TriState YA Genre Listing

TriState YA Genre Listing
These books were read and reccommended by the committee during the past year.
Ratings: E=excellent VG= very good G=good
BN or BNe= recommended for Books of Note YA or Elementary

Animal stories
Bauer, Marion Dane The Longest Night VG
Cox, Judy Cinco de Mouse’O! VG
Marshall, Shelley Molly the Great Respects the Flag G
Polydorus, Lori Wolves A
Poydar, Nancy Fish School E
Regan, Dian C. Barnyard Slam VG-BN
Savage, Sam Firmin G
Sleigh, Barbara The Kingdom of Carbonel VG
Tripp, Jenny Pete’s Disappearing Act E-BNe

Conflict
Baratz-Logsted, L. Crazy Beautiful VG-BN
Berne, Emma C. Ballet Bullies G
Black, Chuck Sir Bentley and the Holbrook Court VG
Black, Chuck Sir Dalton: and the shadow heart VG
Gallagher, D. G. Beware G
Hyde, Catherine R. Chasing Windmills E-BN
Kyi, Tamya Lloyd La Verdad G
Lyga, Barry Goth Girl Rising VG
Maddox, Jake Tennis Liar G
Maddox, Jake Stock Car Sabatoge G
Margolis, Leslie Boys Are Dogs VG-BN
Martino, Alfred C. Over the End Line VG-BN
Salton, Syndney, My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters G
Springer, Nancy Somebody E-BN
Tayleur, Karen Chasing Boys VG-BN
Vaught, Susan Exposed G
Warman, Jessica Breathless VG-BN
Whitney, Tim Thanksgiving At the Inn E-BN

Fairy tale
Chang, Grace Jin JIn and Rain Wizard VG
George, J. D. Princess of the Midnight Ball VG
Baker, E.D. Dragon Kiss (Tales of the Frog Princess) E-BN
Bradman, Tony After Happily Ever After: Red Riding Hood Takes Charge VG
Breen, M.E. Darkwood E-BN
Compestine, Ying Chang Boy Dumpling VG-BN
Hale, Shannon Forest Born A
Hodges, Margaret The Wee Christmas Cabin E
Marlow, Layn Hurry Up, Slow Down VG
Peters, Stephanie The Princess and the Pea: Graphic Novel VG
Rallison, Janette My Fair Godmother VG-BN
Watts, Irene N. Clay Man: The Golem of Prague E-BN

Fantasy
Ash, Sarah Flight into darkness: a novel G
Baker, E.D. The Dragon Princess VG
Berry, Julie The Amaranth Enchantment VG-BN
Briggs, Andy Hero.com: Rise of the Heroes E-BN
Buckley, Michael Nerds: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense E-BN
Cabrera, Jane If You’re Happy and You Know it! (Board book) VG
Caldwell, Theo Finn the Half-Great VG
Carroll, Lewis Alice In Wonderland VG
Connolly, John The Gates E-BN
Dahl, Michael The Shrinking City G
Dahl, Michael Last Son of Kypton G
Dahl, Michael Dragon in the Desert (Dragonblood series) G
Dolamore, Jaclyn Magic Under Glass E-BN
Fantaskey, Beth Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side G
Fein, Eric My Frozen Valentine E
Gee, Maurice Salt (Salt Trilogy Book 1) VG-BNS
George, Jessica Dragon Spear VG
Halpern, Jake Dormia VG-BN
Halpern, Jake and Peter Kujawinski Dormia G
Henham, R.D. Green Dragon Codex E-BN
Hennesy, Carolyn Pandora Gets Lazy G
Johnsen, K.V. Warden of Greyrock: Book Three VG
Jones, Carrie Need E-BN
Jones, Carrie Captivate G
Jones, J. & D. Bennet Shadow Magic VG
Kupperberg, Paul Meteor of Doom G
Kupperberg, Paul Super-villain Showdown G
LaFevers, R.L. Flight of the Phoenix VG
Larbalestier, J. How to ditch your fairy VG-BN
Morris, Gerald The Squire’s Quest (Book 9) VG-BN
Overstreet, J. Cyndere’s Midnight A
Pearson, Mary E. The Miles Between E-BN
Perez, Marlene Dead Is A State of Mind A
Peterson, Andrew North! or Be Eaten A
Pulver, Robin Never Say Boo G
Redick, R. V.S. The Red Wolf Conspiracy E-BN
Reeve, Philip Mothstorm E-BN
Sensel, Joni The Farwalker’s Quest G
Siminson, Louis Bizarroi’s Born G
Soup, C.,Dr. A Whole Nother Story E-BN
Tocci, C. Lee Stone voice Rising E-BN
Vaught, S. R. & J. B. Redmond Oathbraker: A Prince Among Killers A
Weatherill, Cat Wild Magic E

Graphic novel
Anderson, H. C. Thumbelina G
Biskup, Agneszka Uncovering Mummies VG
Biskup, A. Uncovering Mummies VG-BN
Biskup, Agnieszka Exploring Titanic VG
Bowen, C. Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book VG-BNS
Collins, Terry Building the Great Wall of China VG
Collodi, Carlo Pinocchio VG-BNe
Dahl, Michael The Man Behind the Mask G
Dahl, Michael The Marshmallow Mermaid VG
Dahl, Michael Sugar Hero A
Davis, Eleanor The Secret Science Alliance VG
Gaiman, Neil & Andy Kubert
Batman: Whatever Happened to the Capered Crusader? (Deluxe edition) E-BN
Hale, S. and D. Rapunzel’s Revenge E-BN
Hoena, Blake E. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (in Spanish) E-BN
Huchella, E. The Secret Saturdays A
Johnston, Antony Wolverine Prodigal Son 1 G
Kneece, Mark Walking Distance G
Kneece, Mark The After Hours VG
Kneece, Mark The monsters are due on Maple Street: Rod Serling’s the Twilight Zone VG
Koontz, Dean Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein Prodigal Son:Vol1 VG
Lemke, Donald Zinc Alloy: Coldfinger (graphic novel) VG
Mack, Stan & Susan Champlin Road to Revolution (Cartoon Chronicles of America ) VG-BN
Marsh, Robert Monster In the Outfield G
Marsh, Robert Monster + Me A
Moore, Alan & Curt Swan
Superman: What Happened to the Man of Tomorrow E-BN
Nickel, Scott The Incredible Rockhead (Wingfeather Saga) NR
Niz, Xavier Drop in to the deep end : skateboarding with the Z-Boys G
Peters, Stephanie True/Hans Christian Anderson The Emperor’s New Clothes E-BNe
Powell, Martin Rumpelstiltskin VG
Powell, Martin Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland VG
Preece, Philip Carnival of Horror A
Pyle, Kevin C. Katman VG
Sato, Yuki Yokai Doctor volume 1 G
Suzumi, Astushi AmeFurashi: The Rain Goddess G
Tanaka, Hosana Ninja Girls (Manga) G
Verne, Jules retold Journey to the Center of the Earth(inSpanish) G
Yomtov, Nel Jason and the Golden Fleece VG-BN


Historical
Deseve, Peter Crows & Cards VG
Donaldson, Joan On Viney’s Mountain E-BN
Dunlap, Suzanne The Musician’s Daughter VG-BN
Elliott, Patricia The Pale Assassin VG-BN
Ford, Michael Birth of a Warrior VG-BN
Ford, Michael Legacy of Blood (Spartan Quest) VG-BN
Fox, Daniel Dragon in Chains VG-BN
Geisert, Bonnie Prairie Winter VG-BNe
Grant, K. M. White Heat VG-BN
Grant, K. M. Blue Flame (Perfect Fire Trilogy, Book 1) VG-BN
Gregory, Philippa The Other Queen G (paper)
Gunderson, J. Fighting Spirit G
Hennesy, Carolyn Pandora Gets Heart G
Hoffman, Mary Troubadour VG-BN
Howard, Ellen The Crimson Cap VG-BN
Iggulden, Conn Genghis: Bones of the Hills E
Kadohata, Cynthia A Million Shades of Gray VG-BN
Kent, Trilby Medina Hill G
Klein, Lisa Two Girls From Gettysburg E-BN
Klein, Lisa Lady Macbeth’s Daughter VG-BN
Kraske, Robert Queen Elizabeth I of England VG-BN
Kristiana, Gregory My Darlin’ Clementine E-BN
Lassier, Allison The Middle Ages E-BN
Lawrence, L. S. Escape by Sea E
Lehrer, Jim Oh, Johnny VG
Meyer, Carolyn True Adventures of Charley Darwin G
Meyer, L.A. Rapture of the Deep: A Bloody Jack Adventure E-BN
Michaelis, Antonia Tiger Moon E-BN
Miller, Dennis Float and Sting VG
Moss, Jenny Winne’s War VG
Myers, Anna Spy! G
Myers, Anna Time of the Witches VG-BN
Niz, Xavier W. Drop in to the Deep End:Skateboarding with the Z-Boys VG
Pryor, Bonnie Pirate Hannah Pritchard: Captured! E-BN
Rees, Celia Sovay G
Rinaldi, Ann My Vicksburg E-BN
Rinaldi, Ann Leigh Ann’s Civil War E-BN
Shaffer, Mary Ann & Annie Barrows
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society E-BN
Spillebeen, Geert Age 14 E-BN
Stevens, Eric Hope: A Story of Change in Obama’s America G
Sutcliff, R. Knight’s Fee E-BN
Terrell, Brandon Dodger Dreams G
Thompson, P. B. Liberty’s Son: A Spy Story of the American Revolution E-BN
Thompson, Ricki City of Cannibals VG-BN
Vanderwal, A. H. The Battle for Duncragglin E-BN
Wade, Mary D. Amazing Civil War Nurse Clara Barton E
Wilson, John Death on the River E-BN
Wittlinger, Ellen This Means War! VG

