The Moon Over High Street

Babbitt, Natalie  The Moon Over High Street      

Scholastic/Grolier/Childrens Press/Watts  2012  148p  $15.95      978-0-545-37636-5     ms    VG      Historical 

Joe, an orphan, lives with his grandmother.  She plans to take Joe to visit "Aunt" Myra for the summer, to keep him in touch with those who remain of his sparse family.  These plans are sent askew when his grandmother breaks her hip and Joe travels to Midville, Ohio, alone.

Joe finds life at Myra’s pleasant.  He befriends Beatrice, the girl next door, and  makes a good impression on Mr. Boulderwall, a lonely millionaire.  Mr. Boulderwall wants to adopt Joe and leave him his business.  Myra also offers to take Joe in; Myra is reminded by Joe of her own Joe, her fiance who was killed in the Korean War. 

Joe dreams of becoming a scientist, studying the moon.  Should he stay with his family, or give up his dreams in exchange for financial security?  The theme of rich versus working class is handled heavy-handedly.

Natalie Babbitt is well-known for the Newbery Honor book Knee-Knock Rise, and for Tuck Everlasting.  Fans who have been waiting for this new title may come away unsatisfied.  Although intended for middle-school students, there is not much action in this story and the characters are not fully developed.  This novel may appeal more to adults than teen readers.            

VG    Hilary Welliver   Orphans, Adoption

 

Something To Hold

Noe, Katherine Schlick        Something To Hold       

 Houghton/Mifflin/Clarion/

Graphia/Kingfisher      2011  250p  $16.99      978-0-547-55813-4       elm/ms

Historical 

Based upon the author’s childhood, the novel looks at commonly-held stereotypes of Native Americans.  Kitty’s family moves to an Oregon Indian Reservation in 1962.  Kitty is accustomed to moving around the country since her father is an employee of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs working with the forest service.  The family is now on the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon.  Kitty feels a little out of place as one of few white children attending the school that educates 300 Native American children.  Kitty is aware of the prejudices and incorrect beliefs held by teachers and the white people in the nearest town, and she sees how their remarks insult the Native Americans.  She becomes a staunch supporter of her classmates, speaking up for them and calling out the injustices she witnesses in her classroom, at baseball games, and in the community.  A physically abusive father with alcohol problems is handled in an age-appropriate way.  Native American customs and beliefs are seamlessly interwoven into the narrative.  A lightning-caused forest fire makes for an exciting conclusion.  This novel provides a well-written look at what is even now the seldom discussed topic of racial prejudice against Native Americans.  A glossary/pronunciation guide and an author’s note correlating events in her childhood with those in the book are found at the end.  

     

VG    Lois McNicol      Native Americans, Prejudice

 

The Elijah Door

Strauss, Linda Leopold  The Elijah Door    

Holiday House     2012  unp   $16.95

978-0-8234-1911-1       elem    VG-BN    Historical 

A long time ago in a small village "that was sometimes Poland and sometimes Russia", two loving families lived side-by-side for generations until a misunderstanding drove them apart and necessitated the building of an extra door in the Galinsky house so they would never have to see each other again.  David Lippa and Rachel Galinsky always knew they would marry until their families’ feud separated them.  Like a Jewish Romeo and Juliet, they would not be swayed by the dispute and went to the Rabbi for advice.  When Passover arrived, the families decided that there would be no jointly-held traditional Seder that year.  However, the villagers came to the Galinsky and Lippa families with tales of woe so dire that their invitations to Seder caused the customary feast to spread out of each house and into the yards.  The great circle was completed when the Rabbi joined the ceremonial meal in "one great celebration of love and freedom and family", and the extra door was now opened to allow the entrance of Elijah.   This delightful folk tale is enhanced by hand-colored wood- and linoleum-block prints inspired by the traditional Eastern European woodcuts of the nineteenth century.  They highlight this charming Passover story and the Jews' celebration of the Exodus from Egypt and their freedom from slavery.

