family,” a group of other young, broken people (many of them attractive young women like Mel) for whom the sun rises and sets on Henry. The family members share not only chores like cooking and laundry, but their bodies as well. As Mel’s time at the ranch lengthens, she becomes increasingly concerned about Henry’s anxiety and sinister rumblings. Much of the book is based directly on Charles Manson and the Manson Murders of 1969. Through Mel’s tale, Ostow ostensibly aims to dig into the cult mentality and to discern how someone could be pulled so blindly into a madman’s orbit. The verse format proves an apt choice to relay Mel’s scattered and frenetic thoughts and the use of capital letters in He and Him reinforces the idolatry of Henry without being heavy-handed. Yet while Mel’s cycling over and over and over about Henry filling her hollow places, her love for a fellow cult sister, and her abusive stepfather might simulate the mindset of a cultist, the repetitious thoughts become tedious. Still, Family will prove a worthwhile read for teens intrigued with the subject matter.–Jill Heritage Maza, Montclair Kimberley Academy, Montclair, NJ

OZ, Amos. Suddenly in the Depths of the Forest. tr. from Hebrew by Sondra Silverston. 144p. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-547-55153-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–In a gloomy isolated village in the mountains, all of the animals have disappeared, carried off by Nehi the Mountain Demon. The village children are warned against going out at night, and parents lock their doors and windows with iron bolts when the sun goes down. Emanuella the Teacher describes different domestic and forest creatures to her students, but the adults won’t talk about the night a curse befell the village and what they did to provoke the animals’ disappearance. After years without a single dog, fish, cow, bird or insect inhabiting their small town, two children set out into the forest to discover what or whom the strangeness is really about, and learn powerful lessons about collective acquiescence, loneliness, tolerance, and redemption. Oz has created a fable that is both enchanting and didactic, fanciful and overbearing, seemingly short and yet too long. The rich fairy-tale language is a strong enticement (even in translation), and the story is populated with compelling iconic characters such as Almon the Fisherman, now a farmer because there are no fish, and Little Nimi, a runny-nosed boy whose gapped teeth and strange dreams cause the other children to ridicule and ultimately shun him. Certainly an author of this caliber is worth reading, but there is a heaviness to this work that slows the narrative down. Recommended, albeit with reservations, for beautiful language and the potential to spark a meaningful conversation about kindness, tolerance, and collective responsibility.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PADIAN, Maria. Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best. 352p. Knopf. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86579-4; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96579-1; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89609-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–Eva, a ballet dancer, and Henriette, a star tennis player, lead highly competitive lives, but they never compete against one another, except for which of their parents is the most insanely overbearing. When Henry goes to a tennis camp in Florida and Eva to a ballet school in New York for the summer, it becomes apparent that, while Henry thrives on the challenges of her athletic career, Eva is slowly being destroyed by the pressures of ballet culture and her own impossible quest for perfection. The story follows the girls in alternating narratives, and Henry’s chapters vibrantly recount the expected experiences of a teen at camp: a colorful roommate, a cute guy who turns out to be sleazy, and another guy she ends up falling for. By contrast, Eva’s chapters become increasingly dark and self-critical as her precarious mental condition deteriorates, and she slips into a regimen of starvation and exercise that portends disaster. While it’s obvious early on that Eva has an eating disorder, it takes an astonishingly long time for anyone to act. The teens’ high-powered and oblivious parents are perhaps exaggerated, but the intense stress felt by Henry, and especially Eva, to perform and please will resonate with high-achieving readers. This is a moving portrayal of the mental anguish of anorexia and a story about discovering your values and cherishing your friendships above all else. Give this novel to fans of Sarah Dessen’s work and anyone else who likes chick lit that both entertains and skillfully addresses serious teen topics.–Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

PÉREZ, Ashley Hope. What Can’t Wait. 234p. CIP. Carolrhoda Lab. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6155-8; ebook $13.46. ISBN 978-0-7613-7163-2. LC 2010028175.
Gr 10 Up–Marisa Moreno, a Houston high school senior, is the goody-goody younger sister of Cecelia, who had a child at 17, and macho brother Gustavo, who calls her nerda. Although Marisa earns A’s, her acceptance letter to an Austin university sits hidden away in a kitchen drawer stuffed with her mother’s prayer cards, an example of the narrative’s rich and carefully observed detail. Afraid to let go of her younger daughter, Ma equates the distance to not-so-far-away Austin with Germany because the only other young woman who left their neighborhood is stationed there with the army. Ma’s geography may be weak, but her logistical argument is solid. Marisa babysits her niece, Anita; works at a supermarket; and cooks for the family: Who will replace her? With little spare time, the teen’s attempts at having a social life are flimsy; her best friend, Brenda, and boyfriend Alan provide comic relief and support. A short scene about an attempted sexual assault is too quickly drawn to be convincing. The real dynamic is among the members of this nuclear family, particularly involving its five-year-old scene stealer, Anita. The love of Marisa’s life, she’s someone for whom one would gladly struggle to build a future, even if it means learning to put your own needs before those of the family. This strong first novel makes an excellent choice for populations with large numbers of immigrant students.–Georgia Christgau, Middle College High School, Long Island City, NY

PHILBIN, Joanna. The Daughters Break the Rules. 276p. CIP. Little, Brown/Poppy. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-04903-0. LC 2010004983.
Gr 7-10–This installment in the series features Carina Jurgensen, a teenager dealing with a ridiculously wealthy and socially prominent parent. When her overbearing father forces her to intern in his media empire, Carina is devastated as it means giving up the JV soccer team and Model UN, so she retaliates in a very public way: she leaks a memo that implies that her dad’s company misused charity funds. Her infuriated father hands down the punishment: Carina will have to live on an allowance of 20 dollars a week. Although she is an outdoors girl, happier on a mountain than on the streets of New York, living on a strict allowance is a major challenge. The adults in Carina’s life sometimes seem unrealistically dreadful, though they do redeem themselves at the end. Brand dropping is prevalent, and at times feels like product placement. Although the book can stand alone, much of Carina’s character development begins in The Daughters (Little, Brown, 2010). Even though these flaws exist, the book will engage younger teens who aren’t quite ready for Cecily von Ziegesar’s “Gossip Girls” series (Little, Brown).–Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

PLUM, Amy. Die for Me. 352p. HarperTeen. May 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200401-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–One might think that it’s hard to find anything fresh and new in paranormal romance, that it has all been done. But Plum has succeeded. Revenants are undead who have died and been awakened, or reanimated, and they are immortal. They are not ghosts and would rather not be referred to as zombies. They also tend to be extremely good-looking, and each time they die, which happens frequently since their mission is to save humans, their age is halted once again so they also tend to be fairly young, in a manner of speaking. Kate Mercier, 16, and her 18-year-old sister have just lost their parents in a car accident and moved from Brooklyn to Paris to live with their grandparents, whom they have spent summers with since they were very young. Kate meets a young man and her breath is taken away by the feelings he evokes within her. It so happens that Vincent died for the first time in 1940, and he has been dying and saving lives ever since. Just as they are beginning their relationship, they discover that the numa, the evil revenants, are plotting an attack on the good revenants of Paris, and Lucien, their evil leader, just happens to be Kate’s sister’s new boyfriend. Action and drama abound. Plum has done an excellent job of setting up the rules for her creations and following them closely. Fans of this genre will have their appetites reignited by this new addition.–Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

PON, Cindy. Fury of the Phoenix. 336p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-173025-2. LC 2010011700.
Gr 9 Up–This sequel to Silver Phoenix (Greenwillow, 2009) continues the adventure of Ai Lang, now 18, who follows her heart by sneaking onto a ship carrying Chen Yong, bound for the land of his father. Ai Ling is trying to protect him from the harm she was warned about in a dream. Interwoven into the story is the tale of Zhong Ye and his rise to power in the Emperor’s palace and his love for Silver Phoenix. How the lives of Ai Lang and Zhong Ye are bound together makes for an intriguing story. Pon engages readers immediately. Set during the Xi Xia dynasty (1038-1227), the novel is sensuous and descriptive, and even readers unfamiliar with the first book will find themselves unable to put this one down. –Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD

POWERS, J. L. This Thing Called the Future. 207p. glossary. CIP. Cinco Puntos. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-933693-95-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Khosi, a 14-year-old living in post-apartheid South Africa, is torn between her grandmother’s superstitious beliefs in witches and sangomas (healers) and her mother’s Western belief in science and medicine. She lives in a shantytown in Pietermaritzburg with Gogo and her younger sister while their mother works in another city and comes home on the weekends. At school, Khosi earns top marks in biology, but she wonders how she can balance science, Zulu ancestral beliefs, and religion (the family is Catholic) when they seem to contradict one another. Everywhere Khosi looks, from billboards to the frequent local funerals, she sees evidence of “the disease of these days” (HIV/AIDS). When her mother returns home ill, Khosi is torn between shame brought upon her family and trying to figure out what is wrong with her. Has the neighbor put a curse on her family? Does her mother have the disease, and, if so, does that mean Khosi’s distant father gave it to her? Khosi’s dreams torment her and seem to turn into reality, causing her to question her possible future as a sangoma. The stark reality facing South Africa’s population is delineated with heart-wrenching honesty. This is a powerfully gripping, eye-opening novel that doesn’t pull any punches, and readers will long remember Khosi and the trials and tribulations facing South Africans as they venture forth into the modern world while desperately holding onto their heritage.–Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

PREBLE, Joy. Haunted. 290p. Sourcebooks/Fire. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-4468-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–After rescuing the Grand Duchess Anastasia from Baba Yaga in Dreaming Anastasia (Sourcebooks, 2009), Anne Michaelson is eager to put aside thoughts of both magical destinies and of Ethan, the former magician who regained his mortality when Anastasia was returned to her historical fate. But no amount of focusing on her normal life in modern-day Chicago or her new boyfriend can drive away Anne’s conflicted feelings for Ethan, or her own increasing magical powers. Baba Yaga still haunts her dreams, while during the day, Anne is haunted by a strange, wild woman (eventually identified as a rusalka, a Russian water spirit), who begs the teen to help her. Ethan’s return soon brings things to a head, and Anne must sort out the rusalka’s role in her family history, figure out what Baba Yaga requires of her, and decide which boy she really wants to be with. Themes of destiny, loss, and sacrifice run heavily through this tangled tale, with Anne’s brassy friend Tess providing a welcome lighter note. Not a stand-alone read, this is very much a middle chapter to the trilogy, with most of the action focused on elaborating past events or establishing the set-up for future ones. Consider purchasing where the first book has a following.–Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

RESTREPO, Bettina. Illegal. 257p. glossary. CIP. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. May 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-195342-2. LC 2010019451.
Gr 7-10–Nora, 14, and her family own and work a grapefruit farm in Cedula, Mexico. The town is slowly dying and no one is around to buy their fruit, leaving them with many bills to pay. To help make ends meet, Nora’s father illegally crosses the border into Texas and sends money back home. But one day it stops coming. Nora and her mother follow in the man’s footsteps, hiding in the back of a truck to cross into Texas. As Nora searches for her father, she learns some hard lessons about life in America, being an outsider, and growing up. While the plot has relevance, the tone of the novel is too light for such an intense topic, and the characters are not fully developed, making it difficult for readers to truly relate to their problems. –Jessie Spalding, Tempe Public Library, AZ