Horror
Priestly, Chris Tales of Terror from the Blackship E-BN
Randall, Thomas The Waking: Dreams of the Dead E-BN
Stoker, Bram retold by Michael Burgan Dracula G
Whitten, A.J. The Well G

Misc.
Faust vol 2 (English ed) E-BN
Browne, Dik H. The Horrible VG
Cabrera, Jane Ten in Bed (Board book) VG
Greenberger, R. Arctic Attack G
Hartry, Nancy Watching Jimmy A
Jennings, R. W. Ghost Town VG-BN
Jones, Jen Braiding Hair: Beyond Basics VG
Maddox, Jake Pit Crew Crunch VG
Maddox, Jake Speed Camp VG-BN
Miller, Bobbi (re-teller) Davy Crockett Gets Hitched VG
Schoening, H. Harley Quinn’s Shocking Surprise G
Sonneborn, S. Catwoman’s Classroom of Claws G
Turgeon, Carolyn Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story G


Multicultural
Anderson, Sheila America Ferrera: Latina Superstar E-BN
Lieurance, Suzanne The Lucky Baseball G
McGuigan, Mary Ann Morning in a Different Place G
Salter, Sydney Jungle Crossing VG


Mystery/Detective
Bradley, Alan The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie E
Brezenoff, Steve The Painting That Wasn’t There VG-BN
Brezenoff, Steve The Zoo with the Empty Cage A
Brezenoff, Steve The Village That Almost Vanished VG
Fein, Eric My Frozen Valentine VG
Freeman, Martha Who Stole Grandma’s Million Dollar Pumpkin Pie? E-BN
Hahn, Mary D. Closed for the Season VG
Hale, Bruce From Russia with Lunch E-BN
Hoover, P.J. The Navel of the World G
Lemke, Donald The Puppet Master’s Revenge G
Lemke, Donald Man Behind the Mask VG
Low, Dene Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone A
Moss, Marissa The Pharaoh’s Secret VG-BN
Parkinson, Curtis The Castle on Deadman’s Island E-BN
Peacock, Shane Vanishing Girl VG-BN

Realistic
Tullson, Diane Riley Park VG-BN
Adler, David It’s Time to Sleep, it’s Time to Dream E
Anhalt, Ariela Freefall G
Beam, Matt Last December G
Bell, Joanne Juggling Fire E-BN
Berne, Emma C. Hoop Doctor VG
Bjorkman, Lauren My Invented Life G
Boggess, Eileen Mia the Magnificent (Mia Fullerton series) A
Boggess, Eileen Mia the Magnificent (Mia Fullerton series) VG
Carlson, Melody It’s a Green Thing (Diary of a Teenage Girl) VG
Carmichael, Clay Wild Things VG-BN
Chenoweth, Emily Hello Goodbye VG
Choyce, Lesley Running the Risk VG
d’Arge, Mackie Lifting the Sky VG-BN
Dekker, James C. Impact E-BN
Denman, K.L. Me, Myself, and Ike G
Donaldson, Julia Running On the Cracks VG-BN
Doyle, Euginie According To Kit G
French, S. Terrell Operation Redwood VG
Freyman-Weyr, Garret After the Moment E-BN
Gallagher, Diana Bad Luck Bridesmaid G
Gallagher, Diana Boy Trouble VG-BNS
Gallagher, Diane Pool Problem: Complicated Life of C.C. Cortez VG-BN
Gallgher, Diana G. Sold: The Complicated Life of Claudia Cristina Cortez VG
Gargee, Jeanne Say the Word E
Going, K.L. King of Screwups E-BN
Goldman, Steven Two Parties, one Tux, and a Very Short film about the Grapes of Wrath VG
Hagerup, Klaus Markus and the Girls VG
Hale, Marian The Goodbye Season VG-BN
Halpern, Julie Into the Wild Nerd Yonder VG-BN
Realistic Fiction Halpin, Brendan I Can See Clearly Now G
Realistic Fiction Haworth, Danette Violet Raimes Almost Got Struck by Lightning VG
Herrick, Steven Cold Skin VG-BN
Hijuelos, Oscar Dark Dude VG-BN
Howell, Simmone Everything Beautiful VG
Johnson, Angela Sweet, Hereafter (Heaven) VG-BN
Johnson, Peter Loserville VG
Jones, Patrick Stolen Car VG
Kinney, Jeff Diary of Wimpy Kid: Dog Days G
Kneale, Mathew When We Were Romans VG
Kreie, Chris Pressure Pitcher VG
Lynch, Janet N. Messed Up E-BN
Mac, Carrie Jacked G
Maddox, Jake Blizzard (Impact Book) VG
Maddox, Jake Field Hockey Firsts A
Maddox, Jake Half-pipe prize G
Maddox, Jake Diving Off the Edge G
Maddox, Jake Disc Golf Drive VG-BNe
Maddox, Jake Record Run VG-BNe
Maddox, Jake Race Car Rival VG
Maddox, Jake Half-Pipe Prize G
Maddox, Jake Ballet Bullies VG
Maddox, Jake Back on the Beam G
Maddox, Jake Race Car Rival VG
Maddox, Jake Speed Camp VG
Maddox, Jake Tennis Liar VG
Madigan, L.K. Flash Burnout E-BN
Margolis, Leslie Girls Acting Catty VG-BN
McCafferty, Megan Perfect Fifths VG
McClintock, Nora Taken G
McClintock, Norah Back E-BN
McCoy, Sarah The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico E-BN
Messner, Kate The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. VG-BN
Realistic Fiction (cont.)
Michael, Jan City Boy E-BN
Murdock, C. G. Front and Center E-BN
Myers, Edward Far From Gringo Land VG
Peck, Dale Sprout VG
Polak, Monique The Middle of Everywhere G
Rebeck, Theresa Three Girls and Their Brother VG-BN
Reed, Lynn Rowe Oliver, the Spaceship, and Me VG
Roy, James Max Quigley Technically Not a Bully VG-BN
Ryan, Darlene Five Minutes More VG
Sartell, Debra Time for Bed, Baby Ted E-BNe
Shipton, Jonathan Baby Baby Blah Blah Blah! VG
Skovron, Jon Struts and Frets VG-BN
Smith, Andrew In the Path of Falling Rocks VG
Stevens, Eric Hope!: A Story of Change in Obama’s America VG-BN
Stevenson, Robin Inferno: High School Can Be Hell VG
Stevenson, Robin Into The Woods G
Tayleur, Karen Famous: The Awesome Life of David Mortimer Baxter VG
Waldorf, Heather Leftovers VG
Whitehead, Colson Sag Harbor VG
Whitney, Tim Thanksgiving At The Inn E-BN

Science fiction
Beck, Ian PastWorld VG-BN
Bertagna, Julie Zenith (trilogy) VG
Briggs, Andy Villain.net: Council of Evil G
Chang, Margaret Celia’s Robot VG
Foster, Alan Dean Flinx Transcendent VG
Haines, Lise Girl in the Arena G
Hoena, Blake A. Live Wire G
Hulme, John The Seems: the Split Second G
Kneece, Mark The Odyssey of Flight 33 (from The Twilight Zone series)VG-BN
Kneece, Mark The Midnight Sun VG-BN
Lloya, Saci The Carbon Diaries 2015 VG-BN
Malley, Gemma The Resistance VG
Ness, Patrick The Ask and the Answer VG-BN
Yolen, Jane Dragon’s Heart (Pit Dragon Chronicles) G

Spanish language
Butcher, Kristin El Plan de Zee VG
Denman, K.L. La Guerra de las bandas VG
Goobie, Beth Ni un dia mas G
Grant, Vicki Un Trabajo sin futuro G
Murdoch, Patricia Revelacion VG
Ryan, Darlene De Nadie Mas VG
Walters, Eric A Todo Velocidad VG

Supernatural
Chapman, Mary The Haunting E-BN
Compestine, Ying Chang A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts VG
Creive, Megan Give Up the Ghost E-BN
Doyle, Marissa Betraying Season VG-BN
Gibson, Marley Ghost Huntress: The Awakening VG
Harris, Lewis A Taste for Red VG-BN
Harvey, Alexandra Hearts At Stake (Drake Chronicles)VG-BN
Hennesy, Carolyn Pandora Gets Lazy VG
Jinks, Catherine The Reformed Vampire Support Group E-BN
Jones, Patrick The Tear Collector VG
Kaye, Marilyn Demon Chick E-B
Keats, Jonathan The Book of the Unknown VG
Kingfisher, Rupert Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible??? VG
Klise, Kate Dying to Meet You VG-BN
Langston, Laura Hannah’s Touch G
Larbalestier, J. Liar E-BN
Nadol, Jen The Mark VG-BN
Niffenegger, A. Her Fearful Symmetry VG
Nobleman, Marc Tyler Little Lightning A
Oyemei, Helen White is for Witching G
Perez, Marlene Dead is So Last Year VG
Petrucha, Stefan The Rule of Won E
Richards, Justin Parliament of Blood, The E-BN
Rownen, Michelle Reign or Shine (Demon Princess) VG-BN

Montgomery, Sy. Saving the Ghost of the Mountain.

