The 13th Sign by Kristin O'Donnell - ADVISABLE

Tubb, Kristin O’Donnell The 13th Sign, 262 pgs. 2013 Feiwel And Friends. $16.99. 

Language: G; (0 swears) Violence PG; Mature Content: G.  

When Jalen’s trip to a Voodoo store on her 13th birthday gets her a disappointing horoscope reading, she acquires a locked book called The Keypers of the Zodiack  and naively unleashes the 12 keepers of the Zodiac, as well as a dangerous and hidden 13th sign, a snake.  Now she must battle each protector to save the world and return her friends and family to their usual personalities. Can she save the world in only 1 day?  

I have to admit, I didn’t love this book. It felt slow, and contrived, but for a younger reader, it may be just the thing.  The premise was great, however, and the battles were exciting without being too violent, so for a middle school or elementary choice I would recommend this book.  You don’t often find a “battle between good and evil” with a couple (or 3) 13-year-old girls as the hero.  

EL, MS - ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian