Set/Series Name

Series Volume Number

Author/Artist

Total Full Text Reviews

Call the name of the night. 1

Call the Name of the Night

Mitsuboshi, Tama

Young Adult

9781975352004

School Library Journal Xpress starred (January 12, 2024) Gr 5 Up-Mira has a rare magical illness that turns all matter around her into night. In the event she doesn't totally get it under control, she could end up transforming into night herself and be lost to humanity forever. To try and cure her malady, Mira's parents send her to live with Master Rei, a doctor who specializes in magic medicine. But when one of Rei's former classmates comes snooping around, will Mira's recovery become imperiled? Not to be mistaken with the similarly named manga Call of the Night (which is not for kids), this book works well in any juvenile manga collection. Protagonists Mira and Rei are both charming individuals and stable role models for young readers. A villainous character named Cartos is introduced part way through the book and gives the plot another element of conflict that the leads have to try to thwart. The art is gentle but fantastic, with each panel filled with wondrous illustrations that bring this fantasy world to life. It's not always easy for parents and educators to find manga that doesn't feature mature content and that young readers can enjoy, but with this title, the plot is easy to follow and devoid of any suggestive components. It's a book that librarians can recommend to young readers (as well as those older) without any fears whatsoever. VERDICT A sweet fantasy story with good-natured leads and stellar art that will fit in great with any library's collection.-Joe Pascullo © Copyright 2024. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist starred (April 15, 2023 (Vol. 119, No. 16)) Grades 5-11. Mira is a girl with a mysterious affliction that causes everything but herself to turn into night, including other people. The darkness seeps out of her when she loses control, especially when she becomes anxious or panicked. She has come to live with a doctor who is hoping to cure her or help her control the power. The two tend a garden together, make delicious treats, and generally try to keep Mira calm. When one of the doctor’s old medical classmates pays them a visit, Mira finds herself in a dangerous place confronting the darkness within. Mira is dealing with complex emotions for someone so young—things like anxiety, self-doubt, feelings of worth, and more. There are Shadows that behave similarly to soot sprites from Spirited Away, which adds a bit of whimsy to a story exploring some difficult topics. The illustrations for this charming magical story are detailed and wondrous. Great attention was paid to each character’s design and clothing, while the settings and backgrounds boast the same care and detail. Fantasy readers who love Studio Ghibli stories or Coco’s similar journey in Witch Hat Atelier will connect with Mira and become invested in her developing self-acceptance and discovering the wonders of her magic.

Call the name of the night. 2

Call the Name of the Night

Mitsuboshi, Tama

Young Adult

9781975352028

Call the name of the night. 3

Call the Name of the Night

Mitsuboshi, Tama

Young Adult

9781975363710

Call the name of the night. 4

Call the Name of the Night

Mitsuboshi, Tama

Young Adult

9781975390075

Call the name of the night. 5

Call the Name of the Night

Mitsuboshi, Tama

Young Adult

9798855411324

Cat + gamer. Volume 1

Cat + Gamer

Nadatani, Wataru

Young Adult

9781506727417

School Library Journal Xpress (June 24, 2022) Gr 6 Up-There's a charm to the simplicity of a book whose whole premise can be boiled down to its title. There's a gamer. Then she gets a cat. It's exactly as straightforward and adorable as it sounds. What's particularly clever is the way in which Nadatani inverts the typical cat/owner comedy dynamic, with the kitten frequently playing the role of the straight person. Eschewing a more cartoony, chibi style, Nadatani frequently draws Musubi the cat in a very realistic manner, with lead character Riko serving as the exaggerated comedic foil. It's a clever idea, and the art is up to the task of pulling it off. There are countless silly cat manga out there, so a silly cat owner one is appreciated. The author includes short interludes between the chapters that are told from the kitten's perspective, allowing readers to see things from both sides. Just as "cat" only makes up half the title, though, it also only makes up half the story, as proceedings focus heavily on Riko's life as an obsessed gamer. Lots of game-based humor is present as a result, which may not always land with gaming-ignorant readers who were drawn in by a cute kitty cover. For readers in the middle of the cat and gaming Venn diagram? It's an absolute delight. VERDICT Told through slice-of-life vignettes, this comedy manga might be light on belly laughs, but it is big on smiles. This adorable book should be a first purchase for collections serving fans of cats and gaming.-Nate Hipple © Copyright 2022. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (July 2022 (Vol. 118, No. 21)) Grades 8-12. Riko Kozakura works hard all day to make sure she gets out right at quitting time so she can maximize her gaming time at home. Not a fan of work socials or overtime, she is as surprised as her coworkers when she volunteers to take a stray cat home. She doesn’t know the first thing about taking care of another living being, and how is this going to affect her gaming? Musubi is a very loving and playful cat, and Riko draws upon her experience as an RPG player to handle and understand how to care for her cat—including likening fleas to status ailments and play time to leveling up. Volume 2 doubles down on the slice-of-life feel with short chapter adventures of Riko finding more ways to care for Musubi, including constructing a monstrous cat tower and “equipping” him with a collar. Nadatani’s illustrations of Riko’s apartment, Riko, and Musubi are extremely detailed, and the illustration team clearly had fun making cute cat poses for Musubi, somewhat based on the mangaka’s own cat, who is shared with readers in a photo at the end of volume 2. This is a delightful feel-good manga that will leave cat-loving readers with warm fuzzies. This might be a great read for fans of Kanata Konami’s Chi’s Sweet Home who have grown up and have other hobbies, particularly video gaming.

Cells at work! 01

Cells at Work!

Shimizu, Akane

Young Adult

9781632363565

School Library Journal (February 1, 2022) Gr 9 Up-Red Blood Cell, an anthropomorphized cell, would love nothing more than to simply do her job in the human body. However, with so much bacteria floating around, things just never seem to go as planned. With maladies such as pneumococcal disease or influenza plaguing this particular human, everyday seems to bring about some sort of DEFCON 1 situation. The book also features Red Blood Cell's other buddies inside the human body, such as the strong White Blood Cell, platelets, and Killer T's. Learning about anatomy has never been more fun! This title is edutainment at its finest, an absolute dream franchise from an educator's standpoint. The scientific descriptions provided by the mangaka are clear and expressive, keeping readers engaged and informed. A great deal of artistic detail is dedicated to the panel backgrounds and to the various character designs that dwell within the unseen human host. The pacing is quick and intense, making even a mundane ailment such as a scrape of the knee feel like the sky is falling; readers will be on the edge of their seat to learn how the human body will get out of the latest pinch it finds itself in. The characters all have distinctive personalities and have their opportunities to stand out. VERDICT If there ever was a title to boost the movement that graphic novels should be in the classroom, it's this one right here. The anime concluded in early 2021. © Copyright 2022. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Cells at work! 02

Cells at Work!

Shimizu, Akane

Young Adult

9781632363572

Cells at work! 03

Cells at Work!

Shimizu, Akane

Young Adult

9781632363909

Clock striker. Volume 1,"I'm gonna be a Smith!"

Clock Striker

Jones, Frederick L

Young Adult

9780760381571

School Library Journal (April 1, 2023) Gr 7-10-In this manga-style graphic novel, Cast is a young Black girl determined to help her family by becoming a SMITH, a legendary group of engineering fighters. Unfortunately, there are a number of problems with her plan; her town doesn't offer many educational opportunities, the SMITHs were thought to have been destroyed in the last war, and having only one hand means Cast's teacher doesn't believe she can do the complex tasks required for the position. When a mysterious substitute teacher takes an interest in Cast, she is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to prove her dedication as a SMITH's apprentice. Cast's situation quickly changes from a life of limited possibilities to an epic journey of nonstop skirmishes as she uses science and combat skills to protect the helpless. Following in the tradition of action-packed shonen manga, this title leads readers through a steampunk world of gloriously excessive fight scenes where the villains consistently underestimate Cast and her mentor's abilities. The energetic black-and-white illustrations perfectly convey the over-the-top intensity of both the fight scenes and Cast's spirited personality. VERDICT This action-packed graphic novel adventure featuring tenacious female leads will leave shonen manga fans counting down to future volumes.-Amanda Melilli © Copyright 2023. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (February 1, 2023 (Vol. 119, No. 11)) Grades 9-12. People are notoriously underestimating Cast, including her teacher and her family. She has big dreams of becoming a Smith, even though this powerful profession has all but been lost to the sands of time. Smiths were formidable users of science and technology who fought in the recent wars that decimated much of society. When the mysterious Ms. Clock comes by, Cast impresses her enough with her skills and gumption that Ms. Clock decides to take her on as her Striker, for Ms. Clock is actually a Smith! This story blends science, adventure, and some supernatural abilities akin to magic into a steampunk crusade to help make the world a better place. There are a lot of action-packed panels full of life and lots of zoom lines in this fast-paced story of self-discovery and altruism. This might appeal to readers of Fullmetal Alchemist looking for something a little more lighthearted or even fans of Trigun who enjoy western-inspired, quippy stories.

Kirkus Reviews (January 15, 2023) A young Black girl with a disability and a zest for science and engineering strives against the odds. Cast dreams of being an engineer. She particularly dreams of becoming a member of SMITH—a traditionally predominantly male group of engineer warriors who create tools to help people. Cast, who does not have a left hand, attends school in a poor neighborhood where STEM subjects are not taught, but she enjoys experimenting and building her own creations. Nevertheless, she is told by her White home economics teacher that with these disadvantages, not to mention her gender, she cannot even apply for the SMITH mentorship contest. But Cast remains determined to try, building herself a prosthetic hand. And as it happens, she impresses teacher Philomena Clock, who also reads White and is a SMITH. She accepts Cast as an apprentice in the role of striker, an assistant who will help her on her missions. Philomena plans to train and teach Cast all she needs to know to succeed at her dream and support the SMITH mission. Will Cast prove to be up to the task despite all the dangers that await her? Galadima and Jones’ graphic novel is filled with action and adventure and touches on multiple social themes. It merges a fun atmosphere with serious topics like discrimination in ways that are digestible for teen readers. The lively illustrations have an appealing steampunk aesthetic. Readers will eagerly anticipate more entries. A fantastic, refreshing series opener. (Manga. 13-16)

Clock striker. Volume 2,The sharing society

Clock Striker

Jones, Frederick L

Young Adult

9780760389232

Kirkus Reviews (August 15, 2024) In this second series entry, Cast’s STRIKER journey continues as she focuses on desperately trying to save her friend. Cast and her SMITH mentor, Philomena Clock, set out for the Kingdom of Alter hoping to find and rescue Klaus, who’s been kidnapped by a group of Demon Bandits at the behest of the king. The king of Alter, who’s feared by his subjects, possesses powerful thermoelectric crystal technology despite his denouncing many technological advances. Cast and Philomena have their work cut out for them, not least because other SMITH engineer warriors are in turn on the hunt for them. Cast finds it strange that in the Kingdom of Alter the residents share all their possessions. Even more surprising, she meets members of the Miner’s Syndicate, a resistance group protesting the hazardous work conditions of the kingdom’s crystal mining industry, who regard her as their savior due to her connection to Klaus. They hope that Klaus will bring needed reforms. This volume brings new characters, both enemies and allies, into the mix as Cast and Philomena find themselves caught up in plots that raise the stakes. The action scenes, political scheming, humor, and heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments will keep the pages turning. The detailed illustrations immerse readers in a story that centers on an appealing Black girl hero and explores themes of social class divisions and rebellion against social hierarchies. A worthy sequel that will keep readers intrigued and engaged. (Manga. 13-16)

Delicious in dungeon. 1

Delicious in Dungeon

Young Adult

9780316471855

Publishers Weekly Annex (November 20, 2017) Kui kicks off a surprisingly charming and tasty treat of a manga series in which any danger can be eaten. Deep in a dungeon within a cursed kingdom hidden underground, leader Laios and his intrepid troop escape from a dragon but leave his sister behind-in the dragon's belly. Fortunately, video game tropes apply in this world, and there is time to rescue her before her "final" death. Short on coin and provisions, honorable and single-minded Laios, neurotic magic user Marcille, and cunning thief Chilchuck decide to survive by eating monsters on their way back and are joined by the dwarf Senshi, a veritable monster gourmand. Huge scorpion and walking mushroom hot pot, roast basilisk, and mandrake kakiage and big bat tempura are only some of the imaginative recipes in this combination of role-playing adventure, bestiary, and cookbook (complete with a nutritional chart for each meal). The characters and plot are lightweight and breezy, and the artwork is humorous, creative, and expressive, making for a tasty ongoing series. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Delicious in dungeon. 2

Delicious in Dungeon

Young Adult

9780316473057

Delicious in dungeon. 3

Delicious in Dungeon

Young Adult

9780316412797

Demon slayer. 1,Cruelty =Kimetsu no yaiba

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Gotoge, Koyoharu

Young Adult

9781974700523

School Library Journal (September 1, 2018) Gr 7 Up-Tanjiro's virtuous life selling charcoal to support his mother and siblings is upended when a vampiric demon murders his family, leaving his little sister Nezuko alive but cursed. Tanjiro embarks on a journey to save Nezuko, encountering demon hunters, ghosts, and monsters. The crisp black-and-white art is attractive, and the panel layout effectively sets the intense tone and conveys movement. This shonen manga is violent but not nearly as brutal as series such as "Hellsing," and there is little overt sexuality. Female characters are not objectified, though they exist only as supporting characters in this volume. VERDICT This is a strong addition to manga collections, particularly as Volume 2 will be released shortly in the United States. For fans of "Fullmetal Alchemist" and "Hellsing."-Tammy Ivins, University of North Carolina at Wilmington © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Demon slayer. 2,It was you =Kimetsu no yaiba

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Gotoge, Koyoharu

Young Adult

9781974700530

Demon slayer. 3,Believe in yourself =Kimetsu no yaiba

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Gotoge, Koyoharu

Young Adult

9781974700547

Demon slayer. 4,Robust blade =Kimetsu no yaiba

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Gotoge, Koyoharu

Young Adult

9781974700554

Demon slayer. 5,To Hell =Kimetsu no yaiba

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Gotoge, Koyoharu

Young Adult

9781974700561

Demon slayer. 6,The Demon Slayer Corps gathers =Kimetsu no yaiba

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Gotoge, Koyoharu

Young Adult

9781974700578

Dinosaur sanctuary. 1

Dinosaur Sanctuary

Kinoshita, Itaru

Young Adult

9781685793241

Dinosaur sanctuary. 2

Dinosaur Sanctuary

Kinoshita, Itaru

Young Adult

9781685793258

Dinosaur sanctuary. 4

Dinosaur Sanctuary

Kinoshita, Itaru

Young Adult

9798888433492

School Library Journal Xpress starred (December 6, 2024) Gr 6 Up-In the world of Dinosaur Sanctuary, dinosaurs were discovered on an island and can now be seen at zoos and aquariums. No longer a novelty, Enoshima Dinoland is just one struggling zoo that does its best to keep up with the demands of these magnificent creatures. In this volume, Suzume is faced with her first winter working at Dinoland, and with the shift in weather comes changes in diets, energy, and other seasonal considerations for the dinosaurs. When a Velociraptor escapes and wanders into the surrounding area, Suzume and Kaidou are sent to help capture it before any harm or damage is done. This offers a unique perspective as to how dinosaurs might interact with a modern world, beyond what the series has previously offered. But what truly sets the "Dinosaur Sanctuary" series apart is the stellar research offered by Fujiwara, the research consultant. His detailed notes continue to provide a wealth of facts that inform the narrative, while Kinoshita's skillful storytelling and illustrations bring this alternate reality to life. VERDICT The perfect blend of education and entertainment, this series, particularly this volume, is highly recommended.-Lisa Rowland © Copyright 2024. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Dinosaur sanctuary. 5

Dinosaur Sanctuary

Kinoshita, Itaru

Young Adult

9798891604957

Frieren: beyond journey's end. 1

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Yamada, Kanehito

Young Adult

9781974725762

School Library Journal starred (February 1, 2022) Gr 6 Up-Title character, the female elf mage Frieren, has done it! Along with the other three heroes in her party, she has defeated the demon king and reigned in an age of peace. So...what happens after such a venture comes to an end? For Frieren, who is hundreds and hundreds of years old (though she still looks remarkably young), she doesn't have any plans in particular. She's content living life serenely, absorbing as much knowledge as she can about magic. But when Frieren wrestles with the concept of mortality, something that, unlike mere humans, she doesn't have to fret over, she begins to mull life as she never has before. This is a leisurely paced manga that will make readers stop and ponder. The work is an incredibly unique concept for not only a manga, but any form of literature, and a super fresh take on the fantasy genre. Frieren is as relatable a character as readers are going to find. Artwork is solid, a very clean style that works well for this story. VERDICT Seeing Frieren's character development as she tackles the concepts of life and death is an especially pleasing experience. A beautiful read from cover to cover, this is highly recommended.-Joe Pascullo © Copyright 2022. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (November 1, 2021 (Vol. 118, No. 5)) Grades 7-12. Four adventurers return home victorious from slaying the Demon King, and after enjoying their rewards, Frieren, an elven mage, bids farewell to her companions and begins a new journey, to travel the world and learn as much magic as she can. Fifty years later, one of Frieren's companions tricks her into taking an apprentice, Fern. The two continue traveling, taking odd magical jobs, and it becomes clear that Frieren is clumsily trying to learn more about her companions. This methodical story picks up after the conclusion of most other quest stories, after the heroes go their separate ways, and readers are given a glimpse into one hero's search for some hard-fought peace. Abe’s soft but detailed illustrations beautifully complement the overall calmness of Yamada’s story. This volume has a bit of a slow start that might turn some readers off, but fans of slice-of-life stories might like one set in a fantasy world. Give this to fans of Hiromu Arakawa's Silver Spoon or Taku Kuwabara's Drifting Dragons series.