VG-BN Susan Ogintz            Passover, Jewish Folk tales

 

Out in Left Field

Collins, Matt     Out in Left Field       

 Holiday House     2012  217p  $16.95

978-0-8234-2313-2       elm/ms      VG      Historical 

This is a sequel to When the Sergeant Came Marching Home.  It is a gentle, somewhat slow-moving story of farm life in rural Montana.  Donald loves baseball.  In the ninth inning of a game against the neighboring town, he misses a pop fly because he has been  hit in the forehead by the ball.  He is sure he will never live it down.  He sets his heart on archery, and is a failure.  Then he tries ice hockey, then skiing, but all with similar results.  Donald is a bit clumsy and accident prone, and each escapade presents a new disaster.  Finally Donald learns that it is possible to forgive yourself.

This is a quiet story with laugh-aloud sections about rural farm life in post-World War II America.  A good boy story for that boy who is quieter.  It is not as interesting or adventure-filled as When the Sergeant Came Marching Home.

VG    Joan Theal        Farm life, Sports, Boys

 

A Picture Book of Sam Houston

Adler, David A. and Michelle S. Adler     A Picture Book of Sam Houston 

Holiday House      2012  unp   $17.95     978-0-8234-2369-9   VG-BNes    elem  Picture Book Biographies (Holiday) 

Elementary students are introduced to the life and times of Sam Houston, "a teacher, a lawyer, a war hero, and a statesman … best known for defeating the Mexican Army in 1836 and establishing Texas as an independent nation".  Students gain some knowledge of Sam’s upbringing and family life in Tennessee, along with his time living among the Cherokee Indians.  Sam’s early career as an educator to his life as a soldier, attorney general, governor, United States senator, and president of the Republic of Texas are all covered.  Students discover how Texas gained its independence from Mexico, along with the battles that were fought, and how Texas became the 28th state of the United States of America.  The author describes the Alamo, the British War of 1812, and the victory at San Jacinto.  Houston’s three marriages are discussed, especially his marriage to Margaret Lea, which produced eight children. 

The beautiful illustrations, created in Corel Painter, show students what things looked like in Houston's day.  The book includes important dates, source notes, a selected bibliography, and recommended websites, and it can be used for casual reading or beginning-level research.  Schools that participate in Accelerated Reader will be able to use quiz #149742 for students.  At the time of this review, 32 books have been published in this series featuring important figures in United States history. 

                Charleen Forba-Mayer  Houston, Sam, 1793-1863.
 

American Archaeology Uncovers the Westward Movement.

Huey, Lois Miner. American Archaeology Uncovers the Westward Movement.
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark 2010 64p $25.09 American Archeology(MC)
978-0-7614-4265-3 elm/ms VG-BN
Describes the methods used by American archaeologists to learn about the westward expansion in North America. This fascinating study of the archaeology of historic locations fills a void for helping readers understand how we know what we know about history. An introduction to historical archaeology explains how archaeologists recreate how people in the past lived by unearthing and studying garbage: broken glassware, bones, and the foundations of homes and barns. Six fact filled, easy to read chapters focus on a variety of locations that were to be found along the trails that were part of the Westward Movement. The author discusses what archaeologists uncovered at these sites and then shows how historians used these artifacts to interpret the past while also including the factual historical record. A variety of captioned photographs of artifacts and archaeologists working in the field, as well as maps and diagrams complement the text. Sidebars provide additional information on other trails and locations associated with the Westward Movement. The narrative is the highlight of this title, making history come alive for amateur archaeologists who fancy themselves Indiana Jones. A timeline highlights the important events associated with Westward Migration. Includes a glossary, sources for further information and a detailed index. This series has much potential, and perhaps can branch out to include archaeology of well-known historic sites, such as the recently discovered evidence of slavery in the shadow of Independence Hall. Some of the websites have advertising and such sites should not be suggested. A button on the Gold Rush site that states “click here to learn more” does not refer to finding more information on the Gold Rush but instead takes young students to a site selling diabetic supplies and further confuses students who may think that cancel will navigate them away from the page but in fact cancels the navigation. Zajko, Rosanne & Theal, Joan

