Starcrossed

Title: Starcrossed
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 7-10
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date: 2011
Pages: 487
 
Summary:
While all her friends drool and obsess, Helen hates the gorgeous new boy, Lucas, on sight.  Even worse, if less embarrassing than her public displays of animosity, are the gory, hideous weepers that materialize to goad Helen on when Lucas is around and haunt her dreams at night when he isn’t. When a near-death experience frees the duo from the Furies’ persecution, Helen discovers herself in a world she thought had ended with the Ancient Greeks, and drawn to the one boy in the universe she can never have.  With rival clans closing in, and Helen’s long-lost mother returning to carry out a scheme of her own, Helen must learn to control her own amazing power, and determine where her loyalties lie.  Sometimes, perhaps, love really cannot conquer all… or can it?

Review:

Fans of Twilight, look no further for your next obsession.  A gorgeous boyfriend who’s more than human, hate at first sight, a huge and boisterous family clan, rival factions all intent on killing both each other and the girl, and a star-crossed love affair that transcends all boundaries, Starcrossed, like its predecessor, has it all.  While this book has taken a beating for its similarities to both Twilight and the Percy Jackson books, both earlier series indicated that an audience for this type of fiction not only exists but is clamoring for more, and Starcrossed certainly helps to fill that gap.  The romance between Helen and Lucas is beautifully written, sensual and delicate without crossing too many lines.  If Angelini has one flaw (other than following in other authors’ footsteps), it is her tendency to give readers too much information and spoil her own surprises.

The Water Seeker

Title: The Water Seeker
Category: Historical
Grades: 5-10
Author: Kimberly Willis Holt
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
Date: 2010
Pages: 305

Summary:

Amos’s mother died giving birth to him, and his father, a dowser, has been away most of his life.  When his aunt and the only mother he’s ever known dies of the pox, Amos’s life becomes unstable as he is shuffled from one family to another.  Finally his father, remarried to an Indian woman, prepares to take Amos on the Oregon Trail along with a band of pioneers ready to make a new life for themselves in the West. Along the way, Amos falls hard for the pretty minister’s daughter, Jubilee.  As the scarred and ugly Gwendolyn looks on with envy, Amos attempts without success to court Jubilee while navigating the hazards of the Trail.  Eventually, Amos must make some difficult decisions, both about the Trail and about love in this touching coming-of-age novel.

Review:

The Water Seeker is not the novel most readers will expect.  The fantastical gift of dowsing plays only a minor role, making this novel more readily classified as historical fiction than fantasy.  Most of the story focuses on Amos’s growing years and coming of age on the Oregon Trail.  Young teens will empathize with Amos’s love and eventual loss of the unobtainable Jubilee, and Holt handles his growing and more subtle love for Gwendolyn, in spite of her physical appearance, with tact and grace. Readers of books like Worth and Avi’s The Barn will grow naturally into this story, but Amos’s romance is contemporary enough to appeal to a broad range of readers.  A story with merit and substance, Water Seeker will be a great addition to classrooms and libraries.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

Title: The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
Category: Historical
Grades: 4-6
Author: Joan Aiken
Publisher: Delacorte
Date: 1962
Pages: 181

Summary:

Wolves have always terrorized Willoughby Chase, but young Bonnie has grown used to them over the years.  Now, however, an entirely different kind of wolves threaten her beloved home in the form of her horrible governess, Miss Slighcarp, and her accomplice, Grimshaw.  When Bonnie’s parents leave on an extended vacation, Bonnie and Sylvia are left in Miss Slighcarp’s care.  Soon dumped into a dreadful, abusive home for orphans, and believing her parents dead, Bonnie finds a way to escape with Sylvia.  The goose boy, Simon, comes to their rescue, but Bonnie must find a way to expose the evil Miss Slighcarp’s plot if she is ever to return to her home.

Review:

Though the story is set in an alternate history of England, its plot and time period are reminiscent of Jane Eyre, albeit for children, while the children’s battle against villains like Miss Slighcarp and Mrs. Brisket will strike a chord with fans of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. While adults and older readers may find the book predictable and oversimplified, the targeted age will appreciate the children’s trials and eventual conquest over evil.  Indeed, younger children down to perhaps second grade would be likely to enjoy the story but the vocabulary is likely to require it to be shared as a read-aloud.  A little mystery, a little terror, and a lot of adventure combine to make Wolves an engaging and enjoyable read for intermediate students.

The Christmas Magic

Title: The Christmas Magic
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 3-5 years
Author: Lauren Thompson
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Publisher: Scholastic
Date: 2009

Summary:

In his little house, Santa prepares himself and his reindeer for the arrival of the Christmas magic.

Review:

This story is a lyrical and sweet depiction of a little old man who loves the children of the world. The illustrations are soft watercolor and pastel that lend a surreality and timeless, lonely feel to the pictures.  Young children will warm to Santa in his bare feet darning his socks or in his bunny slippers selecting their presents with care, and adults will appreciate the gentle and touching reminders of this old legend.  Detractors for some children may include the limited plot – the book is more descriptive than narrative – and Santa’s isolation.  The elves and workshop are not depicted, making Santa’s life seem slow, secluded, and quiet.  