Frieren: beyond journey's end. 2

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Yamada, Kanehito

Young Adult

9798318928031

Frieren: beyond journey's end. 3

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Yamada, Kanehito

Young Adult

9798318928048

Frieren: beyond journey's end. 4

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Yamada, Kanehito

Young Adult

9798318928055

Haikyu!! 1,Hinata and Kageyama

Furudate, Haruichi

Young Adult

9781421587660

School Library Journal Xpress (December 1, 2016) Gr 6 Up-Shoyo Hinata is a volleyball player who, despite his short stature, has the athleticism, ambition, and drive of the taller players he aims to defeat. After watching a smaller player known as the Little Giant compete with players a foot taller, Hinata is inspired to become a great player. He starts a volleyball club in his middle school and is outmatched and beaten by a team led by Tobio Kageyama; a 5'11" spiker derisively referred to as the "King of the Court" and a "diva." Undeterred by the loss, Hinata vows to "break through the wall" and beat Kageyama (whom he assumes will be attending a different high school). When Hinata and Kageyama end up at the same school as teammates, Hinata's focus changes from defeat to acceptance. With dramatic angles, typical manga-style artwork depicts scenes of thrilling action. This fast-paced, exciting manga is a story of sportsmanship, perseverance, and, above all, belief in oneself. VERDICT Recommended for fans of graphic novels and sports manga.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Schools © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Haikyu!! 2,The view from the top

Furudate, Haruichi

Young Adult

9781421587677

Tur, Miriam Bonastre

Middle School

9781713792406

School Library Journal Xpress (December 3, 2021) Gr 4-8-Twins Dorian and Dani are the teenage heirs to the magical, prestigious Wytte family. The two are sent off to a boarding school to learn how to become proper witches and wizards, but Dorian and Dani miss the bus. And because of increasing tensions between humans and witches, the school's location is hidden-students can't find it on their own. Dorian and Dani will have to wait until next year to start school. Their parents are going to kill them, but what if the twins don't go home? What if they just keep themselves busy? Soon the twins find themselves studying under a soft yet stern master; befriending Monica, the princess-turned-adventurer, and Nico, a goofball with a heart of gold; and spending a year refining their magic, all while tensions of the magical world grow around them. Originally a serialized webcomic, this tale is an absolute delight. The artwork recalls 1990s anime art styles, particularly those used in Sailor Moon and Ranma ½. Engaging panel arrangement will keep readers turning pages, while dialogue bubbles colored to match their speaker keep things coherent. Character development is the main star here, particularly since there's a whopping 31 chapters of adventure to keep the cast busy! There's a little something for everyone, from the witty dialogue to the lush artwork to the tender characters. Dorian and Dani are both light-skinned. VERDICT An easy purchase and even easier sell to readers, this one belongs on every comic book shelf.-Matisse Mozer © Copyright 2021. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (July 2021 (Vol. 117, No. 21)) Grades 4-8. In this middle-grade magical adventure, twins Dani and Dorian find some unlikely teachers when they miss the bus to magic school. Dorian's antics may have branded them traitors in the witch world, but that doesn't stop them from receiving instructions from a town soothsayer, making friends with local kids, or taking in a misguided princess aiming to save her kidnapped prince. But there is a darker plot brewing beneath the surface of this kingdom that will pit witchkind against the rest of the kingdom. Most of the characters are compelling and sympathetic, although some readers might find some of their motivations to be somewhat trite. Originally a webcomic, this book is beautifully and brightly colored with lovely, atmospheric details. Color-coded speech bubbles may help some readers track who is speaking, although many of the greens are close enough that they're not easily discernible. This is much longer than most middle-grade graphic novels, so hand to a reader with stamina. Great for fans of Sophie Escabasse's Witches of Brooklyn (2020) or Molly Knox Ostertag's Witch Boy series.

Kirkus Reviews (July 15, 2021) Twin witches and their friends encounter magic and mishaps in this story based on a popular WEBTOON series. When 12-year-old witch twins Dorian and Dani Wytte miss the bus on the first day of school, it’s only the beginning of their troubles; the bus has teleported to a secret location. Not wanting to fess up to the mishap, the siblings head to their Aunt Hilde’s in hopes that she’ll be their tutor for the year and not tell their parents what happened. Instead, they uncover a plot by a community of evil witches to take power. Together with new friends, including a soothsayer, a princess, and some town kids, the twins—now suspected of being traitors—must prove their innocence and get to the bottom of everything. The central conflict plays with the ideas of good and evil as well as biases and assumptions. Many of the large cast of characters grapple with self-doubts and questions of self-worth. All the young protagonists have something to prove, and together they begin to grow. Tur’s episodic and fast-paced plotting plus a cliffhanger ending will keep readers engaged and itching for the next volume. The energetic, manga-style art matches the energy of the characters, and the dramatic color palette adds to the strong sense of this witchy world. The panel-breaking compositions are fun and support the pacing. All major characters present White. Full of magical adventure and heart. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

Mecha-ude, mechanical arms. 1=Meka-ude.1

Mecha-Ude

Koyoka, Yoshino

Upper Elementary

9798368776538

School Library Journal (March 1, 2025) Gr 3-7-Middle school student Hikaru's world is turned upside down when a mysterious mechanical arm fuses with his hoodie. It turns out that the arm has a name, Alma, and it is a sentient being that has zero recollection of what or who it is. There is little time to figure out those details as it becomes increasingly clear that Alma is potentially highly valuable and is being sought by dangerous organizations, including the Kagami Group. While manga is often the inspiration for anime, in Mecha-Ude's case, the anime came first, which is apparent in how the story is told and the amount of action on each page. It's also in color instead of traditional black-and-white. Both the color and the lines are bright, dynamic, and exciting. Younger readers new to manga might enjoy the action sequences, though the plot is somewhat hard to follow. Subsequent volumes will likely help to explain and develop characters and backstory. VERDICT This mecha book is a good choice for those seeking action-based stories or anyone looking for an entry to manga.-Sarah Maciejewski © Copyright 2025. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My hero academia. Vol. 1,Izuku Midoriya: origin

My Hero Academia

Horikoshi, Kohei

Young Adult

9781421582696

School Library Journal (November 1, 2015) Gr 7 Up-Fourteen-year-old Izuku Midoriya lives in a world where 80 percent of the population is born with superpowers called "quirks." These people make up the heroes and the villains in society, and everyday life consists of epic battles in the midst of the city. Izuku desperately wants to be a hero himself, but unfortunately he is one of the 20 percent that lack any supernatural talents. In a chance encounter with All Might, one of the greatest heroes of all, Izuku has an opportunity to change his luck. He learns that All Might's power is inherited, meaning that he can pass it down to a worthy successor. With his dream finally coming true, Izuku takes All Might up on his offer and begins his superhero training at the exclusive hero academy U.A. High School. But he soon learns that having special abilities doesn't come as easily as he hoped. This is a high-energy series debut with a typical cast of manga characters: the determined protagonist, the loose cannon frenemy, the narrow-minded perfectionist, and the sweet, gentle female friend. Horikoshi's artwork is solid, the characters are distinct and expressive, and readers really get a sense of the sweeping, high-octane atmosphere of Izuku's world. A slight cliff-hanger ending builds anticipation for the second volume. VERDICT Though the market is currently saturated with an onslaught of superhero-themed literature, this is a highly entertaining manga with plenty of appeal. A nice addition to any manga collection.-Kimberly Castle-Alberts, Hudson Library & Historical Society, OH © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My hero academia. Vol. 2,Rage, you damned nerd

My Hero Academia

Horikoshi, Kohei

Young Adult

9781421582702

My hero academia. Vol. 3,All Might

My Hero Academia

Horikoshi, Kohei

Young Adult

9781537953243

My hero academia. Vol. 4,The boy born with everything

My Hero Academia

Horikoshi, Kohei

Young Adult

9781537953250

My hero academia. Vol. 5,Shoto Todoroki: origin

My Hero Academia

Horikoshi, Kohei

Young Adult

9781421587028

Run on your new legs. 1

Run on Your New Legs

Midori, Wataru

Young Adult

9781975339005

Booklist (June 1, 2022 (Vol. 118, No. 19)) Grades 8-12. Kikuzato and his best friend, Take, were going to take their new high-school soccer team by storm. But, an accident cost Kikuzato his leg and left him out of school for an entire year. Now, he’s sworn off sports altogether. When he races through a train station one day to help a kid who's about to be stuck, he’s spotted by Chidori, a prosthetist who is impressed by Kikuzato’s speed despite not having the right prosthetic. The two come to a deal—Chidori will develop a custom leg for Kikuzato as long as he keeps running. This text masterfully balances humor and thoughtfulness as it tackles a serious topic. Chidori and Kikuzato are a great balance to one another; one provides plenty of levity while the other is a grump who refuses to get too close to anyone else. The pacing of the storytelling is also very well done. This would be a wonderful addition to libraries serving teens for the depth of its storytelling and the representation of physical disabilities.

Library Journal - web only starred (April 18, 2022) Freshman year of high school is awful for most everyone, but Kikuzato is having a particularly tough one. He's starting his freshman year over again after a terrible accident last year required his leg to be amputated; he's still adjusting to life with a prosthetic leg. Kikuzato, who was once a rising soccer star, now finds himself watching his old friends move on with their soccer dreams while he haunts his school as an outsider. Fate steps in when, in a flash of heroics, Kikuzato dashes at full speed to save a life and impresses an up-and-coming running-blade prosthesis designer named Chidori. Soon Chidori and Kikuzato are partnering to design a new prosthetic leg for sprinting. VERDICT Midori (Kuchikake Ryu no Keiyakusha) has created a sports-themed manga that will really entice fans of similar titles like Haikyu!!, where naturally talented protagonists learn a sport from the bottom up. This manga will especially appeal to readers looking for a sports manga with realist emotions (with downs as well as ups), whose protagonist recovers from a major trauma and navigates life with disability. © Copyright 2022. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Run on your new legs. 2

Run on Your New Legs

Midori, Wataru

Young Adult

9781975339012

Run on your new legs. 3

Run on Your New Legs

Midori, Wataru

Young Adult

9781975339029

Spider-Man. Fake red

Spider-man: Fake Red

Osawa, Yusuke

Young Adult

9781974738786

School Library Journal Xpress (January 12, 2024) Gr 6 Up-Yu Onomae is struggling with his self-esteem. He attends an elite high school on his father's wishes and can't seem to keep his grades up or make any friends, but his life is about to change dramatically when he finds Spider-Man's suit in an alleyway and thus assumes his role. The only question is, what happened to the real Spider-Man!? Fake Red feels very much as a Spider-Man story should: in typical Spidey fashion, readers follow a teen who's fighting from behind the eight-ball in life as he becomes his city's superstar. It's a warm coming-of-age tale at its core that never gets heavy enough to turn younger readers away while still containing plot twists. The art is uplifting, pleasant, and fits the story and its characters well. While in the end, this feels like only a small blip in the real Spider-Man's life (he actually plays a smaller role throughout the manga), readers can still marvel (no pun intended) at Yu's character growth as he's forced into a major life upheaval that he had no reason to expect, and no way to prepare for. To see him take on Spider-Man's mantle while juggling his real-life problems is admirable, and though this title won't receive the fanfare other entries in the franchise might, there is value in recommending it to young adult readers who may find their lives a bit chaotic. VERDICT While perhaps not the most needle-moving Spider-Man title of all time, this is a solid entry for younger readers, and one that shows them they don't need to be an actual superhero to make a difference in everyday life.-Joe Pascullo © Copyright 2024. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Spy x family. 1

Spy x Family

Endo, Tatsuya

Young Adult

9781974715466

Spy x family. 2

Spy x Family

Endo, Tatsuya

Young Adult

9781974717248

Shinkai, Makoto

Young Adult

9781647294045

School Library Journal starred (November 1, 2024) Gr 7 Up-On her way to school one day, Suzume helps a stranger find some ruins outside her town with a strange doorway, and this innocuous encounter leads to a life-changing adventure. Suzume is thrust into a struggle between ancient spirits who can cause catastrophic earthquakes and the humans who strive to contain them. She finds herself hopscotching across Japan and befriending a few kind folks who aid her in her search for abandoned places where spirits may break out of their world into hers. Fans of the critically acclaimed film of the same name will likely enjoy this version of the work, even without the stunning colors and soundtrack of the movie. Amashima's illustrations offer a faithful telling and provide whimsy at times, with a playfulness that is unique to the manga adaptation. Despite what cannot be translated from the screen to the page, Shinkai's processing of national tragedy and cataclysmic events through Suzume's pure heart and Souta's heroic sense of duty will resonate far beyond the borders of his homeland. VERDICT Fans of Shinkai's previous works, such as your name or Weathering with You, will be at home here too. Purchase where epic adventure-fantasies are popular.-Sara Smith © Copyright 2024. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (October 15, 2024 (Online)) Grades 7-12. The manga adaptation of Shinkai's film of the same name tells the story of the balancing act of nature and humanity in a race against time. When Suzume encounters Souta, he is looking for a door among ruins. After directing him to an abandoned resort, she thinks better of it and follows him, only to uncover a gateway to another world. Having accidentally freed a spirit, Daijin, whose purpose is to maintain balance, Suzume must help Souta track down the cat-shaped being and try to keep other doors from opening and disasters from unfolding—all while Souta is trapped in the form of Suzume’s childhood chair. As an adaptation of the film, this manga is mostly shot for shot, which sometimes makes the comparison feel a bit weak. Shinkai's films are gorgeously animated, and this adaptation has a slightly rough style that sometimes feels like concept work. Still, it's a faithful adaptation, and fans of the original film may enjoy reading through the story again at their own pace.

Shinkai, Makoto

Young Adult

9781647294090

Shinkai, Makoto

Young Adult

9781647294106

Witch hat atelier. Volume 1

Witch Hat Atelier

Shirahama, Kamome

Young Adult

9781668870822

Booklist (March 1, 2020 (Online)) Grades 6-10. Coco wants to be a witch so bad! But witches are born, not made, and Coco was not made that way. When a witch visits her town and offers to magically repair a broken carriage, Coco sneaks a peek into the witch’s workroom and sees that spells are drawn, not cast. While attempting her own drawings, she unknowingly performs one of the forbidden spells, turning her mother to stone. Begging to be allowed to keep her memory and save her mother, Coco is accepted as an apprentice to the witch and taken to his atelier, where she is introduced to her fellow students. Working within a familiar trope, mangaka Shirahama depends on her readers to understand how quest stories work. The story jumps quickly into Coco’s adventure and is propelled into a plot twist that would normally take a couple of volumes to reach. This spareness of world building is easily forgiven, thanks to gorgeously detailed artwork, including a few full-color pages at the beginning of the book. With this book, the series is currently five volumes long and is ongoing in Japan, so purchasing further volumes is recommended. Fantastic fantasy for tweens and up.

Witch hat atelier. Volume 2

Witch Hat Atelier

Shirahama, Kamome

Young Adult

9781632368041

Witch hat atelier. Volume 3

Witch Hat Atelier

Shirahama, Kamome

Young Adult

9781668870846

Witch hat atelier. Volume 4

Witch Hat Atelier

Shirahama, Kamome

Young Adult

9781668870853

Witch hat atelier. Volume 5

Witch Hat Atelier

Shirahama, Kamome

Young Adult

9781668870860

Witch hat atelier. Volume 6

Witch Hat Atelier

Shirahama, Kamome

Young Adult

9781668870877

Witch hat atelier. Volume 7

Witch Hat Atelier

Shirahama, Kamome

Young Adult

9781668870884

Wolf children Ame & Yuki

Hosoda, Mamoru

Young Adult

9780316401654

Booklist (May 15, 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 18)) Grades 9-12. When college student Hana begins to notice a handsome, older guy in one of her classes, she’s drawn to him. He’s a loner, and as they grow closer, he reveals that he is actually half wolf, the last of a line of legendary Japanese wolves long thought to be extinct. After they become lovers, Hana has a daughter named Yuki and a son named Ame—both part wolf like their father. Hana, Yuki, and Ame must all learn to live in secret with Yuki and Ame’s wolfish nature. Will any of them ever find peace to be who they really are? How do they balance having more than one identity? This beautifully drawn manga, based on Hosoda’s 2012 film Wolf Children, does a lovely job of capturing the joy and heartache of the film and is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be from multiple cultures. Hand this to fans of cute but melancholy manga series, such as Natsuki Takaya’s Fruits Basket (2004) or Summer Wars (2013), also adapted from a Hosoda film.