Montgomery, Sy. Saving the Ghost of the Mountain.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 74p 18.00
978-0618916450 ms/hs Scientists In the Field series
In this newest addition to the superb series Scientists in the Field, naturalist Sy Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop take their readers on a trip through the harsh environment of Mongolia’s Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert with Tom McCarthy, conservation director of the Snow Leopard Trust and his team, in search of the elusive snow leopard. In this newest addition to the superb series Scientists in the Field, naturalist Sy Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop take their reader on a trip through the harsh environment of Mongolia’s Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert in search of the elusive snow leopard with Tom McCarthy, conservation director of the Snow Leopard Trust and his team. Written in an engaging manner and beautifully presented, the author offers a travelogue of her three-week expedition to the wild lands of Asia with all of the attendant dangers found in the harsh climate, mountain climbing, and living in the manner of the local people. It is filled with unique stories about the “ghosts of the mountain” and their natural world and is greatly enhanced by outstanding color photographs that show the environmental and zoological aspects of the region although the big cat photographs are taken in a zoo. Even though the group didn’t sight any snow leopards, the descriptions of the search for them and the discovery and collection of their signs and scat are sure to entrance the reader and add immediacy to the search. The book contains a series of extras: sidebar fact boxes, McCarthy’s advice to young conservationists, how to conserve the snow leopard by supporting the Trust, unique facts and statistics about the region, descriptions of some of the more unusual animals of the area, a small Mongolian dictionary, author and photographer notes and a link to their web sites, and an index. Ogintz, Susan

Jurmain, Suzanne. The Secret of the Yellow Death.

Jurmain, Suzanne. The Secret of the Yellow Death.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 104p 19.00
978-0-618-96581-6 ms/hs
Four Army doctors, led by Walter Reed, were charged with discovering the cause and the cure for this deadly disease before it completely decimated U.S. troops. The book unravels the mystery, chapter by chapter, and is filled with much primary source material, first-person accounts and letters, and period photographs and illustrations, that make their scientific search even more immediate to the reader. Yellow fever was, and is still, a major killer in many areas of the world where the Aedes aegypti mosquito thrives. When the United States defeated Spain in 1899, they took over the governance of the fever-ravaged island of Cuba. Four Army doctors, led by Walter Reed, were charged with discovering the cause and the cure for this deadly disease before it completely decimated the troops. Many theories about the cause of yellow fever abounded, from the bacteria responsible for hog cholera or the touch of disease-soiled items to bites of mosquitoes but nothing was actually known. It would be up to Reed and his team to find the answers. Each member was assigned a part of the project and it began as soon as they reached Cuba. The American doctors would collaborate with a Cuban physician who believed the disease was carried by mosquitoes, then an unpopular view. Written in vivid prose, this description of the race for cure is a fascinating account of what determined and brave men can do. The book unravels the mystery, chapter by chapter, and is filled with much primary source material, first-person accounts and letters, and period photographs and illustrations, that make their scientific search even more immediate to the reader. As the book continues, it delves into the rationale behind each part of the study and highlights the important information being gleaned. The courage shown by the medical staff and the volunteers was amazing given that the chances of death were very high and did, in fact, occur. Reed was the first doctor who truly demanded “informed consent” from his volunteers before he allowed them to participate. The book ends an appendix listing both the Spanish and American volunteers and medical staff, a glossary of scientific terminology, copious chapter notes and source material, a thorough bibliography, and an index. Pair this with Halse’s Fever, 1793 and Murphy’s An American Plague for more information. Ogintz, Susan

Hammond, Paul. Atlas of Endangered Animals.

Hammond, Paul. Atlas of Endangered Animals.
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 224p 99.93 978-0-7614-7872-0 ms/hs This handsome book about endangered animals is divided by continent and includes entries that cover fifty different animals. Arranged alphabetically within each continent, the book is a very visually appealing guide to these animals with beautiful full-color drawings, illustrations, and maps enhancing the text. The book begins with an introduction that quantifies the number of animals at risk. It continues with a brief description of each continent and a discussion of the chosen animals. It provides discussions about the animals that depict territory, migration, defense, camouflage, food, conservation, communication, and reproduction and includes a map of their habitat area. Each entry includes key facts and statistics that students might need for research. Arranged alphabetically within each continent, the book is a very visually appealing guide to these animals with beautiful full-color drawings, illustrations, photographs, and maps enhancing the text. The content is well-organized and clearly written with attractive page layouts. The entries also contain comparisons to similar animals. The book ends with an index. While it would not be a book that is read from cover to cover, it is a good source for both researching and browsing and may lead to further research. Ogintz, Susan

Klein, Lisa. Lady Macbeth’s Daughter.

Klein, Lisa. Lady Macbeth’s Daughter.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2009 291p 16.99 978-1-59990-347-7 ms/hs In alternating chapters, Lady Macbeth, and her daughter Albia, banished at birth, tell their stories against the backdrop of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. As Klein notes, “Lady Macbeth’s Daughter is a work of fiction inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth”, which itself is modeled on early chronicles of Scottish history. Although Lady Macbeth and her husband have no children in the play, a line in the play alludes to the possibility that Lady Macbeth had children, and so Klein introduces Albia, a complicated and courageous teenage girl who had been raised by three witches, also known as the Wyrd Sisters. Albia is unaware that she is the daughter of Macbeth and his wife. Wanting sons, but instead having a newborn baby girl with a deformity, he ordered her to be put to death. Unbenowst to Macbeth and his wife, her servant Rhuven, also a Wyrd Sister, saved Albia’s life. Albia later learns of her heritage and rejects the corrupt kingship of her father and fights to overthrow his reign. Although the story is told in alternating chapters from Lady Macbeth and Albia’s points of view, the characters and plot developments are seamlessly interwoven. Scotland’s history comes alive and no prior knowledge of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is needed to enjoy this tale of intrigue, guilt, love and romance. Klein, the author Opheilia and Two Girls of Gettysburg, continues with a strong writing style and complex characters caught up in historical events beyond their control. Zajko, Rosanne

Marshall Cavendish. Mammal Anatomy.

Marshall Cavendish. Mammal Anatomy.
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 187p $79.84 978-0-7614-7882-9 ms/hs Provides detailed information on the anatomy and various bodily systems of mammals, including humans. Fourteen mammals, including humans, are the focus of this detailed, diagramed reference volume. The information in this title is part of a larger work available through an on-line subscription from the publisher. The fourteen mammals highlighted represent land and sea mammals, such as chimpanzees and elephants, and gray whales and manatees. Each chapter is an average of 20 pages and follows the same format. The chapters begin with an overview of anatomy and taxonomy, and then go into detail on other systems that include the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory and respiratory, digestive and excretory and reproductive systems. Color photographs are included, but what is most valuable are the colored, labeled diagrams of the anatomy and various bodily systems. Fact boxes include comparative anatomy of subspecies, as well as brief overviews on evolution and other anatomical topics. The text is detailed; the layout with the photos, diagrams and fact boxes provides visual interest. A factual glossary is included, as are resources for further study and an index that includes bold page numbers for main articles and italics for picture captions. This is a valuable resource for science programs that focus on animal physiology, however, since only fourteen mammals are included it may have limited appeal. Zajko, Rosanne

Baratz-Logsted, Lauren. Crazy Beautiful.

Baratz-Logsted, Lauren. Crazy Beautiful.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 191p 16.00
978-0-547-22307-0 ms/hs
A modern take on a Beauty and the Beast tale. Lucius is beastly, because of an accident which left him without hands. Aurora is beautiful and popular, but also broken after the death of her mother. This unlikely duo are inexplicably drawn to each other in this dark romance. A Beauty and the Beast for the 21st century. Two new students couldn’t be more different. Lucius has prosthetic hooks after a chemical accident. Aurora’s dealing with the death of her mother. She is instantly popular, while Lucius becomes a pariah. That the two will be drawn to each other is a foregone conclusion. A formula romance, yes, and at times the plot seems too conveniently and neatly tied up. Even the names (Lucius Wolfe and Aurora Belle) seem out of another century. The analogy that Lucius’ disability is “beastly” was at first a little offensive, and Aurora’s saintly librarian father a little two perfect, but soon the story transends its problems and becomes a tale of friendship, redemption and coming-of-age. The topics are timely, and and the pace of the story makes it very readable. Nominated for the 2010 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, this story should appeal to reluctant readers. Naismith, Pat

Meyer, L.A. Rapture of the Deep: A Bloody Jack Adventure.

Meyer, L.A. Rapture of the Deep: A Bloody Jack Adventure.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 454p 17.00
978-0-15-206501-0 ms/hs
Seventh book in the Bloody Jack series. Jacky is sent on a mission to retrieve treasure from a sunken Spanish ship off the coast of Key West. There is adventure, romance, daring escapes and the return of several characters from earlier titles. Jacky Faber is all set to marry Jaimy , the love of her life, when she is kidnapped to go on a mission for British Navy Intelligence to retrieve the treasure from a Spanish ship sunken off the coast of Key West. Jacky is needed because of her swimming ability. Using a newly invented diving bell to go deep enough to reach the wreck, she retrieves thousands of pounds of gold and jewels to enrich the coffers of the British Crown under the disguise of a scientific expedition. Several of the characters from prior novels appear again. There is the expected rollicking adventure, a little romance, daring escapes, and skirmishes with pirates and the Spanish Navy. The characters are well developed and engaging. Jacky is a kind hearted, smart, brash and yet feminine heroine. The action is nonstop and diverse. It includes the diving trips, escaping an alligator, cock fighting, fending off the advances of a Spanish officer and a pirate, and an epic sea battle. An excellent read for middle school. Theal, Joan

Johnson, Angela. Sweet, Hereafter (Heaven).