Strega Nona's Gift

Title: Strega Nona’s Gift
Category: Picture Book
Grades: PreK - 2
Author: Tomie dePaola
Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Date: 2011

Summary:
The holidays are coming to Calabria, Italy and Strega Nona is preparing.  Big Anthony is helping, but when he eats the gift for Signora Goat on the Eve of Epiphany, Signora Goat becomes angry and eats his blanket.  Big Anthony must find a way to make amends, and the Day of Epiphany will bring just the opportunity he needs.

Review:

Tomie dePaola’s whimsical illustrative style and well researched stories of traditional legends and lore are no stranger to those who work with children’s literature.  Nor does he disappoint in this new tale of his original characters, Strega Nona and Big Anthony.  Children will enjoy the return of Big Anthony, whose bumbling ways are not unlike Amelia Bedelia and sure to incite laughs from preK and early elementary children, whose developing sense of humor will appreciate both Big Anthony’s mistake and Signora Goat’s revenge.  This book is also useful for teachers looking for material on multicultural Christmas traditions, as it covers several of the Italian celebration days through the winter holiday season.  The only minor drawback to this story is that dePaola tries to both tell a story and give a lot of information about the Italian traditions; the first half of the book is more expository than narrative.  Nevertheless, an educational and entertaining read for the holiday season.

Fablehaven

Title: Fablehaven

Category: Fantasy

Grades: 5-8

Author: Brandon Mull

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Date: 2006

Pages: 351

Summary:

Kendra and Seth have been sent to stay with the grandparents they barely know while their parents are away. Little do they know that their grandfather is the caretaker of the magical sanctuary of Fablehaven, a refuge for all sorts of faeries and mystical creatures, and their grandmother has been placed under a terrible spell and turned into a chicken.  When Seth captures a fairy, the rest of the fae take revenge, destroying their home and taking their grandfather prisoner.  Now Seth and Kendra, with the help of a naiad turned human and their friends at Fablehaven must restore their grandmother and rescue their grandfather before the great demon Bahamut is released from his prison and destroys them all.

Review:

Fablehaven appears to be an attempt to capitalize on and compete with the several successful fantasy novels and renewed interest in the genre that has occurred in the last several years.  While it is a quasi-decent example of the genre, this reviewer found it sorely lacking overall.  The story incorporates a mish-mash of creatures from myth and folklore but the mix of characters seems to give the story the feel of a crazy quilt as opposed to a polished, seamless tale.  The biggest objection however, must be reserved for Seth.  While his curiosity and tendency to not listen is somewhat acceptable at first, his obstinate determination to completely disregard any rules he is given – even after he has experienced severe consequences firsthand – suggest that he is not just disobedient but that he has no care at all for what might happen to him or the members of his family.  Most of the events of the story are caused directly by Seth’s refusal to do what he is told, and his disobedience is not only annoying but difficult to find believable.  Younger girls will enjoy Kendra’s side of the story and her unlikely encounter with the Fairy Queen, and fantasy fans will probably still find merit in the story with its cast of colorful characters and fast-paced action.  Fans of the genre will probably enjoy it, but more sophisticated readers may find some of the characterization and subsequent plot points a stretch.

Chime

Title: Chime
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 9-12
Author: Franny Billingsley
Publisher: Dial Books
Date: 2011
Pages: 361

Summary:

Briony is a witch.  By the age of seventeen, she has injured and killed her stepmother and caused the accident that damaged her twin sister’s mind. Ensnared in self-loathing and the terrible secrets that will surely see her hanged if they are known, Briony lives to care for her sister and try to redeem herself.  Eldric, with his gorgeous clothes, city ways, and golden lion’s mane, confuses her.  He makes her want to cry, but witches don’t cry.  He makes her feel odd inside, but of course witches can’t fall in love.  When the Old Ones reveal to Briony that the draining of the swamp will curse the townspeople, including Rose, to die of the Swamp Cough, Briony makes a terrible bargain and summons the ghosts of the town’s dead children to try to stop the town.  When her secret is revealed, along with another deadly declaration from the grave, even Eldric’s love for her may not be enough to save her from the people’s fear and from the law.

Review:

Chime is a difficult read; there’s really no way around that.  Younger readers will not understand it, and even older teens will probably need to be strong readers in order to tackle it.  The language is dense, and the main character often buried in the morass of her own confused self-loathing, making the story slow down in places and occasionally difficult to understand.  Through the opening sequences, the author creates a character in a situation so distasteful that putting the book down was very tempting.  However, once the reader adapts to the writing style and emerges from the early scenes, it becomes easier to recognize Chime for the masterpiece it truly is. Beautifully wordsmithed, well-researched, with complex and authentic character development, Chime is a powerful, compelling story in which nothing is as it appears.  Billingsley captures the powerful ability of an abused mind to protect itself and survive with amazing authenticity, the depth and slow bloom of the young lovers’ relationship is breathtaking, and the slow reveal of both Rose’s character and the mystery surrounding Briony, if not always a complete surprise, are extremely well played. 

Hate that Cat

Title: Hate that Cat

Category: Realistic, Verse Novel

Grades: 3-7

Author: Sharon Creech

Publisher: Joanna Cotler Books

Date: 2008

Pages: 125

Summary:

Jack is back, a year older and a year more full of insight.  With the same English teacher, Jack again journeys through his school year in verse.  Tired of writing about Sky, Jack searches for other subjects, including the big black cat that attacked him when he was younger, his mixed feelings about having a new kitten, and his deaf mother. 