ROCKLIN, Joanne. One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street. 224p. CIP. Abrams/Amulet. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9719-6. LC 2010023452.
Gr 4-7–A Day-Glo orange cone has been placed at the curb of the empty lot on Orange Street, and everyone notices it. The neighborhood kids think of the lot and its orange tree as theirs. Its shade provides cool comfort and the lot is their gathering spot. This space becomes the setting for the cast of quirky characters who unveil their worries, wishes, and dreams over the course of one day and the next morning. The importance of the orange tree and the empty lot spans time and intertwines past and present Orange Street residents through their stories. With magic tricks, health issues, a father going off to war, an injured hummingbird, buried treasure, and more, this mulitfaceted story has been polished to simplicity. Fascinating and thought-provoking, the writing has a gentle cadence, richness in detail, and is charged with emotion. The book, like the oranges on the Orange Street tree, presents segments of life that are both sweet and tart and sure to satisfy.–Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

RORBY, Ginny. Lost in the River of Grass. 255p. CIP. Carolrhoda Lab. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5685-1; ebook $13.46. ISBN 978-0-7613-7161-8. LC 2009053999.
Gr 5-8–The Florida Everglades provides the setting for two barely acquainted teens to embark on a survival adventure. During a weekend field trip to an environmental center, Sarah, 13, meets Andy, 15, the camp manager’s son. As a scholarship student new to Glades Academy, Sarah feels excluded by the “Barbies,” her snooty designer-clad classmates. Feigning illness, she skips a scheduled outing and joins Andy for a daytrip into the wilderness. Packing few supplies, she hopes to shoot some photos with her father’s treasured Leica camera and be back before her teacher realizes she is absent. Alligator and snake sightings portend danger lurking in the outwardly docile landscape, and Darwinian foreshadowing intensifies as Sarah takes the helm of the sputtering airboat, accidentally running over some ducklings. As the teens explore a remote island, their airboat sinks beyond saving. Options for rescue are few, so they slosh miles through knee-deep swamp, experiencing overexposure to sun, mosquito bites, and encounters with wildlife. Factual details about local flora and fauna make this more than just a survival story, creating an intimate portrait of the Everglades. The two help each other to overcome some specific fears, but heretofore unrevealed details about Sarah’s African-American heritage and Andy’s Confederate flag-toting father are unnecessary to the satisfying ending.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

RUSSELL, Christine & Christopher Russell. The Quest of the Warrior Sheep. 224p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2011. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-5511-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–The five inhabitants of Eppingham Rare Sheep Farm are relaxing in their pasture when a silver object falls from the sky. Matriarch Sal is convinced that it is the legendary Baaton, a powerful relic of ancient prophecy. According to the Songs of the Fleece, the artifact is crucial in the war between the great sheep god Aries and his evil rival Lambad the Bad. Sal convinces the other sheep that they must journey to Aries’s home to return the Baaton and save the world. Meanwhile, two crooks who dropped a cell phone loaded with stolen bank data out of their getaway hot-air balloon are trying to get the evidence back; a shy farmer and an attractive TV reporter are on the hunt for sheep-stealing UFO aliens, and a boy and his slightly dotty great-grandmother just want their livestock returned. The convoluted, Saturday-morning cartoon-style plot follows all four groups across the English countryside, through the center of London, and up into the highlands–by train, Tube, airplane, and manure truck. There are wild chases, car crashes, near misses, and lots of side excursions and misunderstandings. Even the government gets into the act–in the thoroughly inefficient form of the British Alien Research Military Intelligence. The dialogue is frequently amusing, although “Valley Girl” sheep Jaycey’s constant dithering, “Ohmygrass!” becomes monotonous. Unfortunately, the rap talk of Link Longwool (shown on the cover as a black sheep) borders on stereotype–“The Warrior Sheeps is all fleeced up ‘n’ ready,/We’s brave and we’s true/and we’s real rock steady.” This lighthearted, but rather lightweight fantasy doesn’t compare to classic animal quests such as Brian Jacques’s “Redwall” series (Philomel).–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

RYAN, Patrick. Gemini Bites. 231p. Scholastic. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-22128-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Judy and Kyle’s relationship is fraught with tension, and the competition between the 16-year-old twins only increases when a fellow student joins their already large household for the final month of the school year. The strange son of family friends, Garret moves into the attic, turns it into a dark and creepy den, and claims to be a vampire. Kyle, who has recently come out to his family, and Judy are both a little intrigued and begin to vie for Garret’s attention. Told from the siblings’ alternating viewpoints, the story is light and engaging. Refreshingly, Kyle’s homosexuality is mostly a nonissue, and his strained relationship with his sister is the crux of his angst. There isn’t a lot that is new in this novel, it’s not as well done as other stories told with more than one first-person narrator, and the characters are a little undeveloped. But it is a quick, fun read with a satisfying ending, and it will appeal to those who enjoy realistic relationship-themed fiction.–Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

SCHREIBER, Ellen. Once in a Full Moon. 293p. CIP. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-198650-5. LC 2010018359.
Gr 7 Up–Celeste’s life is practically perfect. She hangs out with the popular crowd and dates Nash, the hottest guy in school. Then she finds herself drawn to Brandon, an alluring new student from the wrong side of town. On the way home one evening, she becomes lost in a snowstorm and is suddenly surrounded by wolves. Brandon steps in to save her and is bitten. As the two begin a romance, questions linger about what exactly happened to Brandon that night. Is he transforming into something dangerous–or is someone else causing the rampant werewolf sightings taking place all over Legend’s Run? Fans of Schreiber’s “Vampire Kisses” books (HarperCollins) may be disappointed that Celeste is very different from that series’ spunky goth protagonist. She is a “good girl” who volunteers at a nursing home and follows the rules. But even after breaking up with Nash, she never stands up to her bullying friends, and she keeps her relationship with outcast Brandon a secret. Readers looking for complex characters or realistic teen dialogue won’t find it here. Even so, this novel will surely be in demand with Schreiber’s fans.–Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA

SHAHAN, Sherry. Purple Daze. 208p. chron. Running Pr. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7624-4071-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–This novel-in-verse features snapshots of the turbulence of 1965 as caught in both a wide angle and telephoto lens. It not only follows the lives of several southern California teenagers through the young folks’ own poetry, journal entries, and letters, but it also focuses on the bigger picture: Vietnam, Civil Rights, Malcolm X, LSD, pot, war protest, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and feminism. History lessons in third-person prose are sprinkled throughout the more human scale of poetry depicting teen musings and angst, but no segment fills more than a page, making the book perfect for short attention spans. From the three dating couples who populate and pen the poems, some central characters emerge. Ziggy, the easy chick who sleeps with her boyfriend, Mickey, barely survives his absence when he joins the Navy. Cheryl won’t put out for her stateside guy, Don, and is actually the perfect wartime pen pal for the other two military teens: Mickey aboard the USS Hermitage and especially Phil, who is drafted to soldier in Nam and whose letters will evoke sympathy. Infidelity, abortion, friendship, grief, personal growth, and forgiveness are just some of the issues involved. While the poetry is neither particularly lyrical nor deft, it does manage to communicate story. Reluctant readers may be the best audience to enjoy this fast ride through the period.–Suzanne Gordon, Lanier High School, Sugar Hill, GA

SHEPARD, Sara. The Lying Game. 310p. HarperTeen. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-186970-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–In foster care for most of her childhood, Emma aches to belong to a family. She gets that chance when her foster brother frames her for theft and discredits her with a disturbing snuff film on the Internet that reveals a potential sibling. As a result, she is forced to leave her foster home. Emma immediately sets out to meet the mysterious star of the film only to be plunged into assuming the role of her popular and privileged dead twin sister, Sutton Mercer. Readers might initially balk at the easy acceptance of Emma playing the role of her twin. However, Sutton’s friends are just shallow enough to barely notice the difference between mean-girl Sutton and introspective Emma. In fact, Sutton’s friends appear to be her enemies as Emma works to uncover the truth about the girl’s death. As she searches for answers, she learns about the Lying Game, a group of teens, including Sutton and her friends, whose object is to humiliate and frighten the students and parents in their community. The suspense reaches a dangerous frenzy as Emma gets closer to finding the identity of her sister’s killer. The first in a projected series, this is a thrilling mystery with just the right doses of romance and danger. Readers will race to the end, hoping to reveal the truth behind the incidents surrounding Sutton’s death, only to find themselves simultaneously frustrated by the lack of closure and eager for the sequel.–Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

SLOAN, Holly Goldberg. I’ll Be There. 393p. Little, Brown. May 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12279-5. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Seventeen-year-old Sam’s and 10-year-old Riddle’s lives have never been normal. Because of their abusive father’s bad habit–stealing–they are always on the run. Sam stumbles into church wearing his cleanest dirty clothes on the day that Emily Bell sings “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson Five. He can’t help but feel that she is singing directly to him, and the two make a connection that later will change both of their lives. Because of many coincidences, the two eventually meet again and the relationship blossoms, but not without some hindrances. Sam’s father commits a series of crimes, and he forces the boys to hit the road with him again. The brothers end up escaping their father’s grip and get separated, and readers will flip pages frantically to find out if they are reunited with one another and with Emily’s family. Sloan illustrates how we are all connected in big and small, positive and negative ways. Any reader who has ever questioned whether even the smallest gesture of kindness can make a difference will appreciate this book. Even though there are many characters and the scene is constantly changing, this riveting story will keep readers interested and guessing until the end.–Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

STEVENSON, Robin. Outback. 131p. (Orca Soundings Series). Orca. 2011. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-420-4; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-419-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-10–Jayden is down and depressed after his girlfriend dumps him, and when a chance comes to go to Australia to visit strange Uncle Mel, he figures, why not? He discovers that his biologist uncle wants to go into the Outback to find a new species of lizards, and the mission seems almost suicidal. Accompanying them is Mel’s research assistant, pierced and surly Natalie. All signs point to disaster, and the ultimate happens: the truck catches fire with most of their supplies and belongings in it and leaves them stranded at least 10 days away from civilization with no hope of anyone driving, walking, or flying by. Unfortunately, the plot wraps up a little too neatly and easily, and there’s no real romance, drama, or survival smarts happening in the meantime.–Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA

STRASSER, Todd. Famous. 259p. CIP. S & S. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7511-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-1727-4. LC 2009048163.
Gr 8-11–At 14, Jamie Gordon took some photos of a model’s embarrassing moment and sold them to a tabloid, which led to her own first taste of fame. Now 16 and a professional paparazzo, she is in LA to document a week in the life of starlet Willow Twine. Jamie feels as if she and Willow are friends, and she considers staying there to focus her energy on becoming the “Annie Leibovitz of the LA young actor scene.” Her boyfriend, Nasim, is a complicating factor, and so is the mysterious lack of communication from Avy, a close friend and aspiring actor who ran away to LA eight months earlier. Then Jamie discovers six photos on her camera that could ruin Willow’s career–and send Jamie’s to new heights. Suspense about a man who is stalking Willow, what’s in those pictures, and who took them drives this fast-paced narrative. Chapters jump between various episodes in Jamie’s freshman and sophomore years, interwoven with emails to Nasim and dispatches from Avy’s ill-fated trip to Tijuana for plastic surgery. Paying attention to chapter headings is essential to track each thread of the story. Strasser is a serious name-dropper, but the underlying message about the cost of fame is a sobering one. The author, best known for grittier novels, shows impressive range here, though a subplot about Jamie’s disabled brother feels tacked on. Nonetheless, this book is likely to be snapped up and make a lasting impression on readers.–Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

STRINGER, Helen. The Midnight Gate. 384p. Feiwel & Friends. May 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-312-38764-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-7–This exciting and adventurous fantasy begins two months after the events in Spellbinder (Feiwel & Friends, 2009). Belladonna, 12, has discovered that she’s the Spellbinder, destined to prevent the Empress of the Dark Spaces from entering this realm and allowing chaos to reign. She is assisted by classmate Steve, designated her Paladin and charged with protecting her from harm. Both are untutored in their powers and struggling to master them on their own. Unlike Steve, Belladonna is shy and introverted and considered weird by her fellow students at her British school. Ever since her parents died tragically two years earlier and came back as ghosts, she’s been able to see and talk to them, along with many other magical creatures. Ostensibly living with her grandmother, but in actuality alone with her ghostly parents, she’s forced into foster care when the authorities find out. She’s taken in by a couple who seem okay but Belladonna suspects they aren’t what they seem. After her ghostly parents and grandmother disappear, she and Steve embark on a quest to the Land of the Dead and attempt to reach the Queen of the Abyss, whom they hope can help them. This inventive story, full of fresh and funny fantasy elements and with a twist, is, at its heart, about a girl who just wants to fit in and be accepted. Fans will be happy to know that Belladonna’s adventures continue in the next book in the series.–Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

VALENTE, Catherynne M. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. illus. by Ana Juan. 256p. Feiwel & Friends. May 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64961-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–Once upon a time in Omaha, NE, a child named September is visited by the Green Wind and spirited away to Fairyland on the back of the Leopard of Little Breezes. Things are not going well in Fairyland, where the evil Marquess holds sway. She asks September to retrieve an item for her from the autumn lands, where there is “always cider and pumpkin pie...and it is always Halloween.” September is hesitant to aid the Marquess in her plans for Fairyland, but the offer provides her an opportunity to help friends she has met on her journey. While this book is written in a sophisticated, adult storyteller’s voice, with many asides directed at (presumably adult) readers (“you must remember from your own adventuring days how harsh a task lies before her...”), there is no denying that it possesses a surfeit of imagination. Along the way September meets a bookish Wyvern, a herd of wild bicycles, and even pieces of 100-year-old household furniture that can think and act for themselves. Think The Phantom Tollbooth (Random, 1961) crossed with The Wizard of Oz infused with the absurdity of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Does this book rise to the level of a classic in the same way as these three books? Perhaps not, but the payoff, when all is revealed, will give readers an immense degree of satisfaction. Juan’s black-and-white illustrations appear as headings for each chapter and nicely convey the strange and dreamlike quality of the proceedings. Having previously been published online, and having already won a couple of major awards, this book should have a built-in audience.–Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

WARD, Rachel. Num8ers: The Chaos. Bk. 2. 352p. CIP. Scholastic/Chicken House. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-24269-1. LC 2010018294.
Gr 8 Up–This sequel to Num8ers (Scholastic, 2010) doesn’t disappoint. Fifteen-year-old Adam, the son of Jem and her lover for too brief a time, Spider, has inherited his mother’s ability to see peoples’ death dates in their eyes. Unfortunately, the loss of Jem to cancer causes him to retreat into isolation and rage. Things only get worse when his father’s grandmother brings him back to her London flat and enrolls him in school where he begins to notice that almost everyone he meets has the same death date–01012027, which is only six months away. Then he meets Sarah, sensitive, artistic, and pregnant, who is fighting her own demons. Together they must learn to trust and heal and, hopefully, survive the inevitable cataclysm. The Chaos is every bit as good as the first novel in the trilogy. The premise of unavoidable disaster is chillingly plausible as Ward incorporates elements of global warming and increasing seismic activity–which hits just a bit too close to home given the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.–Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

WATKINS, Steve. What Comes After. 338p. CIP. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4250-1. LC 2010038711.
Gr 9 Up–When 16-year-old Iris’s father dies, she is sent from her suburban home in Maine to her aunt’s goat farm in North Carolina. Her presence there is barely tolerated, and she is treated as little more than a slave. Aunt Sue expects Iris to rise early, care for the goats, and make the cheese that they sell in a local farmer’s market. When school lets out, there are more chores, while her cousin Book goofs off with his buds. Iris doesn’t really mind, though, because she has a passion for animals. When her aunt instructs Book to butcher three of the goats, Iris protests, and in retaliation she is brutally beaten. Aunt Sue and Book are arrested for the crime, and Iris goes to live with a local foster family. Now, though, who will take care of the goats? She feels powerless but knows that she has to do something, even if it means confronting her aunt. The story moves at a gentle pace, slowly pulling readers into Iris’s cheerless world. The teen is realistically emotional and stubborn, and the secondary characters are well developed. Give this one to teens who enjoy dramatic plots with rays of hope at the end.–Heather Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL

WILLIAMS, Carol Lynch. Miles from Ordinary. 197p. St. Martin’s/Griffin. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-55512-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–This is a heart-wrenching exploration of Lacey’s attempts to build a normal life for herself under the shadow of her mentally unstable mother. As the novel begins, the 13-year-old desperately hopes that Angela’s new job as a cashier at Winn Dixie will offer her a fresh start. It will also free Lacey to volunteer at the local library, allowing her to escape the woman’s suffocating neediness. Written in a taut, lyrical style, the story takes place in one day; Williams effectively uses this framework to build the character of responsible, yet vulnerable Lacey and fill in the family’s gripping back story. Her beloved Aunt Linda moved out of the house after a final blow-up with Angela, and her repeated attempts to rescue the girl have been thwarted. Further tension is added in the specter of Lacey’s dead grandfather, whose strange pull on her mother looms throughout the story. Shunned by her peers, Lacey is essentially alone, so when Aaron, a classmate, reaches out to her, she is at first wary. But when events begin to spiral out of control, and her mother goes missing, it is Aaron who supports and helps her. The girl’s conflicting emotions about her mother are convincing, though her continual internal ruminations bog down the pace of the novel. Nevertheless, the story gradually gains momentum, climaxing in a horrifying scenario in which she must use all her emotional strength to defy her mother’s insane plan. Lacey is both a resilient and sympathetic heroine, and the ending is not without hope. However, the novel’s overall bleakness will limit its audience to those who enjoy their plots on the dark side. –Caroline Ward, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

WOELFLE, Gretchen. All the World’s a Stage: A Novel in Five Acts. illus. by Thomas Cox. 161p. further reading. glossary. Web sites. Holiday House. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2281-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–This engaging tale of adventure and self-discovery in 16th-century London revolves around a true, and remarkable, historical event: the dismantling of a theater on the north side of the Thames so it could be stolen, beam by beam, and rebuilt on the south bank as the Globe Theatre. While the owner of the Globe, its master builder, and William Shakespeare are all featured as characters, the main player is scrappy Kit Buckles, a friendless orphan who tries his hand at petty thievery and bungles it. To atone for being a pickpocket, the 12-year-old goes to work as a stage boy, cleaning, delivering messages, and acting as a stand-in player. In no time he’s an integral part of the company. As the drama unfolds, Kit attempts to discover his destiny; the chapter headings (“Messenger,” “Apprentice,” etc.) represent the various identities he tries on like costumes. The tale is well structured and interesting, and the language is infused with Shakespearean phrases sure to please fans of the Bard. An author’s note recounts the facts of the Globe’s construction. With its engaging characters and manageable length, this is a good pick for historical-fiction novices, and an obvious choice for kids with an interest in Shakespeare and his time.–Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

WOODS, Elizabeth. Choker. 233p. CIP. S & S. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1233-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–After choking on a carrot in the cafeteria, Cara is harassed by the popular girls at her school and given the nickname “Choker.” She longs for her old life with her best friend, Zoe, who is no longer there. Coincidentally, Zoe shows up at Cara’s house needing a place to stay, but says Cara’s parents cannot know because they might tell the police. Cara’s life changes dramatically with Zoe’s presence. She gets a date with the cutest boy in school after his girlfriend goes missing in the wake of her best friend’s death. Wondering if Zoe, who has started to behave bizarrely, has anything to do with these strange goings-on, Cara considers alerting the authorities before her friend disappears. There is an ongoing struggle between the girls. The protagonist is multi-layered and well-drawn. Subtle clues are given in regard to the nature of her true relationship with Zoe, but it is not spelled out completely until the end. The pacing is both chaotic and measured, and some parts of the tale are dark and violent. The taut mood is sustained throughout, and the plot’s unpredictability will lead readers to finish the book in one sitting. With similarities to Jacquelyn Mitchard’s Now You See Her (HarperTempest, 2007), Choker is sure to be a hit with fans of psychological thrillers.–Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

YEE, Lisa. Warp Speed. 214p. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-12276-4. LC 2010024228.
Gr 5-9–Marley Sandelski is invisible. At Rancho Rosetta Middle School, he’s chased by bullies, threatened into sharing his homework, and ignored by everyone else. An admitted geek, he loves Star Trek, AV Club, and the Rialto, an old movie theater that serves as both his home and his parents’ business. His empathetic nature shines through, and he’s not without allies, including his closest buds Ramen and Max. And of course, there’s always the Trekkie action figure of the day in his pocket to help him out of jams (he frequently asks himself, “WWSD—What Would Spock Do?”). Though he’s resigned to hiding behind the shadows of those standing on the sidelines, his ability to outrun bullies catches the track coach’s eye. During the school’s annual Tiggy Tiger Turkey Trot race, Marley finds himself running for his life, away from the Gorn (a trio of tormentors nicknamed after the “evil, slow-moving beasts” in a Star Trek episode), and accidentally winning the trophy. Suddenly sky-rocketed into the spotlight, Marley’s the star of the school. As his external universe alters, he must re-evaluate himself and set a new course for his place in the cosmos. Yee’s previous protagonists, Millicent, Stanford, and Emily, all make cameo appearances. Once again, the author addresses a serious issue with a light touch. An entertaining read and a solid example of bibliotherapy.–Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY

ZAFÓN, Carlos Ruiz. The Midnight Palace. tr. from Spanish by Lucia Graves. 298p. Little, Brown. May 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-04473-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–In 1932 Calcutta, 16-year-old Ben celebrates a last night together with the circle of friends he’s dubbed the Chowbar Society, before they leave their childhood home at the orphanage and go their separate ways. The festive yet solemn occasion is brought to a halt by the arrival of Ariyami Bose and Sheere, the grandmother and twin sister Ben never knew he had. The twins were separated to protect them from Jawahal, a mysterious supernatural figure who seeks them for some diabolical purpose. As the Chowbar Society tries to find a way to protect the pair, the tragic history that ties together the twins’ parents, Jawahal, and a horrific train fire comes to light. Although the characters never fully emerge as individuals, the sense of dread and mystery that pervades the story, and the themes of lost innocence and sacrifice keep readers turning the pages.–Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

ZALBEN, Jane Breskin. Four Seasons. 322p. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86222-9; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96222-6; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89405-3. LC 2010012731.
Gr 5-8–Allegra Katz, the daughter of professional musicians, has played piano since the age of four; nevertheless, she’s rethinking her choice to make music the center of her life. Ms. Pringle, her longtime teacher at the Juilliard Pre-College, criticizes her constantly, and Ally finds her lessons totally stressful. She keeps her unhappiness to herself; however, while attending a high-powered summer music program, she finally descends into a depression that eventually sends her to a psychiatric ward. Understanding parents, a loving grandmother, and supportive friends encourage the girl to focus on the kind of music that speaks to her and help her to find her own creative way. The pressures of a conservatory education are realistically portrayed in this journey of self-discovery. Divided into the motifs of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Zalben’s plot is both well developed and appropriately paced, and the book’s quotations (taken from sources ranging from Pythagoras to Philip Glass) allow readers to anticipate the events within each chapter. Ally’s romantic interests, her disagreements with her parents, and the ups and downs of middle school emphasize that, despite her precocity, she is very much a normal adolescent. Ally and her mother, a frustrated opera singer, are the best-developed characters, each of them undergoing significant changes in the course of the novel. Other figures, however, such as the all-loving grandmother, the uptight music teacher, and the true-blue best friend are fairly one-dimensional. Nevertheless, they all contribute in some way to Ally’s growth as a person. While the musical details will appeal particularly to those with similar interests, the novel will find a general audience among readers who will identify with Ally’s creative angst.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, The Naples Players, FL

Nonfiction

ABRAMS, Dennis. Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler). 117p. (Who Wrote That? Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2010. PLB $35. ISBN 978-1-60413-726-2; ebook $35. ISBN 978-1-4381-3565-6. LC 2010006599.
Gr 6-10–Here’s a treat for readers: a book about a favorite author written in a clever imitation of his signature style. Abrams delivers a witty account of his subject, directly addressing readers and using Snicketesque espressions like “what allusion means in this case.” He presents a substantive look at Snicket/Handler, including synopses of and reactions to his adult books, his major influences, and musical interests. Abundant secondary-source quotes, full-color photos and film stills, and a chapter devoted to the series that made him famous will appeal to many readers. This lively biography will not disappoint.–Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

AGUILAR, David A. 13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System. illus. by author. 60p. charts. diags. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0770-6; PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0771-3. LC 2010032510.
Gr 4-6–Including remote Eris, Haumea, and Makemake in his count of major and dwarf planets, Aguilar tours the solar system from the Sun out to the Oort Cloud, highlighting such relatively recent discoveries as Saturn’s “dark ring” and closing with a quick note about extrasolar planets. A claim that “occasionally a colossal meteorite strikes the Earth” seems likely to provoke unnecessary anxiety, and readers will struggle to draw anything meaningful from the statement that “billions of years from now, as our Sun begins its final days, new worlds among the stars may await our arrival.” Furthermore, both Mercury and Jupiter’s moon Callisto are designated as “the most heavily cratered object in our solar system,” and recent observations have cast doubt on whether Eris is actually larger than Pluto, as claimed here. Alongside the volume’s many excellent, large, sharply detailed space photos and paintings are provocatively posed smaller images of often scantily clad gods and goddesses representing their eponymous planets, which strike a dissonant note. Though the continuing flood of new knowledge about our solar neighborhood makes frequent updates a necessity, this one is problematic.–John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library

ASLAN, Reza. No god but God: The Origins and Evolution of Islam. 167p. map. bibliog. chron. glossary. index. CIP. Delacorte. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73975-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90805-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89826-6. LC 2010020408.
Gr 9 Up–Aslan looks at religion in pre-Islamic Arabia and describes the world into which Muhammad was born. The prophet’s life and the history of the church through the end of the Caliphate are also covered. Additional chapters deal with more controversial issues: the meaning of jihad, Muslim-Jewish relations, and women in Islam. Finally, the author provides a brief look at the future of the religion. These last chapters do a good job of reconciling how the interpretation and translation of the Quran have caused confusion over Muhammad’s original intent over time, thereby creating a religion that in some hands is peaceful and in others is violent. Aslan presents and advocates for a peaceful interpretation of the Quran. The book claims to be “based upon” No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam (Random, 2005). Since the author’s copyright remains 2005, it appears that the book might be an abridgement rather than an adaptation of the original work. While not entirely new, and not written specifically with a teen audience in mind, this shortened version will be a useful addition.–Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

AXELROD-CONTRADA, Joan. Isabel Allende. 160p. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7614-4116-8. LC 2009033032.
MUSSARI, Mark. Amy Tan. 126p. ISBN 978-0-7614-4127-4. LC 2009033041.
–––– . Haruki Murakami. 128p. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7614-4124-3. LC 2009028906.
STEFOFF, Rebecca. Stephen King. 176p. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7614-4122-9. LC 2009033034.
ea vol: (Today’s Writers and Their Works Series). photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. PLB $29.95.
Gr 8 Up–These books provide excellent information for reports. Each volume includes an introduction, a chapter about the author, and one that places the author in the context of his or her times. These chapters are very helpful as students often forget to view writers in light of personal and world history. The following chapters address at least two of the authors’ major works and include a concise analysis; a section on plots, themes, and issues; motifs and symbols; and characters. There is also a list of the works and a chronology for each individual. The texts are organized well, lending themselves to be read in their entirety or used as needed for research, and include full-color photos and illustrations. While the books are on the right reading level for middle school patrons, the interest level would be older students.–Melyssa Kenney, Parkville High School, Baltimore, MD

BANKSTON, John. Christopher Paolini. 132p. ISBN 978-1-60413-727-9; ISBN 978-1-4381-3564-9. LC 2010001366.
SONNEBORN, Liz. Mark Twain. 125p. ISBN 978-1-60413-728-6; ISBN 978-1-4381-3589-2. LC 2010006601.
ea vol: (Who Wrote That? Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2010. PLB $35.; ebook $35.
Gr 7 Up–The first book addresses the difficulties inherent in writing about the life of the young author by concentrating on the process of writing and selling the “Eragon” books, which has become a sort of legend in itself. Bankston tells the story of the Paolini family visiting hundreds of schools and bookstores to sell their self-published book. Long passages from and about other writers who influenced the 15-year-old author, numerous quotes from websites and newspapers, and a chapter on the teen’s parents’ involvement with a radical church extend what might otherwise be a short biography. “Eragon” fans will enjoy it, but it’s an additional purchase. Mark Twain begins with the writer’s memorable visit to his Missouri hometown in 1902, then tracks back to his early days and his well-known transformation from Sam Clemens to Mark Twain. Sonneborn deals with her material well, hitting all the highlights and keeping the narrative moving along. Good use of details adds interest, such as the origins of the famous white suit. A critical section in the last chapter puts the controversy around The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in context. A solid purchase for libraries needing new biographies of this report stalwart.–Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

BARNES, Trevor, retel. The Kingfisher Children’s Illustrated Bible. illus. by Vanessa Card, Gino D’Achille, et al. 256p. maps. photos. chron. glossary. index. Kingfisher. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7534-6490-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-7–In the straightforward style of a practiced storyteller, Barnes re-creates the ancient world of the Israelites peopled by patriarchs, prophets, kings, the Messiah, and his disciples. Beginning with Creation and concluding the first portion of the book with a selection of psalms and proverbs, he pays homage to key Old Testament figures in the Israelites’ struggle to keep their covenant with God, highlighting Abraham’s faith, Moses’s leadership, David’s bravery, the wisdom of Solomon, and the unceasing efforts of the prophets to turn the people back toward the one true God. The second section focuses on the New Testament stories of Jesus’ life and teachings and the spread of Christianity, reinforcing Christ’s message of love and forgiveness. The one- to two-page stories flow together seamlessly from Genesis to Revelation. Each entry includes a citation to the corresponding scripture passages and is complemented by illustrations replete with historically correct cultural details. A supplementary reference section featuring commentary, maps, and captioned photographs puts the sacred stories in historical and geographical context. Although not as elegant as Saviour Pirotta’s lyrical Children’s Stories from the Bible (Candlewick, 2009), this volume is a fine addition.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA

BARTON, Chris. Can I See Your I.D.?: True Stories of False Identities. illus. by Paul Hoppe. 160p. bibliog. CIP. Dial. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3310-7. LC 2010011878.
Gr 6-9–Barton invites readers to travel with some of the world’s greatest hoaxers, con artists, counterfeiters, and other great imposters, taking them into their deceptive minds. Ten short chapters feature clever pretenders, such as the legendary Catch Me If You Can’s Frank Abagnale, Jr., and his forays into identity theft. The chapters offer in-the-hot-seat details about these clever-minded imposters, including detailed dates and a “What Happened Next?” page. Told in a second person, the text places readers inside the fakers’ minds. However, the constant use of the words “you” and “your” gets rather annoying. Readers, especially younger audiences, might have trouble distinguishing if the stories are indeed real or not. Each chapter opens with a graphic-novel-style illustration. The fascinating stories will provide hours of amusement for those who are interested in the subject. The bibliography features many newspaper and magazine articles on each imposter for readers who are interested in pursuing the topic.–Krista Welz, North Bergen Public Library, NJ

BERKLEY, Elizabeth. Ask Elizabeth. 240p. photos. reprods. Putnam. 2011. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25448-2; pap. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25449-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–The founder of the nonprofit organization Ask Elizabeth has created a “group diary” filled with questions commonly asked by teens and the advice to guide them through the emotional roller coaster of adolescence. Combining expert sound bites with personal stories from real teens as well as her own experiences, Berkley dishes out guidance to readers and maintains the tone of an older, cooler cousin/hip aunt. The design does indeed resemble a diary as it filled with collage, handwritten asides, Polaroid photos, and other ephemera. The overall format is cluttered and a bit messy, but true to a personal journal. The volume doesn’t really add anything new to the canon of teen-girl empowerment, offering up the usual self-esteem tropes, but the message is certainly valuable. –Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

