Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister

McAllister, Angela. Leon and the Place Between, illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith. Templar Books (Candlewick Press), 2008. $16.99. Leon believes in magic, but his brothers are skeptical and his little sister unsure. They attend a magic show at the circus and Leon volunteers to disappear in a box. The magician sends him to the place between here and there—a place of magic. There he rides a magic carpet, meets another boy, and saves a bunny. The illustrations are truly magical, resembling digitally animated movies like Coraline and James and the Giant Peach. Foldout pages and die cuts add to the fun. The varying typography adds to the circus feel of the book. EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Can Anybody Hear Me? by Jessica Meserve

Meserve, Jessica. Can Anybody Hear Me? 28 pgs. Clarion Books, 2008. $16.00.

Jack’s family is very loud and they don’t listen very well. So when Jack tells them he’s going up the mountain, no one hears. Jack takes his best friend Chester (stuffed animal) and climbs the mountain. Jack sees a wolf cub alone and howls to let the mama wolf know where to find him. Then Jack meets a bear and Chester tells him to growl and scare the bear away. A fun story about the importance of listening, kids will love to howl and growl with Jack. The western illustrations are charming.

EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Hana in the Time of the Tulips by Deborah Noyes

Noyes, Deborah. Hana in the Time of the Tulips, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick Press, 2009. $7.99. In Holland during the 1630s, tulips were like gold. Hana’s father is a merchant who trades tulips. He is always tired and unhappy. Hana is determined to find a cure for her father’s unhappiness and gives him a rosary, fireflies, and a finally a painting of a tulip. Meanwhile, the tulip market crashes and Hana’s father fears he will lose everything. The 1630s Dutch tulip speculation and subsequent economic collapse can be compared to the current economic downturn, making this a reprint timely one. The author’s note at the end gives the history behind the story. The gorgeous illustrations are reminiscent in style of the Dutch painter Rembrandt—who makes a brief appearance in the story. EL- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

The Clone Codes by the McKissacks

McKissack, Patricia C., McKissack, Frederick L., & McKissack, John. The Clone Codes, 192 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2010. $16.99. Language-G ; Sexual Content-G; Violence-PG . It’s 2071 and the production of clones for servants is a big business. Clones have no gender, no names, and no rights. Leanna is a smart teen who attends a virtual school. Instead of learning about Harriet Tubman, Leanna virtually relives the experience as a member of an underground railroad. Just a few hours later, Leanna’s mom is arrested and Leanna barely escapes. Leanna learns that her mother is a member of the Liberty Bell movement whose purpose is equal rights for all—including clones and cyburgs. Leanna also discovers a family secret and an alien prophecy that will change her world as she knows it. Clones’ status and lack of rights is compared to African-American slavery and the Black codes; the parallels are thought provoking. A fast paced and fascinating science fiction read, perfect for reluctant readers. Story ends abruptly, expect a sequel. MS /HS – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

After by Amy Efaw - ESSENTIAL

Efaw, Amy After, 350 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. $17.99.

Language: PG-13 (25 swears, 3 “f”), Violence: PG-13 (descriptions of the birth), Sexual Content: G (nothing described).

When her mother comes home from her graveyard shift, Devon, 15, is in a stupor on the couch. Mom doesn’t notice, however, because she is full of news about a baby that has been found, discarded in the dumpster outside their apartment building. When the police come around, Devon’s terrible secret is revealed – she is the mother of that baby. Now Devon’s life descends into a nightmare – of hospitals, courts and detention – as she awaits her fate and her punishment.

Efaw’s book is a heart-wringing, gut-wrenching tale from start to finish. Devon’s time in the female unit of the juvenile detention facility rings true, without becoming overwhelmingly in-your-face. The court scenesand drama, but a clear-headed look at the system. “After” is so skillfully written that any school could welcome it onto its shelves – and they should. This will be a very popular book, so be prepared with more than one copy on hand.

MS – ADVISABLE (know your audience), HS – ESSENTIAL.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt

Runholt, Susan Rescuing Seneca Crane, 276 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. Content: G (some tension).

The girls who solved “The Mystery of the Third Lucretia” are off to London with Kari’s mom, to interview Seneca Crane, 15, a piano prodigy. The three girls hit it off immediately, so when Seneca is kidnapped, Kari and Lucas jump right into solving the mystery, even when they know they are walking into danger. It’s a good thing that Lucas has an no-limit charge card, because the girls will need their wits and access to money. I have not read the first adventure of Kari and Lucas, but I jumped right into this one and enjoyed a great time. I will be buying both books for my library and so should you.