Dunlap, Suzanne The Musician’s Daughter

Dunlap, Suzanne The Musician’s Daughter
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2009 322p 16.99 978-1-59990-332-3 ms/hs
Set in eighteenth-century Vienna, this spellbinding mystery brings the private lives of both the Court and the Orchestra into focus. The death of her father and the theft of his violin has left Theresa determined to unravel the puzzling events and bring his murderer to justice. Set in eighteenth-century Vienna, this spellbinding mystery brings the private lives of both the Court and the Royal Orchestra into focus. Fifteen-year-old Theresa is waiting for her father, a violinist, to return after the court concert on Christmas Eve. Instead, his body is discovered in a gypsy camp and brought home by his fellow musicians but without his precious violin. Unusually well educated, especially in music, Theresa must now care for her very pregnant mother and younger brother. Virtually destitute, she goes to her godfather Franz Joseph Haydn and is given the position of music copier. As she becomes more involved in the lives of the musicians, she discovers that her father was part of a group dedicated to stopping the persecution of the Gypsies by Hungarian nobles. Her father’s missing violin becomes the key to many doors as Theresa and her friends, both high and low, begin to unravel the dark and tangled threads that had led to her father’s death. Rich in plot and characterizations, this enthralling book will appeal to those fascinated by historical fiction and a strong female protagonist. The story is interesting, the locations are beautifully rendered, and the characters are very three-dimensional. They come from different places in society and have different points of view but seamlessly join together to help each other. The author mixes adventure, political intrigues, and a little romance into this very well done book. Ogintz, Susan

Pirate Hannah Pritchard: Captured!

Pryor, Bonnie Pirate Hannah Pritchard: Captured!
Enslow 2009 160p $27.93 978-0-7660-3310-8 elm/ms
Historical Fiction Adventures(Enslow)

The band of pirates that Hannah Pritchard joined (dressed as a boy), are split to return to Massachusetts. Hannah’s group is captured and condemned to prison. The conditions are terrible so they plan an escape. This is the second Hannah Pritchard book. Dressed as a boy, Hannah and her band of pirates capture several British ships and find treasure. There are exciting sea battles between the pirates and the British. Off the Carolina coast, Hannah, Daniel and Dobbs go ashore to bury the treasure. They are captured by British soldiers. As captured rebels, the prisoners are treated poorly. The food is so bad and the air so foul Hannah doubted she would make it, but Daniel always encouraged her. They are transported to New York where they endure imprisonment in even worse conditions. They are so crowded they can not lie down but shuffle every few minutes to circle around an get a breath of fresh air from the tiny window. Eventually they are moved to a prison ship where conditions are deplorable and smallpox is raging. A brief respite comes by way a market woman who brings tiny niceties. They enlist her help to send a letter to Hannah’s friends in Portsmouth. Seeing sickness and death firsthand, they experience a winter with just a thin blanket. Realizing that they would probably die if they stay on the ship, they make plans for escape. Reaching a town along the Hudson, they steal a refurbished ship the night before the British were coming to claim it. At the beginning of the story there is a synopsis of book one. The text closes with detailed historical information about the time of the story. Theal, Joan

Vanderwal, A. H. The Battle for Duncragglin

Vanderwal, Andrew H. The Battle for Duncragglin
Tundra Books 2009 310p 19.95 978-0-88776-886-6 ms/jr The ruins of Duncragglin Castle are rumored to be haunted and Alex thinks the labyrinth of caves underground may have something to do with the disappearance of his parents. In the caves, he and his three friends are transported to the late thirteenth century, the time of William Wallace. His parents having mysteriously disappeared, twelve year old Alex is sent to live with an aunt in Scotland. Due to an illness of the aunt, unexpectedly, he ends up staying with a local family near the ruins of Duncragglin castle. Believing that the labyrinth of caves under the ruins may hold the secret to several mysterious disappearances including Alex’s own parents and the friends’ mother, Alex and friends begin to explore the caves. Quite quickly they are transported to the time of William Wallace. This is the bloody, late thirteenth century. The youths meet the key players of that time. There are battles, captures, escapes and adventures. The characters of the young protagonists are well developed with a nice complement of younger and older, boys and girls, and adventurous and shy. Every reader can find attributes of themselves in one or more of the characters. Fast paced, it is a can’t put it down read. Theal, Joan

Thompson, Paul B. Liberty’s Son: A Spy Story of the American Revolution.