Johnson, Angela. Sweet, Hereafter (Heaven).
Simon & Schuster/Little Brown 2010 118p 16.99
978-0689873850 secondary
Runaway 16-year-old Sweet is the narrator in the third in Johnson’s “Heaven” trilogy set in Heaven, Ohio. Sweet (”Shoog”) tells the reader that “the day I left home, most of my jeans were in the washer, and once I was gone, I wondered what I would have to wear...It don’t look good to have to come back an hour later to get your shit.” We know she’s just 16, tough, and living in a cabin in the woods nearby with an older neighbor and lover, Curtis. Their place is a haven (heaven?) for both--Sweet’s escape from her family although she drives by their house regularly--and for Curtis, who’s been to Iraq and goes AWOL instead of going back. Easygoing Curtis obviously thinks about the “hereafter” and how Sweet will remember him. She has her own private revolution by collecting and junking army recruitment material. Not as much plot as The First Part Last, but Bobby and his little girl, Feather, are mentioned, as are Sweet’s friends Marley and Jos. Will be popular with readers of Johnson’s other books and for the poetic language--Mama’s letter says “you’ve been leaving since you were born.” Gooden, Sue

Nadol, Jen. The Mark.

Nadol, Jen. The Mark.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 228p 16.99 978-1-59990-431-3 hs Cassandra can tell when someone’s going to die that day. Should she let them know? If this were a movie, the tag line would be “If you knew today is someone’s last, should you tell them?” Cassandra Renfield, 16, has the dubious “gift” of recognizing people who will die that day. Orphaned at 2, and living with her grandmother “Nan,” Cassie sees a “glow” around people who are about to die. When Nan dies, she’s sent to live for 90 days with her unknown aunt Andrea in Kansas, where her parents lived. There she audits a college philosophy class and it causes her to examine her responsibility to people she sees “marked.” There’s an affair with the philosophy teaching assistant and some far-fetched investigating into her mother’s old psych records. Summer ends and the reader’s left with Cassie’s philosophical dilemma. Good writing and interest in the paranormal will make this popular. Supernatural Gooden, Sue

Spillebeen, Geert. Age 14.

Spillebeen, Geert. Age 14.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 216p 16.00
978-0-547-05342-4 ms/hs
Patrick Condon dreams of entering the army and escaping his poor life in Ballybricken, Ireland. Then the opportunity presents itself for Patrick to join the army but he is not old enough to join yet. That is when he takes his brother’s name and age and follows his dream of a military life. Patrick Condon dreams of entering the army and escaping his poor life in Ballybricken, Ireland. A boy is too tall and looks so much older than his age implies, has always dreamed of joining the army. He is so ready but Patrick is only 12 years old. In this village he will never be able to do much. Everyone knows who he is and they know his family. Then the opportunity presents itself for Patrick to join the army in another town. That is when he takes his brothers name, John and follows his dream of a military life. He trains for the military and discovers that this is his dream job. When the War of 1914 breakout in Europe, John returns home and joins in with his home group. The officers suspect that his age is not what he says it is but they need every man they can get. Then John and his friends are deployed to France to fight the Germans and there they all discover what war is really like for all who must fight in them. John’s dream was realized but his life was cut short, he had just turned 14 years. A historical fiction story based on a true story. Very well written and will be of interest to all boys. Diaz, Magna

Genetics and Evolution Science Fair Projects

Gardner, Robert Genetics and Evolution Science Fair Projects
Enslow 2010 160p 34.60 978-0-7660-3422-8 elm/ms Biology Science Projects Using the Scientific Method (Enslow) This book begins by explaining the scientific method in painstaking detail, moves on to classification, and then discusses a number of major scientific breakthroughs and related experiments and projects that the reader can perform. The organization is meticulous, and the author goes through explanations of the scientific method very thoroughly ... the student may be tempted to skip some of this, and it is recommended that the teacher “assign” certain chapters to the student who is about to create a science project based on the topics in this book. The author is very careful to talk about things like the washing of hands, getting an adult to help with certain aspects of the experiments, etc., and the student may find this tedious. However, it is to the author’s credit that he points out these precautions and takes care to describe every step of each experiment so thoroughly. In the course of learning about the experiments, the student will learn a bit about Darwin, Mendel, genetics, and evolution. In addition to good illustrations and charts, and the bibliography and index, there is a helpful appendix that lists science supply companies. Kennedy, Carol

Kadohata, Cynthia. A Million Shades of Gray.

Kadohata, Cynthia. A Million Shades of Gray.
Atheneum 2010 216p 16.99 978-1416918837 ms/jr
Y’Tin is a thirteen-year-old boy of the Mountain people living in South Vietnam three years after the US has left the country. He wants more than anything to be an elephant trainer, but warfare with the Viet Cong changes his plans. This story is gripping, as we become involved with Y’Tin and his love for his elephant Lady. The writing flows nicely as the reader learns about village life among the Mountain people in South Vietnam in the late 1970s. The story ends with Y’Tin realizing he must make a life for himself based on his own values rather than those of his father, even if it means separation from his family and his country. Kennedy, Carol

Connolly, John. The Gates.

Connolly, John. The Gates.
Simon & Schuster/Little Brown 2009 296p 24.00 978-1-4391-7263-6 ms/jr Samuel Johnson discovers that some of his neighbors are working for the Devil, who is planning a takeover of the Earth. The ensuing fantasy cum sci-fi adventure will leave young readers breathless and entertained. This book has everything for the fantasy lover ... humor, action, friendship, and a touch of science fiction. There are even footnotes (like the ones in the Bartameus series). It will appeal to students in grades 4-8 who like a good adventure story and are not put off by the presence of demons and Satan himself. The main character, Samuel, is very sympathetic, and his frequent complaint that adults don’t believe what young people tell them will hit the mark with readers. The author seems to indicate that this is the first in a series. Kennedy, Carol

Martino, Alfred C. Over the End Line

Martino, Alfred C. Over the End Line
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 304p 17.00
978-0-15-206121-0 hs
Jonny is a second-tier member of the high-school soccer team whose best friend is the star player. He longs to be part of the in-crowd, and, at the same time, he knows that there is more to life. This is a gripping sports story and thriller that will have young adults turning the pages. The soccer action, portrayal of high-school social heirarchies, and story of friendship all ring true, and will make really make students think. Jonny is easy to identify with ... thoughtful but self-doubting, reluctant to take a stand, but capable of deep love and loyalty, he is our “everyman” in this skillfully told story. The surprise ending doesn’t seem as realistic, but it will have the kids talking even more about the book, and recommending it to each other. Kennedy, Carol

Jennings, Richard W. Ghost Town.

Jennings, Richard W. Ghost Town.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 167p 16.00
978-0-547-19471-4 ms/hs
Spencer is the last kid living in Paisley, Kansas, after all the other families leave town to move to Kansas City. Discovering his late father’s old camera, Spencer changes his life radically when he embraces photography, with the help of his imaginary friend. This book reminded me of Daniel Pinkwater’s work ... with the same mix of reality, fantasy, and wry humor. The writing is sublime, and the story is quite sophisticated, with many references to current issues (outsourcing, the economy, etc.). Since there are references to sex toys (very brief) and nymphomania (the 15-year-old neighbor bares her breasts to Spencer), I would say this book is for grades 8 and up. Kennedy, Carol

The Atlas of the World’s Most Dangerous Animals.

Hammond, Paul. The Atlas of the World’s Most Dangerous Animals.
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 224p 99.93 978-0-7614-7870-6 ms/jr Fifty dangerous animals are featured from every continent around the world. The text illustrates each animal’s anatomy, habits and geographical area with maps, photographs, and colorful artwork. Proceeding continent by continent around the world, five to nine dangerous animals are featured from each area. Each animal has a four-page spread. The text and illustrations explain the anatomy, and habits of the animal. Maps show the geographic range and a key facts block details many statistics. There is a four panel section highlighting a special behavior of the animal, such as caring for infants, hunting, breeding or feeding. The illustrations are bright, colorful and designed for browsing. This volume is a delight to browse, picking up facts as they catch the eye. Students will enjoy looking through this book. Theal, Joan

Soup, Cuthburt,Dr. A Whole Nother Story

Soup, Cuthburt,Dr. A Whole Nother Story
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 264p 16.99 978-1-59990-435-1 ms This rollicking mystery, action, fantasy story has just about everything. The Cheeseman family is on the run from at least three groups who want to capture their unfinished time machine. This novel is hard to classify. It is a mystery but also an action adventure and a fantasy. Mr. Cheeseman has been working on a time machine which at least three groups ( an unidentified government agency, international super spies and corporate villains) want to get their hands on. Thinking that he is the easier target to control, Mrs. Cheeseman is murdered. Mr. Cheeseman takes his three children, their hairless terrier dog, and resident sock puppet named Steve on the run. Each time they try to settle somewhere, the villains come close to capturing them and the time machine. Mr. Cheeseman finishes assembling the machine but can’t find the hidden code to activate it. After meeting and helping a strange assortment of characters, the children are really happy in a town when the villains attack. Through the heroic actions of the children and some friends, they foil the villains and start to set things right. A rollicking good read that is hard to put down. The author intersperses small sections of unsolicited advise between chapters. It is slightly reminiscent of Lemony Snicket Middle school students will love this title. Theal, Joan

Bell, Joanne. Juggling Fire.