BROWN, Jeremy K. Ursula K. Le Guin. 128p. (Who Wrote That? Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2010. PLB $35. ISBN 978-1-60413-724-8; ebook $35. ISBN 978-1-4381-3590-8. LC 2010006600.
Gr 6 Up–Le Guin’s work raises questions about identity and morality, and Brown explores her treatment of these themes in a way that readers, whether they’re reading for pleasure or for reports, will appreciate. He emphasizes her principled stands on race and gender in her writing, but concentrates more on her storytelling and her impact on the field, and on writers such as Orson Scott Card. Chapters cover Le Guin’s background and her major works, and back matter includes source notes and a list of popular characters. There are one or two photos per chapter and sidebars on topics such as challenges brought against her books and an explanation of the Hugo and Nebula awards. This title does a fine job of conveying both the story of an author’s long career and the vision that fuels it.–Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

CHAMPION, Neil. Camping and Hiking. ISBN 978-1-4488-3295-8. LC 2010024155.
GIFFORD, Clive. Skiing. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4488-3298-9. LC 2010024153.
MASON, Paul. Mountain Biking. ISBN 978-1-4488-3296-5. LC 2010024154.
PORTER, Suzie. Sailing. ISBN 978-1-4488-3297-2. LC 2010024355.
ea vol: 32p. (Get Outdoors Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $23.95.
Gr 4-6–These books offer little new information about commonly covered sports. Each author provides a basic description of the activity and describes how to get started and the necessary equipment. A concluding chapter discusses the sport around the world. Action-filled photographs are cropped and arranged in a pleasing design of circles and rectangles. Some photos in Mountain Biking have a dizzying or blurred focus. Each book highlights at least one attention-grabbing point. Camping provides a paragraph on “Naithsmith’s Rule,” which estimates how long it will take to hike a specific distance. Skiing has a text box on “ski cross,” a new activity. Sailing covers some step-by-step techniques in order to make a turn or to recover from capsizing. Possible replacements for older series. –Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

CLEARE, John. Epic Climbs. ISBN 978-0-7534-6473-8.
MUNDY, Robyn & Nigel Rigby. Epic Voyages. ISBN 978-0-7534-6574-5.
ea vol: 64p. (Epic Adventure Series). charts. diags. illus. maps. photos. reprods. glossary. index. Kingfisher. May 2011. Tr $19.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–Cleare gives the history of five of the most famous and dangerous mountains to climb: Eiger, K2, Everest, McKinley, and Matterhorn. Each section has a short, easy-to-read summary that gives the history of climbers who have conquered these peaks. Full-color photos include the view from the top and historical and contemporary climbing equipment. The second book offers five amazing tales of well-known and not so well-known ship captains. The brief narratives describe the voyages of Magellan, Cook, Shackleton, Heyerdahl, and Chichester and give details of their journeys, why the men embarked on them, and what was going on in the world at the time. Both books include poster-sized foldouts filled with illustrations, maps, photographs, and short anecdotes with interesting facts. With of the combination of text and art, these titles resemble the “Eyewitness” books (DK). Young readers will enjoy browsing through them.–Erik Carlson, White Plains Public Library, NY

COBB, Vicki. See for Yourself!: More Than 100 Amazing Experiments for Science Fairs and School Projects. 2nd ed. illus. by Dave Klug. 192p. index. CIP. Skyhorse. 2010. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-61608-083-9. LC 2010020800.
Gr 4-8–This accessible and often intriguing collection of activities and experiments has minor changes from the original edition (Scholastic Reference, 2001). An all-new introduction promotes science by including a list of reasons to love it, such as “it gives you an excuse to play.” The experiments are grouped by their source of inspiration: humans, the supermarket, the toy store, drugstore, and hardware and stationery stores. ”Yourself and Other Humans” focuses on the senses and other features. The store activities involve chemistry, physics, and biology. Each experiment has a “Method of Investigation” with numbered steps, a sequential list of supplies, and a culminating section of “Observations & Suggestions” for further inquiry. Highlighted sidebars give background information. Meant as a springboard to exploration, each experiment includes a list of keywords for further research. The indexes offer a variety of entry points including subject, discipline, and level of challenge. Cartoon-style illustrations are now in full color. Purchase this if you missed the first edition.–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

COLMAN, Penny. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship That Changed the World. 248p. bibliog. chron. notes. Web sites. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. May 2011. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8293-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6 Up–These women met on a street corner in Seneca Falls, NY, in 1851. Their sympathy for one another was instantaneous, despite their differences–Stanton a married mother of five and Anthony an unmarried career woman–and their association would result in immense changes for American women. Beginning with alternating chapters on her subjects’ early years, the author builds clear portraits of both figures, leading to the momentous 1851 meeting. The impact of the abolition movement and the cross over between freedom for slaves and equal treatment for women is clearly delineated. Subsequent chapters deal with their joint history at the tiller of the suffrage movement. Building the characters of the individuals through their experiences and their own words, Colman has created nuanced pictures of both Stanton and Anthony, as well as of the sociopolitical climate in which they functioned. Readers will be surprised by the limits on women’s rights and informed as to the nearly martial nature of the (still ongoing) struggle to attain equality. Including black-and-white photographs of major figures of the time, an epilogue, a detailed chronology, a list of places to visit, source notes, and a lengthy bibliography, this volume will take a bit of promotion to ensure circulation. Presenting a lively story along with a sound dose of history, it’s a unique title that’s worth the effort. –Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

CURRIE, Stephen. Hydropower. ISBN 978-1-60152-122-4. LC 2010017393.
MOONEY, Carla. Oil Spills and Offshore Drilling. ISBN 978-1-60152-141-5. LC 2010037325.
ea vol: 96p. (Compact Research Series). charts. diags. maps. photos. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ReferencePoint. 2011. PLB $26.95.
Gr 5 Up–These timely volumes have up-to-date information with frequent references to the Three Gorges Dam in China (Hydropower) and the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico (Oil Spills). The strong points of the books are their organization and their usability. Each volume begins with a two-page introduction to the topic, followed by an overview of approximately 10 pages and then 4 chapters, each organized around a question. Hydropower poses questions concerning the possibility of reducing dependency on fossil fuels, the impact of hydropower on the environment, how developing countries can benefit from its use, and if the oceans represent the future of hydropower. Oil Spills asks if the U.S. needs to drill offshore, if it’s an environmental risk, if regulations are adequate, and discusses the future of offshore drilling. In both books, each chapter is followed by a section of primary-source quotes espousing pro and con views. Each title concludes with a “Key People and Advocacy Groups” section. These volumes are first-rate ready-reference books and excellent to use in teaching research with primary documents.–Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges

DAVIES, Nicola. Gaia Warriors. 192p. charts. diags. maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Candlewick. 2011. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4808-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Davies uses her signature lively and conversational prose style to explain the scientific proof of human-caused climate change. Although she does point out how many different parts of the world will be affected, she focuses on 13 people (many of them young adults) who are doing something to educate and change the ways of countries, corporations, and ordinary people. These portraits are encouraging, and the author focuses on how readers can also step up to make changes in their homes, schools, or neighborhoods. The layout is vibrant, with many graphics and full-color photos. A variety of font styles and sizes is used to attractive effect. The book is chock-full of websites and has a brief list for further reading. An excellent addition.–Denise Schmidt, San Francisco Public Library

DE LAMBILLY, Élisabeth. Gandhi: His Life, His Struggles, His Words. tr. from French by Robert Brent. illus. by Séverine Cordier. 67p. photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. Web sites. Enchanted Lion. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-094-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Photos, illustrations, and a “biographical comic” that opens the book all play an integral part in relaying the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. The book follows the trajectory of his life, from a suit-clad young lawyer who only came to embrace his Indian identity while living and working in London, to the simple man in a hand-made loincloth who preached peace and nonviolence only to be felled by an assassin’s bullets. Readers who are looking for more particular facts about his family won’t find it here. Instead, the spotlight is on Gandhi’s work: using nonviolent protest as a model for battling oppression in all forms, engaging in hunger strikes, and enduring multiple jail sentences, all to call attention to the mistreatment of his people, and indeed all people who suffer. Students will find information for reports, as well as an inspiring story told with many images supplementing an engaging text.–Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

DUIGNAN, Brian, ed. The History of Western Ethics. 180p. (The Britannica Guide to Ethics Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. CIP. Britannica Educational. 2011. PLB $35. ISBN 978-1-61530-301-4; spiral $35. ISBN 978-1-61530-375-5. LC 2010014726.
Gr 9 Up–This history moves chronologically from ancient legal codes to modern questions pertaining to the environment, human rights, and bioethics. Along the way, readers are effectively introduced to monumental thinkers, including Buddha, Confucius, Socrates, Jesus, Machiavelli, Jeremy Bentham, Karl Marx, and Jean-Paul Sartre. A handful of useful sidebars on subjects from moral theology to the just war and scattered, well-captioned gray-toned photos are included. The concluding chapter, “Contemporary Ethics,” considers the diverse topics of metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. Solidly written, this work, when paired with Bryan Magee’s The Story of Philosophy (1998) and The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, edited by Will Buckingham, et al (2011, both DK), nicely rounds out most philosophy collections.–Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

ELLIS, Carol. Kendo. illus. ISBN 978-0-7614-4935-5. LC 2010013827.
–––– . Wrestling. ISBN 978-0-7614-4941-6. LC 2010013819.
HICKS, Terry Allan. Karate. ISBN 978-0-7614-4934-8. LC 2010013818.
WOUK, Henry. Kung Fu. illus. ISBN 978-0-7614-4937-9. LC 2010013842.
ea vol: 48p. (Martial Arts in Action Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. PLB $20.95.
Gr 5-7–Though each of these books has a similar structure, offering an introduction, a brief history, and expectations for students who begin taking classes, the execution is uneven. Ellis’s titles are outstanding, using an approachable voice without fictionalizing and presenting the history of each art in a way that makes it feel relevant. Kendo also includes brief descriptions of other sword (and stick) arts, though Ellis does not smoothly segue from her discussion of kendo to these other arts. Karate is focused very narrowly on the way a traditional shotokan dojo works and contains some factual errors. Seiza, a kneeling position, is defined as a bow; Okinawa is at one point referred to as a port city rather than as an island; in some images, students of Korean martial arts, such as tang su do, who are not technically “karate” students, are pictured. Many students in more Americanized dojos and in karate systems more distantly related to the Okinawan styles will not recognize their art in this description, but as a depiction of shotokan, the book works very well. Kung Fu begins with an unnecessary, fictionalized introductory chapter and has several sections with ambiguous information, including the idea that Hong Kong’s kung fu movie industry began only after the release of the American television show. Despite these flaws, the books are attractive and approachable, and will certainly find an audience where martial arts are popular.–Alana Joli Abbott, formerly at James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