Thompson, Paul B. Liberty’s Son: A Spy Story of the American Revolution.
Enslow 2009 160p 27.93 978-0-7660-3309-2 ms/jr
Historical American Biographies
Oliver Carter was a teenager who lived in Boston during 1773. He worked for the famous Dr. Benjamin Church. Both were members of the Sons of Liberty, but one of them was a traitor. The author has created an insightful story that will appeal to young readers as well as providing them with an clear understanding of the working conditions at the time. It was also evident that Oliver had to stand by his own beliefs and morals as he became more involved with the tea conspiracy.
As I read the book (which flew by the way), I was impressed with the characterization and attendance to details. The inclusion of : The Real History Behind the Story” is a terrific resource for both teachers and students. Supplementing it with further readings and internet resources will also be appreciated by schools. One of the most important aspects of this series is the support .pdf for educators. In today’s busy schools it is so hard to fit everything into the schedule. Teachers will be most appreciative of the tools and support provided for them.
I am teaching a course in historical fiction to teachers. I can certainly say that I will be highlighting this Historical Fiction Adventures series because of the above mentioned positives. Linda McNeil

Crows & Cards.

Deseve, Peter. Crows & Cards.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 344p 16.00
978-0-618-88395-0 ms/jr

In 1849, Zeb's parents ship him off to St. Louis to apprentice with a tanner. Life presents many obstacles for Zeb. He ends up being apprenticed to a gambler and befriended by an Indian and slave.
The well written and exciting story provides the reader with a good understanding of life on the Mississippi during the expansion of the West. It also shows how young folks just starting out in the world need guidance because they find it hard to make correct choices. Zeb found himself in a situation where he felt cheating was not right although his mentor was smooth talking when he explained the benefits of relieving men of their wealth.
It is a story where Zeb learns that doing the right thing is the right thing to do. LM

Honest Abe Lincoln.

Adler, David. Honest Abe Lincoln.
Holiday House 2009 32p 15.95 978-0-8234-2057-5 elem
This biography shows us how to interest young readers in learning about Abe Lincoln by combining interesting stories about Lincoln's honesty and sense of humor with information about his life and career as a politician. David Adler did his homework to find interesting stories about Abe Lincoln. Children will undoubtedly enjoy the anecdotes that he found in sources such as "Abe Lincoln's Yarns and Stories." In addition to learning some biographical data about Lincoln, we also learn why he grew a beard, how he saved a pig from mud and how he walked miles to deliver mail to his neighbors. He garnered the title "Honest Abe" throughout his early years due to his unflinching desire to "make things right" such as in the example of how his cash register was wrong at the end of a hard day's work yet Lincoln walked 3 miles to return an overcharge. In another charming story, we learn that Lincoln used his top hat to store the mail. Upon arriving at the recipient's house, Lincoln popped off his hat and handed out the letters! Lincoln wasn't just another honest man. He was a storyteller as well, and Adler shared a stellar example in the chapter entitled, "A Talent for Hunting," in which he tells us about Jake, a local hunter who shot many birds at a time by pretending to be a turnip in the field. Adler combines stories like these with historical references to Lincoln's career showing us how to entice young readers to read nonfiction. The illustrations are lifelike and fun, especially the one with the pig wallowing in mud, yet serious and real, as in the illustration of the assassination at Ford Theater.
The book ends with a list of important dates, Adler's sources, and notes. The reading level is 2.7, but people of all ages will enjoy sharing the information in this book with others. MS