Library Media Connection (January/February 2015) In this omnibus edition of the manga adaptation of the film, Wolf Children, the supernatural fantasy elements take a backseat. This emotion-laden work focuses on family and community issues. Hana falls in love with a mysterious young man even after he reveals that he is descended from wolves. When tragedy strikes, she is left alone with two young children who change into wolves without warning. Like all good graphic novels, much of the story happens between panels, but this work is particularly ambitious, taking the reader into the children's adolescence. The artwork is the star. The soft color palette of these watercolors complements the tender emotion of the plot. This is a good alternative to the battle-oriented manga titles. George Geer, Media Specialist, Andrews (South Carolina) High School. ADDITIONAL SELECTION

Daughter of smoke & bone

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Taylor, Laini

Young Adult

School Library Journal (February 1, 2012) Gr 9 Up-For centuries, the Chimera and the Seraphim have fought, unquestioningly, on opposite sides of the same war. Meanwhile, in a dusty shop suspended between worlds, a strange creature dutifully collects teeth for a mysterious purpose. This lyrical and beautifully atmospheric story centers around the forbidden love that develops between Karou, a human girl lovingly raised by four Chimera, and Akiva, a Seraphim soldier brought up knowing only battle and blood. A deeper message warns that deadly wars are often fought over nothing more than ancient prejudices. Hoping to end the war, the Seraphim burn the portals linking Elsewhere and Earth, and Karou finds herself brutally shut out of her family's world. Still reeling from the pain of a long-lost love, Akiva begins doubting everything he has been taught to fight for-and against. Fearing for her family's safety, Karou enlists Akiva to take her on a perilous journey to find them. The pair discover love, heal old wounds, and share a tragic story of soul mates who should have been sworn enemies. Karou will finally unlock the greatest mystery of all: the truth of her identity. But a confession from Akiva could destroy everything. Interwoven with this deliciously romantic tale of loss and hope are the gorgeous imageries of ancient cities, mythical creatures, and mysterious other worlds. Laini Taylor's storytelling is masterful and her character development is outstanding. Brought to brilliant life by narrator Khristine Hvam, this fabulous story will enthrall listeners-and the cliffhanger ending will leave them clamoring for the sequel.-Alissa LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2011) Lush description of a gothic and ghostly Prague beckons readers from the first page and fulfills its promise, leading to a star-crossed romance that spans worlds and transcends death. Except for brilliant blue hair and an air of secrecy, art-student Karou is a seemingly normal teenager, nursing the hurt from a recent breakup over bowls of goulash with her best friend, Zuzana. No one, including Zuzana, knows that the strange, fascinating creatures from Karou's sketchbook are in fact her family. The chimaera, part human and part animal, exist behind a magic door leading to Brimstone's wish shop, where Karou was raised in a place she knows only as "Elsewhere." The characters, �oth human and otherwise, are fully fleshed. Trained in martial arts and gifted with a new language for each birthday, Karou runs errands for the horned and clawed Brimstone, trading with murderers all over the world for the gory teeth he requires, but never knowing what they're for. In a Marrakesh marketplace, Karou meets a gorgeous angel with wings of fire; the two are drawn together by a powerful force. Desperate for answers, Karou begins a dangerous search and discovers a parallel, war-torn world that is the key to her true identity. Taylor builds a fantasy realm with mythic creatures, human desires, and battles of biblical scale; an inventive magic power is credibly balanced by the pain it requires. Taut plotting moves Karou's quest briskly along while developing deeper mysteries. The climactic revelations connect many strands, leaving the reader both satisfied and eagerly anticipating a forthcoming sequel. lauren adams

Booklist (September 1, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 1)) Grades 8-12. Seventeen-year-old Karou moves deftly between her relatively normal high-school life in Prague and the strange world of the chimaera, in which she collects the human and animal teeth that the wishmonger, Brimstone, painstakingly sorts. The chimaera are the only family Karou has known, and when access to their world suddenly disappears behind smoldering black handprints, she vows to find them. Could this have been a result of the perpetual war between the chimaera and the seraphim? Along with this central mystery of monsters, a fantastical Romeo-and-Juliet romance develops between Karou and the angel Akiva, a romance destined for hurt and betrayal. Author Taylor has created a variety of worlds, time frames, and creatures with such detail and craft that all are believable. Blurring the boundaries of good and evil, slaves and owners, human and beast, she careens readers from sadness to love, from the predictable to the amazing, and from the outlandish to the bizarre. Readers will look forward to the suggested sequel to this complex, exciting tale.

Days of blood & starlight

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Taylor, Laini

Young Adult

School Library Journal (December 1, 2012) Gr 9 Up-Rebellion foments in secret places in this complex sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Little, Brown, 2011). The battle between chimaera and seraphim moves from one world to another as estranged, star-crossed lovers Karou and Akiva struggle to stem the rising tide of annihilation embraced by their respective leaders. While Karou attempts to resurrect the chimaera army in a remote Moroccan kasbah, in a parallel world Akiva desperately seeks to atone for his past by warning civilians fleeing the advancing seraphs. Occasionally overwrought language is leavened by humor supplied by Karou's human friends, Zusana and Mik, who arrive at the kasbah and make unlikely places for themselves among the resurrected chimaera. The dream of peace cherished lives ago by Karou and Akiva achieves a shaky foothold when chimaera soldiers and seraph rebels reluctantly unite to battle the greater evil: Jael, the psychopathic new emperor of the angels, who is poised to invade the human world in his search for powerful weapons. Assassinations, betrayals, and revelations drive the plot through decoratively ornate prose that sometimes slows the pace, but deepening characterizations anchor the action, and the emotional and political stakes are higher. Multiple worlds teeter on the edge of apocalypse, unaware that a curious magic is reaching out from past exile to affect the present. The rising tension of the coming battle overtakes the unexceptional unrequited love story to make this a suspenseful, satisfying sequel.-Janice M. Del Negro, GSLIS Dominican University, River Forest, IL (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (January/February, 2013) Star-crossed lovers Karou and Akiva, torn apart by unforgivable betrayal at the end of Daughter of Smoke & Bone (rev. 11/11), are now engaged in the renewed war between the chimaera and the seraphim. Both are repulsed by the escalating brutality and the callous disregard for the sanctity of life but feel powerless to effect change. Karou has taken over the position of resurrectionist from her fallen mentor Brimstone, almost singlehandedly repopulating the chimaera army under the direction of Thiago, the ruthless White Wolf. Akiva, believing Karou to be lost to him forever, reluctantly takes a lead role in the fight against the chimaera. As one of the Misbegotten, the emperor's bastard children bred solely to fight and die, nothing less is expected of him. The first half of the novel is full of rage and anger, carnage and destruction; the second half is dominated by surprises and revelations that ratchet up the suspense and forge an uneasy alliance between the chimaera and the Misbegotten for the battle against the seraphim that looms on the horizon. If Karou's journey in the first book was characterized by coming of age and falling in love, here it has taken a turn toward personal sacrifice and emerging leadership. The future of Karou, her ill-fated romance with Akiva, and the survival of both of their races await readers in the concluding volume; it promises to be a doozy. jonathan hunt

Booklist (November 15, 2012 (Vol. 109, No. 6)) Grades 8-12. In this sequel to her much-lauded Daughter of Smoke and Bone (2011), Taylor continues the saga of Karou and Akiva. Karou’s chimaera “family,” Brimstone and Issa, are dead; Akiva, her former angel lover, is now her bitter enemy; and Thiago, the evil white wolf, has secreted her away to a desert Kasbah. There she has assumed Brimstone’s role of creator of new chimaera from the souls of the dead so that Thiago can continue his war against the seraphim. It’s a bitter, violent story full of unrequited love, loneliness, and cruel, pointless war. Readers will be delighted at the reemergence of Zuzana and Mik, as they solve the riddle that enables them to track Karou to the Kasbah. Their presence—their humanness—lightens the plot, allowing a thin ray of hope to permeate this otherwise dark and brutal story. Because of its complexity, the series is best read sequentially to prepare for the promised third book, in which Karou, Akiva, and their tribes face the apocalypse.

Immortals (Alyson Noel-St. Martin's)

Noel, Alyson

Young Adult

School Library Journal (April 1, 2009) Gr 9 Up-After surviving a car accident that killed her entire family, 16-year-old Ever gains the ability to see auras and read thoughts. The overwhelming nature of her new powers and her guilt about the accident turn the once-popular teen into a loner at school. She makes friends with stereotypically gay Miles and mega-Goth Haven, and does everything she can to drown out the din of psychic energy around her. Her loner status comes under siege, as does her friendship with Haven, when a new boy, Damen, shows an interest in her. By accident, Ever learns that he has no aura, a fact that pushes her to uncover more about the mysterious newcomer. Some obvious clues, like the red liquid that Damen drinks instead of food, lead Ever to conclude that he is a vampire when in fact his true nature is more complex. Teens will identify with Ever, who not only has to deal with relationship and friend issues, but also with a dead sister who refuses to cross over and crippling psychic powers that make it hard to cope with everyday life. Though the familiar premise may hook many paranormal romance fans, none of the plot elements receive the thorough treatment they deserve, and the revelation in the end relies too heavily on backstory. Not a first pick in this ever-expanding genre.-Kim Ventrella, Ralph Ellison Library, Oklahoma City, OK Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Booklist (February 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 11)) Grades 8-10. This opening book in a new series, The Immortals, will thrill many teen fantasy-suspense readers, especially fans of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Seventeen-year-old Ever survived the car crash that killed her parents, younger sister, and their dog. Now she lives with an aunt in Southern California, plagued not only by survivor guilt but also by a new ability to hear the thoughts of all around her. She tries to tune out all these distractions by keeping her hoodie up and her iPod cranked loud, until Damen, the cute new boy at school, convinces her to come out of her shell. Damen, however, is frighteningly clever—and has the strange ability to produce tulips from nowhere and disappear himself at critical moments. Noël (Saving Zoë, 2007) creates a cast of recognizably diverse teens in a realistic high-school setting, along with just the right tension to make Ever’s discovery of her own immortality—should she choose it—exciting and credible.

Kirkus Reviews (January 1, 2009) Shallow stock characters barely mar the breathless allure of this formulaic supernatural romance, the first in the Immortals series, though feeble explanations wreck the ending. Ever (her very name a clue to immortality) lives the life of the wealthy in Orange County. Sister Riley visits daily in ghost form, having died with their parents in an accident that Ever perplexingly survived. Deluged by everyone's thoughts and auras, Ever wears hoodies and iPod earbuds as shelter from psychic clamor, until mysterious hottie Damen silences it. This genre's core ingredients are all present: a new school, paranormal events the heroine doesn't understand and a deadly enemy fought by an irresistible, possibly dangerous boy. Ever's vernacular voice (description via negation: "it's not like I haven't had my hand touched before") and amorous fixation will gratify romance fans. However, Noël's metaphysics makes no sense. Manifestations are "simple quantum physics," Ever is murdered lifetime after lifetime but escapes this time due to the serial murderer's "lack of love" and the narrative never explains how Ever reincarnates with a new body and consciousness yet remains herself. (aura color chart) (Fantasy. YA)

Sky key : an Endgame novel

Frey, James

Young Adult

Booklist (October 1, 2015 (Vol. 112, No. 3)) Grades 8-12. While this second volume in the Endgame series won’t stand alone, Frey and Johnson-Shelton up the ante with hooks at every chapter and scenes of excruciating gore. The 12 ethnically diverse teen players of the first book are now winnowed to nine and diminish further as they battle one another and survive the coming Event, triggered by meteors colliding with Earth. Chapter headings stating which characters are in the section, along with their locations (such as Berlin, Mexico, and India), help readers stay focused as the remaining players search for the last two keys of the puzzle. With so much action, there’s not a lot of room left for character, though there are some wonderful details: An Liu, for instance, who suffers from tics and stutters, discovering that wearing his dead lover’s ears, hair, and other body parts cures his nervous twitches. Clues scattered throughout the book will guide the patient and persistent reader to an actual treasure in real life, but the main draw is likely to be the rapid pace and outrageous fight scenes. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Though the jury is still out on Frey’s latest venture, his status as a big-time best-seller will push awareness and probably rope in more readers.

Kirkus Reviews (September 15, 2015) Endgame continues as the Players hunt for the Sky Key. The Earth Key has been discovered (The Calling, 2014), and two more keys are out there waiting to be found. Sarah and Jago have the Earth Key in their possession and have formed an uneasy alliance based on a mix of lust and trust. But Sarah still mourns the death of her Nebraskan boyfriend, Christopher, whom she was forced to kill in the closing chapters of the previous volume, a factor that strongly clouds her judgment. While Jago and Sarah hunt down the Sky Key, other Players hunt them. Meanwhile, the world is becoming aware of Endgame's existence as a giant asteroid approaches Earth and causes widespread panic. The stakes couldn't be higher, but it all feels superficial, resulting in a very long 459 pages. There's globe-trotting and a culturally diverse cast of characters, but the authors do little to explore the scenery or to color the characters. The Players sound very much alike, droning on about destiny and tough choices. The narrative structure is shaky, flipping quickly among players and locales and juggling goals with scant attention to artistry or pacing. It feels all too much like a satire of dystopian teen lit crafted with little understanding of the genre beyond its surface conventions; worst of all, it doesn't seem to care. Opportunistic, paint-by-numbers hackwork. (Adventure. 12-16)

Horn Book Guide (Spring 2016) Predestined teen fighters compete in a globe-trotting game to the death, seeking "Keys" that will prepare the world for an unknown alien "Event." The MacGuffin of a premise is further weighted by sociopathic protagonists, fight scenes that read like choreography notes, and the unearned grandiosity of the narrative voice. Embedded clues attempt to lure readers to plot-related participatory content online.

Reckoners

Sanderson, Brandon

Young Adult

School Library Journal (March 1, 2014) Gr 8 Up-After the appearance of Calamity, a mysterious celestial force, ordinary humans began to exhibit superhuman powers. They became known as Epics and used their powers to control others. When David was eight years old, he witnessed his father's ruthless murder at the hand of Steelheart, one of the most powerful Epics in the world. Ten years later, David lives in Newcago (once Chicago) under the tyrannical rule of Steelheart and his inner circle of Epics. David has spent the last decade researching everything he can about Epics: their habits, their powers, and their weaknesses. He wants to join the Reckoners, a secretive group of humans dedicated to killing Epics, and convince them to take on Steelheart. However, even after all his study, David has not figured out the seemingly invincible Epic's weakness-without that knowledge, his plan for revenge cannot succeed. MacLeod Andrews's understated performance of the first-person narration is highly effective and makes the engaging action scenes stand out in contrast. He transitions easily among characters who vary in age, background, and status within the world of humans and Epics. Revelations in the climactic battle add layers and substance to the story, and listeners will look forward to more in future installments.-Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist starred (September 1, 2013 (Vol. 110, No. 1)) Grades 8-12. From the day eight-year-old David Charleston watched Steelheart gun down his father, he has vowed revenge. All Epics are powerful—Steelheart the most invincible of all—but each has a weakness, and David thinks he has found Steelheart’s: he has seen him bleed. Now 10 years later, with this experience and years of studying each Epic’s patterns and weaknesses, David worms his way into the Reckoners, a courageous group determined to take down Epics in an attempt to return the Fractured States to some semblance of normalcy. Sanderson has written a riveting dystopian adventure novel replete with awesome tech tools: pen detonators, gauss guns, gravitronic motorcycles, mobiles (smart phones on steroids), and tensor gloves to tunnel through steel. Each Reckoner has his or her own talents: Tia, research and planning; Cody, intelligent grunt work and comic relief; Abraham, weapons and ammunition; and Prof, leader and prime inventor-scientist. Oh, and there’s Megan, new girl with an attitude—especially when it comes to David’s relentless pressure on the Reckoners to stay in Newcago and kill Steelheart. Snappy dialogue, bizarre plot twists, high-intensity action, and a touch of mystery and romance—it’s a formula that sucks readers into the prologue, slings them through one tension-filled encounter after another, and then, at the strange and marginally hopeful conclusion, leaves them panting for the sequel, Firefight, due in 2014. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A multiplatform marketing campaign, with promotions happening every month in 2013 leading up to the pub date, has already kicked into high gear for New York Times best-selling Sanderson’s latest.

Kirkus Reviews (June 15, 2013) A straight-up Marvel Comics--style action drama featuring a small band of human assassins taking on costumed, superpowered supervillains with melodramatic monikers. It's certainly a tried-and-true formula. Twelve years ago, a mysterious Calamity began turning random ordinary humans into evil Epics gifted with various combinations of superpowers (and also, always, some Achilles heel). Now, 18-year-old David Charleston manages at last to make contact with a cell of Epic-killing Reckoners led by legendary mastermind Jon Phaedrus. Then it's on to a nonstop thrill ride that begins with the killing of David's father 10 years before and roars through car and motorcycle chases, secret missions, huge explosions and hails of gunfire with high-tech weaponry to a climactic battle with Epic Steelheart. He's bulletproof, shoots energy balls, has transformed the entire Chicago area into solid steel with a wave of his hand and wears a stylish silver cape. Shockingly, the book closes with the stunning revelation than not all Epics are evil through and through. As further sign that Sanderson (Rithmatist, 2013, etc.) isn't taking any of this too seriously, the cast of Epics includes not only the likes of Steelheart, Faultline and Deathpoint, but Pink Pinkness and El Brass Bullish Dude, and some of their powers are equally silly. Stay tuned for sequels. There's violence and gore in profusion, cool gear, hot wheels, awesome feats, inner conflicts on both sides--all that's missing are the pictures. (Fantasy. 11-14)

Cross, Julie

Young Adult

School Library Journal (February 1, 2012) Gr 8 Up-"Okay, so it's true. I can time travel. But it's not as exciting as it sounds." Actually, it is every bit as exciting as it sounds. And the more Jackson learns about his powers and the nature of time travel, the more thrilling this novel gets. At first the teen treats his ability as a benign experiment and fodder for his geeky buddy's theorizing, but soon his talent becomes the key to saving his girlfriend and, quite possibly, the world. After watching Holly get shot, Jackson learns that most of what he knows about himself and his family is a lie and that powerful, opposing forces are willing to do just about anything to have him and his developing powers on their side. While the details of time travel are complex, they don't overpower the story, which remains focused on Jackson's relationships with Holly and his father. Teens looking for a romantic, high-adrenaline novel will have a hard time putting this one down. Jackson's sacrifice at the end will tug on heart strings and leave readers hungry for the next installment in a projected trilogy.-Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (December 15, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 8)) Grades 9-12. Equal parts sf time-travel saga, secret-agent action thriller, and romance, this series starter takes time getting its bearings, even as dramatic scenes place its hero, Jackson, in inexplicable danger. For fans of puzzle-within-puzzle plots, this won’t be a deterrent. Son of a New York City CEO, Jackson knows he is able to step back in time and has been testing his abilities with his science-nerd friend, Adam. But Jackson’s girlfriend, Holly, is in the dark until two sinister men corner the couple and begin shooting. Shocked, Jackson is thrown far into his own past. Certain that the Holly he knows in 2009 is dead, he sets out to know an earlier version of her, while also learning that his own father may not be who he says he is. The CIA is involved, as is a doctor who engineered a terrible experiment. Significant ambiguities remain throughout the final act as Jackson makes some tough choices, though for some readers this may actually keep them panting for the sequel.