Bell, Joanne. Juggling Fire.
Orca 2009 171p 12.95 978-1-55469-094-7 ms/hs
An Alaskan girl seeks answers to life’s questions. Where did her father go? Why didn’t he return? Can she survive the challenges of the Yukon to try to find her answers? Her quest is unforgettable. Orca Book Publishers has printed the perfect book. As if Orca Soundings had not already provided books for our readers that they cannot put down! In Juggling Fire, Joanne Bell combines poetry, a wonderful story about a relentless search for answers and a family with whom the reader is sure to connect. How she turns a dog named Brooks and a girl named Rachel into protagonists who are both resilient yet vulnerable is a tribute to the author’s writing ability. When Rachel’s father leaves the family due to some undiagnosed emotional disorder, or need to find himself, the family is devastated. However, both the mother and Rachel’s sister move on, mother with her carving and Rachel with her dog sledding and love of animals. Rachel is stuck. She simply cannot accept that her father disappeared, despite the challenges of surviving in the Alaskan wilderness. When she turns of age, she leaves home in search of her father, long accepted dead by authorities. Her adventures, which she endures and survives with her knowledge of life in the Yukon, make the story unforgettable. Using fairy tales, her hobby of juggling, the beauty of the Yukon and her concern for the injured Brooks who has been attacked by a grizzly, Rachel pulls herself together, finds her former home and ends up realizing that her father didn’t just leave them. He was going to come back to his family. Various theories as to his demise are cleverly woven in, yet that is not the focus of this book. Bell’s story is about a quest, and the quest includes a desire for answers, a desire for a new life and a desire for a young girl to find her niche. The descriptions of Alaska are poetic. The writing style is sublime. It is only when Rachel finds her real home and the answer to her quest that all is well again for her. Squaresky, Martha

Thompson, Ricki. City of Cannibals.

Thompson, Ricki. City of Cannibals.
Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press) 2010 269p 18.95
978-1-59078-623-9 ms/hs
To escape her family’s cruelty, Dell runs away from her isolated mountain home to Reformation London, a city she has been told is inhabited by cannibals. If, like me, you expected a zombie novel from the blurb on the back cover -- prepare for disappointment. The back cover on the uncorrected proof reads: “A cloud of smoke filled the air in front of her and stung her eyes. Dripping fat sizzled, and through the greasy smoke, Dell could see something turning on a spit. It was a human leg -- it was the leg of the woman who sat outside the gate. She looked closer. No. Not a human leg. A leg of mutton. Just mutton. Father was right. This city was Hell, and now she was a part of it. Her eyes blurred with tears, but whether they were caused by remorse or smoke, she couldn’t tell.” If, however, you enjoy historical fiction, particularly with a strong female protagonist and spare, elegant prose -- this book is sure to appeal to you. The heroine, Dell, is un-”common” (descended from a royal lady-in-waiting to Katherine of Aragon) yet her adventures expose her (and the reader) to the voices of the common folk who had to walk the fine line of loyalty to the King (or lose your life) or loyalty to the Pope (or lose your soul) in voices which ring true. The idea of a lovely maiden raised by dwarves stretches credulity (and carries overtones of certain fairy tales...). Dell is exceptionally gullible and trusting, but the adventure sweeps the (forgiving) reader along. Dell’s blossoming romance with a young (Spanish?) man several weeks from taking his vows with the Church is also unlikely. Few novels set in this time period (Reformation England -- Henry VIII ruling Britain) tell the story from a commoner's point of view. Generally, readers are introduced to the fallout resulting from Henry’s ascension to the Head of the Church of England, and his multiple marriages, from the point of view of a leading historical figure, or an insider of the Royal Court. It is this POV that makes the novel stand out. Readers receive an authentic glimpse of the strain commoners faced in staying loyal to their faith and their sovereign simultaneously. From page one, some of the scenes are a bit earthy -- however the language is appropriate for the era depicted. Welliver, Hilary

Gray, Leon, ed. New Cultural Atlas of Egypt.

Gray, Leon, ed. New Cultural Atlas of Egypt.
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2009 192p 69.95 978-0-7614-7877-5 hs Using historical and topographical maps, readers explore ninety significant ancient sites on the Egyptian/Nile delta. This volume offers some helpful features which include illustrated timelines for Egyptian history, architecture and tomes, and art and crafts, detailed maps and descriptions of Egyptian topography, as well as historical maps of Egypt, and crisp, high-quality photographs and illustrations that are clearly captioned and accurately placed in relation to text. Using historical and topographical maps, the reader explores 90 significant ancient sites, from the Pyramids to less-well-known sites throughout the Nile delta. The glossary, suggested readings, bibliography, and index are very complete. Some information was missing from this volume. The Egyptian language and writing system were not included in the chapter "Scribes and Writing." In the chapter devoted to "Religion," no individual treatment of the pantheon of Ancient Egyptian deities was provided. A list of museums with Egyptian collections or a list of recommended websites might be a useful addition, as well. This volume is an updated, abridged version of an earlier cultural atlas published by Checkmark Books in 1990. Welliver, Hilary

Reef, Catherine. Ernest Hemingway.

Reef, Catherine. Ernest Hemingway.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 181p 20.00
978-0-618-98705-4 ms/hs
Hemingway’s life, lifestyle, and connections to his writing will intrigue students. A very readable text coupled with numerous photographs make this book a visual treat. Extensive chapter notes, bibliography, picture credits and index. Grades 7-12. Reef researched Hemingway’s life and pulled together numerous photographs to illustrate the events and people in Ernest Hemingway’s life. A very readable text shows Hemingway to be a man attracted to violence from an early age. As he grew to manhood, he showed a risk taking attitude that led him into combat situations even when he did not need to be close. His competitiveness led to failed relationships with other men and his love interests changed with the wind. Reef shows him to be self-centered yet brilliant in his writing style. Extensive chapter notes, bibliography and picture credits will lead students to other resources. An exhaustive index will help the student researching particular writings of Hemingway. Students will feel they really understand the man and what drove him to write about the topics he did. His interest in bull fighting and his love of adventure come through in his novels and short stories. He seemed more at home in foreign countries than in the Untied States. His mental health issues are revealed from an early time when he shot animals and thought about shooting his father. His father’s suicide foreshadowed Ernest Hemingway’s own. Family dynamics show that Ernest was not an easy person to be around, although a few of his sisters formed a close bond with him. Recommended for grades 7-12. McNicol,Lois

Madigan, L.K. Flash Burnout.

Madigan, L.K. Flash Burnout.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 332p 16.00
978-0-547-19489-9 ms/hs
Can a boy have both a girlfriend and a girl friend? Photography is the lens through which Black tries to understand the female mindset while growing into manhood. Belly laughs and insightful moments for both male and female readers. Grades 8-12. Blake is in love with his girlfriend, Shannon, who shares his quirky sense of humor. He shares his passion for photography with Marissa, a girl in his class. Marissa and he become closer when he photographs a homeless person in a skid row portion of town. When he asks for her comments, she freaks out as she recognizes the homeless person as her mother. Blake keeps her secret and befriends her as they search for her mother, first on the streets, then the morgue. As Blake grows into manhood during the course of the novel, he is constantly befuddled by the workings of the female mind. He juggles his girl friend and her problems as well as his girlfriend and all her drama. Funny conversations about family, teachers and fellow classmates will resonate with any high school student. First time author Madigan has the pulse of high school life. Blake is a “good guy” who in a weak moment destroys his relationship with Shannon, tries but cannot solve the guilt and problems of Marissa, gets his driver’s license, and comes to understand that loyalty, love, and friendship have consequences when trust is breached. Each chapter starts with a quote about photography some serious, some funny. A playlist of songs to help Blake cope with his lost love complete the book. Blake is a wonderfully funny guy that anyone would like to have as a friend. Grades 8-12. Realistic Fiction McNicol,Lois

Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using Inorganic Stuff

Gardner, Robert. Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using Inorganic Stuff, Revised & Expanded Using the Scientific Method
Enslow 2010 160p 34.60 978-0-7660-3413-6 ms/hs Chemistry Science Projects Using Scientific Method(Enslow) This title focuses on inorganic chemistry experiments as a source for science fair projects. The well-organized content is easy to follow, colorful, and nicely illustrated. The format includes an appendix that lists science supply companies, a list of books for suggested reading, Internet addresses and an index. This title in Enslow’s Chemistry Science Projects Using the Scientific Method series focuses on inorganic chemistry experiments as a source for science fair projects. An introductory chapter explains what the scientific method is and how to use it. Subsequent chapters suggest a scientific theme such as: identifying substances or conservation of matter and then propose a several experiments that explore the theme. Each experiment includes a question, an hypothesis, a list of materials the procedure, and the results and conclusion. Further science project ideas are highlighted at the end of each experiment. Occasional sidebars elucidate information about famous scientists related to the experiments. Nicely illustrated with drawings and graphs, the well-organized content is colorful and easy to follow. The format of this series includes an appendix that lists science supply companies with their addresses, phone numbers and web site, a list of books for suggested reading, Internet addresses and an index. This title is an excellent resource for middle and high school students to research science projects. Middle school and high school libraries may want to select this book to update their science collection, especially if their students are involved in science fairs. Recommended for Tristate Books of Note Series. Weinraub, Tina

Austin, Debra. Daughter of Kura.