GITLIN, Martin. Wounded Knee Massacre. 185p. (Landmarks of the American Mosaic Series). bibliog. chron. glossary. index. notes. CIP. Greenwood. 2010. PLB $35. ISBN 978-1-59884-409-2; ebook $35. ISBN 978-1-59884-410-8. LC 2010035200.
Gr 7 Up–Following a brief introduction and a “Chronology of Native American-U.S. Government Relations, 1804-1891,” this concise, chronologically arranged text places the massacre in context by concisely examining the “seeds of the conflict” into the late 1860s; the fallout from Little Big Horn; the reemergence of the Ghost Dance; and, ultimately, the worst slaughter of Native men, women, and children in American history. Gitlin gets behind the myth on both sides and constructs a narrative that presents the facts of the tragedy. Along the way, readers are introduced to compelling figures including Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse, all charismatic leaders of the Plains Indians who attempted to maintain cultural and political independence from white settlers and the U.S. government. Substantial back matter includes lucid biographies of key figures and 13 primary documents, including Red Cloud’s 1870 “Cooper Institute Speech” in New York City, Paiute medicine man Wovoka’s account of the Ghost Dance, and an L. Frank Baum’s racist editorial for the Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer. An annotated bibliography of books, magazine and newspaper articles, and websites is included.–Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

HITCH, Bryan. Bryan Hitch’s Ultimate Comics Studio. illus. by author. 128p. index. Impact. 2010. pap. $24.99. ISBN 978-1-6006-1327-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Well-known illustrator of Marvel classics such as Fantastic Four and Captain America , Hitch has a passion for comics and comic art that is evident in this well-designed volume. The book is a skillful blend of text, photos of the artist at work, annotated sketches, and finished illustrations. It is a visual treat in its own right, with well-organized subject matter complemented by thoughtful composition and lavish photography and art. Hitch considers himself to be primarily a storyteller, and he delves into the philosophy and technique of visual storytelling. He gives a glimpse into his thought processes, offering “guided tours” of sketches by walking readers through his work, starting with analyzing script to making decisions regarding action, panels, rhythm, and sample initial sketches. He uses both rough drafts and finished work to demonstrate these principles and techniques. His trademark style is “big” action. This has been influenced by his ongoing love affair with cinema. Frequently used cinematographic phrases, such as “camera angle,” “group shot,” and “widescreen action,” are found throughout. Using a conversational tone, the artist speaks directly to readers as he discusses solutions to compositional problems. Final chapters offer suggestions on working in the industry by providing information on portfolio creation, industry insights, and interviewing tips. Filled with sound advice, the book is useful to both comic artists and those desiring a deeper understanding of comic art. –Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

HOLLIHAN, Kerrie Logan. Elizabeth I, the People’s Queen: Her Life and Times: 21 Activities. 144p. illus. map. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Chicago Review. June 2011. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56976-349-0. LC 2010047647.
Gr 4-8–Elizabeth I is a towering figure in both British and world history, and this book does a good job of explaining why. Although she has an era named after her, and is credited with forging a new identity for her people, Elizabeth herself was shaped and directed by circumstances beyond her control: religious conflicts, political machinations, and a new colonial impetus. Hollihan investigates all of these factors, with the changing religious landscape given the greatest prominence. Elizabeth’s own story is often explained in religious terms; the description of her life of service to her country sounds very much like a nun’s devotion to the Church. And despite constant references to Shakespeare, the most prominent and complex relationships portrayed are those that the queen had with her half sister Mary Tudor and her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots. The writing is clear and suited to readers with no previous knowledge of the topic. The activities vary in difficulty, from reading The Faerie Queen , to creating a family coat of arms, to growing a knot garden. The book is well illustrated with black-and-white reproductions of portraits, engravings, and paintings depicting major events in the Tudors’ lives. A list of resources includes books, websites, and even tourist sites. This well-organized book succeeds at being interesting and scholarly at the same time. –Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

MCCLAFFERTY, Carla Killough. The Many Faces of George Washington: Remaking a Presidential Icon. 120p. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Carolrhoda. 2011. RTE $20.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5608-0; ebook $15.71. ISBN 978-0-7613-7157-1. LC 2010028178.
Gr 6 Up–The image of Washington that most people know is the version of the Gilbert Stuart portrait on the one dollar bill. That stiff-looking visage is disapproving and more than a bit dyspeptic. But is that rendition accurate? Not according to the team of forensic anthropologists and artists hired by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association to create life-sized re-creations of Washington as he looked at pivotal moments in his life: as a 19-year-old surveyor, a 45-year-old general of the Continental Army, and taking the oath of office at 57 as President of the United States. This interestingly and intelligently written book alternates chapters detailing the reconstruction process with Washington’s biography, making the changes in his appearance understandable as a function of his life experience and, of course, the history of the American Revolution and establishment of our democracy is limned simultaneously. The full-color images are excellent throughout and are astounding when showing the wax reconstructions. The reading level aims this at middle and high school readers, but the format looks younger. Thus, some promoting may be necessary. It’s worth it, however, for its excellent revitalization of a man often reduced to a lifeless icon. There’s an exemplary (and extensive) print bibliography, listing books, primary-source documents, articles, theses, DVDs, and interviews. Further reading suggestions and a list of websites, as well as a comprehensive and accurate index are appended. A stellar addition to most libraries.–Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

MAGOON, Kekla. Today the World Is Watching You: The Little Rock Nine and the Fight for School Integration, 1957. 160p. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2011. PLB $38.60. ISBN 978-0-7613-5767-4; ebook $28.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7274-5. LC 2010028443.
Gr 6-9–Readers may be familiar with this historic event, but Magoon provides a deeper look into the students’ lives and discusses the isolation, frustrations, and very real dangers they faced both inside and outside of Central High School. In this extensively researched volume, the author also presents information about the political and judicial decisions that were made in relation to this event and how it forever changed the landscape of race relations in the country. Well-paced and engaging, the book is broken up into manageable chapters and gives background information on racial tensions in America starting with the days of slavery. The information is carefully documented, and source notes are appended, along with an extensive time line and a “who’s who.” Black-and-white photographs and text boxes give additional information and context. Although Stephanie Fitzgerald’s The Little Rock Nine: Struggle for Integration (Compass Point, 2006) addresses the topic, Magoon’s offering is broader in scope and makes an ideal purchase for research purposes.–Rita Meade, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

MARRIN, Albert. Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy. 182p. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. 2011. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86889-4; PLB $22.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96889-1. LC 2010021533.
Gr 6 Up–One hundered years ago, a fire broke out in a garment factory in New York City that took the lives of 146 workers, primarily poor Jewish and Italian immigrants. It had an enormous impact on workplace conditions that reverberates even today. This comprehensive volume focuses not only on the day of the fire itself, but also on the individuals, events, and circumstances that led to the disaster and created the conditions that caused so many people to perish. Marrin also explores the aftermath of the tragedy, including union development, workplace safety regulations, and workers’ rights. A final chapter examines working conditions in factories around the globe and how safety standards are compromised throughout the developing world. The writing is compelling and detailed, and the author effectively manages to bridge the gap between detached expository writing and emotionally charged content. Period photographs are an essential part of the story being told here, and short sidebars about key people help flesh out the narrative. For those looking for an intriguing, readable account of a turning point in history, or doing research on immigration, this is a useful and thoughtful addition to any American history collection.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

MEYER, Michael J., ed. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird : New Essays. 265p. bibliog. further reading. index. notes. CIP. Scarecrow. 2010. PLB $49.95. ISBN 978-0-8108-7722-1; ebook $49.95. ISBN 978-0-8108-7723-8. LC 2010020634.
Gr 11 Up–Unlike Catherine Bernard’s Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird (Gale/Lucent, 2003) or “Bloom’s Modern Critical Interpretations” (Chelsea House), this text serves as a teaching tool and examines more sophisticated issues than earlier anthologies. An abbreviated listing from the table of contents is indicative of the depth and breadth of theses essays: Part 1–“Educational Approaches” includes articles on online discussions, multimedia presentations, and using soundtracks to teach the novel. Part 2–“To Kill a Mockingbird and the Justice System” contains a perspective on Southern Liberalism, the novel’s influence on the legal profession, and “Bending the Law: the Search for Justice and Moral Purpose.” Part 3–“Themes, Imagery and Structural Choices” looks at “paired characters,” reading the book 50 years after publication, fear and Halloween imagery, the “Rigid and Time-Honored Code” of racism in sports, and symbolism. Part 4–“Social Concerns” addresses a variety of ways to view disability in the novel. Most of the 15 essays were written by scholars and educators; a few were contributed by communication specialists and an attorney. The articles regarding online discussions and soundtracks bring a completely new and fresh approach to teaching the classic. The essays on bending the law and how we look at “others” are thought-provoking. Although this excellent collection of viewpoints would be valuable to instructors, the reading level might be challenging for many high schoolers.–Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY

MILLER, Debra A., ed. The Green Movement. 219p. (Current Controversies Series). bibliog. index. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2010. PLB $39.70. ISBN 978-0-7377-4913-7; pap. $27.50. ISBN 978-0-7377-4914-4. LC 2010003354.
Gr 6 Up–This book presents varying opinions concerning the movement. Proponents view green efforts as necessary to guarantee a sustainable future and advocate for current change in this direction. In fact, several top authorities believe that the green movement can create jobs in urban areas. Opponents view these opinions as merely hype and offer counter perspectives. Readers are given a balanced view of the subject through pro and con arguments presented in a question-and-response format. The book has four main chapters: “Is the Green Movement a Viable Reform Effort?” “Will the Green Movement Benefit the Economy?” “Is Going Green Worth the Extra Costs to Consumers?” and “What Is the Future for the Green Movement?” Each chapter has from two to eight subsections, with summaries provided in the table of contents. Each article is signed, and brief information about the author is given. Boxed key points appear on almost every page. A useful purchase for school and public libraries.–Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

MOORE, Christopher. From Then to Now: A Short History of the World. illus. by Andrej Krystoforski. 188p. index. CIP. Tundra. 2011. Tr $25.95. ISBN 978-0-88776-540-7. LC C2010-902852-X.
Gr 7 Up–Capably told and uniquely illustrated, From Then to Now explains how imaginative human cultures have produced an intellectually and socially dynamic world. The work follows the course of human history from hunter-gatherer beginnings, through expansion and contact, to a modern, tightly interconnected global world. Along the way, Moore tackles how humanity, through agricultural and industrial innovations, has shaped and been shaped by environmental obstacles. Full-color spot art appears occasionally, and color sidebars provide information on a number of subjects, including The Great Wall of China, The Drowned City of Helike, and the Cambodian treat, spider fries. Far from a history of conquerors, this exceptional history of humanity is a breath of fresh air.–Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

MYERS, Walter Dean. Carmen. 110p. Egmont USA. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-115-0; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-192-1; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-199-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–In this adaptation of Bizet’s legendary opera, Myers transports Carmen from Seville to Spanish Harlem. A street-wise factory worker, she seduces José, a cop, and quickly leads him astray. Entranced by her beauty and unable to control his temper, he quickly makes a few rash moves that land him off the force and into a life on the fringe. Yet just as José loses himself to be with her, Carmen shifts her attention to Escamillo, a rap artist/entrepreneur recently returned to the neighborhood. José, unable to control his rage when Carmen flees to the arms of another, shoots her as she waits outside Escamillo’s concert. Myers seamlessly pulls off the drama’s transportation to a contemporary urban setting and, true to form, renders it accessible to today’s teens. The dialogue quietly touches on deep social issues, especially in the back and forth among neighborhood characters and the police. Some of the more minor narrative threads prove a little weak in translation. For example, Micaela, the “good girl” José’s mother hopes he’ll marry, is somewhat underdeveloped. Unlike in the original, it is unclear how she is connected to his family, and why José is physically separated from his mother, which makes a few of their interactions feel somewhat random. This adaptation’s authentic dialogue, fast pace, and readability, however, trump any minor imperfections. An excellent choice for reluctant readers, urban or otherwise.–Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