Kirkus Reviews starred (November 15, 2011) Jackson Meyer is a 19-year-old Upper East Sider with a loving and loyal girlfriend, a brilliant and funny best friend and an unexpected and exciting new talent. Inexplicably, Jackson can suddenly "jump" back and forth in time. Exploring his gift for time travel begins as harmless fun but quickly turns into a bona fide race against time as Jackson journeys two years into the past to save the girl he loves in the present. Using a combination of Jackson's journal entries and his own first-person narration, debut author Cross takes readers on a thrilling ride as Jackson struggles to harness his abilities in a desperate attempt to learn the truth about who he is and, even more importantly, who he can trust. Though plenty complicated, the logistics of time travel are woven into the story in a way that makes them accessible to readers yet still feel organic. The characters are equally well crafted.Complex and distinct, they will work their way into readers' hearts and stay with them long after the book is finished. It is equal parts adventure, romance, science fiction and touching family drama; readers will turn the last page and find themselves wishing they could "jump" to the future and read the sequel. (Science fiction. 14 & up)

The Raven Boys

Raven Cycle

Stiefvater, Maggie

Young Adult

School Library Journal (April 1, 2016) Gr 8 Up-For her whole life, psychics have been predicting that Blue would end up killing her true love. She's never particularly cared-until she meets Gansey. Her clairvoyant powers kick in at the same time, alerting her that he'll be dead within a year. Will Patton provides polished narration for the whole series. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (January/February, 2013) According to legend, a medieval Welsh nobleman named Glendower vanished to avoid capture after the English defeated his army. Fast-forward to present-day Henrietta, Virginia, where four boys at exclusive private school Aglionby believe that Glendower is eternally sleeping and was brought over to the New World centuries ago along ley lines, "mystical energy roads that connect spiritual places." Friends Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah have been searching for Henrietta's ley line, hoping it will lead them to Glendower. Local sixteen-year-old Blue Sargent also knows about ley lines because her mother is a psychic who channels their energy. When the four "Raven Boys" befriend Blue, her knowledge and unusual ability to heighten energy help them awaken the Henrietta ley line. What that action may mean for future installments is left unknown, except that as fate intertwines lives in a town where everyone is keeping secrets, there will be plenty of mysteries to solve and dangers to overcome. This first book alternates between several voices, initially difficult to follow, but as Stiefvater reveals more information about the characters, their motives, and the fantasy aspects of the novel, the narration technique becomes effective. However, Stiefvater's prose style falls flat in several noticeable places, and there are numerous typos that regrettably disengage the reader from the narrative. Still, the overall fast pace, intriguing concept, and plot filled with psychics and ghosts -- plus the unanswered questions at book's end -- will leave readers forgiving of flaws as they await book two. cynthia k. ritter

Booklist starred (August 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 22)) Grades 9-12. The latest from Stiefvater, author of the Printz Honor Book The Scorpio Races (2011), defies easy synopsis. Consider that it is the story of 16-year-old Blue, from a family of psychics though she herself is not one. However, she does have the gift of amplifying others’ psychic experiences. Oh, and she has been told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. Then there are wealthy, handsome Gansey and his three friends, Adam, Ronan, and Noah, all of whom are “Raven Boys,” students at the prestigious Aglionby Academy. Gansey is obsessed with finding the body of the legendary sleeping king of Wales, Owen Glendower, using ley lines, invisible lines of energy that connect spiritual places. That a sinister someone else is also searching for the sleeping king adds chill-inducing danger to the complex and artful plot. Indeed, reading this novel is like walking through a tangled thicket and coming across one unexpected and wonderful surprise after another. In that respect, the book is marvelous, for not only is it filled with marvels but it is also a marvel of imagination and, more prosaically, structure. Rich, too, in characterization, this fantasy-mystery rises to the level of serious literature, leaving readers hungering for more. And more there will be, for this is the first volume of a planned quartet. Waiting for the next book in the Raven Cycle will indeed be a test of readers’ patience. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Stiefvater’s readership grows with each book she puts out, and the 150,000-copy first printing hints that this might be her biggest splash yet.

Cross, Julie

Young Adult

Kirkus Reviews (December 1, 2012) In the sequel to Tempest (2012), Jackson Meyer is now an agent-in-training, working for a top-secret branch of the CIA. Still hunted by the Enemies of Time and reeling from heartache, Jackson throws himself into his work. With a new partner and a team of other young agents-in-training, Jackson soon finds himself back in New York City, working undercover to prevent time travelers from tampering with the present in order to rewrite the future. As if things weren't complicated enough, Jackson finds himself face to face with Holly, the love he abandoned in a different timeline in order to save her life. While this Holly may look like the girl he loved, Jackson is shocked to learn that that is where the similarities end. Jumping back and forth between timelines, Jackson embarks on a desperate and dangerous mission to learn who is manipulating the ones he loves and what they have in store for him and, more importantly, for the world. While there's plenty of action, particularly in the last third of the novel, the mind-numbing logistics of time travel bog down the narrative and will likely leave readers scratching their heads. Additionally, though some of the new characters are welcome, this novel ultimately fails to recreate the authentic, emotional connections among characters that made its predecessor feel so fresh. Disappointing. (Science fiction. 14 & up)

Myers, Walter Dean

Young Adult

School Library Journal starred (July 1, 2020) Gr 7 Up-This 20th-anniversary edition features a 10-reader cast performing the original 10 stories, with additional "Bonus Content" that includes a dozen "Tributes" by literary luminaries, including Christopher Myers, Lois Lowry, and Jason Reynolds, extolling the late, great Myers's enduring legacy to diverse children's literature. Myers's interlinked stories capture everyday lives of Harlem residents, made immediately resonant by notable narrators. Sullivan Jones reads "Big Joe's Funeral," in which Big Joe conducts his funeral before his death, and "A Story in Three Parts," about a great-grandmother's sobering history lesson shared with her addict descendent. Heather Alicia Simms reads "Block Party-145th Street Style," adding to Big Joe's story from the perspective of his stepdaughter-to-be's BFF. Adenrele Ojo narrates "Kitty and Mack," an aching celebration of first love in crisis. Bahni Turpin reads "A Christmas Story," which links a hesitant policeman with Harlem doyenne Mother Fletcher. Brandon Gill, Almarie Guerra, Johnny Heller, Dominic Hoffman, and Paula Parker affectingly read the rest. The concluding who-read-what reveal (although JaQwan J. Kelly remains mysteriously uncredited; process of elimination shows he's the energetic voice of "The Streak" and "Monkeyman") is a rare gift for curious listeners. VERDICT A gift for groupies and newbies alike.-Terry Hong, Smithsonian BookDragon, Washington, DC © Copyright 2020. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (March/April, 2000) The first in this collection of ten stories is a brash comedy about a man who wants a fancy funeral while he's still around to enjoy it ("Funerals bring out the best in people. Am I lying or flying?"), but the tone abruptly darkens in the second, where a dog is thought to be the only victim of a police shooting until a boy finds the body of a child ("A feeling came over me, like I was lying on a beach at the edge of a lost world with a wave of hurt washing over my body"). Too many collections have found popular YA novelists ill at ease with the short-story form, but Walter Dean Myers here demonstrates a sure skill for its demands. Tightly focused and selectively detailed, with contemporary Harlem as their common setting, the stories here each feature a small cast grappling with a single situation. Sometimes humorously, as in "The Streak," about Jamie, convinced his lucky streak is going to run out before he gets to ask Celia to the dance; sometimes dramatically, as in a story about a girl whom neighbors are convinced predicts death in her dreams. Two of the best stories are moody romances. In "Kitty and Mack: A Love Story," two unlikely lovers defeat pride, stubbornness, and false ideas of manhood to find their way to each other; "Fighter" seems a few pages lifted straight from the Harlem Renaissance, as it tells of a third-rate boxer whose wife wants him to give up the ring. Myers has a great, natural style ("The girl was fine. Not just kind of fine, not just take another look fine, but, like, take the batteries out of the smoke alarms when she came by fine") and is completely at home in a Harlem depicted without adulation but with great affection. r.s.

Hahn, Rebecca

Young Adult

School Library Journal (April 1, 2014) Gr 9 Up-Marni lives in a shack at the edge of the woods with her Gramps, where she tends flowers, as she's done for most of her life. Yet change is afoot. As she's come of age, more and more male visitors have come to sit on the porch with Gramps while Marni lingers in the shadows. Perhaps even more disturbingly, the woods have begun creeping in inch by inch into the surrounding villages-but notably not around their own hut. If there was ever a time Marni should ignore the siren call of the voices in the woods, it is now, but she continues to escape there. It was these woods, after all, that had lured her princess mother away from the castle. Her mother was not the only girl lured by the voices, but she was the only to return-carrying the illegitimate "Dragon's" daughter and ultimately ending her own life, thereby sentencing Marni and her Gramps to a life of exile. Unexpectedly, Marni is thrust into life at court, and she must fight desperately to keep her independence while unraveling the mysteries of the encroaching woods and her birth. This book's greatest strength lies in the vivid woodland scenes and the rich detail that describes the mystical pieces of Marni's tale. The plot, however, plods along a bit, and, in the end, readers might wish that a little more had lurked beneath the surface. Fantasy fans who enjoy reveling more in the vision of a fantastical land and its creatures than an intricate and fast-paced plot will find much to love here.-Jill Heritage Maza, Montclair Kimberley Academy, Montclair, NJ (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (July/August, 2014) Marni is the daughter of a princess and the powerful dragon who presides over the kingdom's magicked woods. When she was a baby, her grandfather surrendered his throne to his son to save her life. Marni has grown up in relative obscurity with Gramps in a hut on the kingdom's outskirts. Now she is almost seventeen, and the woods are encroaching on the kingdom -- her dragon father's attempt to call her to him. After tragedy strikes, Marni (the king's only heir) leaves home to make a life for herself at court -- and to seek vengeance on her uncle for her mother's murder. But the king's increased fear and hatred eventually drives Marni to seek out her father. While in the woods, she finally chooses who she will be and where home truly lies. Full of court intrigue, family secrets, marriage proposals (several by a beguiling and bewildering lord), fantastical creatures, legends, and magic, Hahn's debut novel is first and foremost a journey of self-discovery. Marni, like Katsa in Graceling (rev. 11/08) and the eponymous Seraphina (rev. 7/12), is a strong, plainspoken protagonist who learns to embrace her uniqueness and power with newfound confidence and fierce independence. Hahn's poetic style gives the narrative depth and beauty with vividly rendered settings and sophisticatedly complex characters. It's an eloquent story about free will, the meaning of home, and love's varied forms. cynthia k. ritter

Booklist (May 1, 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 17)) Grades 8-10. Marni is the sole heir to a kingdom surrounded by a dangerous wood ruled by a powerful dragon and full of fantastic creatures, alluring magic, and trees whose seductive song lures young girls to abandon village life and run away to the forest. But instead of taking her rightful place on the throne, Marni is doomed to live in exile: her father is the dragon, and her mother was murdered for her transgression. When Marni’s grandfather—her sole protector—dies, and she’s sent to the court of her uncle, the king, she gets a taste of what a purely human life would be like. She can’t resist the call of the forest though, and soon, despite diligently planning to avenge her mother’s death, she seeks out her father in the woods. Told in a languorous, breathy first-person narrative, Hahn’s debut novel follows tenacious Marni as she tries to find a home between two vastly different worlds. Patient fantasy fans will appreciate this lyrical, character-driven story about a unique girl learning to find her place in an inhospitable world.

A good girl's guide to murder

Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Jackson, Holly

Young Adult

School Library Journal (December 1, 2019) Gr 9 Up-Five years ago, Andie Bell disappeared; she was believed to be murdered and her body hidden by her boyfriend Sal Singh before taking his own life. Pippa (Pip) Fitz-Amobi believes Sal is innocent and that he was murdered, and sets out to prove it for her senior capstone project. The deeper she digs into the truth, the more trouble Pip finds herself in. Somebody out there doesn't want her discovering the truth of what happened to Andie, and it may just be the real person responsible. Jackson's debut is a captivating mystery that will have readers hooked. Some may find the pacing at the beginning a little slow but it doesn't take long for the story to pick up. The majority of the characters, including Pip, are intriguing and well developed, containing flaws that make them more realistic. While Pip herself is white, there is a diverse cast of characters overall, including Sal and his brother Ravi, the latter playing a major role in helping Pip find answers. Pip's capstone project is interwoven with the third-person narration, so readers are allowed access to her thoughts and work even though she isn't directly telling the story. Jackson wonderfully crafts the mystery so that readers can create their own hypotheses as Pip puts the pieces together-but they won't find out the truth until she does. VERDICT A wonderful addition to any library collection, especially where mystery novels like Maureen Johnson's Truly Devious is popular.-Amanda Borgia, Uniondale Public Library, NY © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (January 1, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 9)) Grades 9-12. Fairview has been haunted by the disappearance of popular girl Andie Bell and the unexpected suicide of her alleged killer, Sal Singh. Five years later, high school senior Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who has had serious doubts about the officially circulated version of the story, decides that proving Sal's innocence will be the focus of her capstone project. But with each new discovery, Pip finds herself racing toward danger in ways she could never have expected. Thankfully, she has Sal's brother, Ravi, to help her along the way, and together they just might solve a mystery nobody else was able to unravel. Debut novelist Jackson transforms what could be a routine murder mystery into a critical examination of xenophobia, unfounded bias, and the incredibly complicated motivations that drive us all to act in ways we would never believe possible. This is an engaging narrative, full of twists and turns that will both shock and delight fans of murder, mayhem, and intrigue.

Kirkus Reviews (December 1, 2019) Everyone believes that Salil Singh killed his girlfriend, Andrea Bell, five years ago—except Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Pip has known and liked Sal since childhood; he’d supported her when she was being bullied in middle school. For her senior capstone project, Pip researches the disappearance of former Fairview High student Andie, last seen on April 18, 2014, by her younger sister, Becca. The original investigation concluded with most of the evidence pointing to Sal, who was found dead in the woods, apparently by suicide. Andie’s body was never recovered, and Sal was assumed by most to be guilty of abduction and murder. Unable to ignore the gaps in the case, Pip sets out to prove Sal’s innocence, beginning with interviewing his younger brother, Ravi. With his help, Pip digs deeper, unveiling unsavory facts about Andie and the real reason Sal’s friends couldn’t provide him with an alibi. But someone is watching, and Pip may be in more danger than she realizes. Pip’s sleuthing is both impressive and accessible. Online articles about the case and interview transcripts are provided throughout, and Pip’s capstone logs offer insights into her thought processes as new evidence and suspects arise. Jackson’s debut is well-executed and surprises readers with a connective web of interesting characters and motives. Pip and Andie are white, and Sal is of Indian descent. A treat for mystery readers who enjoy being kept in suspense. (Mystery. 14-18)

Hall, Sandy

Young Adult

School Library Journal (August 1, 2014) Gr 9 Up-If ever two people should get together, it's Gabe and Lea.áThey share a love of creative writing, watch the same TV reruns, order the same Chinese take-out on the same nights, and repeatedly wind up in the same place at the same time as if by magic. But Gabe is painfully shy and full of self-doubt, and Lea is so lacking in confidence that neither of them can give voice to the obvious chemistry that radiates between them. The magnetic pull is so strong, in fact, that everyone they come in contact with can feel it, and it is through Gabe and Lea's interactions with others that their stories unfold.áIn a progressive series of month-by-month vignettes, their creative writing teacher, college classmates, roommates and friends, a coffee shop barista, diner waitress, bus driver, and even the resident park bench and squirrel relate their impressions and conversations with the protagonists as they take part in a "one step forward, two steps back" dance of attraction and avoidance.áGabe's silence around Lea seems overplayed, but this is a small quibble with what is overall a fun, light romance that will appeal to male and female readers alike. A good choice for reluctant readers as well.-Cary Frostick, formerly at Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (September 15, 2014 (Vol. 111, No. 2)) Grades 9-12. Start with one boy, one girl. Put them together in a fits-and-starts love story and tell it from 17 points of view, including those of friends, a teacher, a barista, and a squirrel. Lea and Gabe share a college creative writing class and live in the same dorm. Are they interested in each other? Very. Can everyone else around them see that they should be together? Uh-huh. But something seems to always keep them apart. It is awkwardness, yes, and shyness for sure, but just about the time the audience (and Lea) are ready to give Gabe up as inept with romance, they learn why he is having so much trouble. This is the first in Macmillan’s Swoon Reads imprint, which allows new authors to submit their manuscripts online for readers’ votes, and the winner will be published. This is a sprightly first offering, and while it does go on too long—and Lea and Gabe seem more like high schoolers than college kids—the multiple perspectives make for a clever hook. Romance with a twist.

Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2014) Hall's debut is the inaugural release from Swoon Reads, a crowdsourced imprint of Macmillan. Lea likes Gabe, and Gabe likes Lea, and everyone, including their matchmaking creative-writing professor, a bench on the green and a campus squirrel, wants them to be together. Sounds like a simple love story, but with 14 points of view, it's anything but. Rather than a little something different, readers are handed a confusing train wreck populated by one-dimensional characters and indistinguishable voices (save the acorn-loving squirrel). Although the narrator of each section is clearly marked, change from one viewpoint to the next knocks readers clear off the page, and disappointingly, none of the dozen-plus voices are those of the would-be lovebirds. Gabe is pathologically shy, but he comes off as pathetically broody, and Lea's wishy-washy attitude toward him is frustrating. The inclusion of several gay characters and the casual mention of Lea's Chinese heritage feel forced, and the normalizing use of the phrase "skank queen" to describe the girl her friends view as Lea's competition for Gabe's affection is unpleasant. It's not clear who the intended audience is, as the story is more playground drama than collegiate romance. Readers who live for fun and quirky love stories won't find one here. A little something puerile, amateurish and flat. (Romance. 15-19)

Cameron, Sharon

Young Adult

Kirkus Reviews (September 1, 2013) In this gripping sequel to The Dark Unwinding (2012), Katharine Tulman seeks a discreet shelter for her uncle in Paris but instead finds intrigue and danger in the court of Napoleon III. After a midnight attempt to kidnap Uncle Tully leaves two men dead, Katharine realizes that Stranwyne Keep can no longer protect him from the avaricious interest of the British and French governments, which both covet the military applications of his ingenious clockwork creations. She fakes her uncle's death and flees with him to Paris, where she also hopes to learn the fate of her beloved, Lane Moreau. Thanks to the machinations of adversaries old and new, her careful plans almost immediately begin to unravel. Katharine's astute first-person narration beguiles readers; in Cameron's polished prose, scenes of social fencing are just as dramatic as passages of intense action. New secondary characters deepen mysteries and provide welcome touches of humor. Though the sequel provides enough detail to stand alone, the story will resonate most fully with readers who are familiar with Katharine's romance with Lane and her bond with Uncle Tully. This absorbing, intelligent adventure will reward Cameron's faithful readers--and may also win her some new ones. (Historical suspense. 13 & up)

Booklist starred (August 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 22)) If a Lee Child novel begins with Jack Reacher standing by the side of a highway with his thumb out, you can be sure that the wrong guy is going to pick him up. You can also be sure that the novel will end with Reacher standing by the side of another highway, again with his thumb out. In between, all hell will break loose, with the mysterious Reacher, the man with no home, in the middle of it, subduing bad guys one bullet, or one head butt, at a time. In this seventeenth series installment, the wrong guys who pick Reacher up on a lonely Nebraska highway turn out to be two murderers and their female hostage—or at least that’s who we think they are, for a while. We think a lot of things for a while—about terrorists, Homeland Security bumblers, warring FBI factions, and undercover agents—but almost all our assumptions turn out to be false. Mostly, though, we don’t have much time for thinking, since we’re strapped into various Ford Crown Victorias—the standard-issue automobile of local cops and the FBI alike—careening down midwestern interstates as Reacher, sometimes a captive, sometimes a pursuer, plots to save the endangered and smite those who do the endangering. There may not be as much actual violence in this novel as in other Reachers, but when it comes, it comes in thunder, and the tension leading up to it feels never-ending. Our mothers were surely right to warn us against hitchhiking, both because the wrong guys might pick us up and, especially, because we’re not Jack Reacher, much as we’d like to be. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Jack Reacher prefers to come and go across the country anonymously, but that’s not at all true of the novels in which he appears. The publication of every new Reacher is heralded through every possible form of mass communication. Boy, would Reacher hate that.

Kirkus Reviews (August 15, 2012) Will Jack Reacher ever make it to that woman in Virginia he was trying to reach in Worth Dying For (2010)? Not if all hell continues to break loose in Nebraska. Shortly after an eyewitness sees three men enter a small concrete bunker outside an anonymous town and only two of them emerge, Reacher, "just a guy, hitching rides," is picked up by a trio of corporate-sales types: Alan King, Don McQueen and Karen Delfuenso. In a tour de force that runs well over a hundred pages, Child cuts back and forth between the clues county sheriff Victor Goodman and FBI agent Julia Sorenson gather concerning the unidentified man in the green coat who was stabbed to death inside that bunker and the inferences Reacher is making about his traveling companions. For one thing, it's clear that King and McQueen know each other better than either of them knows Delfuenso; for another, a good deal of what they casually tell him about themselves isn't true. Just when you've settled down expecting Child to keep up this rhythm indefinitely, he switches gears in an Iowa motel, and Reacher's left out of danger but on his own--at least until Sorenson arrives to arrest him and the two of them form a quicksilver partnership whose terms seem to change every time Sorenson gets another phone call from the cops or the Feds. After working every change imaginable on their relationship, Child switches gears again and sends them a bang-bang assault on a hush-hush installation that shows how far into America's heartland its enemies have penetrated. In this latest attempt to show Reacher enjoying every possible variety of conflict with his nation's government short of outright secession, Child (The Affair, 2011, etc.) has produced two-thirds of a masterpiece.

McVoy, Terra Elan

Young Adult

School Library Journal (June 1, 2010) Gr 9 Up-Midway through senior year, Camille moves to Atlanta (her family's sixth move). She plans to simply go through the motions until she can escape to Europe after graduation. Meanwhile, at another school in town, Becca is jolted from the dreamlike state of her relationship with Alec when she gets in a fender bender and must find an after-school job to pay back her debt. The girls' lives collide when Camille meets Alec at a party, and, unaware that he is "taken," allows the haiku-spouting-but-athletic catcher to kiss her. At first blush, such a story line has the potential to play up every teen "mean girls" stereotype, yet McVoy elevates the narrative well above any predictable cat fight. Camille tells her side in stream-of-consciousness entries, while Becca speaks in free verse. The girls have distinct, believable voices, and the way in which they slowly become aware of one another rather than facing a direct confrontation shows that given different circumstances they might have been kindred spirits. Literary references and odes to famous poets pepper the pages. These are unobtrusive so that discerning readers will revel in their inclusion while others will skip over them but still enjoy the drama of the story. The result is a poignant tale of two girls on the brink of adulthood faced with real decisions about their future, who they want to be, and what role boys will play in their decisions.-Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Booklist (April 1, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 15)) Grades 8-11. In alternating sections, Camille’s and Becca’s poetry describes their senior years, their anticipation of future plans, and their romance with the same guy: Becca’s long-term boyfriend, who goes to school with Camille. Though the kiss mentioned in the title doesn’t happen until past the 100-page mark, the girls’ stories on their own are interesting enough to keep the reader turning pages to find out just how the two girls, who do not initially know each other, are connected. As their stories intersect, Becca comes into her own without two-timing Alec, and Camille reconciles her feelings about the past in this quietly reflective novel. The two poets have distinctive styles and voices: Camille writes observant, second-person prose poems, while Becca is more traditional, even mimicking some of her favorite poets, such as Wallace Stevens and Elizabeth Bishop. This gives the narrative device a more natural feel—like reading the teens’ journals rather than reading about the teens in poetry form—and helps the book stand out among novels in verse.

Young Adult

School Library Journal (May 1, 2015) Gr 9 Up-Facinelli, aka Dr. Carisle Cullen from the "Twilight" movies, and producer DeFranco team up with YA author Lyga to create a powerful postapocalyptic novel. This particular version of the future is so far post the apocalypse that no one can remember how exactly they got there, though theories abound, most of them involving a "red rain" that may or may not have killed half of the world's population. The main character, Deedra, was raised in an orphanage and now leads a plodding, government-controlled existence working in a factory and scavenging on her days off. It is on one of these trips that she meets the oddly named Rose, a boy her age who seems to have come from nowhere and is completely different from anyone she's ever met. When Rose's true nature is revealed-not a vampire or robot but something far stranger and more interesting-Deedra realizes that he may be the key to saving their dying world. She just needs to save him first. The story moves along without feeling rushed, and with the exception of the scenery-chewing magistrate, characters are fully formed and subtly drawn. VERDICT Not just another dystopia: strong characters and adept world-building make this work stand out from the crowd.-Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (May 15, 2015 (Vol. 111, No. 18)) Grades 8-11. Lyga’s foray into the popular genre of dystopian romance seems tailored to be a blockbuster (especially since his collaborators are actor Peter Facinelli and producer Robert DeFranco). Though it hits genre conventions hard, it’s well written and unusual enough to stand out. In earth’s future, long after the planet’s ruin and mass species extinction, people live in cramped, perpetually warring Territories. After a hard childhood in an orphanage, Deedra is proud to be supporting herself with factory work building air scrubbers and going on scavenging forays into the crumbling cityscape called the Wreck. One day she rescues a boy struggling to cross a poisoned river. He calls himself Rose, and everything about him is strange: he is too pretty and perfect, without a Territory brand, and inexplicably living off the denuded land. He thinks differently from everyone else, too, which puts him and Deedra in danger. Rose’s true genetic nature is unexpectedly novel, and that—combined with striking imagery, thrilling action, and adolescent true love—makes this a sure bet. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Best-selling Lyga gets his mitts on dystopian romance? Better get two.

Crockett, S. D

Young Adult

School Library Journal (March 1, 2012) Gr 8 Up-What if, instead of a warmer future, "every thing got proper cold"? What if "the seas stopped working," and those who didn't move to the crowded, smelly cities approved by the government became "stealers" and "stragglers" and lived off the grid? Russia and China are big influences in this new order, and the yuan is the preferred currency. Willo's family are stragglers, living in the frigid mountains of Wales. Willo has a talent for hunting and helps his father turn hides into finely crafted coats, boots, and gloves. Cat and dog make the finest furs, though Willo catches mostly rabbits. When he returns from a hunt to find the cabin deserted, he knows something bad has happened. He packs a sled with supplies and heads off to find his family. His first encounter is with Mary, almost starving, whose father is a pony man, also missing. Willo intends to take Mary only as far as the power lines, where she can be picked up by a snow truck, but events tumble both teens onto a transport into the city. The bones of this story are not new: civilization trying to reform after human-caused catastrophe. Some people try to make a better world, and others ask only what's in it for them. What elevates Snow is the voice Crockett uses to tell the tale. Willo's narration, with misspellings and inventive phrasings, is a voice we have not heard before. Graphic violence occurs in several places, but Crockett's cold, brutal world is not without a few warm rooms where travelers can rest and prepare for the next challenge.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (March/April, 2012) Fifteen-year-old Willo tires of the grown-ups' stories of "the old time, before the sea stop working, before the snow start to fall and fall and fall and don't stop." All he has ever known is this future ice-age world, and his family roughing it on the mountain. His trapping skills help with their survival, but one day he returns home to find his family gone, stranding him in the frozen mountains of Wales. He sets off toward the city in search of his family, meeting a thirteen-year-old girl named Mary on the way. Entering the city is like Dante's entering the gates of Hell. A sign daubed on a wall proclaims, "There is no law beyond / Do what thou wilt." But Willo doesn't abandon hope, and finds brief refuge with Piper, the rat man who recites Browning, and Jacob the furrier, who leads Willo toward news of his father. The strengths of the novel are Willo's distinctive first-person voice and the carefully delineated dystopian world, especially the hellish city with its slushy streets and foul air, gangs, dogs, soldiers, and fascist government in league with powerful business interests. Willo's oft-repeated slogans and parroting of his father's admonition to be a "beacon of hope" wear thin, but allusions to Yeats and Genesis and Browning and various fairy tales lend epic weight to Willo's journey in this absorbing first novel. dean schneider

Alice in charge

Alice McKinley

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds

Young Adult

School Library Journal (June 1, 2010) Gr 8-10-Alice's final year of high school is neatly sliced in half with this segment covering fall semester's joys and challenges. The difficulty of returning to school after her friend Mike's death in a car accident is tempered with the excitement of being features editor on the school newspaper. The loneliness caused by Patrick attending college in Chicago has counterpoints such as daring to skinny-dip in a stranger's hot tub on Halloween and getting to know a Sudanese refugee from school who asks her to the Snow Ball. Alice has to handle some difficult issues-like anonymous racist notes left around the school and a substitute teacher who sexually crosses the line with some students-all while trying to decide where to apply to college and whether she would be better off close to home or spreading her wings. Girls who have followed the series will definitely want to graduate with Alice, but this entry may not inspire new readers. Its teens and their dialogue seem rather undifferentiated and somewhat bland in comparison to more dynamic and realistic YA novels. That said, Alice is a wonderful role model, and Naylor is unafraid to tackle subjects such as birth control and sexuality, in a tame and approachable fashion. Parents, friends, and even the conflicts themselves are almost too perfect, but idealized "normal" teen life might be appreciated by readers looking for something old school to contrast with sometimes all-too-gritty real life.-Suzanne Gordon, Lanier High School, Sugar Hill, GA Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Horn Book Magazine (July/August, 2010) Seventeen-year-old Alice begins her first semester of senior year juggling the usual: homework, extracurricular activities, family, friends, a long-distance relationship, work at the Melody Inn, and anxiety about the future (i.e., college). But this twenty-fifth book in the long-running series also includes some unexpected drama. The unwelcome discovery of a group of white supremacist students has Alice's whole school on edge. The newspaper staff, including Alice as features editor, has a decision to make-does the paper acknowledge anonymous comments from this hate group or censor views the editors disagree with? And Alice makes another editorial decision-this time a rogue one-that implicates a teacher accused of molesting a student. After the dust settles, Alice learns a hard lesson about journalistic responsibility and the power of the press. Somehow Alice (and Naylor) manage to fit in lighter moments, too, including the homecoming dance, a poorly planned college-visiting junket, and a nighttime co-ed skinny-dipping caper. "Senior year: the last of everything." It's a bittersweet time, and Alice's fans are sure to savor every experience.

Courtney, Nadine Jolie

Young Adult

School Library Journal (October 1, 2019) Gr 7 Up-High school sophomore Allie Abraham often feels like an imposter. Her father is a Circassian Muslim and her mother is a white American who converted to Islam when they married. Red-haired, fair-skinned Allie is used to being told that she doesn't "look Muslim," and her non-practicing father, afraid of potential harassment, encourages her to keep her identity to herself. But Allie increasingly worries that she's betraying her fellow Muslims by hiding who she is, especially after moving to conservative Georgia. Her new classmates openly denigrate Islam in front of her, leaving Allie feeling like "a receptacle for unguarded Just Between Us White People ignorance," while at her new Qu'ran study group, she struggles with feeling "not Muslim enough." But when Allie falls for charming, vulnerable soccer player Wells and learns that his father is the host of a cable news show that spews Islamophobic and anti-immigrant vitriol, Allie feels increasingly driven to take a stand. This book may bill itself as a romance, but the true heart of the novel is Allie's experience falling in love with the meaning and beauty of Islam. She grapples honestly with the hard questions involved in belonging to a faith community: What if she's cherry-picking her beliefs? What if others don't see her as a "good" Muslim? Is she still allowed to question or criticize aspects of a faith that she's new to practicing? #Ownvoices author Courtney incorporates a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints among Allie's Muslim friends and family, creating a vibrant cast of characters who compellingly portray the individual nuances of religious experience. The result is a layered and thoughtful exploration of spiritual awakening that never condescends to teen readers, exploring feminism, prayer, and religious ritual, family bonds across cultures and generations, white privilege, LGBTQ inclusion, and grief in authentic and heartfelt ways. VERDICT Religion is rarely handled with such wisdom and depth in YA, or discussed so lovingly. A rich and memorable exploration of faith and family that is a first purchase for all collections.-Elizabeth Giles, Lubuto Library Partners, Zambia © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (October 1, 2019 (Vol. 116, No. 3)) Grades 9-12. From her looks, people don't suspect Allie is anything but an "all-American" (that is, white) girl. But when her family settles in Providence, Georgia, the Islamophobia she has until then only witnessed from a distance forces her to find the strength to tell her friends and boyfriend—whose dad is a fearmongering TV talking head—that her family is Muslim. The road to claiming her religion through study is rife with bigotry but also rich with support. There's a lot to unpack here, but isn't there always when it comes to religion and politics? Courtney does so with poise, naturally integrating genuinely informative context into the story. Allie's inner turmoil about having it all while still abiding by her religion resonates, and her choice to be a practicing Muslim is particularly moving during a time when that choice can seem dangerous. Passages debunk misconceptions about Islam, addressing the topics of feminism, equality, and more, urging one to consider how the Western gaze can lead to misinterpretation. Readers trapped between two worlds, religious or not, will find solace here.

Kirkus Reviews starred (October 15, 2019) Allie Abraham is tired of being a “receptacle for unguarded Just Between Us White People ignorance” and discomfort. Moving from place to place with her Circassian Jordanian professor father and white American psychologist mother, Allie has been a chameleon, blending in as the perfect all-American girl. Very few people know that Allie is actually Alia and that both her parents are Muslim. Her mother converted upon marrying her no-longer-practicing father, who encourages his daughter to take advantage of the pale skin and reddish-blonde hair that help her avoid being profiled. Allie yearns to connect to her religion and heritage—and to her Teta, the grandmother with whom she is only able to communicate in broken Arabic. Her new boyfriend, Wells Henderson, seems so genuine and likable, unlike his father, a conservative, xenophobic cable newscaster. As Allie embraces all the parts of who she is and confronts Islamophobia, she wonders if others can fully accept her growth. The book handles the complexity and intersectionality of being a Muslim American woman with finesse, addressing many aspects of identity and Islamic opinions. Allie, who has a highly diverse friend group, examines her white-passing privilege and race as well as multiple levels of discrimination, perceptions of conversion, feminism, sexual identity, and sexuality. While grounded in the American Muslim experience, the book has universal appeal thanks to its nuanced, well-developed teen characters whose struggles offer direct parallels to many other communities. Phenomenal. (Fiction. 13-18)

Albin, Gennifer

Young Adult

School Library Journal (December 1, 2013) Gr 9 Up-In this sequel to Crewel (Farrar, 2012), Adelice, a talented 16-year-old Spinster, leaves behind her life in Arras, along with brothers Jost and Erik, for the damaged Earth. There, she finds that her ability to weave the threads of life together is thwarted. She discovers gifted men called Tailors-beings who are able to alter and piece together the fabrics of individual lives. Erik hides the fact that he is a skilled Tailor, and Adelice is one of the rarest beings: both Spinster and Tailor. The story is about survival and romance (Adelice is drawn to both Jost and Erik). As the heroine's feelings intensify, she challenges the idea that Spinsters who consummate a romance will lose their ability to weave. Albin aptly weaves her unique vocabulary into the complex plot. Adelice fights the Guild, the powerful leaders of Arras, and the Remnants, soulless former humans, and struggles to understand herself and her abilities. "How can I discover who I am when my world is built of secrets and shadows?" she asks herself. The loose ends involving Adelice's family and a world-saving creation called "The Whorl" will leave fans waiting eagerly for book three. Altered is a mix of romance and adventure that will be most enjoyable for readers of the first novel.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (October 15, 2013 (Vol. 110, No. 4)) Grades 7-10. “Oh, what a tangled web we weave.” Albin’s story of Adelice, the talented spinster of Crewel (2012), picks up right where it left off as she and the brothers Jost and Erik escape the controlled fibers of Arras for a hope of freedom on Earth. Turns out Earth is not abandoned, danger lurks everywhere in the form of Remnants who have been sent to hunt her down, and a foil for Cormac Patton awaits to exercise his own form of control and domination. The setting is a darker postapocalypse world than in the first installment, with interesting new developments and a host of new characters, whose secrets impact Adelice. Much of the world building unfolds in murky exposition, and it eventually takes Albert Einstein (seriously) to explain it. A tighter reweaving would make this a better book, but the continuing saga of the love triangle and another dramatic ending will leave fans of the series wanting more.