Austin, Debra. Daughter of Kura.
Simon & Schuster/Little Brown 2009 310p 25.00 978-1-4391-1266-3 hs Prehistoric tale of a matriarchal group of Homo erectus people in Africa. When Snap’s mother chooses a stranger during bonding ceremony who proves to have dangerous ideas that will disrupt the life of the village, the pregnant girl decides to leave the clan and strike out on her own. This fascinating story is based on paleontology and will thrill those who liked books like Clan of the Cave Bear. This is a prehistoric tale of a matriarchal group of Homo erectus people in Africa. During the Bonding ceremony, the ritual where the women choose a mate, Whistle, daughter of the grand matriarch, chooses a stranger named Bapoto, since her usual mate did not return in time from the hunt. This stranger proves to be a dangerous man with ideas that will change their society. When Snap, Whistle’s daughter, refuses to buy into these ideas, she is forced to make the choice to leave the village and strike out on her own. Pregnant and not knowing where her own beloved mate is, she travels a dangerous route and carves out her own niche on the side of the mountain to get ready for the birth of her baby. The adventure starts as she has to fend off not only natural forces and wild animals, but other humans who do not want to see her survive, mainly Bapoto and his followers. Eventually, she begins to bond with other outcasts from her past and meets new individuals who become the beginnings of a new group. Based on studies in paleontology, there are lots of exciting adventures and interesting situations, that will leave the reader wanting to know more about societies that existed over a half a million years ago. The author has strong writing skills and includes a glossary of Swahili terms that are used throughout the book. This is an excellent choice for high school libraries and is recommended for Tristate Books of Note. Weinraub, Tina

Walls, Jeanette. Half Broke Horses.

Walls, Jeanette. Half Broke Horses.
Simon & Schuster/Little Brown 2009 272p 26.00 978-4165-8628-9 hs/adult Subtitled “A True-Life Novel,” this is the story of Wall’s grandmother’s life in the southwest as a rancher, mother, teacher, flyer, and rebel. Lily Casey Smith is a character that readers will not soon forget as she relates the adventures, hardships, and triumphs of her memorable life in a spellbinding manner that keeps the pages turning. The book is subtitled “A True-Life Novel” and is the story of Wall’s grandmother’s life in the southwest as a rancher, mother, teacher, flyer and rebel. Lily Casey Smith is a character that readers will not soon forget. Told through Lily’s expressive voice, she relates the adventures of growing up on a ranch in the hard scrabble West and becoming a rancher’s wife. Lily suffers many hardships along the way, the cad of a first husband and the death by suicide of her beloved sister but manages to overcome her sorrows. She always works hard and does what is necessary to make a living and raise her children the way she sees fit. In addition to being a wife, mother, and rancher, Lily teaches in one room school houses and learns to fly airplanes. Her triumphs over adversity are rollicking and at times very humorous. At the end of the book, the author explains why this is categorized as a work of fiction even though most of it is true. After reading this story, I want to go back and read Crystal Palace, the memoir of the author’s life as the child of Lily’s own rebellious daughter. Half Broke Horses is wonderfully written, spell binding, and hard to put down as the reader will want to find out what will happen next in Lily’s quest to live life to its fullest. Recommended for Tristate Books of Note. Weinraub, Tina

Rise & Fall of Senator Joe McCarthy.

Giblin, James Cross. Rise & Fall of Senator Joe McCarthy.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 294p 22.00
978-0-618-61058-7 ms/hs
With the backdrop of the social history of the 1950s, Giblin identifies how McCarthy was able to rise to power and then shows how the structure of the government helped bring him back down. Historic black and white illustrations highlight the text in the appropriate places. This is an excellent resource for middle and high school libraries because “those who don’t learn from the history are condemned to repeat it.”
Using the backdrop of the social history of the 1950’s, Giblin well written book identifies how Senator McCarthy was able to rise to power and become a bully to politicians, educators, entertainers, and other citizens. Giblin then shows how the checks and balances built into the U.S. government system helped bring him down. Giblin explores McCarthy’s background and his character is dealt with in an even handed manner even though the reader will see that McCarthy was power hungry and mean spirited and that he ruined many lives of honorable people. In a final chapter, entitled “After McCarthy’s Death...”, the author writes about what happened to some of the main characters in McCarthy’s life. The two best parts of the book are the bibliography and source notes section at the end of the book. In this section he talks in depth about the books he read to prepare to write this title and then goes chapter by chapter and notes where he got the information for the chapter. Historic black and white illustrations highlight the text in the appropriate places. This title is a very interesting read and is also a first rate resource for research. It would be an excellent selection for middle and high school libraries because “those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” . Recommended for Tristate Books of Note. Weinraub, Tina

Gardner, Robert. Whose Fingerprints Are These?

Gardner, Robert. Whose Fingerprints Are These?
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93 978-0-7660-3245-3 elem
Who Dunnit? Forensic Science Experiments (Enslow)
An introduction for young readers into the world of forensic science. Each chapter will test your sleuthing skills as you work with fingerprints, lip prints,footprints, etc. to solve a crime. Many of these projects would also be useful for science fair projects. This book helps young readers to utilize some of the crime solving techniques that they watch so avidly on television and learn about and practice the skills used by CSIs on television. An important aspect of this book is the explanation of the important of the scientific method and the adherence to safety practices and proper adult supervision. This text is fully illustrated with a low reading level accompanied by full color illustrations. Crimes to solve, where to obtain more information, web sites, a glossary, and index make this a useful research tool. McNeil, Linda

Personal Finance: A Guide to Money and Business

Driver, Stephanie Schwartz, ed. Personal Finance: A Guide to Money and Business
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2009 186p 69.94
978-0-7614-7909-3 hs/adult
A single volume covering major aspects of business and finance that students are likely to encounter in their school work and in daily life. Terminology is well defined and enhanced with visual presentation of the data.
Spadaro, Trish

Dolamore, Jaclyn. Magic Under Glass.

Dolamore, Jaclyn. Magic Under Glass.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 225p 16.99 978-1-59990-430-6 ms/hs A young dancer goes from the music hall into the home of a magician who wants her to perform with his automaton piano player. Seeking a better life Nim takes the chance and returns to the magician's home. Once there she discovers some disturbing information about the people who live in the house and why rumor has it that the automaton is haunted. During her dance, Nim notices a gentleman watching her. She has come down in the world since their family fell on hard times when once she led a privliged life she now barely survives. Hoping to help her family out of their difficulties, Nim becomes a "trouser dancer" in a common music hall where one night this gentleman seems interested in her. Hollin Parry,is a mage looking for a dancer to perform with his automaton piano player. Parry has tried other dancers but they were afraid of the mechanical device. Nimira believes him to be kind and decides to take a chance and go to live in his house. Parry introduces her to the mechanical piano player who seems to be a bit magical. Eventually Nim learns an important secret about the automaton, that is he is inhabited by the spirit of a Fairy prince. Gradually Nim develops a way to communicate with Prince Erris. Nim keeps their relationship a secret from Hollin who has asked her to marry him. It later turns out that Hollin's wife has not died of an illness as he claimed and her true situation is being used by the Sorcerer's Union to control him. The household is terrorized by the head of the Sorcerer's union which operates like the Inquisition that tortures and kills fairies. The Union wants to erradicate all things fairy and believe that the automaton is more than it appears to be. This novel works on every level with a totally satisfying result. Characters are three dimensional with Nim a strong and resourceful young woman, Erris the captive prince who struggles to remember what he needs to do, Hollin Parry is the agent of change who would like to be a better man than he has and there is no ambiguity about the villains, we really don't like them and want them to loose. The growing romance between Nim and Erris is sweet The only problem with the novel is that it ends abrubtly with a second volume clearly on the way. I only hope the author won't make us wait too long. Spadaro, Trish

Rinaldi, Ann. Leigh Ann’s Civil War.

Rinaldi, Ann. Leigh Ann’s Civil War.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 308p 17.00
978-0-15-206513-3 ms/hs
Leigh Ann’s estranged mother provides drama and intrigue for the family’s business during the time the dreaded Yankees invade Roswell, Georgia. Leigh Ann herself is branded as a traitor and sent North as a punishment after she tries to help her family by placing a French flag on their mill. This is a well written and researched novel that shows the readers the politics of war and the price of freedom. Leigh Ann is a young girl who lives on a Southern plantation with her father and two older brothers. When the Yankees come to Roswell, Georgia Leigh Ann tries to help her family by placing a French flag atop of their mill. The estranged mother, squired by a Yankee officer, returns to confiscate the plantation and arrest Leigh Ann. She is branded as a traitor for making cloth for Confederate soldiers and shipped North. This engaging historical fiction and an exciting adventure. It offers both realistic and suspenseful action in a well-paced plot and with engaging characters. The story is engaging and full of interesting details, the locations are beautifully described, and the characters are very three-dimensional. The author once again mixes adventure, political intrigues, realistic surroundings, and a little stress into this very well done historical novel. McNeil, Linda

Ness, Patrick. The Ask and the Answer.

