Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood

Flood, Nancy Bo Warriors in the Crossfire, 138 pgs. Front Street, 2010. Language - G, Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG; "War is coming soon," but Joseph doesn't want to believe it. His cousin Kento warns him and his dad shows him where to take his family to be safe, but he doesn't want it to be happening. He is forced to accept it when the bombs come. He takes his family to a cave, but they need food and water to survive, especially when some get hurt. World War II was a hard time for many and that is definitely shown in this book. I love the intensity and imagery, even though some scenes made me cry. You can't help but get caught up in this story after you get to know Joseph and Kento in the first couple chapters. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Sea of the Dead by Julia Durango

Durango, Julia Sea of the Dead, 132 pgs. Simon & Schuster, 2009. Language - G, Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG; Kehl is a son of the Warrior Prince Arnatec, a war hero. He is expected to be strong and a good leader to follow in his father's footsteps. Kehl, though, is different. He isn't good at hand-to-hand combat and is swallowed by his brother's shadow, only excelling in archery and in cartography. One night, Kehl is kidnapped by The Fallen, enemies of the whole empire. His choices: cooperate or die. An exciting story about a boy finding out new truths and having his world turned upside down. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story made as Kehl learned and unlearned more about a world he thought he knew and a choice no one can make for him. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Raven Speak by Diane Lee Wilson

Wilson, Diane Lee Raven Speak, 247 pgs. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2010. Language - PG (1 swear, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG-13; Asa is the cheiftain's daughter and the last of his children since her two brothers passed on. This winter has been long and hard, everyone is ready for summer. The food is just shy of gone, so Asa's father takes most of the men and goes on a journey overseas to try and find food. When your clan is dying, what will you give up to save them? This story is excellent. I love Asa; her leadership skills are unfailing because she is just and sacrificing. I loved the fact that when the "bad guy" was taken care of, there was still more to the story. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Sphinx's Queen by Esther Friesner

Friesner, Esther Sphinx's Queen, 347 pgs. Random House, 2010. Language - PG (3 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG; Nefertiti isn't a pawn in someone else's plans, she makes her own choices. On the run with Prince Amenophis and Nava, they get obstacles when trying to clear Nefertiti's name, gaining friends and enemies on the way. They knew it was going to be hard, but has Prince Thutmose outsmarted them? I love all of Esther Friesner's books, but this one has to be my favorite. The bravery that Nefertiti has amazes me, the great forgiveness she has inspires me, and her cleverness has me envying her. I am with Nefertiti, Nava and Prince Amenophis every step of the way. There wasn't anyway anyone was dragging me away from this story. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Native Americans by Sean Sheehan

Sheehan, Sean, Native Americans: Over 100 Questions and Answers to Things You Want to Know. Parragon Publishing, 2002. INFORMATION.

Similar to DK Eyewitness books, this book offers helpful illustrations and photos alongside answers to commonly asked questions and a few not as commonly asked questions about Native Americans.

The layout is done fairly well. The photos and illustrations complement the text well. The information is fairly basic, but would make a good supplement to reports on Native Americans or pre-European exploration times up to when the expansion of Amerca occurred. Readers who enjoy reading about or need information for a report about Native American history, history, and information books will enjoy reading this book. Fans of DK Eyewitnesss books may also find thing book enjoyable. EL(4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library. 

Native Americans (Native Americans - The Bright Sparks Series) 

Sammy Keyes and the Wedding Crasher by Wendelin Van Draanen

Van Draanen, Wendelin. Sammy Keyes and the Wedding Crasher, 296 pgs. Random House Press, 2010. $16.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-G.

The 13th Sammy Keyes mystery starts with the beginning of eighth grade—she has homeroom and history with her past nemesis Mr. Vince. She doesn’t have many classes with her best friend Marissa. Heather Acosta is as horrible as ever. Her maybe boyfriend Casey Acosta isn’t answering her calls. And her mom, Lady Lana, has hooked up with Casey’s dad. To make things worse, someone threatened Mr. Vince with “Die Dude” on the black board, a dead rat, and vandalized his car—and Sammy is the main suspect. Officer Borsch is on the job and soon to be married. When one of his fiancé’s bridesmaids drops out, Sammy steps in and wears a big, poufy purple dress with matching heels. Sammy must discover who is threatening Mr. Vince and why Casey stopped returning her calls. Fans of the series will no doubt enjoy this latest installment.

 Purchase if series is popular at your library.

