Solace: Unsheltered by M. West

West, M. Solace:Unsheltered 316pgs. AuthorHouse ~Language PG, Sexual Content~PG, Violence~PG-13

Agnis had a busy, yet normal life. Her beloved father travels a great deal and is dearly missed while away. She gets along with her siblings, as well as anyone does. Her mother is strict, but loving. She would never trade her life for another. Then she is suddenly awoken by her father, who is supposed to be traveling, and told to run and meet them at the Whells. Agnis misunderstands and goes to the old wells. There she waits and waits. No one comes. She witnesses vandals enter her house, ransack it, and burn it to the ground. She waits until all sign of life has gone and goes through the ruins to see if anything has survived. Finding her parents' old, forbidden, trunk she breaks the lock and takes what she finds inside. There is an old book that mentions something about a group called the Forbidden. Her parents' names are mentioned among the members. Were her parents involved in a secret society? Agnis decides she must find her parents and thie book holds the answers. Her decision begins a journey across the waters to find out who would want her family harmed and why.

This is an exciting novel filled with magic, intrigue, and romance. This is the author's first published work and the story leaves the reader anxiously awaiting a sequel. The romance is light and sweet. The violence is mostly from wild animal attacks. This novel would be considered a clean adventure fantasy.

MS/HS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Ash by Malinda Lo

Lo, Malinda Ash, 264 p. Little, Brown, 2009. Content: G (unless two girls finding love disturbs you). $16.99. Aisling adored her mother so much, that when she died, it took her years to come close to accepting that fact that she was gone forever. Her father’s new marriage doesn’t help things, and when he dies, Ash is left to work as a prisoner and a slave wherever her stepmother decides to take her. When Ash strikes up a friendship with Kaisa, the king’s Huntress, she must turn to an old acquaintance to help make her wishes come true, even if it means giving up part of her soul. At times I was thoroughly disgusted with Ash, as she violated everything she had ever learned about dealing with the Fair Folk, at other times I felt the pathos of her predicament as she slaved away for her stepmother. The romance is very light and well done – there is absolutely nothing to shy away from here. For schools where re-imagined fairy tales are popular, this one will go over well. MS –OPTIONAL, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes by Kelly Easton

Easton, Kelly The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes, 336 p. Wendy Lamb (Random House), 2009. Content: G. $15.99.

Liberty Aimes has been “homeschooled” for all of her ten years. That is, she stays at home and does everything that her parents tell her to do, including cooking for her obese mother and cleaning for her angry father. Then a series of small occurrences change Liberty’s life forever, as she takes her fate into her own hands.

Talking animals, humans floating through the air, and scoundrels galore populate the pages of Liberty’s adventures and outlandish they are. While the page count is high, there is plenty of white space for the younger reader. This would make a great elementary read aloud – or a cherished book for a parent and child.

EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Magic Study by Maria Snyder

Snyder, Maria V. Magic Study, 443 p. Mira Books, 2006. Content: PG-13 (several mentions, but not descritptions, of past torture and rape). $9.99. Yelena has been exiled to Sitia with Fourth Magician Irys, who is more than happy to reunite Yelena with her family, but insists that she come swiftly along to the Sitian capital for further magic training. Distrust from her own brother, capture and near death at the hands of a seceret Ixtian proclaimer to the Commander’s throne, another life-threatening scene at the hands of the very magicians who are supposed to train Yelena’s rogue powers, and an evil magician who is killing young girls to suck the power out of them all conspire to make Yelena’s first few weeks in Sitia a dangerous mess. Yelena will need all of training in order to come out of here alive. These books are a wonderful addition to a high school level collection where fantasy is always in high demand. I would not recommend this at the middle school level, just because of the nature of the discussion in the first book in the series. HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Seige of Macindaw by John FLanagan

Flanagan, John The Seige of Macindaw, 293 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2009.

Violence: PG. $17.99.

Ranger Will is hiding in the forest outside Macindaw, working with Malcolm, the supposed wizard, to find a way to rescue Alyss fromt eh clutches of the evil Keren, who has killed the former Lord of the castle and made a pact with the Scottito allow them to invade all of Araluen. With the help of his best friend Horace, the craft of Malcolm and his fellows and even the aid of a crew of Skandians, there may just be hope for everyone.

Flanagan has finally released the second half of the third scenario in the Ranger’s Apprentice series. I’m glad I held my patience, for I certainly enjoyed the read. Fans of the series will not be disappointed – but remember to encourage new readers to start from the beginning!