Ness, Patrick. The Ask and the Answer.
Candlewick Press 2009 519 18.99 978-0-7636-4490-1 ms/hs This sequel to The Knife of Never Letting Go continues the story of Todd and Viola, as they are separated, each with an uneasy allegiance to warring sides in this devastating look at ideology and psychological domination. Confusing, at first, to those who have not read The Knife of Letting Go, this novel soon takes on its own relentless personality, fast becoming a such a compelling story that readers will not be able to put it down. It ultimately proves difficult for teens Todd and Viola to decide where the allegiance lies, except to each other. Two opposing charismatic leaders use the teens’ unyielding desire to find and care for each other to disastrous advantage. The Mayor, a sociopath, from whom the teens were fleeing, coerces Todd into believing him and, at times, committing horrendous acts. Viola begins to believe in the cause of Mistress Coyle, and begins bombing sites as part of the Answer. Both finally realize that they are being used, as the novel rushes headlong to a cliff-hanger ending. Brilliant, dark and unrelenting, this title is definitely for more mature readers. Fans of dystopic fiction will want to read the entire series. Nominated for 2010 ALA Best Books for Young Adults. Note: I had conflicted ideas about recommending this book because we only received an advance reading copy. However, the story and the characters were so compelling that I felt that it should be nominated for Books of Note.
Naismith, Pat

Crane, Dede. Poster Boy.

Crane, Dede. Poster Boy.
Groundwood see Douglas McIntyre 2009 214p 17.95 978-0-88899-855-2 hs Gray hangs out with his friends, thinks about losing his virginity, and finds his younger sister irritating. Then he learns that she is in the last stage of cancer, and everything in his life changes -- the family dynamic, his interests, his friendships. Gray learns about causes of cancer, and he becomes interested in the environment as a result. The story pulls the reader in, as we see Gray develop as a character and a young adult. Caution--Gray and his friends regularly get high, think about losing their virginity, and use swear words. The language is crude at times, reflecting how young people actually talk. There were a few surprising typos. An example on page 210 “lifting two eggs from its grassy nest (its” instead of “their”). The strongest element of the story is the characters and how they cope with stress, and change. This is a good realistic novel that is clearly aimed at pulling in reluctant male readers. Kennedy, Carol

Skovron, Jon. Struts and Frets.

Skovron, Jon. Struts and Frets.
Amulet see Abrams, Harry 2009 287p 16.95 978-0-8109-4174-8 hs/adult Sammy plays in a rock band and wants to make music his life’s work. He has to cope with the ins and outs of working with a band, his grandfather’s lapse into dementia, his burgeoning love life, and his mother’s discouragement of his dream. This book is a good coming-of-age story with realistically drawn characters. The language, while a bit raw, reflects the way that teens often speak to each other, especially boys, but it may be offensive to some. It will appeal especially to teens who are seriously into popular music, and has references to real bands and real songs, which will enhance the appeal. The “struts and frets” reference by Shakespeare is explained in the text. Kennedy, Carol

Girls Acting Catty.

Margolis, Leslie. Girls Acting Catty.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2009 179p 15.99 978-1-59990-237-1 ms/jr Annabelle has found friends at her new school, but she also finds herself in the middle of a severe rivalry with another group of girls, which is courting her friendship as well. How can girls be so mean? This engaging tale is perfect for the sixth-grade set, who are just starting to enter the preteen world of boys, cliques, and yes, cattiness. The examples of meanness are all too realistic and will give some youngsters pause about their own behavior. The resolution is satisfying, as Annabelle does the “right thing” and tells off her tormentor, the “popular” girl who is used to getting her way. Realistic Fiction Kennedy, Carol

The Real Spy’s Guide To Becoming A Spy.

Earnest, Peter and Suzanne Harper. The Real Spy’s Guide To Becoming A Spy.
Abrams, Harry 2009 144p 16.95 978-0-8109-8329-8 elm/ms Geared to the kid who has a real interest in becoming a spy--Q & A format debunks myths they’ve picked up from the movies. One of the authors worked for the CIA and started the Spy Museum in D. C. It is well written and will grab the attention of students who have an interest in the subject. Illustrations and asides are sprinkled throughout and serve to heighten interest without distracting from the text. There are two appendices and an index. Kennedy, Carol

Alexander the Great: Conquerer of the Known World.

Nardo, Don. Alexander the Great: Conquerer of the Known World.
Morgan Reynolds 2010 128p 28.95 978-1-59935-1261 ms/hs The legendary Alexander, son of Philip of Macedonia, is brought to life in this detailed study of his life, his abilities and accomplishments, and his legacy. The unification of Greece and the conflict with the Persians led by Darius are described in great detail. Specific information on military strategy and politics are also covered. Drawing on ancient historians, we first read about the accomplishments of Alexander’s father, Philip of Macedonia and how his contributions to politics and warfare allowed Alexander to continue to build an empire. Alexander was a complex individual and all aspects of his life are examined. The rumor that Alexander may have been part of the plot behind the assignation of his father is touched on as well as his own death possibly being due to alcohol poisoning. There is a call out box touching on Plutarch’s comments on the Theban Sacred Band. It mentions their bravery as well as their homosexuality. Plutarch writes, “This force was composed of lovers and beloved ... A band which is united by the ties of love is truly indissoluble ...” and He goes on quoting Philip as saying, “a curse on those who imagine that these men ever did or suffered anything shameful.”(30). In another section there is a very detailed description of military strategy where I found one of the best descriptions of the Phalanx and why it was so successful when used against the Greek infantry. Attention to detail is evident throughout the book. The author always explains not just military activity but also the political implications that resulted from Alexander’s decisions. Examples of critical thinking are presented the author disputes a statement about the size of Darius’ army. Six-hundred thousand Persians, the figure given by ancient historians is not credible since logistics preclude any ruler having the ability to equip such a large force on short notice. (59) Copiously illustrated with excellent photographs of antiquities, reproductions and maps this is appealing to look at. The research is well documented and included is a Bibliography, Glossary and Timeline. Spadaro, Trish

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.

Messner, Kate. The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.
Walker & Co 2009 198p 16.99 978-0-8027-9842-8 ms Gianna has only a week to finish her leaf collection for science class. She is looking forward to the big track meet but she won’t be qualified to go if her leaf project isn’t a success. A rival wants to take her place. Zig, a boy in her class and a long time best friend, tries to help with a hike to gather and identify leaves. Gianna has only a week to finish her leaf collection for science class. The assignment was given three weeks ago and Gianna meant to do it but she day dreams, draws pictures and has a lot of other things to do. She is looking forward to the big track meet but she won’t be qualified to go if her leaf project isn’t a success. A rival classmate makes it clear that she would be oh so willing to take Gianna’s place at the track meet. Zig, a very smart boy in her class and a long time best friend, tries to help with a hike to gather and identify leaves. Could this old friend be possibly be turning into boyfriend material? It looks like Gianna is finally making progress on her report but mean girls and family obligations interfere. Her grandmother, who lives with her family, sometimes seems to drift away. Is it dementia, is she day dreaming like her granddaughter? Although this is a school drama there is another layer to the story as some of the other characters such as the mother and grandmother are more fully developed that in many other similar stories. The family business is a funeral home and that too adds an interesting touch. Tatro, Margaret

Nikola Tesla: Physicist, Inventor, Electrical Engineer.

Burgan, Michael. Nikola Tesla: Physicist, Inventor, Electrical Engineer.
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2009 112p 34.65 978-0-7565-4086-9 ms/hs
Signature Lives (Compass Point)

Biography of Nikola Tesla, whose fascination with electricity led him to create many of the electrical inventions, such as the AC motor, which heralded the modern era of electricity in the United States. This fascinating volume recounts the life, accomplishments and trials of Nikola Tesla, an often-overlooked scientist, inventor and engineer whose advancements in electricity research and electrical engineering paved the way for the modern electrical era in the United States. The text is fresh and interesting, presenting little-known facts in a narrative format, with many vintage photographs and informative text boxes. The layout and the information are presented lead the reader to discover and explore the man as well as his legacy. One can almost get angry at the way his work was overshadowed and appropriated by Edison, among others. A timeline, comparing Tesla’s life to world events presents a unique perspective. Essential facts appear in the section “Life at a Glance.” Bibliographical references and an extensive index complete this useful volume. Naismith, Pat

Warman, Jessica. Breathless.

Warman, Jessica. Breathless.
Walker & Co 2009 311p 16.99 978-0-8027-9849-7 ms/hs Katie loves to swim, in fact it is the only thing that seems to bring calm and meaning into her turbulent home life. But under her popularity at her new boarding school and budding romance, lies a secret that Katie is afraid will tear her newly invented life apart. In this debut novel, Warman establishes herself as a welcome new voice in YA fiction. Katie has a lot on her plate, a schizophrenic older brother who is incarcerated in a prison for the criminally insane, parents who retreat intowork and alcoholism to deal with their problems. When she is sent to a boarding school, she retreats to the one thing that calls her otherwise chaotic life - swimming. She slowly begins to reinvent herself, only to have the secret she so desperately wants to keep (her brother) brought out into the open. Themes of friendship, love and self-worth are woven seemlessly into this coming-of-age, coming-to-grips story that will resonant with older middle school and high school readers. Nominated for 2010 Best Books for Young Adults. Conflict Naismith, Pat

Rownen, Michelle. Reign or Shine (Demon Princess).