MYERS, Walter Dean. We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart. illus. by Christopher Myers. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. May 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-052308-4. LC 2007011852.
Gr 5-10–As Whitman turned to free verse to explore the character and complexity of America in the 19th century, so Walter Dean Myers employs it in the 21st. From the Lakota Indian watching his father “in the curl of legend” and the refugee whose freedom dream “lay just beyond the next wave” to the diverse assembly of famous figures depicted in concluding montages, the Myers grapple with the meaning of the country’s founding principles. They pair big ideas with specific individuals (real or imagined) culled from a wide swath of peoples. The imagery is beautifully crafted, and the tone allows space for readers to draw conclusions; while acknowledging imperfections, Myers reserves judgment. Relevant quotes are interspersed, adding perspective and sometimes irony. Christopher Myers’s paintings cross the gutter in earnest panoramic scenes that vary in effectiveness. There are graphic images (a wounded soldier) and aesthetically pleasing scenes, such as a woman carrying bricks on her head next to Chinese immigrants laying railroad track; the lines offer a pleasing contrast to the opposing curve of the adjacent steel overpass. Several of the compositions, however, try to do too much as they line up literal examples from the text’s large time spans. A Guinean iron worker, surrounded by daylight, is next to a man reading and others praying inside a mosque. When Mae Jemison flies in on the opposite page against a starlit sky, it feels disjointed. Notes explain the back story and identify individual portraits. A thought-provoking and largely accomplished work for students of American history.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

PEOT, Margaret. Inkblot: Drip, Splat, and Squish Your Way to Creativity. illus. by author. 56p. bibliog. index. Boyds Mills. 2011. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-720-5. LC 2010929541.
Gr 3-9–Peot takes inkblots out of the psychology class and into the art room. After a short introduction, she gives basic instructions for creating inkblots. She shows variations and explains how to use the form as the basis for more finished projects. Finally, she suggests that readers create a sketchbook and explains how to use inkblot art as a starting point for creative writing. Each project is presented in standard format, with a supply list and step-by-step instructions. The materials are readily available at art supply stores, and the clearly written instructions are infused with encouragement. Peot’s enthusiasm is contagious and her ideas about using images to develop creativity are intriguing. In addition to the projects, the author includes interesting sidebars that introduce “inkblot heroes,” including Rorschach, who created the psychological test. The book is illustrated with color photographs of art done by the author and by children. For some projects, the illustrations show progressive stages of the creative process, while other pages contain a sampling of finished products. The book is handsomely designed with a variety of background and font colors and printed on high-quality glossy paper. As Emberley popularized fingerprint art in Ed Emberley’s Complete Funprint Drawing Book, (Little, Brown, 2002), this book is likely to make teachers and artists catch the inkblot bug.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

PERRITANO, John V. The Truth About Physical Fitness and Nutrition. 208p. (Truth About Series). charts. maps. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Facts On File. 2010. PLB $35. ISBN 978-0-8160-7645-1; ebook $35. ISBN 978-1-4381-3411-6. LC 2010002346.
Gr 9 Up–Within the “A-to-Z Entries” that range from “Additives and Processed Food” to “Weight Training and Weight Management,” information is also conveyed through “Q & A”s (“I’m skinny. Do I need to exercise?”), “Fact or Fiction,” and “Teens Speak” sections. The latter testimonials seem suspect, as they are attributed by first name only, but these sections are few compared to the referencing of current studies and expert opinions that help dispel fitness and nutrition myths. While the volume may not live up to the introduction’s lofty goal, “This may be one of the most important books you will ever read,” the sound information provides a foundation for reports or further research on any of the topics. A section devoted to hotlines and help sites is included. –Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

PIMM, Nancy Roe. The Daytona 500: The Thrill and Thunder of the Great American Race. 64p. (Spectacular Sports Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Millbrook. 2011. RTE $29.27. ISBN 978-0-7613-6677-5; ebook $21.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7262-2. LC 2010027263.
Gr 5-7–The granddaddy of NASCAR racing gets a spit-and-polish treatment in Pimm’s clear, readable text, nicely embellished with plenty of photos. First black-and-white images from the sand days on the beach itself, then the candy-apple reds and panther blacks of today’s aerodynamic racing machines spill across the pages. Liberally sprinkled with checkered-flag info boxes on a wide variety of topics (“Dueling at Daytona,” “Ditching the Lead,” and “Ladies of NASCAR,” among them), the text follows the development of NASCAR racing in general and at Daytona in particular. The changing rota of drivers, the rivalries, the tragedies, and the evolution of the simple stock cars to the sleek machines seen on TV are included. A special chapter puts readers behind the wheel with John Andretti as he describes his sensations and actions during a race. While not as heady as the scent of hot engine oil or as dramatic as a 10,000 rpm engine at full throttle, this colorful entry should still have young race fans wheedling for a “Speedweeks” vacation and dreaming of a place in a pit box.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

POKIAK, James & Mindy Willett. Proud to Be Inuvialuit/Quviahuktunga Inuvialuugama. photos by Tessa Macintosh. 26p. (The Land Is Our Storybook Series). illus. maps. glossary. CIP. Fifth House. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-897252-59-8. LC C2010-902239-4.
Gr 4-7–Willett joins Pokiak and his family in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories as they harvest whales for themselves and their community. Their traditional way of life is shown by the way they work and how they pass on their skills from generation to generation. Pokiak demonstrates his pride when he tours visitors around the land through his outfitter company, and with his involvement in the Hunters and Trappers Committee, which is an organization that works closely with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure that whalers follow harvesting laws. Although there is quite a bit of focus on the history of the Inuvialuit and the area, the book includes engaging, well-captioned photographs of the community enjoying modern-day conveniences. Traditional stories appear as sidebars, and Inuvialuit vocabulary appears in a glossary. Children who are studying or are interested in the culture will find detailed and comprehensive information in this book.–Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada

RACZKA, Bob. Lemonade: And Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word. illus. by Nancy Doniger. 48p. CIP. Roaring Brook. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-541-4. LC 2010024807.
Gr 3-8–Raczka credits Andrew Russ for inspiring him to try his hand at creating poems by rearranging the letters of a single word. The letters that make up each word in the 22 selections are placed directly under the matching letters of the original word, which is used as the poem’s title. The resulting odd spacing of letters and words adds an element of puzzlement to the deciphering of some words and requires a certain facility with the English language, along with the capability for recognizing words whose letters are placed horizontally, vertically or diagonally; backwards or forwards; separated by one space or six, or an entire line with no punctuation included. Each poem is printed on the verso of the following page with words in correct order. A clever, catchy, and challenging collection.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

RODGER, Marguerite & Jessie Rodger. Racism and Prejudice. ISBN 978-0-7787-2129-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-2136-9. LC 2010019132.
WILKINS, Jessica. Date Rape. ISBN 978-0-7787-2128-4; ISBN 978-0-7787-2135-2. LC 2010016397.
ea vol: 48p. (Straight Talk About... Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree. 2010. PLB $29.27; pap. $9.95.
Gr 7-10–The Rodgers tackle a sensitive subject in a manner that’s easy for young people to comprehend. They cover topics ranging from overt racism to homophobia to the treatment of people with mental and physical disabilities. They discuss the history of hate and include personal accounts from those who’ve dealt with being stereotyped. The book is well laid out and easy to read, with bolded terms defined in a glossary, a list of resources for those affected by racism or prejudice, a “Coping Toolbox,” and a “Hot Topics” question-and-answer section. Readers will appreciate the relevant photos of teens, the quotes, and the honest writing style. According to Wilkins, one in three adolescent girls experiences some form of dating violence, be it verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual. Many of these instances go unreported due to fear, embarrassment, or a lack of understanding as to what actually constitutes abuse. The author succeeds at demystifying this important topic. Including sections such as a list of “Dating Rights,” a “Sexual Assault Safety and Survival” guide, and a comprehensive list of resources for those needing assistance, the book also explains terms such as voluntary consent, gender roles, and sexual orientation. Wilkins also addresses violence in the GLBTQ community, date-rape drugs, and the pressure many young people feel to have sex. The accompanying color photographs and personal stories will draw readers in, and the straightforward language and short chapters will keep their attention. –Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL

ROLBIN, Cyrus, ed. Art and Life in Rural Japan: Toho Village Through the Eyes of Its Youth. 176p. charts. maps. photos. Next Generation. 2011. pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-0-9815595-3-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–This gem of a book takes readers beyond typical images of Japan as a land of cityscapes and bullet trains, and into the heart of a small mountain community. Dwindling populations have forced villages to merge to sustain themselves economically, resulting in the loss of each community’s distinctive character. A foreword explains that the youth of Toho, Japan’s smallest merged village, contributed photographs and text to create this book as part of a revitalization effort to document and share their hometown’s unique qualities. Simple, often poignant sentences in English and Japanese tell Toho’s story, rich in history and culture. Stunning, full-color pictures capture verdant rice fields, jubilant school scenes, a lively festival, and expressive portraits of Toho’s residents. The village’s connection with its heritage is evident in photographs of its traditional arts, stoneware pottery created using centuries-old techniques and wood carvings made of trees from the local forests. A fascinating window into a vanishing way of life, this book holds appeal for both pleasure reading and reports, and the inclusion of a word search, crossword puzzle, and comprehension quiz adds to its value for educators. This book provides an intimate look at the culture and rhythms of a small, rural Japanese community and is especially relevant right now, as children may want to learn about such villages in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.–Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

ROSS, Stewart. Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air. illus. by Stephen Biesty. 96p. maps. bibliog. glossary. index. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4948-7. LC 2010038720.
Gr 4-8–The major accomplishments of 14 explorers are presented with strong support from illustrations. Chapters move chronologically from Pytheas in 340 BC to the 1969 Moon landing, combining famous names such as Marco Polo and Magellan with lesser-known but equally interesting figures including Mary Kingsley (Africa), Umberto Nobile (North Pole), and Auguste Piccard (stratospheric flight and deep-sea submersion). Each chapter provides basic background on the topic, then focuses largely on the nuts and bolts of the journeys, including travel conditions, navigation techniques, and vehicle construction. Lively writing captures the excitement of exploration while providing just enough geographic and historical detail. Biesty’s pencil and colored pencil artwork ably builds upon the text, with each chapter featuring several insets plus one dramatic gatefold per chapter. In each fairly sturdy foldout, an initial illustration expands in two consecutive unfoldings to reveal further details. For Piccard’s undersea exploration, for example, a map identifies the location of the Mariana Trench. This unfolds to show the depth levels of the descent, with helpful visual comparisons to a stack of Empire State Buildings (for depth) and Airbuses (for air pressure). The sequence climaxes with a final foldout depicting Piccard’s deep-sea craft in detail, with labeled cross-sections in Biesty’s appealing style. Other appropriate touches round out the well-conceived package, including pages with textured paper effects to match the era, from early parchment to a Moon map for the Apollo 11 voyage. Useful for report writers, attractive to browsers, and just right for readers who are curious about the adventure of exploration. –Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

