Wilson, Diane Lee. Tracks.

Wilson, Diane Lee.   Tracks.  McElderry Books see Simon & Schuster, 2012.     275p.   $16.99.

ISBN 978-1-4424-2013-7       ms/hs   Historical Fiction        VG-BN                      

After the loss of his father to war in 1866, a thirteen-year-old Irish boy named Malachy Gormley joins the workers building the Transcontinental Railroad to earn money for his family.  He meets many men and is intrigued by the differences he observes in the Chinese workers.  His knowledge of the “Celestials” is based on prejudice, and he notes the callous mistreatment and derogatory remarks directed to the Chinese men by the American workers.
Lonely and curious, Malachy begins a tentative friendship with a Chinese boy.  The friendship grows over the two years of working together, forming a bond that leads Malachy to boldly defend his new friend against racial mistreatment.
Diane Lee Wilson has created a well-researched, insightful historical fiction novel.  Descriptions and dialogue accurately depict the prejudices and mistreatment of the Chinese workers on the Transcontinental Railroad.  The action, well-paced plot, and remarkable figurative language make the characters and story believable and exciting.  This is definitely a page-turner, as the reader roots for the survival and success of Malachy as well as the development of his friendship with Ducks.

Subject: Transcontinental Railroad -- Fiction                                                             Virginia McGarvey

Clare, Casssandra. Clockwork Angel

Clare, Casssandra. Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices Bk 1)
McElderry Books see Simon & Schuster 2010 478p 19.99
978-1-4169-7586-1 jr/sr Supernatural E-BN

A prequel to the Internationally best-selling Mortal Instruments series( City of Bones, etc).
Tessa Fell arrives in London in April of 1878 to find her brother (her only relative) missing. Her search takes her to Victorian England’s Downworld, a dangerous supernatural underworld. Shortly she is kidnapped by the Dark Sisters who belong to the infamous Pandemonium Club comprised of demons and vampires. The Sisters confine her and force her to develop an unusual ability of shape shifting. The Magister, who is the ultimate villain, wants to possess her shape shifting ability.
The action and intrigue begin in ernest when James and Will, two demon-killing shape shifters, rescue her and provide a sanctuary. Tessa Fell arrives in London in April of 1878 to find her brother, Nate (her only relative) missing. Nate's employer, Mr. Mortmain does not know his whereabouts. Her search takes her to Victorian England’s Downworld, a dangerous supernatural underworld. Shortly she is kidnapped by the Dark Sisters who belong to the infamous Pandemonium Club, which is comprised of demons and vampires. The Sisters confined her and forced her to develop the latent ability of shape shifting for the Magister, who is the ultimate villain, and wants to possess her shape shifting ability.
The fast paced action and murdering intrigue begin in earnest when James and Will, two demon-killing shape shifters, rescue her and provide a sanctuary at the Institute. The Institute’s job, run by Charlotte and Thomas, is to keep the demon underworld in check.
At the Institute she learns that she is also a Downworlder, but doesn’t have the usual markings. Tessa’s search for her brother provides the readers with lots of magically packed action and deadly intrigue in world of demons and vampires. As the plot develops it seems that Tessa may have to choose between her brother’s well being and those of her Shadow hunter friends. The author has written a razor edged, blood tingling, and heart stopping supernatural thriller that will keep readers up all night.

This is a well written book that is recommended as a Books of Note. It would be an excellent addition to any secondary school library. McNeil, Linda
Demonology-fiction