Review:

Thoroughly as delightful as the original, Hate that Cat will amuse and encourage young readers, particularly fans of Love that Dog.  Creech once again demonstrates her masterful ability to convey a character’s depth and full range of thoughts and emotions through the simple, entirely convincing lines of Jack’s journal.  Readers will both laugh at and sympathize with Jack’s irritation at writing and his comments like, “I can’t do it./Brain frozen,” and “You can’t just alliterate and onomatopoeiate/all over the place/can you?” Creech moves beyond the common experience of losing a beloved pet in this novel and allows Jack to attempt to reconcile his mother’s deafness to his love of sound and poetry, opening the door for younger readers to a more multicultural point of view.  Another must-read from Sharon Creech.

Something to Blog About

Title: Something to Blog About

Category: Realistic

Grades: 6-9

Author: Shana Norris

Publisher: Amulet Books

Date: 2008

Pages: 246

Summary:

Libby Fawcett is failing chemistry.  However, that’s not nearly enough to stop her from agreeing to tutor Seth, her crush since the eighth grade.  With her best friend Keisha, and her cousin Roger (who is busy trying to get Keisha’s attention), Libby has to find a way both to pass and to win Seth’s heart.  Unfortunately, Angel Rivera, prettiest girl in school, who already has a thing for tormenting Libby, likes Seth too.  To make matters worse, Libby’s mom and Angel’s dad have been dating behind their backs for months.  But when Angel finds a way into Libby’s password-protected blog and spills her secrets all over the school, Libby is sure that Angel has won and she will never be able to face school again.

Review:

There are absolutely no surprises in this book.  It ends exactly how we expect, the characters are stereotyped and predictable, and the story is not unique.  Yet with all that said, Something to Blog About is a truly charming example of its genre, a warm and funny tale, and a great read for its intended audience.  Written for younger teens and tweens, this age group will absolutely relate to Libby’s feelings of insecurity, her confusion over the opposite sex, and to the troubles she has with Angel at school.  Norris even manages to shed some light into Angel’s character, and if the ending is a little too good to be true, we still are glad we ended up there.

Entwined

Title: Entwined
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 9-12
Author: Heather Dixon
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date: 2011
Pages: 472

Summary:

Their mother is dead, and their aloof, critical father wants nothing to do with them.  Stifled by mourning, Azalea and her eleven sisters cannot resist the enchanted world below their palace, the beautiful realm through the secret passage that allows them to dance, talk, and be themselves every night.  Their magic world is guarded by the Keeper, a strange and mysterious man who seems both charming and gracious.  Yet Azalea is suspicious.  As their precious small trinkets go missing, and troubling dreams of her mother haunt her, Azalea becomes convinced that Keeper is not what he seems at all, and that his purpose in keeping them with him each night is far more sinister than they realize.  When Azalea fails to comply, and a terrible magic releases Keeper into the world above, Azalea must turn to her estranged father for help to save her sisters and her father himself before Keeper’s ancient blood oath can destroy them all.

Review:

“Twelve Dancing Princesses” was an enchanting fairy tale, but not one with a lot of length or substance.  In Entwined, Dixon has created a masterful enhancement of this basic tale, fully fleshed with a complex and subtle plot that will keep many different types of readers entertained.  Lush, rich in detail, and beautifully wordsmithed, Entwined is part fantasy, part horror, and all surprise as the plot twists and turns and folds back upon itself, leaving readers uncertain as to what lies past the next page.  Perhaps Dixon’s strongest asset is her incredible characterization; she captures both the odd and terrible effects of grief and power, and combines them with the overriding love of a parent for his children to create fully realized, three-dimensional characters.  Even lesser characters like Lord Teddy, Clover, and Bramble are multifaceted and never stereotyped.  A riveting read, and by far the best retelling of this fairy tale this reviewer has ever encountered.

Smile

Title: Smile
Category: Graphic Novel, Realistic
Grades: 6-10
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Publisher: Graphix
Date: 2010
Pages: 214

Summary:

Lots of children get braces.  But for Raina, braces are only the beginning.  After a bad fall knocks her two front teeth out, Raina must have not only braces, but repeated surgeries and dental work to help her look normal again.  Through the process, Raina struggles to fit in with her peers and cope with the many other hazards of growing up, and learns to be confident in herself and the things she enjoys.

Review:

A winner for young people who struggle with feeling or looking “different,” Smile will surely strike a chord.  The story is told in graphic format, but the illustrations are clear and the story is easy to follow.  Any reader who has ever had braces will sympathize with some of the physical pain Raina describes, and most will readily relate to her experiences with cruel “friends.”  Because the story is autobiographical, some readers may find that it wanders a bit through daily events that are otherwise unrelated to the main plot.  The main character is almost completely defined by her teeth and the process of restoring them to the point that some readers may have difficulty fully connecting with her experience, or become bored by the orthodontia details.  However, for the right reader, this book will be a big hit.  Best audiences will likely include girls, readers who feel isolated or different particularly for physical reasons, and possibly readers who have had extensive dental work or other medical procedures.