Categories for fiction books

Animal Stories
Andrikson,Judy Fosta: Marathon Master Tundra Books
Auch, Mary Jane A Dog on His Own Holiday House
Barb, Olenyik M. Mr. Mosquito puts on his tuxedo. Holiday House
Church, Caroline J. Ping Pong Pig Holiday House
Cox, Judy One is a Feast For a Mouse Holiday House
Hunter, Erin Dark River (Warriors:Power of Three series) Harper Collins
Hunter, Erin The Quest Begins (Seekers series) Harper Collins/Tempest
Kelley, True The Dog Who Saved Santa Holiday House
Khan, Hana Taylor’s Birthday Party Red Cygnet Press
Leedy, Loreen Crazy Like a Fox: A Simile Story Holiday House
Monninger, Joseph Hippie Chick Front Street Books(see Boyd's Mill)
Nagda, Ann Whitehead The Valentine Cat Holiday House
Nishizuka, Koko The Beckoning Cat Holiday House
Rey, H.A. Curious George/ Jorge el Curioso Houghton Mifflin

Conflict
Carter, Alden R. Walkaway Holiday House
Chalifour, Francis Call me Mimi Tundra Books
Dobkin, Bonnie Neptune’s Children Walker & Co
Ellison, Elizabeth Stow Flight Holiday House
Eulo, Elena Yates The Great Receiver Holiday House
Geus, Mireille Piggy Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press)
Hardy, Mark Nothing Pink Front Street Books (Boyd's Mill Press)
Hegamin, Tonya Cherie M+O4EVR Houghton Mifflin
Hrdlitschka, Shelley Sister wife Orca
Hyde, Catherine Ryan Chasing Windmills Vintage see Random
Jaffe, Michele Kitty Kitty Harper Teen
Johnston, Julie A Very Fine Line Tundra Books
Koonz, Dean Your Heart Belongs to me Bantam see Random
Lowry, Lois Willoughbys Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher
Margolis, Leslie Boys Are Dogs Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Mazer, Norma Fox The Missing Girl Harper Teen
Mikaelsen, Ben Ghost of Spirit Bear Harper Collins/Tempest
Stratton, Allan Chanda’s Wars Harper Collins/Tempest
Taylor, Brooke Undone Walker & Co
Vail, Rachel Lucky Harper Teen see Harper Collins


Fairytale
Hawes, Louise Black Pearls: a Faerie Strand Houghton Mifflin
Morris, Gerald Squire’s Tale Houghton Mifflin
Murdock, Catherine Gilbert Princess Ben Houghton Mifflin
Paul, Ann Whitford Tortuga in Trouble Holiday House

Fantasy
Alexander, Alma Spellspam (Worldweavers) Harper Collin
Baker, E. D. Wings Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Block, Francesca Lia Blood Roses Harper Collins/Tempest
Brooks, Terry Gypsy Morph (Genesis of Shannara) Ballantine/Random
Carranza, Maite War of the witches Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Dale, Anna Spellbound Bloomsbury see St. Martins
DeVitro,J. & B. Strickland Merian C. Cooper’s King Kong Full Cast Audio
Dunmore, Helen The Tide Knot (Ingo) Harper Collins/Wm Morrow
Durham, David Acacia Anchor see Random
Fagan, Cary Ten Lessons for Kaspar Snit Tundra Books
George, Jessica Day Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow Bloomsbury
George, Jessica Day Dragon Flight Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Hardinge, Frances Well Witched Harper Collins/Tempest
Hoffman, Mary City of Secrets (Stravaganza) Bloomsbury
Hoover, P J Emerald Tablet CBay Books
Landy, Derek Skullduggery Pleasant: Playing with Fire Harper Collins
Levine, Gail Carson Ever Harper Collins(Trophy)/Avon/Greenwillow
Marr, Melissa Ink Exchange Harper Teen
McCaffrey, Anne & Todd Dragonheart DelRay see Random
Morris, Gerald The Squire, his Knight, and the Lady (The Squire’s Tales) Houghton Mifflin
Paver, Michelle Outcast(Chronicles of ancient darkness) Harper Collins
Thompson, Kate The last of the high kings Harper Collins/Tempest
Wolfe, Frances The Little Toy Shop Tundra Books


Graphic novel
Akamatsu, Ken Mao-Chan DelRay see Random
Elliott, David Wuv Bunnies from Outer Space Holiday House
Gaiman, Neil Coraline Harper Teen
Hale, Shannon and Dean Rapunzel’s Revenge Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Nisioisin XXXholic: Anotherholic DelRay see Random
Storrie, Paul D. Beowulf: Monster Slayer Graphic Universe (Lerner Pub)
Ueda, Miwa;Translated and adapted by Elina Ishikawa Papillon Random House