 EL/MS – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Checkered Flag Cheater by Will Weaver

 Weaver, Will Checkered Flag Cheater, 198 pgs. D&M Publishers, Inc., 2010. Language - PG (26 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - G; Trace is living the dream. He's a well-known race car driver on billboards, is winning all the races, and the girls. But fans are starting to call him out as a cheater. He talks to his crew to try and sort things out, but this raises a good question: is it still cheating if you don't get caught? A pretty intense story and good read. I liked the story, the moral, and the great descriptions. I found it frustrating, though, when I was really into the book and than it started saying car this and car that, and I had no idea what it was talking about. So, I recommend this book, but you might want to have at least some knowledge of cars. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

The Tilting House by tom Llewellyn

Llewellyn, Tom The Tilting House, 150 pgs. Tricycle Press, 2010. Language - PG (2 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - G; Violence - G; Josh and his family move into a big house with tilted floors and writing all over the walls. Though weird and a little scary, they enjoy the house. This book tells about some experiences they had living in the strange house and uncovering some of its secrets. I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. It was filled with mystery and adventure and it had a great end with all the important questions answered. It still leaves more for the imagination, but what great books don't? EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

The Nine Pound Hammer by John Claude Bemis - ADVISABLE

Bemis, John Claude The Nine Pound Hammer, 357 pgs. Random House, 2009.

Language - PG (3 swears, 0 "f"), Mature Content - G; Violence - PG;

Ray and Sally are heading for a new home, traveling on a train with lots of other orphans. When Ray decides that leaving Sally will be better for her, Ray jumps off the train, having no idea what a difference that will make in the lives of those around him. He finds pirates, people with unreal gifts, and even his father. On this journey friends are made, enemies are gained, betrayal is present, and secrets are uncovered.

Wonderful all around. The characters are amazing, all with their own unique abilities and distinct personalities that have me hanging on to every word. I feel bonded with them, sad when they are, excited when they are, awed by them, hurt with them, just as extraordinary books should make you feel. I can't wait to read the next one.

MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

The Wolf Tree by John Claude Bemis - ADVISABLE

Bemis, John Claude The Wolf Tree, 385 pgs. Random House, 2010.

Language - PG (1 swear, 0 "f"), Mature Content - G; Violence - PG;

A darkness is over taking part of Kansas and there is reason to believe it has something to do with the Gog's machine. Ray and Marisol set out to look into it. Along the way, Marisol starts turning into the Rambler she knew she could be and Ray develops new talents. Meanwhile, Sally sets off on her own to find her father alone and without any knowledge on how to help herself, depending on the lodestone and her father's book. Conker and Jolie are another pair on their own journey. They are determined to fix the Nine Pound Hammer. Three journeys, one ultimate goal: destroy the Gog's machine. I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first one.

With lots of action and different groups of people, it was fun to read how they all eventually intertwined. It also stopped me from putting it down for even a moment. It made me sad to reach the end, and even sadder when I realized I don't have the third one in my possession. When I get it though, I hope it lives up to the expectations raised by the first two.

MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Phantom of Blood Alley by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

Stewart, Paul & Riddell, Chris Phantom of Blood Alley, 202 pgs. David Fickling Books, 2009. Language - PG (3 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG; Barnaby Grimes, tick-tock lad, takes on a job from Clarissa Oliphant to follow her secretive brother and report back to her. Unforeseeable to all, they get wrapped up in a murder mystery. Can Barnaby Grimes, tick-tock lad, prove innocence of the accused and catch the real murderer before getting killed himself? Very suspenseful and a pretty good book. I think it will be better enjoyed by the kids it's focused towards, but if a high schooler wants to read it, this book isn't a bad choice. EL MS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

Legion of the Dead by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

Stewart, Paul & Riddell, Chris Legion of the Dead, 225 pgs. David Fickling Books, 2008. Language - PG (2 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG; Barnaby Grimes is a successful tick-tock lad, earning him regular customers, one of which is Professor Pinkerton-Barnes. He has another theory and wants Barnaby to help him discover whether or not it's correct. They aren't prepared for the answer, though, or the mystery that is accidentally uncovered. Though entertaining, I still think these books are too young for high schoolers. I also think the authors get too carried away with the details. Some specifics are appreciated, but there are just too many and it's distracting. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

No Moon by Irene Watts

Watts, Irene No Moon, 232 pgs. Tundra Books, 2010.   $12.95. Language - G, Sexual Content- G; Violence- G; Louisa Gardener is a nursemaid taking care of a wealthy family's children in England in the year of 1912. Still haunted by the memories of her younger brother who drowned, she is in dread when the news arrives of her attending the maiden voyage of the Titanic with the family she works with. Even though readers will already know the terrible fate of Titanic, what they won't know is the brave journey of Louisa and her struggle to keep the children and herself alive on the sinking of the once thought "unsinkable" ship. This book is meant for the readers to get a visual of the Titanic and its short trip that never even met its destination. Sometimes I was astonished how many maids and servants are needed to keep a family going in the year of 1912. I would highly recommend it to those who are interested in the Historical fiction section of literature. MS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: HF