Darke

Title: Darke
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 5-10
Author: Angie Sage
Illustrator: Mark Zug
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Date: 2011
Pages: 622

Summary:

The time has come for Septimus’s Darke Week, a frightening portion of apprenticeship in which he must embark on a special quest or project to teach him to balance the darker side of every wizard’s nature, and use Darke Magyk responsibly and carefully.  It comes just in time for Alther Mella has been Banished, and Septimus will journey to the Darke Halls to attempt to bring him back.  Unfortunately, other trouble is brewing; imposter Merrin Meredith has mastered the powers of the Two-Faced Ring and created a Darke Domain that is rapidly overtaking the castle.  If it is not stopped, soon it will devour the Wizard’s Tower and the town as well.  With Jenna, Beetle, and Simon Heap, who is determined to reform, Marcia Overstrand and Septimus must each use all their Magyk and skill to save their loved ones from the Darke.

Review:

Sage continues to be a fresh, innovative, and witty writer with intriguing plot ideas and strong, ongoing character development.  One of her darker installments to the series, Darke is nevertheless another vibrant, fast-paced read, full of the humor and action fans will have grown to love.  As always, Sage’s characters continue to surprise us with their changes of heart, their multifaceted personalities, and their true humanity even within the archetypal roles they often fulfill.  Another success in the Septimus Heap series.

The Diamond of Darkhold

Title: The Diamond of Darkhold
Category: Science Fiction
Grades: 4-8
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Publisher: Random House
Date: 2008
Pages: 285

Summary:

Doon, Lina and the rest of the people of Ember have been working hard to rebuild their lives and community above in the town of Sparks.  Adjusting and providing for themselves in new ways has proven to be difficult.  When Doon purchases an old book written by the Builders from a roamer, he discovers they left more behind than an escape route – a mysterious piece of technology meant to help the people of Ember succeed in their new life.  But when he and Lina travel back to Ember, they find it has been taken over by a horrible family of savages who have stolen the gift – a gigantic blue diamond – and renamed the city Darkhold.  Captured, Doon must find an escape and figure out a way to retake Ember and her gifts for her own people.

Review:

Returning to the story fans know and love, DuPrau wraps up this series with style. Readers will appreciate having Doon and Lina back again in this final installment, and DuPrau once again creates an interesting story with characters that are multifaceted and complex.  The problems that plagued Yonwood are no longer in evidence – as a side note, while the author attempts to reference Yonwood briefly, the need for that book still does not become apparent.  The end is slightly predictable and has a large helping of “happy ever after” sugar, but is still likely to please younger readers who like their ends tied up neatly.  DuPrau is to be commended for recognizing when her story has been fully told and wrapping it up.  Fans of the series will not be disappointed in this last chapter.

The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1: The Field Guide

Title: The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1: The Field Guide

Category: Fantasy

Grades: 2-5

Author: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date: 2003

Pages: 107

Summary:

After the divorce, Jared’s mother moves their family to their great-aunt’s ramshackle, rotting house out in the middle of nowhere.  Though Jared is often in trouble at school since the divorce, he certainly isn’t behind the strange noises in the walls.  He didn’t knot his sister’s hair to her bed or destroy the kitchen.  But someone did.  A secret room, a mysterious verse, a visit to a secret hiding place may help Jared solve the mystery.  Or perhaps the answer is in the strange book, Arthur Spiderwick’s Guide to the Fantastical World around You. But if the guide is true, faeries really do exist all around them… and the trouble is only beginning.

Review:

The Field Guide is better considered the first chapter of the Chronicles that merely happens to be in book form, as all five of the stories create one entire tale.  Jared is a refreshingly imperfect and unlikely hero.  Young readers will appreciate his frustration and anger over the divorce, and will definitely sympathize with his trials, particularly since he often gets in trouble for things he did not do.  Though the book would be enjoyed by quite young children, even down to first and second grade, newer readers may have difficulty with the vocabulary and benefit from reading with an adult or having the book read to them.  The small size and short chapters make the book appealing to younger readers ready to grow as chapter readers, and also for struggling readers.  The pace is quick, the characters varied, and the telling both humorous and believable.  An auspicious beginning to a great series, and a fun read-aloud.

Wishing for Tomorrow: The Sequel to A Little Princess

Title: Wishing for Tomorrow: The Sequel to A Little Princess
Category: Realistic
Grades: 3-6
Author: Hilary McKay
Illustrator: Nick Maland
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Date: 2009
Pages: 273 

Summary:

Nothing is the same since Sara left Miss Minchin’s.  The school was all a-fuss for a while, but now Sara has moved away and Ermengarde is back to the boring, miserable life she led before Sara came.  Lavinia, still horribly snobbish, is wrapped up in studying for college.  Jessie is flirting and sighing over the cute boy who moved in next door, and Lottie is, as ever, up to mischief.  Sure that Sara no longer cares about her, Ermengarde must forge a new life and a new social circle for herself.  But when fire erupts at the Seminary, Ermengarde discovers courage she did not know she possessed.