An ember in the ashes

Ember In The Ashes

Tahir, Sabaa

Young Adult

School Library Journal (July 1, 2015) Gr 9 Up-Fiona Hardingham and Steve West bring a full and excellent repertoire of voices to this gripping production. Elias is a soldier under the Commandant's command. The Commandant is exceedingly ruthless and cruel; she also happens to be Elias's mother. Laia is enslaved to the Commandant after her brother is taken prisoner, the rest of her family killed, and their house burned 2down by agents of the Commandant. Laia's goal is to find and free her brother, no matter the cost. Elias yearns to complete his military training and escape to freedom. In this world, extreme secrecy and courage are needed just to get through a day. Torture is routine. Cruelty is acclaimed. Betrayal and corruption are everywhere. Friendship is nearly impossible, since any attachment or affection could be exploited to coerce a person to do the Commandant's bidding. But Laia and Elias meet, make a connection, and end up helping each other-with drastic punishments endured along the way. West and Hardingham bring the dystopian world to life and provide an engaging experience for the listener. VERDICT Fans of adventure, dystopias, and romance will enjoy this audiobook.-Cynthia Ortiz, Hackensack High School Library, NJ © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (January 1, 2015 (Vol. 111, No. 9)) Grades 9-12. Laia’s adventures begin after her brother is taken captive by the reigning, warlike Martials, who have subjugated her people, the Scholars. In an attempt to save him, she enters into a dangerous agreement with the Resistance to spy on the fiendish commandant of the Martial’s military academy. In the meantime, the commandant’s son, Elias, the finest soldier at the academy, is undergoing a series of trials that will determine the next emperor of the Martial Empire, which loosely recalls the Roman Empire, though this one is no stranger to magic and the supernatural. Though born enemies, Laia’s and Elias’ lives will come together with unpredictable results that involve a love triangle of sorts. First-time novelist Tahir has written an ambitious sword-and-sand adventure story that is notable for its suspense and scope. There are flaws: the diction is sometimes not as fresh as it might be, and some incidents defy credulity, especially those propelling the ending, which, not surprisingly, is inconclusive enough to promise a sequel. Many readers drawn in by the action and romance will doubtless look forward to it.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: With 19 international markets already sold, as well as an option to Paramount Pictures, this debut has already earned its upcoming author tour, multimedia ad campaign, and more.

Kirkus Reviews (January 15, 2015) A suddenly trendy trope--conflict and romance between members of conquering and enslaved races--enlivened by fantasy elements loosely drawn from Arabic tradition (another trend!). In an original, well-constructed fantasy world (barring some lazy naming), the Scholars have lived under Martial rule for 500 years, downtrodden and in many cases enslaved. Scholar Laia has spent a lifetime hiding her connection to the Resistance--her parents were its leaders--but when her grandparents are killed and her brother's captured by Masks, the eerie, silver-faced elite soldiers of the Martial Empire, Laia must go undercover as a slave to the terrifying Commandant of Blackcliff Military Academy, where Martials are trained for battle. Meanwhile, Elias, the Commandant's not-at-all-beloved son, wants to run away from Blackcliff, until he is named an Aspirant for the throne by the mysterious red-eyed Augurs. Predictably, action, intrigue, bloodshed and some pounding pulses follow; there's betrayal and a potential love triangle or two as well. Sometimes-lackluster prose and a slight overreliance on certain kinds of sexual violence as a threat only slightly diminish the appeal created by familiar (but not predictable) characters and a truly engaging if not fully fleshed-out fantasy world. Bound to be popular. (Fantasy. 13 & up)

Angels & demons

Robert Langdon

Brown, Dan

Booklist (October 15, 2009 (Online)) In Switzerland, at the CERN research facility, a scientist is murdered, and a word is burned into the corpse: Illuminati. Robert Langdon, an expert in religious iconology, learns from the murdered man’s daughter, Vittoria Vetra, that a quantity of antimatter has been stolen. Soon the connection between the missing antimatter and the Illuminati, an ancient secret society, becomes clear, and Langdon and Vetra are en route to Rome to prevent the destruction of the Catholic Church. This is easily the best of the Langdon novels (its sequels being The Da Vinci Code, 2003, and The Lost Symbol, 2009). Its plot is intriguing without being loopy, and it is written in a clear, unadorned style that propels the reader through the story. In The Da Vinci Code, Brown turned Langdon into something of a bore, lecturing the other characters and the reader on the historical elements of the elaborate story. Here Langdon is more like an amateur sleuth armed with some very specialized knowledge, and the plot is far less elaborate, more like a typical thriller than a dialogue-laden series of history lessons. The Da Vinci Code might be the Langdon book that everybody recognizes, but this is the one that most deserves an audience.

Kirkus Reviews (April 1, 2000) Another near-future technothriller from the author of Digital Fortress (1998). Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon gets a call from Maximilian Kohler, director of CERN's Geneva particle-physics research complex. Physicist Leonardo Vetra has been murdered, and a quantity of dreadfully dangerous antimatter stolen; worse, Vetra was branded with a single word: Illuminati. Langdon's an expert on the history of the Illuminati, a medieval pro-science, anti-Catholic power group, often suspected of infiltrating mighty institutions but now considered extinct. The canister of antimatter soon turns up--in Rome, hidden somewhere in Vatican City, just as the church's cardinals are gathering to select a new pope. When the canister's batteries go dead--boom. As bad, someone's kidnapped the four top cardinals, and a message from the Illuminati states that one cardinal will be killed--with lots of Illuminati symbolism--every hour until the antimatter explodes. Langdon and Vetra's scientist daughter, Vittoria, must convince the late pope's chamberlain, now in charge of the Vatican until the new pope is elected, to help them unravel the mysteries of the Illuminati and, perhaps, save the cardinals from gruesome deaths. But they'll be going up against a wily and potent Illuminati assassin, causing plenty of thrilling cat-and-mouse maneuvers and life-or-death cliffhangers. And how come the powerful head of the Illuminati knows all the Vatican's secrets, and can enter and leave at will? Romance, religion, science, murder, mysticism, architecture, action. Go!

Perkins, Stephanie

Young Adult

School Library Journal (January 1, 2012) Gr 9 Up-Anna was quite happy hanging with her best friend, Bridgette, and working part-time alongside her crush, Toph, at home in Atlanta. It wasn't her choice to be sent to boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school. At the new school, she meets Etienne St. Clair and falls for him-hard. There's just one problem: he has a serious, long-time girlfriend. After a school-year filled with adjusting to a foreign country, living with strangers, romantic and social mishaps, miscommunications between Anna and St. Clair, and a crushing visit home, love triumphs over all. Anna gets the guy, makes some new friends, and patches things up with Bridgette. Kim Mai Guest does a fine job of creating distinctive teen voices for the characters in Stephanie Perkins's story (Dutton, 2010). Pair this with the print version for struggling or ESL/ELL students. An enjoyable listen full of teen angst, moments of laugh-out-loud humor, and romance.-Cynthia Ortiz, Hackensack High School, NJ (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (November 15, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 6)) Grades 9-12. Anna is not happy about spending senior year at a Paris boarding school, away from her Atlanta home, best friend Bridgette, and crush Toph. Adapting isn’t easy, but she soon finds friends and starts enjoying French life, especially its many cinemas; she is an aspiring film critic. Complications arise, though, when she develops feelings for cute—and taken—classmate Etienne, even though she remains interested in Toph. Her return home for the holidays brings both surprises, betrayals, unexpected support, and a new perspective on what matters in life—and love. Featuring vivid descriptions of Parisian culture and places, and a cast of diverse, multifaceted characters, including adults, this lively title incorporates plenty of issues that will resonate with teens, from mean girls to the quest for confidence and the complexities of relationships in all their forms. Despite its length and predictable crossed-signal plot twists, Perkins’ debut, narrated in Anna’s likable, introspective voice, is an absorbing and enjoyable read that highlights how home can refer to someone, not just somewhere.

Kirkus Reviews starred (November 1, 2010) Since her father's Nicholas Sparks-like novels have been turned into blockbuster movies and he now has the means (and status) to give her culture, Anna Oliphant finds herself uprooted from her Atlanta home to become the newest senior at the School of America in Paris. Her seemingly enviable situation is offset by her inability to speak French, her fear of venturing off school property and a possible romantic interest back home. But then the young film critic meets gorgeous, heart-stopping classmate tienne St. Clair, who has a sexy British accent and offers to show her around Paris-and who also has a serious girlfriend at a local university. Perkins's debut surpasses the usual chick-lit fare with smart dialogue, fresh characters and plenty of tingly interactions, all set amid pastries, parks and walks along the Seine in arguably the most romantic city in the world. Sarah Dessen fans will welcome another author who gracefully combines love and realism, as Anna's story is as much about finding and accepting herself as it is about finding love. Trs charmante. (Chick lit. 13 & up)

Simmons, Kristen

Young Adult

School Library Journal (June 1, 2012) Gr 9 Up-How far is the government willing to go for national security? In her debut novel (Tor Teen, 2012), the first title in a projected trilogy, Kristen Simmons spins her own answer to this question with a dystopia that is as chilling as George Orwell's 1984. After the War, the Bill of Rights was replaced by the Moral Statutes, unrealistically stringent regulations strictly enforced by the Federal Bureau of Reformation (FBR). Violators have a way of disappearing, and terrible rumors abound about their fate. When Ember's mom is arrested for being a single parent (an Article 5 violation), Ember is shipped off to a correctional facility where inmates are bullied by armed guards and brutally punished by a sadistic headmistress. She'll remain here until she turns 18-if she can last that long. Just when things seem most bleak, Ember is unexpectedly rescued by Chase Jennings, former-crush-turned-FBR officer. Now fugitives, they must trust each other if they are to survive. But will their inner demons get the better of them? A cliffhanger ending sets the stage for the next installment. This absorbing story is darker than the typical dystopia, and the extreme situations Ember and others face can be difficult to stomach. Violence and some mature content make this title best suited for older teens. Jennifer Ikeda's emotionally charged reading gives Ember's first-person account a haunted quality that is not as apparent in the print version. Therefore, libraries might want to consider purchasing both formats of this must-have story.-Alissa LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (March 15, 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 14)) Grades 7-12. After the war, a new government took over the U.S. and replaced the Bill of Rights with the Moral Statutes. Now everyone has reason to look over his or her shoulder. Seventeen-year-old Ember has already lost her boyfriend, Chase, to the Moral Militia, as he was called up to be one of its soldiers. But she never expected to see him arrive at her home to arrest her and her mother for indecency (Ember was born out of wedlock). The story proceeds as readers of dystopian novels will expect. Ember is a feisty heroine who manages to get herself into and out of some deadly scrapes. When she meets Chase once more, she must try to trust again, even as she learns more about what he has done in the service. The action never stops—not even long enough, really, to let the romance in—and the plot is pushed by the characters’ reluctance to talk to each other, even though the opportunity is there. The story could conceivably end with the book’s last page, but it probably won’t—there is still a government that needs overthrowing.

Kirkus Reviews (January 15, 2012) In an unimpressive dystopian romance, a girl flees a repressive institution with the soldier she once loved. After a war whose details never quite emerge, the U.S. government authorized the Federal Bureau of Reformation, better known as the Moral Militia, to arrest any citizen in violation of the stringent "Moral Statutes." Ember's mom is arrested for violating Article 5--having conceived a child out of wedlock--and Ember is sent to a girls' rehab where rule-breakers are punished with violence and those who try to escape are shot. Ember does escape, however, with the help of Chase Jennings, a friend who joined the Moral Militia years earlier, and most of the book chronicles the pair's tense and treacherous journey in search of Ember's mother and safety. That the two have feelings for each other is immediately clear, but drawn-out misunderstandings and a tedious unwillingness to communicate keep the two travelers at odds. Despite the book's implicit critique of sexism ("[women]'s subservience" is mandated by the Articles), Chase is portrayed as knowledgeable, street-smart and in charge, while Ember is loose-tongued and impulsive, frequently requiring Chase's assistance to get out of a scrape. There are a few engaging action scenes here and there, but overall, it's a disappointment for romantics, feminists and dystopia fans alike. (Dystopian romance. 12 & up)

Treggiari, Jo.

Young Adult

School Library Journal (April 1, 2012) Gr 9 Up-Lucy has survived environmental catastrophes and an epidemic that killed most of the population in Jo Treggiari's dystopian novel (Scholastic, 2011) set in a post-apocalyptic New York City. The girl lost her entire family in the last wave of the plague and now lives alone, hunting and scavenging for food. She's attacked by wild dogs and rescued by a boy named Aidan, a member of the Scavengers, a group of survivors who have banded together for safety and companionship. But just as she joins the group, Sweepers kidnap several of the members, and it becomes apparent that they are inoculating their victims with the Plague in an attempt at medical experimentation. It appears that Lucy is immune to the disease, and her blood could be used to develop an antidote. Although the story starts a bit slowly, it gathers speed and tension as Lucy, Aidan, and others confront the director of the medical experimentation program. Cassandra Clare contributes to that tension through her narration and suspenseful voicing of each character. A better than average dystopian adventure.-Ann Brownson, Ballenger Teachers Center, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (September 1, 2011 (Online)) Grades 7-10. Fifteen-year-old Lucy, orphaned by the plague, lives alone in a bramble-protected, rough camp in postapocalyptic Manhattan until she is rescued from a wild dog attack by Aidan, who reminds her what it is like to be around people. After a tsunami obliterates her camp, Lucy finds Aidan and his group of survivors just in time for hazmat-suited Sweepers to abduct several members of the group. The Sweepers eventually get Lucy and Aidan, and it appears that Lucy’s blood may be the start of an antidote for the plague—whether she is alive to give it or not. Strongly reminiscent of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet (1987) and Will Weaver’s Memory Boy (2001) but with a female protagonist and urban setting, the focus here is on action rather than introspection. Treggiari’s writing is smooth and even vivid at times—the turtle-soup-preparation scene may make some folks a little queasy—but it isn’t gratuitous. Meshed well into the main narrative are well-incorporated subplots about the acceptance of difference (of folks who were ravaged by the plague), romance, and loyalty.

Ashfall (Tanglewood)

Mullin, Mike

Young Adult

School Library Journal (November 1, 2011) Gr 8 Up-Alex, 15, is separated from his family when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts. The eruption leaves his world in confusion, with no infrastructure and drifts of ash everywhere. He decides that he must leave his home in Iowa to seek out his family, who were traveling toward Pennsylvania when the explosion occurred. Alex uses his Tae kwon do skills to keep himself safe as he skis over the ash. Food is in short supply for everyone. Eventually he is taken in by Mrs. Edmunds and her daughter, Darla. When tragedy strikes, Alex and Darla must set out on their own to find safety and food. Not surprisingly, along the way, a romantic attraction develops between them. Ultimately, they must figure out how to survive in a refugee camp. The conclusion is satisfying, but unresolved enough to indicate the beginning of what appears to be a planned trilogy. The tough self-sufficiency of the two lead characters (Alex's Tae kwon do coupled with Darla's automotive prowess) adds to their appeal. The romance develops believably over the course of the book. Tautly paced and well researched, this is a high-action read-alike for fans of Susan Beth Pfeffer's Life As We Knew It (Harcourt, 2006).-Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (January/February, 2012) Alex Halprin's world ends one Friday evening, and there is no dawn the next day. The end of the world comes with a bang, a giant rock thrown 900 miles from the exploding supervolcano under Yellowstone National Park, destroying Alex's house and signaling the coming volcanic winter. After the rock comes the fire, then the noise, like Zeus "machine-gunning thunder at you," then a high-pitched whine, power outages, and ash, burying Alex's world. Rains turn the ash to muck, over which Alex skis in search of his parents who had taken a weekend trip over a hundred miles away. Alex walks out into a world that has quickly gone bad, populated by refugees, killers, rapists, and even cannibals, a world where Alex's tae kwon do skills come in handy more than once. But there's human kindness, too, and love, as Alex finds Darla and the two save each other's lives time and again. Mullin's debut novel is carefully researched and vividly imagined, a post-apocalyptic backdrop for an intense tale with adventure, graphic violence, and two young teenagers learning to love. A sure hit for older readers who like intense action, a believable narrator, and a dystopia that could actually happen. dean schneider

Roux, Madeleine

Young Adult

School Library Journal (February 1, 2014) Gr 9 Up-Dan is thrilled to be spending the summer before his senior year at the New Hampshire College Prep program, where he'll have a chance to meet other studious teenagers. He doesn't mind that his dorm, Brookline, was once an asylum for the criminally insane. In fact, Dan is curious about the institution's history and begins exploring Brookline's old passageways at night. At first, Dan and his best friends at NHCP, Abby and Jordan, think it's fun to sneak around in the dark and look at old patient records, but soon the things they find begin to frighten them. Dan starts receiving ominous notes, and he is plagued by nightmares in which he sees Brookline as if he were really there, all those years ago. When people start dying, Dan is convinced that the killer's identity is buried in his dorm's darkest history and that his own strange connection to the institution may be the key to stopping the murders. Eerie black-and-white pictures throughout the book add to the creep factor of this story, but unfortunately many images are redundant photographs of Dan's notes, while others seem unrelated to the text. The plot drives forward too quickly, with some circumstances and events feeling forced. Dan meets Abby and Jordan on his first day, for instance, and within hours they carry on with the rapport of lifelong friends. Mystery lovers will be disappointed with the lack of answers and explanations here. Hand this one to horror fans who don't mind a few loose ends.-Liz Overberg, Darlington School, Rome, GA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (September 1, 2013 (Vol. 110, No. 1)) Grades 7-10. Sixteen-year-old Dan Crawford is thrilled to be attending the summer program for gifted students at New Hampshire College, but he’s shocked to find that he’s been housed in a dorm that was formerly an asylum for the criminally insane. Although Dan’s roommate is a bit odd, he makes good friends with attractive, spunky Abby and acerbic Jordan, and together the three investigate things that clearly should be left alone, including the forbidden areas of the building, to which Dan finds himself irresistibly drawn. Roux’s cinematic story includes genuinely creepy black-and-white found photographs of decaying abandoned asylums as well as unsettling drawings and altered photographs. The plentiful illustrations both advance the story line and immeasurably contribute to the spooky atmosphere. With its abundant jump scares, horror readers and fans of the TV show American Horror Story will delight in the fast-paced (if predictable) plot. Although it feels a little forced, the diversity among the characters (Asian, Latina, gay, rich, poor, rural, and urban) is a nice touch. Short sentences and many cliff-hangers will appeal to reluctant readers.

