Alexander, William. A Properly Unhaunted Place.

Alexander, William.  A Properly Unhaunted Place. Simon & Schuster/McElderry Books   2017 192p $16.99  Uncorrected Proof ISBN 978-1-4814-6915-9  ms/jr   Ghost Story  VG-BN   

Rosa Diaz comes from a line of librarians who specialize in ghost appeasement.      This is a fast-paced, rollicking story of how Rosa comes to realize it is up to her to solve the town’s problem after her mother has had her powers neutralized. She teams up with Jasper Chevalier (who has always lived in Ingot), who knows the ins and outs of the Middle Age Fair. Librarians will love the constant use of the town library as a setting, and the ending packs a surprise.  This is a well-written book that would make an excellent addition to any middle-school library.

Summary: In this fast-paced, rollicking story, Rosa is a librarian who comes from a long line of librarians who specialize in ghost appeasement.  

Ghost stories, Librarians                                   --Linda McNeil

Foster, Stewart. Bubble.

Foster, Stewart. Bubble. Simon & Schuster  2017  352p  $16.99     Uncorrected proof  ISBN 978-1-4814-8742-9   elem/ms  Realistic fiction  VG-BN     

In this heartwarming story, eleven-year-old Joe of London is suffering from Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). He has been confined to a sterile, air- and temperature-controlled hospital room -- his "bubble", for as long as he can remember. He is supported by his sister Beth, primary doctors, and his favorite nurse Greg, who are basically his only human contacts. He also Skypes with Henry in Philadelphia, who is also suffering from SCID. NASA is working with Henry and plans to take him outside in a special suit. Joe only wishes he had that opportunity, and then he meets his new nurse Amir, who promises to make Joe a suit and take him on an outdoor adventure.

This well-written novel reminds readers of the 1976 made-for-TV movie, "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble," starring John Travolta. The movie was based on the true life story of Tod Lubich, who suffered from a “deficient immune system,” and a “bubble” was developed to take the boy outside safely.
    

Bubble by Stewart Foster is a story that is equally sensitive, suspenseful and heartbreaking at times, and will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are very well developed and believable. Additionally, the medical references and terminology are spot-on correct and well researched. This is a fine read that will engage, educate and entertain young readers at a deep emotional level. It is recommended for any elementary or middle-school library as a Book of Note, with the caveat that the plot and text remain unchanged from the advanced readers’ copy that was reviewed and the actual publication.

Summary: Suffering from SCID in London, eleven-year-old Joe has been in a sterile hospital room, known as his "bubble", for as long as he can remember.  He converses with his friend Henry, who has the same condition in Philadelphia, via Skype, and finds support from his sister, the doctors, and the nurses, one of whom is determined to take Joe outside for the first time ever.

Illness-Fiction                                             --Virginia McGarvey

Hannibal, James R. The Lost Property Office.

Hannibal, James R.  The Lost Property Office.  Simon & Schuster/    2016    400p    $16.99 978-1-48146709-4      ms       Fantasy  E-BN          

Jack, an American, has come to London looking for his father.  Jack has super heightened senses, and he discovers he has other abilities as well.  With the help of Gwen, he learns secrets about his father and mother and the true nature of his abilities.  The mystery involves the cause of the Great Fire of London in 1666.  As Jack and Gwen follow clues, Jack discovers that his father is part of a very secret society of Trackers.  At the last possible second, he is able to prevent the destruction of modern London.
 

This is a very exciting read — a combination of fantasy, mystery, and adventure with a touch of steampunk, taking the reader back in history to the time of the Great Fire in 1666.  It is totally unique.

Summary: Fantasy, mystery, adventure and a bit of steampunk make this novel unique.  Jack searches for his father in London.  The plot involves the Great Fire of London, special powers, and secret societies.  Grades 5-8.

Historical fiction, Great Fire of London-Fiction                                                                    —Joan Theal

Diaz, Alexandra. The Only Road.

Diaz, Alexandra.  The Only Road.  Simon & Schuster  2016  320p  $16.99       ISBN 978-1-4814-5750-7  ms  Multicultural  VG          

The Only Road starts out like any other book on immigration, but it quickly becomes a work that will not only engage teen readers, but also teach them.  Immigrants who try to come to the United States do not face challenges with immigration officers at the borders between Mexico and the U. S.  Instead, they face gangs, crooks disguised as friends, hatred, greed and countless dangers that often result in death.  What the reader finds are two teenagers who leave Guatemala with their money sewn into the seams of their jeans, and who resourcefully survive one scary encounter after another.  After surviving a harrowing train ride (during which they face starvation and other bodily harm), they figure out how to use their talents, one with sewing and the other with art, to earn enough money to pay Coyote to drive them across the border.  Along the way, there are some good, honest people who help them, but by and large, these people are few in number.  The list of supporting characters is like something out of a movie -- with Padre Kevin, the priest who harbors the immigrants, and Xavi, the young Salvadorian who introduces Angela and Jaime to Vida.  Vida is the survivor of a dog fight, a dog who miraculously survives thanks to Angela’s handiwork skill with a needle and thread.  Author Alexandra Diaz has written a book that sets itself apart from others, with its creative weaving together of true incidents, its plot that moves seamlessly forward, and its characters.  The theme of wanting a better life enough to give up one’s own life will resonate with young teenagers who are deciding for themselves what they deem worth fighting for. 

This novel is a very good choice for middle-school libraries and world-language classrooms.  The story of illegal immigration, although fictional, needs to be shared first, in exactly this genre, to engage the young in taking a stand on this issue in the future.  Please note that this would be a book of note had it been sent as a final printed edition.  The myriad spacing errors need to be corrected before it can be listed as a Tristate BON.

Summary: If they stay in Guatemala, they will be forced to work for the Alphas, the local gang.  If they leave to join Thomas in the U. S., they will face untold obstacles including the dangerous gangs of Mexico.  Jaime and Angela, with the help of their family, flee. 

Immigration-Fiction, Illegals-Fiction                                                              --Martha Squaresky

Kincaid, S. J. The Diabolic.

Kincaid, S. J. The Diabolic.  Simon & Schuster  2016  416p  $17.99  ISBN 978-1-4814-7267-8  hs/adult  Science fiction  VG

In an interstellar world far in the future, mankind has created genetically engineered humans, called diabolics, to serve as protection for the elite families in a prominent galactic court. Nemesis is one such diabolic and is to serve as protection for Sidonia, the heir of a prominent family. To protect her now teenage charge, Nemesis is sent to Court masquerading as Sidonia, just as the empire starts to fracture.
I was instantly hooked on the book by the concept of diabolics, and then on the relationship of Nemesis with everyone around her, and found the book to be a fun read. The book is very well written if somewhat predictable in the end, and lends itself to a sequel. Highly recommended for inclusion in high school and public library collections.

                       

Summary: Romance and court intrigue play with good and evil in this novel about a diabolic (genetically engineered human) who finds her own humanity.

Genetic engineering-Fiction                                                                                                    --Lynn Fisher