Review:

Attempting to add to a tale as well-known and loved as A Little Princess is a daunting task, and not to be undertaken lightly.  While McKay characterizes major players like Ermengarde, Lottie and Lavinia well enough, true fans of the original will be irritated by the many small discrepancies between this story and Burnett’s tale.  More problematic, the book lacks any sort of substantial plot – it is indeed the story of what happened to the girls left at school when Sara departed, and the answer seems to be “nothing much.”  The book does contain some funny vignettes, but lacks the substance and realism of the book it aspires to follow.

Syren

Title: Syren
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 4-9
Author: Angie Sage
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Date: 2009
Pages: 610 

Summary:

Now a Senior Apprentice, Septimus returns to the Port to bring Jenna and the rest of their party back to the Castle.  Meanwhile, Aunt Zelda sends Wolf Boy on the quest to make him the new Keeper, one that will take him straight into the clutches of the Port Witch Coven.  When Spit Fyre is terribly injured, Septimus takes refuge on a small island where he runs afoul of the Syren, a vengeful spirit that has taken Possession of Syrah Syara, once the ExtraOrdinary Apprentice herself.  Syrah pleads with Septimus not only to help set her free, but to aid her in stopping the Syren and her cohorts, for together with a giant army of jinn, they are planning to take over the castle.

Review:

Perhaps not quite as strong a tale as Physik and Queste, Syren nonetheless is another unique addition to the Septimus Heap chronicles.  Sage has taken some time to deepen the relationship between Jenna and her father here, and also allowed Septimus to grow and mature.  She is adept at writing multiple storylines and weaving them together over both one book and the series as a whole, and it seems evident that she has a long-term outcome in mind which drives her writing.  The side line with Wolf Boy, along with the main plotline of the Syren and the jinn army were interesting and well-placed.  As with Flyte and even Physik, some small sections seemed slightly dry.  The depth of the story, however, will appeal to fans who are growing older with Septimus, and Syren is still a solid addition to the series that will not disappoint.

Queste

Title: Queste
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 4-9
Author: Angie Sage
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Date: 2008
Pages: 570

Summary:

The vicious Tertius Fume, though only a ghost, still manages to cause mountains of trouble in this new epic by Sage. Forcing the dreaded Draw upon Septimus several years too early, he and his followers trick Septimus into accepting the Queste, an unlucky Draw that no Apprentice has ever before returned from.  Septimus finds himself on the search for Nicko and Snorri, who were lost in the past.  Together with Jenna and Beetle, he must brave the House of Foryx, encounter Hotep-Ra himself, and find Nicko before the House of Foryx can ensnare the trio forever.  Meanwhile, Merrin Meredith has discovered the Darke index, managed to gain control of DomDaniel’s Two-Faced Ring, and is desperately seeking a way to win his position and name back from Septimus Heap.

Review:

Sage continues to demonstrate true inspiration as she once again delivers an unexpected, original storyline with the characters fans know and love so well.  Perhaps topping her prior installment, Queste is a remarkable and unique adventure full of the interesting twists and turns, the humor, and the vibrant color Sage is known for.  Not unlike Rowling, Sage allows her characters to age and grow, and older readers who may not have cared for the younger heroes may have more empathy for Septimus as he enters the angsty teen years.  Sage also sets the stage for more installments in this delightful series.

Physik

Title: Physik
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 4-8
Author: Angie Sage
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Date: 2007
Pages: 525 

Summary:

When Silas unknowingly unleashes the ghost of dreaded queen, Etheldredda, from her prison, she immediately begins plotting to take her kingdom back from Princess Jenna.  Trying to escape her clutches, Jenna unwittingly leads her brother, Septimus, to a magic mirror that drags him five hundred years into the past.  In this ancient world, Septimus becomes apprentice to Marcellus Pye, the ancient (and infamous) Alchemist and Physician. Jenna and her brother Nicko, along with his girlfriend Snorri, pursue Septimus through the glass, but become trapped in the past as well.

Review:

Sage continues to surprise readers with unexpected tales, and Physik certainly takes some unanticipated twists.  Slightly darker than its predecessors, the book has some scary spots, but nothing that should deter young readers. Fans will enjoy encountering their favorite characters again, and meeting some new ones.  Parts of the book dragged slightly, particularly with respect to Queen Etheldredda and her aggravating pet Aie-Aie; further, Silas Heap’s continuing ineptness may annoy older readers.  However, the book was overall, perhaps the best of the series to date, and readers can count on Sage’s trademark humor, pace, and off-the-cuff characterization to keep them glued to the last page.

Flyte

Title: Flyte
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 4-8
Author: Angie Sage
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Date: 2006

Pages: 514

Summary:

Septimus has spent a year absorbed in the duties and education of his apprenticeship, but life as the ExtraOrdinary Wizard’s apprentice is never dull.  Marcia is being tailed by a Darke shadow that she can’t seem to see.  Even worse, Septimus’s oldest brother Simon is convinced that Septimus stole his rightful place and has turned to Darke magic to reclaim what is his.  But when Simon abducts Princess Jenna and no one seems concerned, Septimus knows he must set out after her himself.  Along the way, he is imprinted by a baby dragon, and discovers the secrets of the lost art of Flyte. But with Simon struggling to raise his master DomDaniel from the dead, even that may not be enough.