Kirkus Reviews (June 15, 2013) Roux's first teen novel uses horror staples--spooky corridors, tight-lipped townspeople and convenient coincidences--to predictable but page-turning effect. New Hampshire College Prep is a haven for gifted students: a place where kids actually want to do their homework. Its Brookline dorm is also a former psychiatric hospital whose past remains prominent not only in town, but in its own abandoned wings. Dan, anxious and awkward, is fascinated by its most infamous inpatient: a serial killer dubbed the Sculptor. His classmates have their own troubles; Abby struggles with family tensions, and Jordan's parents reject his sexuality. When they find old patient records and receive ghostly emails, they begin an investigation that ends in murder. The mock photo illustrations are eerie and occasionally disturbing, depicting the callous treatment methods of Brookline's time. A hollow-eyed, scarred child begs for her own story, as do notes from a surgeon convinced he can eradicate insanity. In contrast, the teens' back stories are more plot devices and heavy foreshadowing than character development, but their friendship is convincingly volatile. Real and ghostly elements mix clumsily and muddle the ending somewhat, but the pictures linger--a tighter focus on the photos' subjects could have made a truly haunting story. Fans of "found footage" horror will enjoy this familiar but visually creepy take on the haunted-institution setting. (Suspense. 14-18)

Prendergast, Gabrielle

Young Adult

School Library Journal (February 1, 2014) Gr 10 Up-Continuing in the tradition of Ellen Hopkins and Sonya Sones, Prendergast's novel in verse centers on a young woman coming to terms with her troubled past. Ella, an aspiring artist, has moved with her family to a new city and school. The reasons for the move unfold slowly, and her backstory is one of the many mysteries layered within the plot. Ella uses art to express herself and creates nine canvases for the school art show based on the word "Audacious," where each letter represents another word, acrostic-style. The art pieces feature women who fight back despite their circumstances, including images devoted to labels such as "Disabled," "Indigenous," and "Asthmatic." Controversy ensues when Ella incorporates a canvas for the letter "C" for the word "Cunt," along with a photo of her genitalia. Child pornography charges are filed, and her family is forced to finally speak openly about the secrets that threaten to tear each of them apart. A traumatic event that occurred previously finally comes to light and gives teens insight to the motivation for many of Ella's actions. The novel contains multiple, adeptly intertwined plotlines that touch upon an extensive range of issues, including Islamic religious views, the existence of God, the Israeli-Palestine conflict, eating disorders, mother-daughter relationships, learning disabilities, and censorship. A wonderfully fast-paced novel that mature teens are sure to embrace.-Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (November 1, 2013 (Vol. 110, No. 5)) Grades 8-11. When a family moves to a new town and a bigger house, it doesn’t always mean a fresh start. In Prendergast’s affecting novel in verse, school life doesn’t change, just the names of the bullies do, and family life doesn’t change, it just unhinges at another address. Determined to be different at her new school—to fit in and belong for once—Raphaelle begins calling herself Ella. But Ella is the same person that she always was, and after she meets Samir in her art class, her life spirals out of control again. In deft, layered verse, Prendergast chronicles her heroine’s desperate search for a positive identity. Young love, religion, politics, prejudice, and the meaning of art in society all factor into Raphaelle’s acceptance of herself and her family in all its complexities. Many readers will recognize both her tendencies toward self-sabotage and her growing belief in herself, and they will likely want continue this journey in the planned sequel, Capricious.

Kirkus Reviews (September 15, 2013) Prendergast, who hails from Vancouver, B.C., pulls out all the stops in this action-packed coming-of-age tale fraught with familial and societal dysfunction. When her family moves east from a tiny bungalow near the beach to a large house on the plains, 16-year-old misfit Raphaelle decides this new beginning calls for a little self-reinvention. Changing her name to Ella, Raphaelle narrates the various stages of her transformation, saying, "I have screwed around long enough. / I come to you a reformed girl," and vowing not to make waves in her new environment. But when kids at her new high school start to isolate her-- "What's Ella short for? Elephant?"--and domestic pressures close in, Ella finds herself returning to her more radical, artistic side for release. She also finds herself seeking the comfort and affection of fellow art-class student Sam (short for Samir), who happens to be a Palestinian Muslim. When invited to contribute to the school art show, Ella and Sam create striking works that land both, in different ways, at the center of heated controversy. Though the narrative's graphic plotting at times proves heavy-handed, Prendergast offers great insight into teen psychology--especially that of the outcast--and boldly probes sensitive topics like religious prejudice, sex, censorship and eating disorders. A provocatively modern test of understanding difference.(Verse fiction. 14 & up)

Rosati, Gina

Young Adult

School Library Journal (December 1, 2012) Gr 10 Up-Anna has an unusual talent-she can pop out of her body to explore the world and the universe whenever she gets bored or needs to escape. Her best friend, Rei, is the only one who knows about her ability, and he doesn't approve. He's afraid she'll get sucked into a black hole, or that something will happen to her body while she's not inside. Anna has always thought Rei was just a worrier.until something bad happens. Taylor Gleason, the meanest popular girl in their high school, in an attempt to seduce Anna and Rei's friend Seth, blackmails him into meeting her at the local waterfalls. When they argue, she slips and plunges over the falls to her death. Only Anna, who astrally projected to watch over Seth, witnesses what happens. And while she stays with him in spirit, Taylor's soul finds Anna's unoccupied body and decides to take up residence. Now Taylor, in Anna's shell, is accusing Seth of her murder. Anna has to find a way to get her body back and clear Seth's name. Fortunately, she still has Rei on her side. Rosati's first novel has an original premise and an intriguing plot despite early flaws. The exposition in the beginning chapters pulls readers out of the story-and away from essential character development-and into a more academic mindset. However, once past these explanations of astral projection, reiki, and interconnections of matter, energy, religion, etc., a well-crafted and exciting novel emerges. Teens who enjoy more complex plotlines and are tired of the usual fare should enjoy this new approach to paranormal fiction.-Heather E. Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2012) Anna�s astral projection abilities allow her to travel outside of her body, experiencing an erupting volcano in Hawaii, for example, or a gorgeous sunset anywhere in the world. She has never considered her paranormal hobby to be dangerous until, in her spectral state, she sees snooty classmate Taylor die in an accident. Anna returns to her body after the tragedy to find that Taylor�s spirit has possessed it -- and refuses to give it back. With the help of her best guy friend, Rei, Anna tries to take back what�s hers and also exonerate their pal Seth, whom Taylor-as-Anna is accusing of murder. It�s all very complex, but Rosati sticks to the rules she�s created, blending the supernatural and ordinary in unexpected, sometimes humorous, ways (for example, Anna attempts to get rid of Taylor by Googling "spirit possession"). The premise is enhanced by fleshed-out characters: a challenge, since the protagonist isn�t actually of the flesh! Anna is self-assured, witty, and occasionally vulnerable, and though they�ll certainly see it coming, readers will cheer for her and Rei to realize they�re more than friends. Taylor is just as interesting as Anna, if not more so; her (justifiable) rage, her efforts to give Anna�s body a makeover -- including tattooing Anna�s arm with her own face -- and her fierce sense of self-preservation make her a worthy adversary-slash-frenemy. rachel l. smith

Bad girls don't die

Bad Girls Don't Die

Alender, Katie

Young Adult

School Library Journal (August 1, 2009) Gr 6-9-Although it begins like the average high school misfit story, Alender's novel quickly takes an unexpected turn. Alexis, a self-described anti-cheerleader, defiantly embraces her role as bad student and social outcast, skipping class and spending her time in the darkroom, until the increasingly odd behavior of her little sister, Kasey, draws her into a world of evil spirits and dangerous games. At first, inexplicable dreams and eerie balls of green light hovering around Alexis's house seem like fringe occurrences in a story otherwise concerned with family, friendship, and a tentative romance. But soon, bizarre happenings take over, and Alexis comes to realize that Kasey is demon-possessed and hell-bent on murder. It's difficult to reconcile a teen coming-of-age story with a ghost-populated murder mystery, and Alender succeeds somewhat awkwardly. However, Alexis's story is compelling, and her voice is funny and authentic despite the creepy situations in which she finds herself. A good additional purchase for girls who like to be scared a little-but not too much.-Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Booklist (April 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 15)) Grades 7-10. High-school junior Alexis seems to be the class bad girl, complete with snide remarks, rebellious attitude, and listless motivation. At home, her overachieving mom has alienated her more laid-back dad, while her doll­-obsessed, 13-year-old sister, Kasey, periodically morphs from a blue-eyed, ordinary girl to a green-eyed, evil child plotting against others in their small town. What has possessed Kasey and their family’s beautiful Victorian home? Alender’s first novel is both a mystery and a trip into the paranormal, in which a child taunted years ago returns to exact revenge for her violent death. It falls to Alexis to sort out the historical details and protect not just herself and her family, but also the descendants of the girls implicated in the original tragic death. With just enough violence, suspense, and romance to keep readers turning the pages, this is a promising debut for a new young author and will be a popular addition to any YA collection.

Oliver, Lauren

Young Adult

School Library Journal (November 1, 2011) In the blink of an eye, popular high school student Samantha Kingston loses her life. What should have been a fantastic day turns out to be the beginning of a horrific afterlife experience. In the wake of a fiery car crash, Sam wakes up on Friday, February 12-again and again and again, as she relives that fatal day seven times. Sarah Drew narrates Lauren Oliver's powerful debut novel (HarperCollins, 2010), brilliantly bringing Sam to life and capturing her transformation from a mean and reckless teen into a thoughtful, caring young woman. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2010) On her way home from a drunken party, Samantha Kingston is killed in a car accident. Except...she wakes up the next day. For the next week, in fact, she relives the last day of her life. Popular Sam and her three friends Lindsay, Elody, and Ally rule the school, drink, smoke, cut classes, have casual sex, ridicule others, and never seem to care about anything but themselves. But as Sam tries each relived day to put things right, she reveals hints of the wounded girls behind the masks, and the listener begins, just a little, to care about them. Giving the girls bitchy, breathy voices and allowing Sam's emotional growth to show through, Sarah Drew is spot-on with this performance. Her pacing, voice-level changes, and slight character differentiations combine to create a compelling story of a mean girl who learns some life lessons...a bit too late. angela j. reynolds

Ross, Elizabeth

Young Adult

School Library Journal (June 1, 2013) Gr 6-8-Inspired by Emile Zola's short story Les Repoussoirs, this debut novel takes place during the late 1800s. Maude Pichon, a runaway, discovers life in Paris to be crueler and much less romantic than she imagined from her country home in provincial Brittany. To get by, she takes a job as a repoussoir, a young woman hired for her ugliness and used to highlight the beauty of her patroness. Maude's first client is a challenge: a headstrong young woman named Isabel, who is unaware that Maude has been hired by her mother to act as Isabel's beauty foil. But as the lines of friendship are blurred by her responsibilities, what will Maude choose? Should she stay true to her friend at the expense of her career or continue to be the mother's puppet, potentially sacrificing Isabel's happiness? This is a compelling story about friendship, the complexity of beauty, and self-discovery. It is full of strong female characters driven by the pursuit of their dreams rather than pursuit of a husband, thus defying their societal roles. Maude's evolution and development are believable, and are the driving force of the plot. Her journey from the proletariat to the elite and back again gives readers a comprehensive picture of Parisian life during the Belle Epoque.-Tiffany O'Leary, Mount Saint Mary College, NY (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist (April 15, 2013 (Vol. 109, No. 16)) Grades 7-12. Maude, 16 and homeless, makes her way from provincial Brittany to Paris, determined to claim a place in its shimmering heart. But life at the close of the nineteenth century is hard. Maude struggles to make her way and soon finds herself a repoussoir at the Durandeau Agency, a plain girl rented out to the cream of society to make their own daughters shine in comparison. In no time, she is employed by a countess and attached to Isabelle, a debutante of surprising integrity. Maude is soon caught in a web of deceit, torn between her employer and her friend, between splendor and substance, and between reality and dreaming. She clings to the work that keeps her afloat, dazzled by the splendor of society and intrigued by Isabelle’s secret plans for university, all the while tamping down her own, growing hopes for a small piece of happiness that just might include Paul, a floppy, charming bohemian musician. With resonant period detail, elegant narration, and a layered exploration of class and friendship, this provocative novel is ripe with satisfaction.

Tucholke, April Genevieve

Young Adult

School Library Journal (June 1, 2014) Gr 10 Up-In this conclusion to Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Dial, 2013), a restless Violet is itching to leave the little town of Echo. She longs for news of liar and mind-manipulating River Redding, like a self-aware junkie bent on her next score. Taking travel cues from a late-night radio show pedaling supernatural tales, and joined by a cast of new, old, and always uniquely depicted misfits, Violet follows reports of devil-boy and sea-god sightings, on the chance she'll be reunited with River or put an end to sadistic half-brother Brodie. Her growing attraction to River's superior, self-sacrificing brother, Neely, occasionally and refreshingly tempers her lust for the former. Disturbing yet sensual flashbacks via grandmother Freddie's newly discovered journal further illustrate the intoxicating, perilous path of a Redding boy abusing his power and the dangers of loving one. The lush and polished prose, eerie locales, and pervading sense of dark unease are as engrossing they were in the first installment. Like Violet, readers may miss the gloriously deteriorating Citizen Kane; fortunately Tulchoke's new settings, especially Captain Nemo, prove as distinct and dangerous. While not quite as gripping as the first book, the twists, secrets, and Redding-brand mayhem make this a worthy successor. The open-ended conclusion will leave readers hypothesizing the fates of Citizen Kane's increasingly hodgepodge inhabitants.-Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Reviews (May 15, 2014) After a heady summer full of romance and danger, Violet's quiet seaside life seems dull, leaving her wishing for the return of the beautiful and dangerous Redding brothers (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, 2013). River, with his mysterious glow, was the first to arrive. Then came Neely, the affable brother and self-appointed caretaker of River. The last was Brodie, a brother with a gift for mayhem and a thirst for blood. In this volume, Neely returns at Christmas, and with him comes the promise of adventure. When a late-night radio show begins reporting strange events, Violet, her twin brother, Luke, and their friend, Sunshine, decide to accompany Neely on his quest to find his dangerous siblings. Dead ravens, a mysterious sea king and a deadly pied piper all lie in wait for the quartet. Violet is both intuitive and naïve, capable of profound revelation as well as remarkable stupidity. Her lust for danger as well as her heart divided between good and evil make her a frustrating but compelling heroine. Even when her selfish recklessness threatens the lives of those she loves, she presses forward. The faded opulence of the setting is an ideal backdrop for this lushly atmospheric gothic thriller, which, happily, comes with a satisfying conclusion. Darkly romantic and evocative. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)

Malerman, Josh

Booklist (May 15, 2014 (Online)) Malorie, a young mother of two children known simply as Boy and Girl, is a survivor living in a postapocalyptic world, raising her children to use all their senses, especially their listening skills, as sight is not an option here. In this world, the survivors struggle to stay alive by living indoors with all the windows boarded up. The sight of whatever is outside is causing people to become violent murderers, as well as suicidal, in the most horrific ways possible. The book moves back and forth over a four-year period when all the insanity began, exploring the personalities of the people that came together and survived and how they managed to live after all forms of communication effectively withered and died with most of the population. The characters are involving, the story moves along very rapidly as the suspense builds, but unfortunately, the ending is a disappointment. The reason for all the bloodshed is never explored or explained. Still, recommend this one to readers who enjoy a blend of horror and postapocalyptic fiction.