Rownen, Michelle. Reign or Shine (Demon Princess).
Walker & Co 2009 284p 9.99 978-0-8027-9534-2 hs

Nikki thinks someone’s stalking her just after her 16th birthday, but it’s Michael, a “Shadow” messenger, to tell her that her Demon King father is dying. Sixteen-year-old Nikki thinks someone’s stalking her just after her birthday, but it’s Michael, a “Shadow” messenger, come to tell her that her never-known Demon King father is dying. There’s lots of intrigue--her aunt Elizabeth is willing to follow as Queen of the Shadowlands (that protects our world from Hell)--and even humor and romance. Lots of choices to be made, a few unpredictable, that could impact her life forever. Should Nikki take the potion or remain a “Darkling” (half human)? Follow Michael (forbidden to her) or not? Tell high school social queen Melinda the truth? Better written than many popular copycat vampire titles and will be popular with high school students looking for more supernatural among us. Beginning of a series that will continue with the Faery King coming to high school, too. Gooden, Sue

Halpern, Julie. Into the Wild Nerd Yonder.

Halpern, Julie. Into the Wild Nerd Yonder.
Feiwel and Friends, 2009 247p 16.99 978-0-312-38252-0 secondary When high school sophomore Jessie's long-term best friend transforms herself into a punk and goes after Jessie's would-be boyfriend, Jessie decides to visit "the wild nerd yonder" and seek true friends among classmates who play Dungeons and Dragons. High school sophomore Jessie Sloan loves math, sews her own unique skirts and has had a longtime crush on one of her older brother’s band-mates. What saves Jessie from the dreaded nerd label is her entree to her brother’s punk rock band. Her two best friends, Bizza and Char, use their friendship with Jessie to become the band’s biggest groupies, with Bizza going so far as to giving Jessie’s crush a blow job and getting an STD from him in return. Realizing that she and her friends have grown apart, Jessie searches for new friends but is dismayed that the group she seems to click with are the Dungeon and Dragon playing nerds and in the social strata of high school, association with them will “further my downward spiral into the position of First Official Dork.” As she tells her father, “I don’t want to be a nerd” and she struggles with the concept of cool and making peace with her inner nerd. She becomes more confused by her attraction to Henry, who wears his pants too short and his gym shoes too white. Jessie’s eye-opening journey from mathlete punky kid sister to Imalthia the D&D fighter who swings a big sword is honest and uncontrived. She is an engaging character, honest, direct and at times confused by the choices she must make. The plot mirrors the search for identity that many teens face in high school, with confusion that sex and alcohol define popularity and an unexpected realization that not all stereotypes are true. Halpern, through Jessie, makes it clear to readers that some choices have disastrous consequences and that in light of that, nerd-dom isn’t so bad after all. Note: brief but frank discussion and language of STD’s and a sex act make this book appropriate for high school readers. Zajko, Rosanne

Elliott, Patricia. The Pale Assassin.

Elliott, Patricia. The Pale Assassin.
Holiday House 2009 336p 17.95 978-0-8234-2250-0 ms/hs In Paris in the early 1790s, as the revolution gains momentum, young and sheltered Eugenie de Boncoeur finds it difficult to tell friend from foe as she and the royalist brother she relies on become the focus of "le Fantome," the sinister spymaster with a long-held grudge against their family. If you were an aristocrat, the last place you would want to be in France in 1789 would be Paris. Yet this is where orphaned teen Eugenie deBoncoeure found herself, abandoned by her guardian and unbenowst to her, promised in marriage to Le Fantome, a phantom assassin with a grudge against her family. Her brother Armand is a royalist who nonetheless favors a constitutional government. Armand does everything in his power to prevent Eugenie’s marriage and attempts to keep her safe amid the violence and destruction surrounding them. As the political climate in Paris becomes more volatile, he ignores the warning signs until it is too late for the two of them to escape. Armand trusts his friend, whom Eugenie despises, to guide her safely to their uncle in England but Le Fantome will not let her go so easily. Her harrowing escape plan barely succeeds and even at the conclusion the reader is aware that danger has followed Eugenie across the channel, even though she does not. Eugenie is a character trying to make sense of her changing circumstances while at the same time holding on to the ideal of romantic love but not realizing that appearances are decieiving. The terror of the revolution comes alive, with the intrigue, suspicion and uncertainty adding suspense to the plot. Well researched, this title is a close-up look at a young girl who fights to survive and who finds love in the process. What her future holds is uncertain and a sequel is suggested. Zajko, Rosanne

Hoffman, Mary. Troubadour.

Hoffman, Mary. Troubadour.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2009 290p 16.99 978-1-59990-367-5 ms/hs In 1208 thirteen-year-old Lady Elinor, secretly in love with a troubadour and determined to avoid marriage to an older man, runs away from her family's castle disguised as an apprentice troubadour, unaware of the dangers ahead as the Albigensian Crusade begins its onslaught on her native Languedoc. Thirteen year old Elinor is the daughter of a landowner in Occitania, what is today known as the Languedoc region of Southern France. She enjoys her position as the donzela of the castle, totally unaware that her father’s religious beliefs and those of most citizens of Occitania are about to ignite a crusade against them that will destroy their lives. Elinor’s father is a Believer, a Credente otherwise known as Cathars, who did not believe in the Incarnation of God as Jesus Christ. The Credentes and the Catholics in the region, as well as the Jews, peacefully coexisted but their relations with the pope in Rome was the opposite. The Credente were considered to be heretics by Rome, and when a papal legate who was sent to Langeudoc to convince the ruler of the region to quash Credente beliefs is murdered, the pope calls for a holy war against them. Bertran, a Credente troubadour travels to Elinor’s castle to spread the news of the coming persecution and Elinor’s parents, in order to assure her safety as well as quash her romantic longing for Bertran, betroth her to an older nobleman. Elinor rebels against the arranged marriage and disguised as a boy, she steals away with a group of minstrels traveling to the eastern cities of the province carrying Bertran’s warning. Elinor’s travels and her transformation to a minstrel provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a variety of women and social classes of the thirteenth century, particularly those educated women who were troubadours and whose verse and songs were valued and honored. When Elinor’s disguise is discovered she in turn becomes a troubadour and with her patron Lady Iseut they escape to Northern Italy, one step ahead of the French invaders. Elinor eventually finds happiness and contentment in her new life despite the horrors and tragedies she and her family endured. Hoffman uses the same attention to details that characterize her Stravaganza series, and the detailed backdrop of the Albigensian Crusade provides drama and tension. The emotional connection with Elinor, Bertran and other characters is slight but historical fiction readers will be satisfied with their travel to the south of France. Historical Zajko, Rosanne

McClintock, Norah. Picture This.

McClintock, Norah. Picture This.
Orca 2009 109p 9.95 978-1-55469-138-8 ms/hs
Orca Soundings
Murder mystery involving an at-risk teen who joins a photo workshop at the local rec center and is stalked for his camera. What do the photos contain and who wants them? Ethan has to figure this out before he becomes a murder victim. This engaging murder mystery involves Ethan, an at risk teen who lives in a foster home. He joins a local recreation center photography program. He finds he has a talent for photography and takes pictures to illustrate freedom on the digital camera that his kindly foster parents bought him for his birthday. However, after taking several photos in the woods, he is threatened and stalked by someone who is trying to get to the photos that are on his digital camera. He doesn’t know why this is happening. He does know that he must find out why this person wants his camera or else he will become a murder victim. McClintock does an excellent job of telling the story from the perspective of a teenage boy who has had a hard life but is trying to turn his life around. The writing is pithy yet absorbing and will keep the reader turning pages to find out what is going to happen next. The attractive cover will entice teen readers. This title is recommended for middle and high school libraries that need fiction books that will be interesting to boys and for those libraries that need high interest titles. This title is one of the Orca Soundings series and is recommended for Tristate Books of Note. Weinraub, Tina

Donaldson, Julia. Running On the Cracks.

Donaldson, Julia. Running On the Cracks.
Henry Holt 2009 218p 16.99 978-0-8050-9054-3 ms/hs

Facing a threat of child abuse from her uncle, recently orphaned Leo runs away to Glasgow to find her father’s estranged family. She encounters many along the way who try to help her. It is not the conflict, plot and theme that are unique in Running on the Cracks. It is the character development and the denouement of the plot through the voice of each character. Each person that Leo meets on her quest to find her father’s estranged family is carefully crafted by Julia Donaldson to contribute to the savory tone of the book. The protagonist, Leo, is not unusual in escaping from her creepy uncle who stares at her in a lascivious way. What makes her unusual is how she pulls from her talents to help her along her journey. She is artistic, intelligent, daring and crafty, and young readers will enjoy trusting who she trusted along her journey and interacting with a stranger side of life. Mary is the schizophrenic street person who shelters Leo. Mary’s unique talent is her ability to put language together with ramblings of a mad woman that make perfect sense! She figures out how to help Leo find her Chinese family by ordering Chinese food from all of the local restaurants for a banquet with all of her quirky friends. Finley is Leo’s friend, a misfit sort who takes chances much like Leo in his quest to help her. He shows dedication unusual in young people. He is an “I’m all in” kind of guy who helps Leo at the expense of his family relations, his pocketbook and his reputation with the law. Donaldson reveals the perversion of Uncle John through his conversations with his birds, and produces a very creepy, prognostication of what will happen to Leo if he finds her. The author keeps the pace moving through her use of perspective, telling her story from each character’s viewpoint. Readers hope that Leo finds satisfaction and peace in life, relish the resolution of a new start for Leo, and finally, see that one has self-empowerment to change life’s circumstances. Squaresky, Martha