Review:

Flyte is in many ways, equal to its predecessor.  The best of Sage’s writing continues here with humor, a huge cast of colorful, often larger-than-life characters, and a quick-paced plot full of twists, turns, and adventures.  Sage excels at taking the traditional components and archetypes of fantasy and using them in appealing, original ways.  Like Mercedes Lackey does for adult fantasy, Sage writes stories that in a general way may have been told hundreds of times; she just tells it better than everyone else.  Fans of Magyk will not be disappointed, and new readers will be at the library looking for the one they missed.

Moon over Manifest

Title: Moon over Manifest
Category: Historical
Grades: 4-7
Author: Clare Vanderpool
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date: 2010
Pages: 342

Summary:

Shipped to the town of Manifest for the summer, Abilene is afraid her father has abandoned her.  While she waits for summer’s end, she explores the town, making friends and hoping to discover more about her father’s past.  When she loses her father’s precious compass to the strange old lady next door, Abilene goes to work for her to earn it back.  But Miss Sadie is also a storyteller, and the hours fill with the tales of the town in years past, young Ned Gillen with his bright future who goes to war, and a drifter lad named Jinx, fleeing from the law who creates a scheme to save the town from the corruption of the mining companies and the poverty of the Great Depression.

Review:

Finally, a Newbery winner worthy of the title.  Moon over Manifest is a beautifully complex and lush story, weaving layer upon layer together to create a vibrant tale of mystery, humor, relationships, and family in the Great Depression.  The multi-genre approach Vanderpool uses does not detract from the story, nor does the use of a storyteller to create the story-within-story weaving through the novel.  While the book’s plot may be too complex for younger readers, no upper age limit truly exists, as adults will find this book enthralling as well.  Each page is a new discovery, a new story, another layer, another piece of the puzzle.  Readers will appreciate Jinx’s cleverness and if one or two plot points are slightly predictable, the path to them are still unexpected.  Wholly satisfying and beautifully researched, Moon over Manifest is a must-read.

Out of the Woods

Title: Out of the Woods
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 4-7
Author: Lyn Gardner
Illustrator: Mini Grey
Publisher: David Fickling
Date: 2009
Pages: 350

Summary:

Storm and her sisters find themselves once again caught up in an adventure they’d rather have avoided in this sequel to Into the Woods.  A beautiful woman arrives at Eden’s End, claiming to be the girls’ new stepmother and insisting that their father has died.  What they do not know is that really she is an evil witch determined to have Aurora’s heart in order to remain young and beautiful.  To make matters worse, the magical pipe which Storm threw into the sea has found its way back to her and tricked from her by the witch and her baby sister, Any, has been turned into a frog.  In the struggle over the heart, Aurora herself is killed, leaving Storm despondent until a strange message from the Underworld leads her down into death itself.  Racing against time, Storm must find a way to rescue her sister and her mother from the Underworld and trap the pipe there forever.  Along the way, she will encounter several old enemies, who will stop at nothing to thwart her mission and return to the land of the living in her place.

Review:

Gardner’s writing is not unlike that of Roald Dahl, with that touch of wry, zany humor and a slightly tongue-in-cheek approach that leaves readers surprised constantly with what will happen and makes sure that children are always the good guys.  Out of the Woods is as stuffed with allusions and fragments of folklore as its predecessor, as well as the strong theme of family ties that is realized even more fully in this second installment.  Full of action, adventure, and humor, Out of the Woods  is another whirlwind ride that upper elementary children will delight in. 

Out of the Woods

Title: Does My Head Look Big in This?
Category: Realistic, Multicultural
Grades: 8-12
Author: Randa Abdel-Fattah
Publisher: Orchard Books
Date: 2005
Pages: 360

Summary:

As Amal begins her junior year at an exclusive private prep school, she makes the decision to wear her hijab, the headscarf worn by Muslim women, full-time.  Amal must cope with all the trials of adolescence, including friends with parent problems, weird family members, and her growing friendship with the cutest boy she knows, as well as discovering with who she is as a young Muslim woman and overcoming the difficulties anyone who is “different” surely must face.

Review:

A debut for Abdel-Fattah, and overall, an interesting and enjoyable read.  Amal is hilariously sassy, with great comebacks for many of her persecutors, and under her headscarf, a spunky and genuine “girl next door.”  She and her closest friends struggle not only with questions and discoveries about their religious identities but also their racial and cultural identities, making this an intriguing look into several cultures not commonly seen in young adult writing.  The books only minor flaw is a tendency toward preachiness in places, and slightly repetitive defense of Islam, not surprising perhaps in the current global climate, but redundant after a time.  A great read for Muslim girls who may be exploring their own identities, but also for other teens who will appreciate the insight into a culture not their own, but be fully able to relate to Amal’s very typical teen struggles.

Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink

Title: Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 5-7 years
Author: Diane De Groat
Illustrator: Diane De Groat

Publisher: Morrow Junior Books

Date: 1996

Summary:

Gilbert doesn't mind having to write valentines for most of his classmates, but two of them he definitely does not want to do.  Instead, Gilbert writes two mean poems to those classmates and signs the other's name to each one.  His ploy is soon discovered, and soon the whole class is ignoring Gilbert for the trick he pulled.  Gilbert finally decides to apologize and learns it's far better to be nice to others than to be nasty. 