Historical
Barker, M.P. A Difficult Boy Holiday House
Fletcher, Christine Ten Cents A Dance Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Grant, K. M. Blue Flame (Perfect Fire Trilogy, Book 1) Walker & Co
Heneghan, Judith The Magician’s Apprentice Holiday House
Hostetter, Joyce Moyer Healing Water Boyd's Mill
Hull, Nancy L. On rough seas Clarion see Houghton Mifflin
Kafka, Franz Amerika: The missing person Shocken Books
Lemma, Don When the Sergeant Came Marching Home Holiday House
Lieurance, Suzanne The Locket: Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Enslow
McCaughrean, Geraldine The kite rider Full Cast Audio
Michaelis, Antonia Tiger Moon Amulet see Abrams, Harry
Mitchell, Jack The Ancient Ocean Blues Tundra Books
Polak, Monique What World is Left Orca
Roberts, Judson Road to Vengeance (Stronghold Saga Bk3) Harper Teen see Harper Collins
Sanchez, Anita The invasion of Sandy Bay Calkins Creek (Boyd's Mill)
Shaffer, Mary Ann & A. Barrows Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Random
Watts, Irene Good-bye Marianne Tundra Books
Wiseman, Eva Puppet Tundra Books
Zimmer, Tracie Vaughn Floating Circus Bloomsbury see St. Martins


Horror
Myracle, Lauren Bliss Amulet see Abrams, Harry
Priestly, Chris Tales of Terror from the Blackship Bloomsbury
Sanders, Scott Loring The Hanging woods Houghton Mifflin/
Stevenson, R. L. adapted by Alan Grant Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Tundra Books
Washington, Peter (editor) Ghost Stories Knopf see Random


Misc.
Harper, Suzanne The Juliet Club Greenwillow see Harper Collins
Pulver, Robin Silent Letters Loud and Clear Holiday House


Multicultural
Craig, Colleen Afrika Tundra Books
Emesse, Tea Rami & the wedding ghost (Star sisters series) Mirror Stone
Hollyer, Belinda River Song Holiday House
Nanji, Shenaaz Child of Dandelions Front Street(see Boyd's Mill)
Weatherford, C. B. Becoming Billie Holiday WordSong (Boyds Mill Press)


Mystery/Detective
Abrahams, Peter Into the dark (an Echo Falls mystery) Harper Collins
Barclay, Linwood Too close to home Bantam see Random
Dowling, Wick Trials of Kate Hope Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher
Freeman, Martha Who Stole Uncle Sam? Holiday House
Jennings, Richard The Pirates of Turtle Rock Houghton Mifflin
Peacock, Shane Death in the Air (The Boy Sherlock Holmes) Tundra Books
Sternberg, Libby Recovering Dad Bancroft
Valentine, Jenn Me, the Missing, and the Dead Harper Teen