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

Princess Tea by Janeen Sarlin

Sarlin, Janeen A and Noelle Shipley Princess Tea: Parties and Treats for Little Girls, 113 p. Chronicle Books, 2009. Travel around the world with eight differently themed Princess Tea Parties for your favorite little girl. From China to Mexico, through Africa and off to Fairyland, each tea party comes with ideas for decorations, food and activities. Moms with little girls will have a great time using this to choose their daughter’s next birthday party or just a fun play date with the girls. The only thing lacking is that there is not quite one picture of each idea – most, but not all. This is a book that a parent will want to buy. PARENT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Second Skin by Jessica Wollman

Wollman, Jessica Second Skin, 258 p. Delacorte (Random), 2009. $8.99. Content: PG (brief mention of nudity). Samantha Klein wants so badly to be part of the popular crowd – even though she has two of the best friends in the world. When the Queen Bee moves in next door, Sam does everything she can to get on Kylie’s good side, but nothing seems to work. Then Sam discovers a secret – Kylie’s popularity may not be due to her own personality – Kylie has a secret weapon and Sam is going to steal it, guaranteeing her own popularity. Is that what Sam really wants out for her life? HS, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate by Adrienne Kress

Kress, Adrienne Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate, 368 p. Weinstein Books, 2008. $16.95.

Content: G (suspense and action only).

Timothy, 11, has managed to get himself booted from every school in the city. Even private tutors won’t touch him. In desperation, his father takes him to his work and Timothy becomes the apprentice of the boss. That’s when Tim’s life really turns upside down. Quickly he becomes embroiled in a scheme to free a dragon who has been trapped for centuries in the guise of a mild-mannered Chinese man, Mr. Shen. But evil people have other designs for Mr. Shen and Timothy will flee for his life by plane, by boat, by any means possible, al the way to China, to do his part to help Mr. Shen – all the while asking himself “Why do I care?”

Timothy’s adventures and the cast of characters are definitely out-of-the-ordinary. There is so much action and so many odd situations that I had a hard time suspending belief long enough to fall in and enjoy. It is definitely for a certain kind of reader.

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

Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve

FYI: This is not the cover from the ARC that I read - this is the UK cover.


Reeve, Philip Fever Crumb, 336 p. Scholastic, April 2010. $17.99. Violence: PG (looting, shooting, rioting – all mild); Language: G. Fever Crumb has been raised by a group of scientists who eschew frivolity since she was rescued as a foundling baby. Now a teenager, her scientific skills have been called to use by an archaeologist who had left the order. Fever’s presence in the post-apocalypse London creates a fervor, as people on the streets believe that she is one of their previous overlords, returned to re-enslave them. Her work with Kit, the archaeologist, meanwhile, disturbs odd recollections in Fever’s mind – memories that don’t seem to be Fever’s own. The disquiet in Fever’s mind echoes the disquiet around the city and both seem to be destined for a violent conclusion.

Reeve’s look at future Earth is not quite as attention-getting as his Hungry Cities quartet and may only find an audience with those who have already read Reeve’s other books.

SPOILER ALERT:


Silly me – I had no clue that this story was a prequel to the Hungry City books until almost the last page! Then my brain started working and I finally got it! I still didn’t find this book as interesting as Mortal Engines. It’s not for lack of writing skill. MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Bullen, Alexandra Wish, 336 p. Point (Scholastic), January 2010. $17.99. Language: PG-13 (13 swears, 1 “f”). Ever since her twin sister died, Olivia has lived in a funk – her own and the one hovering over her mom and dad. Now, after spring break, Olivia finds herself in a new school, all the way across the country in San Francisco. But fate has plans for Olivia, in the form of a magic dress. And with one wish, Violet is back in her life – as a ghostly presence that only Olivia can see. Romance and heartbreak may exist side by side as Olivia tries to find her way – and a way to stand alone. From the cover and title, I thought Wish was going to be some fairy godmothery fairy tale. While some elements of that sort may be present, this story is, instead about grief and family and love. Your girl-book crowd will love this one. MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills

Hills, Tad Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin. Schwartz & Wade (Random), 2009. $6.99. BOARD BOOK. After Duck and Goose see their firend Thistle with the pumpkin, the duo sets out to find one of their own. They try all kinds of curious places, but need just a little help in the end. Duck and Goose are forever cute, but this hide-and-seek book is not as good as all of the other books about this silly pair. Pre K – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

A Pearl Among Princes by Coleen Paratore

Paratore, Coleen Murtagh A Pearl Among Princes, 195 p. Dial (penguin), 2009. $16.99. Content: PG (the princes go skinny-dipping and the girls spy, but don’t describe). Gracepearl has always been a servant girl on the island of Miramore. This year, however, when the princes arrive from all over the kingdom, Gracepearl has a chance to fulfill her dream – finding a ship to get off the island – even if means she has to marry a prince to do it, or leave behind her life long love, Mackree. The princes are being polished for their entrance into society and the girls of the island have all kinds of schemes in mind. Gracepearl may have a greater destiny awaiting her, however, than just marrying a prince. Paratore has a skillfully created a new fairytale of sorts, an enchanting tale for romantic minded girls. MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Day of the Assassins by Johnny O'Brien - OPTIONAL

O’Brien, Johnny Day of the Assassins, 201 p. Templar (Candlewick), 2009. $15.99.