Review:

Kindergarten readers will be able to sympathize with Gilbert's plight and will enjoy the realistic story presented in this book.  They are developmentally able to handle the number of characters in the story and will love the soft, detailed watercolors of Gilbert and his classmates, depicted anthropomorphically here.  The illustrations are large and eye-catching but suit the gentle theme of the story.

The Web Files

Title: The Web Files
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 5-7 years
Author: Margie Palatini
Illustrator: Richard Egielski
Publisher: Hyperion
Date: 2001

Summary:

Ducktectives Web and Bill are on the case of the missing peck of purple pickled peppers.  The trail leads them to more missing vegetables including a load of leafy lettuce and a tub of tart, tasty tomatoes.  Finally, they track down That Dirty Rat and have him hauled to jail for stealing vegetables and having bad hygiene.

Review:

The story is recorded as a detective's log, with short descriptions organized by the time of day at which they occurred.  Not only is it full of alliteration and silly puns, it fractures most of the common nursery rhymes kindergarteners are likely to be familiar with, and turns them into hilarious additions to the story.  The plot involves multiple characters and a more convoluted storyline that will appeal to kindergarteners.  It makes a wonderful introduction to fractured tales, and older children, whose sense of humor is more developed will be able to appreciate this element fully.  The illustrations are painted with a warm palette and some contain a lot of background detail based on the text and will appeal to older children looking for more visual interest in their books.

Hot Rod Hamster

Title: Hot Rod Hamster
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 4-6 years
Author: Cynthia Lord
Illustrator: Derek Anderson
Publisher: Scholastic
Date: 2010

Summary:

In spite of its short, rhymed text, the vocabulary, highly detailed illustrations and more complex dual story line make this book definitely a higher level read and perfect for kindergarteners.  The story follows a hamster as he and his bulldog friend build a hotrod for the upcoming race.  Although the hamster is the smallest entry in the race, he wins handily.  The main text on each page focuses on one aspect of the car or the race, offers several options in rhyme and asks which the reader would choose.  Meanwhile, the hamster and his friend discuss the car in speech bubbles in the background, focused on burning rubber and tearing up the racetrack. 

Review:

Kindergarteners, particularly those with some experience with cars, will enjoy this fast-pace racing book.  The dual plot will provide them with a higher level of detail and vocabulary, and the spunky little hamster is sure to make them smile.  The illustrations are extremely cute, but also full of detail and highly saturated with a warm, bright palette.  The cover is embossed with metal accents and raised title letters.  The illustrations add to the story and will captivate young readers with their humor and rich detail.  They will enjoy interacting with the stories and selecting their own choices for the car as the story progresses.  The rhyme scheme and repetitive word pattern will help emerging readers begin to process some of the text on their own.

Peas

Title: Peas
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 4-7 years
Author: Nicholas Heller
Illustrator: Nicholas Heller
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date: 1993

Summary:

Lewis really hates peas.  He certainly doesn't believe his mother when she tells him he will hurt their feelings by not eating them.  When he goes to sleep, however, the peas wake up and decide to explore.  After wrecking Lewis's electric train, the peas despair of being eaten, and Lewis wakes up.  Although he is pretty sure he dreamed the whole thing, he eats his peas for breakfast just in case. 

Review:

Kindergarteners will appreciate this silly twist on a familiar situation.  The text is longer and complex enough to keep their interest, and the scenario should be a familiar one to most children who have turned their noses up at a vegetable.  Illustrations are vivid, highly detailed and saturated with bright colors.  Lots to look at and a cartoonish style will attract kindergarteners and are most appropriate for this age.

Ella Sets the Stage

Title: Ella Sets the Stage
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 3-7
Author: Carmela & Steven D’amico
Illustrator: Carmela & Steven D’amico
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Date: 2006

Summary:

Everyone is excited about the school talent show except Ella.  As far as she can tell, she has no special talent, and she dreads being up onstage.  Ella soon finds other ways to make herself useful, helping backstage, painting signs, sewing up torn costumes, and coming to the rescue of a frightened monkey.  Ella finally realizes that though her talents don't lend themselves to performing onstage, she is blessed with many useful qualities and is much braver than she once believed.

Review:

Sweet, unique illustrations create a truly enchanting little heroine that children will identify with and love quickly.  Though the text is not overly long, the plot is complex enough for kindergarteners, and with school experience, they will be the most likely to enjoy and connect with this book.

Dragonhaven

Title: Dragonhaven
Category: Fantasy
Grades: 8-12
Author: RobinMcKinley
Publisher: G.P.Putnam’s Sons
Date: 2007

Pages: 342

Summary:

Although Jake hoped to see dragons on his first solo foray into the wilds of Smokehill National Park, he did not expect to encounter one dying next to the poacher she had killed.  He certainly did not expect to find the last of her babies still living or end up being the caretaker of an illegal infant dragonet.  As Lois grows more and more difficult to care for and keep hidden, Jake and other park rangers trying to save her concoct a scheme to move Lois out into the wilds of the park again.  Soon Jake is caught up in the mysterious culture of the dragons as they seek to reconnect with their lost one, and he becomes their unlikely spokesperson, mediating between the dying dragon race and a world of humans who fear them.