Realistic Fiction
Amato, Mary Take the Mummy and Run Holiday House
Andrekson, Judy J B Andrew Mustang Magic Tundra Books
Barshaw, Ruth McNally Ellie McDoodle New Kid in School Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Bauer, Michael The Running Man Greenwillow see Harper Collins
Burnham, Niki, &others Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Graphia see Houghton Mifflin
Byars, Betsy Blossoms meet the vulture lady (orig.1986) Holiday House
Byars, Betsy The Not-Just-Anybody Family Holiday House
Byars, Betsy A Blossom Promise Holiday House
Byars, Betsy Wanted. . . Mud Blossom Holiday House
Byars, Betsy The Blossoms and the Green Phantom Holiday House
Carey, Benedict The Unknowns: a mystery Amulet see Abrams, Harry
Chessa, Francesca Holly’s Red Boots Holiday House
Collins, B.R. The Traitor Game Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Connor, Leslie Waiting for Normal Harper Collins/Tempest
Cox, Judy Puppy Power Holiday House
Denman, K. L. Spiral Orca
Fehler, Gene Beanball Clarion see Houghton Mifflin
Ferraldo, Jack Big splash Amulet see Abrams, Harry
Flynn, Pat Out of His League Walker & Co
Galante, Cecilia The Patron Saint of Butterflies Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Golding, Theresa Martin Niner Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press)
Grab, Daphne Alive and Well in Prague, New York Harper Teen
Grant, Vicki Res Judicata Orca
Greenwald, Lisa My life in pink and green Amulet Books
Gregory, Kristiana Bronte’s Book Club Holiday House
Harvey, Sarah The Lit Report Orca
Henkes, Kevin Bird lake moon Greenwillow see Harper Collins
Hernandez, David Sucker Punch Harper Teen
High, Linda Oatman Planet Pregnancy Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press)
Hogan, Mary Pretty Face Harper Teen see Harper Collins
Howe, James Misfits Full Cast Audio
Kasischke, Laura Feathered Harper Teen
Kephart, Beth House of Dance Harper Teen see Harper Collins
Kneale, Matthew When we were Romans Doubleday see Random
Kring, Sandra Thank You For All Things Bantam see Random
Lecesne, James Absolute Brightness Harper Teen
Lieberman, Leanne Gravity Orca
Lockheart, E. et al How to be Bad Harper Collins/Tempest
Mitchard, Jaquelyn All We Know of Heaven Harper Collins/Wm Morrow
Myers, Walter Dean Game Harper Teen
Nielsen, Susin Word nerd Tundra Books
Poydar, Nancy Zip, Zip . . . Homework Holiday House
Rennison, Louise Stop in the Name of Pants! Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Harper Teen
Robertus, Polly M. The Richest Doll in the World Holiday House
Roe, Monica M. Thaw Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press)
Sand-Eveland, Cyndi Dear Toni Tundra Books
Schmidt, Gary D. Trouble Clarion see Houghton Mifflin
Scott, Elizabeth Stealing Heaven Harper Teen
Seabrooke, Brenda Cemetery Street Holiday House
Shaw, Tucker The Girls Amulet see Abrams, Harry
Spinelli, Jerry Smiles to Go Harper Collins/Joanna Cotler
Stevenson, Robin A Thousand Shades of Blue Orca
Tilly, Meg First Time Orca
Townsend, Wendy Lizard Love Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press)
Trottier, Maxine Three Songs for Courage Tundra Books
Trueman, Terry Hurricane Harper Collins/Tempest
Vaught, Susan Big fat manifesto Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Vincent, Zu Lucky Place, The Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press)
Zimmer, Tracie Vaughn 42 miles Clarion see Houghton Mifflin


Science fiction
Daley, Michael J. Rat Trap Holiday House
Foster, Alan Dean Quofum Ballantine see Random
Grant, Michael Gone Harper Teen
Hobbs, Will Go Big or Go Home Harper Collins/Tempest
Lloya, Saci The Carbon Diaries 2015 Holiday House
Stahler, David Jr. OtherSpace (Truesight trilogy Book 3) EOS see Harper Collins
Traviss, Karen Order 66: A republic commando novel DelRay see Random


Supernatural
Belkom, Edo Van Wolf Man Tundra Books
Bell, Cathleen D. Slipping Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Collier, James Lincoln The Dreadful Revenge of Ernest Gallen Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Delaney, J. The Last Apprentice: Attack of the Fiend (3rd volume) Harper Collins/Tempest
Hahn, Mary D. All the Lovely Bad Ones: a Ghost Story Clarion see Houghton Mifflin
Hightman, J.P. Spirit Harper Teen see Harper Collins
Jenkins, A.M. Night Road Harper Collins/Wm Morrow
Richards, Justin Parliament of Blood, The Bloomsbury see St. Martins
Staub, W. C. Lily Dale : Believing Walker
Yancey, Rick Alfred Kropp: the Thirteenth Skull Bloomsbury see St. Martins

Historical fiction

Chabon, Michael. Gentlemen of the road.
Ballantine see Random House, 2007. 204p $21.95 978-0-345-50174-5
Historical

Michael Chabon has written a medieval buddy story and historical adventure of epic proportions about two men in the tenth century Jewish kingdom of Khazaria. The diametrically different men, Jewish Zelikman, a skinny blond Frank, and Amram, a huge black Abyssinian, are traveling together towards the legendary empire west of the Caspian Sea. In the midst of pulling another moneymaking scam on unsuspecting locals, the two adventurers become involved with the only survivor of a royal coup. They are convinced to help restore Filaq to his true position as war king and keeper of the elephants. They will need the help of a small army, their brains, and a few elephants to overcome the overwhelming odds facing them. The two, however, will have enough tricks up their sleeves to defeat a rampaging Viking war party as well as the forces of the evil usurper.
This is a terrifically enjoyable novel. Written in dense “purple prose,” the novel presents a fascinating look at an area of the world that is fairly unknown. Chabon’s tale of derring-do is filled with unlikely heroes and villains, wild countryside, and unusual situations. The plot always thickens and then will take an unexpected turn. Both Zelikman and Amram are thoroughly likable scoundrels who have even less desirable friends but all comes out as well as could be expected. SO

Innocent Traitor by Allison Weir

Weir, Allison. Innocent Traitor.
Random House, 2006. 399p $24.95 978-0-345--49485-6
Historical

This is, surprisingly, the first novel of noted historian Weir, and one hopes that it will not be the last. It is perhaps the most engrossing historical fiction of the year. Meticulously researched and compellingly written, it tells the story of Lady Jane Grey from many different voices - Queen Katherine Parr, Lady Jane’s machinistic parents, Jane Seymour, and John Dudley, among others.

Told in what appears to be journal entries, delineated by narrator, place and date, the thread may be difficult to follow at first, but soon the story will sweep the reader away. Lady Jane’s parents are abusive, disappointed that Jane is not a male heir. After the death of Henry, they connive to betroth Jane to the sickly Edward. Her place in Queen Katherine Parr’s court is a haven compared to her own home, and Queen Katherine and her nanny seem to be the only ones who have Jane’s own interests in mind. After Edward’s death, Lady Jane is installed on the throne, but only reigns for nine days until overthrown by Princess Mary’s armies.

We know the fate of Lady Jane Grey, so the ending will not be surprising, but the manner in which the story evolves is so satisfying that even the devastating end of Lady Jane’s story will leave the reader wishing for more. In the tradition of Philippa Gregory and Antonia Fraser, let us hope that this first novel is not Weir’s last. PN

A coming-of-age novel

Mitchell, David. Black Swan Green.
Random House, 2006, 294p $13.95 978-0-8129-7401-0
Historical

Full of cultural references to historical events such as the Falkland War, pop culture icons, and slang of Britain in 1982, Mitchell enters the mind of a 13-year-old boy. Jason is a closet poet, bullied by his classmates, wonders about love and what is important in life. The growth of the character from beginning to end of the novel is tremendous, and the reader will feel that they have witnessed the process of becoming “adult” by traveling with Jason through his adolescence.
This book will appeal to adults who reflect on their own growing up as well as perceptive high school students. Jason meets a fascinating set of adults, from an elderly female recluse to a lady who critiques his poetry and serves as a mirror to Jason’s intimate thoughts. His schoolteachers are sometimes perceptive about growing boys’ minds and at other times clueless to the angst of teenage boys. Jason stammers when feeling inadequate which is often the case when he is around his classmates but realizes that he can control his stammering by being in control of events. The impending divorce that hovers at the edge of the plot finally becomes permanent at the end of the novel. Understanding his parents as adults frees him from being the “perfect” son. He even comes to a truce with his sister who calls him “Thing”. He experiences his first smoke, his first shoplifting incident, and first kiss with all the angst associated with each event. A strong look at secrets, ethics, and reputations reveal that not all is as it seems. Handwritten notes and newspaper headlines are interspersed within the text. Outstanding imagery and writing are found within its pages.
It is strongly recommended for high school libraries where coming-of-age novels are needed. The imagery used by Mitchell is a pleasure to read. Readers will avidly turn the pages to watch Jason turn from an insecure adolescent into a self-assured young man. LMN