Violence: PG (some mild war scenes)

Jack doesn’t enjoy playing war games as much as his friend Angus, but both boys find themselves in the middle of World War I after they uncover a secret laboratory built by Jack’s absentee father and mysterious machine in their own school that has the ability to send people anywhere in time. Is Jack’s father friend or foe? Is Jack being chased or is he being recued? Sometimes when it comes to time, it may be very hard to tell the difference.

Jack never has a chance to rest in this action-filled adventure in time. It will remind fans of Liparulo’s books, but on a slower pace.

EL, MS – OPTIONAL

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Crewe, Megan Give Up the Ghost, 244 p. Henry Holt, 2009. $16.99. Content: PG (some underage drinking). Sexual Content: PG-13 (off page sexual situations). Since her older sister died, Cass has been able to see ghosts – her sister and others. Already labeled an outcast by her by her former best friend, Cass uses insider info from the school bound ghosts to keep the kids at school in line, making herself more of an outcast. Then one of the “bestest and brightest” asks Cass for her help and Cass reaches out to Tim, she finds herself becoming more entwined than she ever wanted to be. This is not really a ghost story, though it does involve ghosts – it is really a story about a young lady building walls to protect herself with whatever tools come her way. What really got to me was the authentic reaction of Cass’s former best friend, who hurt Cass so badly in middle school, who just brushes the whole incident off as nothing much – can’t Cass just ‘get over it”. Kids on the fringe will find much about themselves in this book. The “Pops” will like it, but won’t “get” it. MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Dolamore, Jaclyn Magic Under Glass, 320 p. Bloomsbury, JANUARY 2010. $16.99. Content: PG (4 swears). For years, Nimira has worked as a guest artist at a vaudeville-like show, placed just below the performing dogs. When she is offered a chance to work for a rich, mysterious gentleman, she jumps for it, unknowingly plunging herself into life-threatening circumstances. All she has to do is sing along with a piano-playing automaton, but the story is that it is haunted. Nimira quickly discovers the secret, but has no idea how to break the spell without getting them both killed. Nimira’s world is not our world, but the world-building did not feel complete for me; even at 320 pages, I wanted more than I was getting in terms of story and detail. I am hoping that here is another tale to come – that would make it much more satisfying in my world. MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Fang of the Vampire by Tommy Donbavand

Donbavand, Tommy Scream Street: Fang of the Vampire, 129 p. Candlewick, 2009. $5.99. Violence: PG (vampires, etc – more comic than anything). Luke Watson, 10, has been outed as a werewolf and, for his own protection, he and his family have been relocated to Scream Street, a high-security neighborhood only for “monsters” and their families, controlled by the evil Sir Otto Sneer. In order to free Scream Street from the tyrant, Luke and his friends – a vampire and a mummy – must collect six artifacts, starting with the fang of one of Scream Street’s founders – a vampire. Sir Otto will stop at nothing to foil the kids’ plans. Elementary schools who like creepy stories (not really any worse than R.L. Stine’s stuff) and reluctant readers in middle school will enjoy these quick, campy reads. EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Blood of the Witch by Tommy Donbavand

Donbavand, Tommy Scream Street: Blood of the Witch, 117 p. Candlewick, 2009. $5.99. Violence: PG (vampires, etc – more comic than anything). Luke, Resus and Cleo have found one artifact that they need to free Scream Street from the power of Sir Otto Sneer. They still need to find five more. While hot on the trail, the trio must fend off the evil tricks of Sir Otto and keep their families safe. Good, creepy fun for schools that allow that. EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Haunted; The Riverboat Phantom by Chris Eboch

Eboch, Chris Haunted; The Riverboat Phantom, 177 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $5.99. Content: G (spooky, but not over the top). Jon and Tania have accompanied their parents on another ghost-hunting trip – this time to a supposedly haunted riverboat on the Mississippi. Tania’s gift may help the kids help the ghost, but Madame Natasha knows their secret and is willing to blackmail the kids in order to ensure their cooperation. If they want to be rid of the Madame, they will have to expose Tania’s secret and Tania may not be ready for the attention. Haunted is shaping up to be a decent middle level ghost series. The ghosts are a bit scary without being horrific and Madame Natasha is a nasty villain. EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle

Doyle. Marissa Betraying Season, 330 p. Herny Holt, 2009. $16.99. Content: G (magic and danger, but nothing evil). After watching her twin sister, Persy, save the future Queen Victoria and herself, Pen is determined to study hard and learn to master her own magic powers. Pen joins her former governess in Scotland and immediately becomes entangled with a handsome young man and his mother – who may have more than kindly intentions towards Pen. Pen's naiveté shines through as she trusts those who don’t deserve her trust and the final confrontation will take every ounce of will she can muster. If you want lots of magic with your romance, then read Patricia Wrede; if however, you want something historic and romantic with just a bit of magic then these will just fine. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.