ROZA, Greg. Drawing Dracula. ISBN 978-1-61533-015-7; ISBN 978-1-61533-021-8; ISBN 978-1-61533-149-9. LC 2010004901.
–––– . Drawing Frankenstein. ISBN 978-1-61533-014-0; ISBN 978-1-61533-019-5; ISBN 978-1-61533-148-2. LC 2010004900.
–––– . Drawing Godzilla. ISBN 978-1-61533-013-3; ISBN 978-1-61533-017-1; ISBN 978-1-61533-147-5. LC 2010004899.
–––– . Drawing King Kong. ISBN 978-1-61533-016-4; ISBN 978-1-61533-023-2; ISBN 978-1-61533-150-5. LC 2010006166.
ea vol: 24p. (Drawing Movie Monsters Step-by-Step Series). illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Windmill. 2010. PLB $25.65; pap. $12.85; ebook $25.65.
Gr 3-6–Surefire hits with movie fans and aspiring artists, these volumes trace the cinematic history of their featured creatures and gives step-by-step instructions on how to bring them to life on paper. The instructions and accompanying illustrations explaining how to draw the monsters are fairly standard for children’s how-to’s, starting with basic shapes such as circles and rectangles and gradually adding more details to complete the images. Each pose comes from a notable cinematic depiction of the monster, such as Bela Lugosi’s Count Dracula from the 1931 film or the 1998 American remake of Godzilla , and includes a brief description of the movie with entertaining trivia about its cultural significance, special effects, or popularity over time. The drawing poses are logically organized in chronological order, allowing readers to explore the development of each monster on the big screen through the decades. With text printed in a large, clear font and simply structured sentences, these books provide an accessible introduction to film history, and young artists will undoubtedly enjoy trying their hand at depicting their favorite monsters in a variety of poses. –Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

RUBIN, Susan Goldman. Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto. illus. by Bill Farnsworth. 40p. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2251-7. LC 2010023667.
Gr 4-7–When German troops occupied Warsaw in 1939, Sendler, a young Catholic social worker, immediately joined the resistance movement. She helped hundreds of Jews by issuing false documents and became an integral member of the underground organization known as Zegota. Disguised as a nurse, she used a forged medical pass to enter the Warsaw Ghetto to bring nearly 400 Jewish children to safety. She organized escape routes through the sewers; hid children under stretchers and floorboards in ambulances; and smuggled babies in potato sacks, suitcases, and toolboxes. She found havens in convents and orphanages, or placed children with Polish foster parents. Remarkably, Sendler kept careful records in the hope of being able to reunite them with their families after the war. Despite being jailed and tortured by the Gestapo, she miraculously escaped the firing squad and continued to work for the underground movement until the end of the war. She was labeled a traitor by the Soviet government, so her remarkable story wasn’t brought to light until the collapse of communism in Poland in 1989. Rubin’s detailed, lengthy text is paired with Farnsworth’s dark, somber full-page oil paintings. As with other illustrated biographies of heroes from the Holocaust, such as David A. Adler’s A Hero and the Holocaust: The Story of Janusz Korczak and His Children (Holiday House, 2002) and Michelle McCann’s Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen (Tricycle, 2003), readers mature enough to handle the difficult topic and complex story may be turned off by the picture-book format. However, this important story deserves a place on library shelves.–Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

SABBETH, Carol. Van Gogh and the Post-Impressionists for Kids: Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities. illus. by T.J. Romero. 160p. map. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. Chicago Review. May 2011. pap. $17.95. ISBN 978-1-56976-275-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–The bulk of this wonderfully thorough study of Post-Impressionist artists focuses on van Gogh, with smaller sections devoted to Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Signac, and Emile Bernard. The highly engaging text follows the artists’ lives with crisp writing and vivid detail, delving into their family backgrounds and relationships, and doesn’t sugarcoat dark and gritty incidents such as van Gogh’s self-inflicted ear amputation. Information is well organized, with logical headings and chapter breaks to introduce important milestones. Full-color reproductions of paintings discussed in the text add visual interest, and educational sidebars expound on topics mentioned in the main narrative, such as the Japanese prints that van Gogh loved. Although some activities may be challenging and depend on artistic skill, such as sketching van Gogh’s The Carrot Puller to explore shading techniques, most activities do not require any particular talent. A letter-writing activity encourages children to see like artists and use descriptive writing to illustrate a scene in words, for example, and another project cleverly involves using a bagel and craft foam to make a bird feeder shaped like one of van Gogh’s famous sunflowers. With its creative, hands-on ideas for teaching art technique and history, this book is an excellent resource for students and teachers. The extensive biographical information not only provides solid material for school reports, but also makes for a truly fascinating read.–Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

SANDLER, Martin W. Kennedy Through the Lens: How Photography and Television Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Leader. 96p. photos. bibliog. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Walker. 2011. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-2160-0; RTE $20.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-2161-7. LC 2010011103.
Gr 7 Up–This photo-biography is similar in format to Sandler’s Lincoln: Through the Lens (Walker, 2008). Black-and-white and color photographs, some better known than others, accompany Sandler’s commentary and quotes from JFK. Even before the title page, the author engages readers with a few photographs, and, after the introduction, provides a semi-chronological record of the man’s life from his early years to his assassination. He balances Kennedy’s professional role with entries on the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War alongside his private life, and he touches on how even candid family photographs aided him politically. When discussing the controversial subjects of Kennedy’s infidelities and his physical ailments, Sandler does not sensationalize them. In his coverage of the images surrounding the assassination, he provides readers with a sense of why these pictures have such significance. A page on the Special Olympics, which President Kennedy’s sister Eunice established in 1968, seems an odd inclusion. It also seems inappropriate for Sandler, in a caption for a photograph of the funeral procession, to refer to Kennedy as a martyr. Though this title is accessible and well researched, the criticisms make it less appealing as a biography.–Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

SCHELLY, Bill. Founders of Comic Fandom: Profiles of 90 Publishers, Dealers, Collectors, Writers, Artists and Other Luminaries of the 1950s and 1960s. 225p. photos. appendix. bibliog. chron. glossary. index. CIP. McFarland. 2010. pap. $35. ISBN 978-0-7864-4347-5; ebook $35. ISBN 978-0-7864-5762-5. LC 2010024735.
Gr 9 Up–Schelly’s meticulously researched treatise chronicles the comic-book phenomenon from 1952 to 1970. The introductory pages provide an overview that is especially helpful to those unfamiliar with comic fandom. Each section includes an opening summary, followed by short biographical sketches of individuals, and details the contributions of each one of them to comic-book appreciation. Individual chapters contain biographies of indexers, dealers, fanzine publishers, convention organizers, writers, artists, active fans, collectors, and others who were influential during the early years and growth of fandom in the United States. Most entries cover approximately two pages. Black-and-white photos taken during the time period accompany all entries and bring heightened appeal and authenticity to the text. Individual biographical information highlights the widespread national interest in comics. Young white males constitute the majority of the profiles. Attention is paid to the importance of building a fan base with conventions. Other important developmental issues discussed are the establishment of book-condition rating systems and price guides. A list of 1683 individuals active in the early fan movement is also included. Schelly concludes with a personal reflection and a discussion of the place of comic fandom in history. Obviously a labor of love by a true fan, this carefully documented book is filled with background information and anecdotes.–Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

SMITH, Terry L. Nutrition and Food Safety. 180p. reprods. ISBN 978-1-60413-776-7; ISBN 978-1-4381-3504-5. LC 2010021324.
SMOLIN, Lori A. & Mary B. Grosvenor. Nutrition and Eating Disorders. 2nd ed. 190p. ISBN 978-1-60413-802-3; ISBN 978-1-4381-3503-8. LC 2010005693.
ea vol: (Healthy Eating: A Guide to Nutrition Series). charts. diags. photos. appendix. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2010. PLB $35; ebook $35.
Gr 7 Up–Solid resources for reports or for reading up on the subjects. However, the titles are slightly misleading. Both have the word “nutrition” in them, but the books are really concerned with food safety and eating disorders. Smith describes different types of contaminants, illnesses, etc., as well as how food is kept safe. The chapters about genetically modified food are interesting and the coverage is balanced, sharing not only why food is genetically altered, but also the concerns that many people have over the practice. There is a nod to bioterrorism as well, which could help inform students about how important it is to keep the food and water supply safe from an intentional attack. Smolin and Grosvenor discuss the different types of eating disorders, going into more detail about the differences than most similar books do. The book also contains a fairly detailed description of the treatments that can be successful for various types of disorders. For the most part, the photos in both books are decorative and the charts and graphs are helpful. Although there are plenty of books available on these topics, these easy-to-read selections offer well-balanced overviews with a good amount of detail.–Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

SUTHERLAND, James. The Ten-Year Century: Explaining the First Decade of the New Millennium. 152p. photos. bibliog. index. notes. CIP. Viking. 2010. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01223-7. LC 2010007314.
Gr 7-10–Sutherland’s focus is clearly on politics, providing in-depth descriptions of the various campaigns and elections that have occurred over the last 10 years, including the Gore vs. Bush election and the wrangling that followed in Florida, ending with the Supreme Court decision. Details about September 11th, the wars that followed, and important players of the decade are all included. References to pop culture or social phenomena are mostly in passing. Lengthy descriptions are sometimes repetitive. However, the writing is accessible and readers will detect no real bias or agenda. The captioned stock photographs do little to enhance the text. Detailed source notes and a lengthy bibliography are included. While not providing any new information, this volume could be a solid choice for libraries looking to have some of recent history available to students.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

VANHECKE, Susan. Raggin’, Jazzin’, Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument Makers. 136p. diags. photos. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Boyds Mills. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-574-4. LC 2010004877.
Gr 5-9–Music lovers and history buffs will find this wonderful compilation both informative and fascinating. Reading about the individuals behind the creation and development of instruments used and heard in performances today helps bring a new understanding to the significance and impact each one has made on the world of music. Beginning with the story behind the clashing cymbals of Turkish creator Avedis Zildjian, and continuing with the Steinway brothers’ prestigious pianos, C. G. Conn’s brass horns, Martin guitars, Ludwig drums, Hammond’s electric organs, Fender electric guitars, and Bob Moog’s synthesizers, the text chronicles major events in the lives of the creators and successfully conveys the determination, persistence, and perseverance that made their contributions great. Connections to many famous performers and artists of the past and present add to the book’s appeal. It is written in an easy-to-read style and filled with copious historical photos and drawings, including many of famous performers.–Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

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