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Prom Queen Curse by Michelle Kehm

Kehm, Michelle Suzi Clue: The Prom Queen Curse, 309. Dutton (Penguin), 2009. Language: PG-13 (30 + swears). Sexual Content: PG-13. $16.99.

Freshman Suzi Clue is intrigued when it looks like someone may be targeting the prom queen candidates at her high school. Someone doesn’t seem to appreciate Suzi’s sleuthing abilities, as she is thwarted and blocked at almost every turn. Will she be able to solve the mystery and save the prom? Or will someone solve the problem of Suzi?

This is a book that would be better released in paperback than in hardcover. While Suzi is rather charming, I got tired of her antics half way through the book. And I got really tired of the swearing and nakedness and the inappropriate (unrealistic) behaviors of the teachers. I would have been happier with zombies or demon queen being the cause of the problem rather than the actual resolution.

HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Swoon by Nina Malkin

Malkin, Nina Swoon, 421 p. Simon Pulse, 2009. $17.99. Sexual Content : R, Language: R (50+ swears). Candice, or “Dice”, has found the love of her teen-aged life - unfortunately he has been dead for over 200 years and he is the part-time inhabitant of her female cousin’s body. Even if Dice can free Sinclair “Sin” Youngblood Taylor from her cousin’s body, he may not be all that she ever dreamed and the only way to protect everyone around her may be to end Sinclair’s existence forever. This is a sex-obsessed spirit who really turns me off. What good writing exists int his book is overshadowed by the titillation of the rest of the book. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin - ADVISABLE

Lin, Grace Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, 282 p. Little Brown and Company, 2009. $16.99 Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G –

Minli is a strong female character who sets out on a quest to find the old man on the moon who has the answers to improve her family's future. She uses the wisdom she has gained from the old stories her father has told her to save her family.

You can judge this book by its cover. Grace Lin's richly colorful and intricate cover art is reminiscent of ancient Chinese textiles. The elegant illustrations continue throughout this lovely book that is both a collection of folk and fairy tales and a magical fantasy. The story is every bit as rich and beautiful as the cover.

EL- ADVISABLE. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Livingston, Lesley Wondrous Strange, 336 p. Harper, 2008. Language: G (5 swears); Violence: PG (fantasy creature deaths). Paperback Release – September 22. Kelley, 17, has come to New York to find fame and fortune on the theatre stage. What she will find, however, is who she really is – and it isn’t human. IN order to save her new-found friends and her new love, she will have to find her own power deep within. While this novel starts out a bit confusing and slow, the end is definitely worth the pages. MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull

Mull, Brandon Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, 527 p. Shadow Mountain, 2009. Content: G.

One of the remaining hidden artifacts is protected by the dragons at one of the forbidden sanctuaries, Wyrmroost. Kendra’s particular skills will be needed, but what will Seth do if he gets left behind? If you thought centaurs were peculiar – you haven’t met the inhabitants of Wyrmroost.

Mull continues to hit the writing right out of the ballpark! Too bad there’s only one left in the series.

 EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Immortal by Gillian Shields

Shields, Gillian Immortal, 368 p. Harper, 2009. Evie has been banished to the isolated and lonely Wyldcliffe Abbey School where she has a difficult time making any friends. Her only confidante is Sebastian, a mysterious young man whom she can only hangout with after dark. Evie’s future is connected to Wlydcliffe’s past and mysterious girl who looks very familiar. If your students really love Libba Bray, they might enjoy this boarding school spook novel. I don’t think it’s Shields best work. MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund - ADVISABLE

Peterfreund, Diana Rampant, 416 p. Harper, 2009. Violence: PG-13.

According to Astrid’s mother, unicorns are vicious, man-eating evil beings which, thankfully, are all extinct thanks to Astrid’s sword-wielding ancestress. Oops – maybe not. In order to save the world from the re-emerging species, Astrid must join other descendants – only virgin maiden descendants – of the original huntresses in a cloister in Italy, where they are funded by a pharmaceutical company who wants the secret to the unicorns’ restorative powers.

There are lots of bloody battles in this fast-paced novel and an off-page rape that is only referred to. The twist on the unicorn mythology is kind of fun, but the action can get bloody.

MS – OPTIONAL; HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman - ADVISABLE

Whitman, Emily Radiant Darkness, 288 p. Harper, 2009. Language: G (5 swears).