Review:

McKinley does have a gift for telling a story, and that is evident in Dragonhaven if one has the perseverance to progress far enough into the book to find it.  While McKinley’s characterization is strong, and her premise oddly believable, Jake’s disjointed and often fragmented way of telling the story may give many readers difficulty following the tale or becoming invested in it.  A slow starter, the book nevertheless takes some very interesting spins, and McKinley certainly does not fall into the category of “predictable.”  Dragonhaven is a unique take on a favorite topic, and Jake’s teen and then adult role as “dragon ambassador,” along with the complexity of the Smokehill dragons’ knowledge and culture may appeal quite strongly to dragon and fantasy fans.

Sphinx's Queen

Title: Sphinx’s Queen
Category: Historical
Grades: 8-12
Author: Esther Friesner
Publisher: Random House
Date: 2010
Pages: 347

Summary:

Fleeing for her life, Nefertiti has escaped the clutches of the Pharaoh’s regent, Thutmose, who has banded with the chief priests in order to accuse her of crimes which she did not commit.  Now Nefertiti and Amenophis must make the perilous journey down the Nile to Dendera to plead their case before Pharaoh himself.  In Dendera, however, there is no respite, as Nefertiti is placed on trial before the goddess of truth, Ma’at, whose voice Thutmose has corrupted and bought.  When Thutmose’s plans for Nefertiti fail, his insanity comes to light before the entire crowd and his favor with the Pharaoh is lost.  Now Nefertiti must find a way to mend the broken ties between Thutmose, the Pharaoh’s vengeful wife, and Amenophis before Pharaoh declares another to be his successor. 

Review:

This sequel for the most part is as good as its predecessor.  In Friesner’s hands, Nefertiti becomes again a spunky and courageous young woman determined to defeat the odds and marry the man she loves.  Teens will appreciate both the historical context, particularly older teens who have studied ancient Egypt, and the independence and spirit of the protagonist.  The plot is complex and full of surprises, keeping readers on their toes.  However, the last sections of the book are somewhat disappointing.  After Thutmose’s defeat, Nefertiti lifts him out of his blue funk in basically one visit and the mental illness that has plagued him seems to simply be gone.  More mature readers may have difficulty swallowing his inexplicable about-face, as well as Aunt Tiye’s change of heart, as Friesner backs both up with only the flimsiest of reasons.  In spite of this one major flaw, still an enjoyable read overall.

Sphinx's Princess

Title: Sphinx’s Princess
Category: Historical
Grades: 7-12
Author: Esther Friesner
Publisher: Random House
Date: 2009
Pages: 365

Summary:

Nefertiti is determined to learn to read and write… and she is even more determined to marry for love.  Her father forbids the one, and her aunt, the Great Royal Wife of the Pharaoh, threatens her family into betrothing Nefertiti to her son, Thutmose.  Thutmose is handsome, but arrogant, obnoxious, and wildly jealous.  Denied any contact with the other palace women and her own family, a lonely Nefertiti finds unlikely friends in the small slave girl Berett, the scribe Henenu and even the second son of the Pharaoh, Amenophis.  After overhearing a plot to destroy the queen and Thutmose, Nefertiti finds herself unjustly accused of crimes she did not commit.  Soon it becomes all too clear that Thutmose will stop at nothing to be rid of her, and Nefertiti must find a way to escape before he succeeds.

Review:

Friesner continues to improve as a writer.  Her books about Helen were beautifully researched and written and Sphinx’s Princess is as well, delving into ancient Egyptian history with confidence and authenticity, yet still creating a young heroine modern readers will immediately relate to.  Nefertiti is a strong, beautiful young woman determined not to be bound by her society’s rules, and living in the midst of dangerous political and religious intrigue.  She handles herself with cleverness and grace, and needs no servant or husband to look out for her.  Friesner combines this exquisite character with an action-packed plot, full of secrets and danger as Nefertiti must first survive and later escape to save her own life.  This cliffhanger, perhaps the best of Friesner’s writing to date, will send readers running to the library for the sequel.

Nobody's Prize

Title: Nobody’s Prize
Category: Historical
Grades: 8-12
Author: Esther Friesner
Publisher: Random House
Date: 2008
Pages: 306

Summary:

Disguised as a boy, Helen, and her faithful servant Milo sneak aboard the Argo to sail with Jason and his men in search of the Golden Fleece.  As the crew sets sail on their adventure, Helen has her hands full with adventures of her own: avoiding discovery by her brothers and the crew, flirting with Herakles’s weapons bearer, and keeping up with her tasks for Iolaus, who knows who she really is.  After the onset of womanhood leads to her discovery, she takes on the role of Atalanta, the warrior woman instead, and unwillingly ends up in a struggle with Medea for Jason’s affections.

Review:

Friesner weaves together several historical ideas and myths in this sequel to Nobody’s Princess.  Readers familiar with or interested in Greek mythology will particularly appreciate the “historical” explanation of the Golden Fleece, along with the insight into Medea’s younger years.  Helen continues to be a joy, a vibrant young woman easy to like and be in sympathy with as a reader.  However, readers expecting a tale leading Helen to Troy and the eventual infamous conflict will be disappointed.  While Friesner accomplishes many good things, the tale ends rather abruptly and wanders somewhat without clear purpose, particularly once Helen has left the Argo. A decent read, but not Friesner’s best work.