Crave by Laura J. Burns

Burns, Laura J. and Melinda Metz Crave, pgs. 278. Simon & Schuster, 2010. $9.99. Language- PG-13(35 swears, 1 ''F'' word) Mature Content- PG-13; Shay has an incurable blood disorder that nobody has seen before. She can't hang out with friends, go to parties, fall in love, or even make it through a week of school. Now her doctor-turned-stepfather is trying something new. He has a brand new treatment that he thinks will change Shay's life. With this new treatment she finally feels... Alive. Along with the new blood pumping through her veins, she gets to experience Gabriel. She sees what she thinks is part of his life, but she can't explain it. Who is Gabriel? Is she really what she thinks? And why does she have this connection to him?  I really enjoyed reading this book. This book is very well written, and I want more! The end is a cliffhanger and had me at the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books. I would highly recommend this book. This book is rated PG-13 for some sexual content. MS-HS ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: CG

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

Standiford, Natalie Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters, pgs. 320 Scholastic Press, 2010. $17.99. Langauge-PG-13; Sexual Content-PG-13; Violence-PG-13; Almighty Lou (Grandma) announces on Christmas the someone in the family has upset her. The whole family will not be in her will when she dies. Can the accused change Almighty's mind before New Years? The Sullivan sisters all have many wrongs but only one is the real upsetter. I didn't like how the book was split in three parts. (One part for each sister) but it gave more to the story and you got a new view from each. I liked the mystery feel about the book, and the end. MS-HS- OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer: K.B.

The Mermaids Mirror by L.K. Madigan

Madigan, L.K. The Mermaids Mirror, pgs.316 Houghton Mifflin, 2010. $16.00. Language-PG; Sexual Content-PG-13; Violence-G; Selena (Lena) just wants to surf. Her dad won't let her, but why? Can she convince him to let her, get over her hallucinations, and be a good daughter? A secret from her father’s past is awaiting Lena’s future at the bottom of the ocean.  I really liked that the book was about the ocean, but I wish the author would have changed the way Lena felt about Kai in the end. I wasn't so sure about the speaking through your mind thing with the mermaids, it was really weird idea. MS – OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer: K.B.

The Treasures of Muhammad Ali

The Treasures of Muhammad Ali, 62 p. Carlton Books (Sterling), 2010.  434.95.  When is bicycle is stolen, Cassius Clay meets Joe Martin, a local police officer, who helps Clay channel his anger in to something more productive – boxing.  Paying his dues in the amateur rings, taking on the world during the Olympics and then heading off to the big tickets of professional boxing – the highs and lows are all here to see.  100’s of photographs grace the pages, astute commentary fill in the facts, and fourteen facsimile documents bring Ali’s story to life.  There is always that certain type of guy that you never know what to buy – well this is it.  I am not even a fan of boxing and I found myself quickly engrossed in Ali’s story.  I like this enough that I am even going to put it in the school library.  I know I will probably lose most of the inserts, but they just enhance the story.  I could see lots of fathers receiving this for Father’s Day in June, too.  MS, HS – OPTIONAL.  GIFT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Rough Magic by Caryl Cude Mullin - OPTIONAL

Mullin, Caryl Cude Rough Magic, 264 pgs. Second Story Press, 2009. $10

Language-PG; Mature Content-PG; Violence-PG. 

This mysterious desert island has seen humans come and go, stealing its magic and enslaving its spirits. When the staff holding the powers of the island gets splintered and abandoned it is slowly dying with only one option that could save it from this fate. 

This book is interesting, but some parts are extremely confusing. The author does not go into enough detail, most of the time, to let the reader fully comprehend what is happening. 

MS, HS-OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer: CGM.  

Genius: Great Inventors and Their Creations by Jack Challoner

Challoner, Jack Genius: Great Inventors and Their Creations,  62 p. Carlton (sterling), 2010.  $39.95.  From Archimedes Screw to the World Wide Web, 28 geniuses, their lives and their pivotal inventions are celebrated within these pages.  Many other inventors, scientists and inventions are highlighted.  A variety of facsimiles documents will probably get lost along the way, but the beautiful photographs and the detailed information will last much longer.  While the names may be familiar, the information and side notes are fascinating to read.  I am keeping this one because its engaging text, attractive format, bright illustrations.  I will probably also buy a copy to give to my brother-in-law, an engineer at Northrup Grummond.  SHhhh – don’t tell.  EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Wolf Pie by Brenda Seabrooke

Seabrooke, Brenda Wolf Pie, 48 pgs. Clarion Books, 2010. PICTURE BOOK.  $16.00. Language-G; Mature Content-G; Violence-G; When a wolf and three pigs unexpectedly spend the whole winter together, they learn to enjoy each other's company. Though the wolf claims he has changed, his bad reputation keeps them from being friends. Can the wolf prove himself trustworthy in the eyes of the pigs? This is a great book that helps children learn that each and every person is different and unique in their own way. This book is well written and is cute for kids and anyone looking for a good short story to read. EL-ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer-CGM.