Persephone loves her mother Demeter, but feels captive in the beautiful cage that her mother has created for her to live in. One day, however, a darkly handsome man appears and quickly courts the girl until she agrees to run off with him – to the Underworld. There Persephone is blissfully happy, until she realizes that her disappearance has caused problems in the world above.

This fleshed out version makes for a great love story.

MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

A Sweet Disorder by Jacqueline Kolosov

Kolosov, Jacqueline A Sweet Disorder, 432 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2009. Content: G. Miranda, 16, is stunned by the news of her father’s death, but is even more distressed that she must leave her remaining family and be fostered with a cold, austere Earl and his wife, who have plans to sell her in marriage to the highest bidder. Her only hope is if she can somehow impress Queen Elizabeth with her sewing skills and earn her freedom and place in the Queen’s household. The historical detailing is drawn with great skill, but the romance with the son of Sir Walter Raleigh falls a bit flat. Those who absolutely love historical fiction may be satisfied, but it will not draw a wider audience. HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Just Another Hero by Sharon Draper

Draper, Sharon M. Just Another Hero, 280 p. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. Joshua is dead and November has had her baby – things may just have a chance to return to normal, or what passes for normal at their urban high school. Catch up with the cast of characters from the first two novels and meet a few more teens who have a skill for upsetting the daily classroom routine. As such as I liked catching up with November and her friends, seeing the trials and triumphs, the action is very slow until the last 50 pages, when the info from the teaser actually comes into play. Only lovers of the first two in the series will hold on long enough to get to this point. MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Dessen, Sarah Along for the Ride, 383 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. Language: PG (35 swears, no “f”). Auden, 18, has her summer all mapped out – studying her textbooks for her freshman year of college in order to get a jump on the competition. What else is there in life besides academics? That is until she answers the invitations from her father’s new wife to come meet her brand new baby half-sister. Thrust into a tense situation in a beachy little town, Auden can either hide in her room all summer, or take the plunge into the unknown social world of Colby. Dessen maps out a charming book that doesn’t rely on beach bodies or sexy scenes to make its points. I don’t know how she keeps giving such wonderful books. FYI – there is an off page makeout scene early on that is implied. MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Alis by Naomi Rich

Rich, Naomi Alis, 288 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009 p. Violence: PG. Alis has been brought up within a strict religious community and yearns to have a different life. When she goes to another Community town as a companion, she finds that her life was actually pretty easy. This Community has a decidedly anti-female stance and Alis’s life may be in danger. Just as she is first finding love, Alis may lose everything. While Alis’ story had potential, that potential is unrealized in this flat novel, which is unfortunate. This one wil have a very hard time charming anyone. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Unclaimed Heart by Kim Wilkins

Wilkins, Kim Unclaimed Heart, 320 p. Razorbill (Penguin), 2009. Content: G. Constance’s mother left when the girl was just a toddler. Now, as her father returns from his latest ocean voyage, she overhears word of her mother being spotted years earlier in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Constance takes the plunge and stows away on her father’s voyage. In Ceylon, she tries to befriend the daughter of the Dutch family who hosts them, but both girls are drawn to Alexandre Sans-Nom, a pearl diver who was rescued by her father. Mystery, contention and betrayal will rock Constance’s world. Set in 18th century Britain and Ceylon, Wilkins paints a pretty picture of the time and its conventions. The romance is just enough for a light read. MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

What Can you do with a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla

Tafolla, Carmen, illustrated by Magaly Morales What Can You Do with a Paleta? Tricycle Press, 2009. $14.99. PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G – One of my favorite memories of childhood is the music of the Ice Cream Man's truck. Tafolla give us the Mexican version of this summer treat. When the paleta wagon rings its tinkly bell in the barrio, the children paint their tongues with the fruit popsicles, scare each other with them and make new friends. But this sweet multicultural story with spanish words sprinkled throughout is diminished by awkward illustrations of rather frightening looking children. Their oddly shaped and unnaturally open mouths spoil the brighltly colored acrylic illustrations. Pre-K, EL (K-3) ELEMENTARY- OPTIONAL. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney - ESSENTIAL

Pinkney, Jerry, The Lion and the Mouse, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2009. PICTURE BOOK.

Sometime even a king needs help from little friends.

Pinkney does a fantastic job of “retelling” this traditional fable of the Lion and the Mouse. The pictures are exquisite and have such amazing intricate detail put into them. The lion is shown as being a compassionate creature, not just someone looking for a quick meal or who believes only in his superiority. This book is a must-have for any public or elementary-school library.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL.

Reviewer: Kira-HUN Public Library.