Kirkus Reviews starred (April 1, 2014) In Malerman's chilling debut, an apocalyptic reality befalls a Michigan river community--and who knows how much of the rest of civilization--in the form of creatures that cause people who merely look at them to go mad and kill themselves. Having lost her sister to this horrific fate, a young woman, Malorie, finds sanctuary with a group of strangers in a small house with covered windows. Like her co-inhabitants, she learns to perform essential outdoor tasks and even travel distances blindfolded. After discovering she's pregnant, she'll do anything to find a safer place to live. The novel (named after a collection of caged birds that coo whenever anything approaches) cuts back and forth between Malorie's life in the strangers' house, where only an analog phone promises contact with the outside world, and her escape four years later with her unnamed Boy and Girl. In both parts, she lives in fear. At any moment, one or both of the kids could remove their blindfolds and perish. And who's to say whether one of the men, upon returning from an expedition for food or supplies, was exposed to a creature or will usher one into the house? Malerman, leader of the appropriately named rock band The High Strung, keeps us tinglingly on edge with his cool, merciless storytelling. Just when you think he's going to disappoint with aTwilight Zone--like twist, he douses his tale in poetic gloom. One especially unsettling scene involves blasts of lightning, a dog barking wildly at the night, footsteps on creaky attic stairs and two women giving birth, unattended. An unsettling thriller, this earns comparisons to Hitchcock'sThe Birds, as well as the finer efforts of Stephen King and cult sci-fi fantasist Jonathan Carroll.

Immortals (Alyson Noel-St. Martin's)

Noel, Alyson

Young Adult

Booklist (July 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 21)) Grades 8-11. This second volume in the Immortals series sustains the pace, humor, romance, and postmodern tone of the supernatural gothic world introduced in Evermore (2008). Recently immortalized 16-year-old Ever’s relationship with her 600-year-old boyfriend, Damen, is brought to a screeching halt by the arrival of Roman, a bad boy from the past who puts the entire high school under his apparently benign but, of course, truly evil spell. Ever works out how to undo Roman’s work, but not well enough to bring the series to a premature end. Readers will eagerly look forward to Noël’s next dose of elixir.

Ruby, Laura

Young Adult

School Library Journal (December 1, 2014) Gr 10 Up-It is a rare book that sits comfortably on the shelf with the works of Twain, McCullers, Conroy, Stephen King, and D'Aulaires' Greek Myths--rarer still that a novel combines elements of these authors together. Bone Gap does just this, to superb effect. We start with a boy named Finn and his brother, Sean. Sean is the classic hero: strong, silent, great at everything he does. Finn is aápretty boy whoseáotherworldly goofiness has earned him the nicknames Spaceman, Sidetrack, and Moonface. Along comes Rosza, a beautiful and damaged young woman, fleeing from some unknown evil. When she disappears, only Finn witnesses her abduction and he is unable to describe her captor. He is also unsure whether she left by force or choice. The author defies readers' expectations at every turn. In this world, the evidence of one's senses counts for little; appearances, even less. Heroism isn't born of muscle, competence, and desire, but of the ability to look beyond the surface and embrace otherworldliness and kindred spirits. Sex happens, but almost incidentally. Evil happens, embodied in a timeless, nameless horror that survives on the mere idea of beauty. A powerful novel.-Nina Sachs, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2015) Finn has always been considered a little strange, and now that Roza has disappeared, his small town of Bone Gap holds him responsible. Finn alleges that she was kidnapped, but he cannot offer up a useful description of the abductor. Roza had appeared under mysterious circumstances a year before, and was taken in by Finn and his older brother, Sean, who subsequently developed a crush on her�and now wonders if perhaps her departure was a voluntary rejection of him. But Roza has been taken by a dangerous stranger and imprisoned in a series of bizarre supernatural dwellings from which she cannot escape�unless she agrees to marry the kidnapper. As Finn tries to puzzle out how to find Roza, he develops his own romantic interest in the strongly independent Priscilla (Petey, for short), despite what the town may think. Kidnapped young women are not a new trope in YA fiction, but such books often read like mysteries or thrillers, while this one reads more like a fable, with the matter-of-fact inclusion of magical realism. Finn does find Roza, he does fall in love with Petey, and everybody�for the most part�does live happily ever after, but afterward the reader is left to ponder the strange events, quirky characters, and resonant themes. jonathan hunt

Kirkus Reviews starred (January 15, 2015) A teenage boy wrestles against forces real and imagined in a small, rural town named Bone Gap. Finn was the only one to witness the kidnapping of brother Sean's beautiful girlfriend, Roza, at the spring festival. But when he looks at mug shots, all the faces look frustratingly similar. Meanwhile, a tall man with eyes like ice who demands her love traps Roza in an ever changing netherworld. But Roza is determined to find her way back to Sean and Finn's backyard, no matter what the cost. Told from the viewpoints of multiple Bone Gap citizens, this inventive modern fable whimsically combines elements of folklore, mythology, romance and feminism. Finn starts out as a daydreaming cipher, but when he discovers he has a condition called "face blindness," his vague character comes into sharp focus, and his mission to battle the tall man becomes clear. Both Roza and Finn's love interest, Priscilla, develop over the course of the magically real journey into strong women to be reckoned with, while the secondary characters, including a sassy beekeeper, wise chicken farmer and self-aware horse, are charming and memorable. And if the transitions between reality and fantasy are a little rocky and the worldbuilding occasionally a little thin, it can be forgiven due to the sheer ambition of the refreshingly original plot. Cleverly conceived and lusciously written. (Fantasy. 13 & up)

Born at midnight

Shadow Falls

Hunter, C. C

Young Adult

School Library Journal (April 1, 2011) Gr 9 Up-P.C. Cast meets Rick Riordan in this new series. Shadow Falls Camp is a place for supernatural kids to learn how to deal with who they are and help them to blend into "normal human" society. Witches, werewolves, fairies, shape-shifters, vampires, and a ghost whisperer, this place has them all. There's even a branch of the FBI assigned to maintain surveillance and order among the supernatural races. Kylie goes there at the recommendation of the psychiatrist her parents have sent her to in order to help her deal with their divorce. Kylie thinks that she's normal and doesn't even know that supernaturals exist, but after arriving at camp, she gets a crash course and a wake-up call to who and what she may be. Although the first two chapters are awkward, with phrases like "I don't give a flip what you do" and "but blast it, look where being good had gotten her," things are rolling by chapter three and the characters start to sound more like actual teens. While this genre may be crowded, there's definitely room for this novel, and once readers make it past the bumpy beginning, they won't want to put it down. The love stories, the new and interesting powers, and how these supernatural beings integrate into society make for an engaging read.-Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Reviews (March 15, 2011) Kylie, 17, doesn't want to learn that she's supernatural when she's sent to a camp that's purportedly dedicated to serving troubled teens but is actually a support group for vampires, werewolves, witches, shape-shifters and other magical teenagers. She is, though: Kylie has a problem with a persistent ghost, "Soldier Dude," who won't leave her alone. She recently dumped her boyfriend and finds herself attracted to two very different hottie boys at the camp. Derek reminds her of her ex and can read and manipulate others' emotions, so Kylie isn't sure she trusts him. She remembers Lucas, a werewolf, as an old enemy who killed her cat when she was six years old. Yet she finds herself attracted to him too, even as he appears to be pursuing her. Hunter (a pseudonym for romance author Christie Craig) keeps her characters one-dimensional but odd enough to remain interesting. She focuses as much on the romance as on the supernatural aspects of the story, as Kylie spends the first 350 pages struggling with her parents' divorce, her possible love life and her fears of supernaturalism. Suspense and a new plot scenario erupt in the final 50 pages. Readers suddenly learn more about Soldier Dude, and a vaguely defined threat to the camp at last comes to the fore until (surprise!) the plot turns 180 degrees, setting up sequels. Fun for those who like the genre. (Paranormal romance. 12 & up)

Easton, Tom

Young Adult

School Library Journal (February 1, 2015) Gr 8 Up-Seventeen-year-old Ben Fletcher is on probation for an incident involving a bottle of Martini & Rossi and the lollipop lady. Although the initial plan was against his better judgment, his knucklehead friends talked him into stealing alcohol, thus landing him in trouble with the law. In order to fulfill the terms of his probation, Ben not only has to complete community service, but he also has to take up an extracurricular activity and maintain a journal chronicling his daily experiences. Rather than sign up for his father's car maintenance course (due to his lack of interest in anything his father deems fun), he takes up knitting. The listed instructor is his extremely hot English teacher and the thought of spending hours with her negates the fact that "knitting is for women." When he arrives at class, he learns that there has been a mix-up in instructors. However, the protagonist soon discovers he is a natural knitter, a fact that he has to hide from his dad and friends. As he takes on this new hobby, he learns a valuable lesson about gender stereotypes, relationships, and self-worth. Easton creates a humorous story told through the fast-paced format of Ben's journal entries. Although not much of a distraction, some British terms might cause slight confusion for some readers. VERDICT Teens will laugh out loud as they read about the protagonist's knitting and non-knitting escapades in this honest coming-of-age yarn.-Lindsey Dawson, Saint John's Catholic Prep, Frederick, MD (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist starred (March 1, 2015 (Vol. 111, No. 13)) Grades 9-12. British high-schooler Ben Fletcher has so many problems, it’s hard to know where to start. Let’s see. His friends coaxed him into stealing a bottle of vermouth, but he bollixed the shoplifting, resulting in an altercation with a senior citizen crossing guard. As part of his rehabilitation, Ben must do community service and take up a hobby. Because the knitting night class is taught by a teacher he is crushing on, he joins, only to learn she actually teaches pottery, and now he is stuck with two knitting needles and a ball of yarn. But what’s this? Ben, who excels at math, finds he is very good at deciphering patterns, and his stitch tension is perfect. Soon he is the star of the class (though he doesn’t care for colorwork or knitting tea cozies). This wild jumble of fun and wool is also full of heart, thanks to Ben’s sweet, worried, and clever voice. Written in diary format (with a wink and a nod to Bridget Jones), this spins from one outrageous (and occasionally raunchy) incident to the next. But it’s not all plot and heavy-duty knitting action. Relationships are center stage: the double-entendre bantering of Ben’s parents; Ben’s evolving association with the aforementioned crossing guard; his trouble with both women and friends. Unique, this one will keep you in stitches.

Booth, Coe

Young Adult

School Library Journal (October 1, 2011) Gr 9 Up-In Tyrell (Scholastic, 2006), the teen dumped the girl who lied to him and left his mother to her own devices. He set up a new life in Bronxwood, crashing with two friends who are heavily involved in drug dealing. Now his father's out of prison and wants to reunite the family, but Tyrell finds the rules and posturing too much to handle and stays out on his own. He quickly realizes that without his own DJ equipment, he can't make the money he needs to support himself and take care of his girlfriend, Jasmine. When the decision comes down to what's best for his little brother, Troy, and what's best for Tyrell, the tough choice will change his life. Returning to the inner-city setting that is as much a character as any of the individuals, Booth builds up the conflict brought on by Tyrell's temptations-the drug dealers are more violent and persuasive, the girls are more enticing, and the family dynamics are more charged. Action scenes combine with interpersonal exchanges to keep the pace moving forward at a lightning speed, but Booth never sacrifices the street-infused dialogue and emotional authenticity that characterize her works. She has created a compelling tale of a teen still trying to make the right choices despite the painful consequences.-Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2011) Now that his father is out of prison, Tyrell (from Tyrell, rev. 1/07) has a whole new set of problems, especially since his pops gets right back into the kind of behavior that got him incarcerated in the first place, thus endangering Tyrell's wish to get his little brother Troy released from the foster care system. While his father causes him all kinds of trouble, Tyrell also finds himself inadvertently (at first) drawn into his friends' drug-dealing and finds his new romance with Adonna (also seen in Kendra, rev. 11/08) complicated by an old girlfriend's continued presence and by new feelings for Jasmine, a girl he befriended in the first book. It's a simultaneously busy and torpid story, reflective of Tyrell's day-to-day life in the Bronxwood projects, kept in line by Booth's uncompromising adherence to Tyrell's point of view in the vivid, forthrightly vulgar first-person, present-tense narration. While he can be a smooth talker with the females, inside he's smart but unsure and blundering, equally capable of self-delusion and self-awareness. "I don't know why guys do anything they do," complains Adonna, but this book goes a long way to offering some insight. roger sutton

Booklist (September 1, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 1)) Grades 10-12. With the same heartbreak and honesty as the widely acclaimed Tyrell (2006), this fast-paced sequel continues the title teen’s immediate first-person narrative of his struggle in the ‘hood. Tyrell’s dad has been released from prison, but having him at home does not make life easier; in fact, the two face off verbally and then in a brutal physical fight. It is hard to make enough money working as a DJ at parties, and Tyrell gets drawn into drug dealing on the violent streets. He finds escape with girls, and he has sex with more than one, although he loves gorgeous Latina Jasmine, whom he met in a motel for the homeless. Born in the Bronx, Booth has worked as a social worker there, and she is not easy on the system, offering no sweet resolution; in fact, things only get worse, and the realism continues in the characters’ raw language (including the n- and f-words). Still, the hope rings true through Tyrell’s sense of survival and responsibility (“I hafta”) as he cares for his brother, his friends, and his girl.

Medina, Meg

Young Adult

School Library Journal (December 1, 2016) Gr 9 Up-It's the Summer of Sam, and Queens native Nora López, 17, does not want to end up as his latest victim, but as her older brother, Hector, spirals out of control at home, danger may be closer to Nora than she thinks. Medina's re-creation of 1977 New York City is a feat previously untold, from racial and class tensions to the relentless summer heat to the devastating citywide blackout; this is historical fiction at its best and most original. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (March/April, 2016) This vividly evoked coming-of-age story is set against actual events in 1977 New York City, when tensions rose throughout a city enduring an oppressive heat wave, culminating in the historic blackout of July 13th. Seventeen-year-old Nora Lopez faces an insecure future after graduation. The very real fear of an at-large serial killer is magnified by the violence at home, where her brother Hector�s increasingly volatile behavior is dismissed by her mother as merely hormones. College seems impossible: Nora�s mother barely scrapes by with her unstable (and decreasing) factory hours. Nora helps out financially with her job at Sal�s Deli but also manages to stash away some cash in hopes of someday getting away. For now, she escapes by hanging out with best friend Kathleen, going to the movies, and planning a big night out to celebrate their eighteenth birthdays. Nora even starts to fall for Pablo, the sweet new stock boy at Sal�s (and �a stone-cold Latin fox,� according to Kathleen), but the looming fear of a killer targeting young couples and the weight of her family�s secrets make her pull away. Nora is an empathetic character, and Medina depicts her troubled family and their diverse Queens neighborhood with realistic, everyday detail. Numerous references to New York�s budget crisis, arson wave, and �Son of Sam� newspaper articles deliberately ground the story in a real time and place, while an ample sprinkling of seventies disco and funk song references creates a brighter soundtrack for the dreams and romance of teenage girls, hinting at a hopeful future for Nora. lauren adams

Hopkins, Ellen

Young Adult

School Library Journal (July 1, 2006) Gr 9 Up-Once again the author of Crank (S & S, 2004) has masterfully used verse to re-create the yearnings and emotions of a teenage girl trapped in tragic circumstances. Poems in varied formats captivate readers as they describe a teen's immobilizing fear of her abusive father, disgust with a church hierarchy that looks the other way, hope that new relationships can counteract despair, joy in the awakening of romance, and sorrow when demons ultimately prevail. Pattyn Von Stratten is the eldest of eight sisters in a stern Mormon household where women are relegated to servitude and silence. She has a glimpse of normal teenage life when Derek takes an interest in her, but her father stalks them in the desert and frightens him away. Unable to stifle her rage, Pattyn acts out as never before and is suspended from school. Sent to live with an aunt on a remote Nevada ranch, she meets Ethan and discovers "forever love." Woven into the story of a teen's struggle to find her destiny is the story of her aunt's barrenness following government mismanagement of atomic testing and protests over nuclear waste disposal. Readers will become immersed in Pattyn's innermost thoughts as long-held secrets are revealed, her father's beatings take a toll on her mother and sister, and Pattyn surrenders to Ethan's love with predictable and disturbing consequences. Writing for mature teens, Hopkins creates compelling characters in horrific situations.-Kathy Lehman, Thomas Dale High School Library, Chester, VA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Booklist (June 1, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 19)) Gr. 9-12. Full of anger at her father, an alcoholic who abuses her mother, Pattyn begins to question her Mormon religion and her preordained, subservient role within it. She is confused by her mother's acceptance of the brutal abuse, and although she is furious at and terrified of her father, she still longs for his love and approval. As the consequences of her anger become more dramatic, her parents send her to spend the summer with her aunt on a Nevada ranch. There she finds the love and acceptance she craves, both from her aunt and from a college-age neighbor, Ethan. Told in elegant free verse, Burned envelopes the reader in Pattyn's highs and lows, her gradual opening to love, and her bouts of rage, confusion, and doubt. It exposes the mind of the abused, but regrettably offers no viable plan to deal with the abuser, a reality perhaps, but a plot element that may raise eyebrows in the adult community. Still, this will easily find rapid-fire circulation among its YA audience. A troubling but beautifully written novel.

Kirkus Reviews (April 1, 2006) In cutting free-verse, 16-year-old Pattyn offers first-person narration of religious oppression and physical violence. Her Mormon church dictates that women grow up powerless. An entrancing sexual dream and a non-Mormon boyfriend make Pattyn feel giddy but guilty. Will she burn in hell? Exiled (for punishment) to a desert ranch, Pattyn blossoms under the respectful care of Aunt J and finds storybook love with neighbor Ethan. But at summer's end, she returns home to a situation even worse than before. Alcoholic Dad now beats the children (rather than just Mom); Pattyn, badly whipped, tries to hang on until she can leave home. But a heart-sinking pregnancy (Ethan's condom broke once) prompts an escape attempt that goes horribly wrong. Bereaved and desperate with nowhere to turn, Pattyn plans a brutal revenge. Hopkins's incisive verses sometimes read in several directions as they paint the beautiful Nevada desert and the consequences of both nuclear testing at Yucca Mountain and Pattyn's tragic family history. Sharp and heartbreaking. (Fiction. YA)

Reckoners

Sanderson, Brandon

Young Adult

Booklist (February 15, 2016 (Vol. 112, No. 12)) Grades 8-11. In the third and final book of the Reckoners series, Prof has fully embraced his powers, destroying all around him in order to achieve Regalia’s final plan: stealing Calamity’s powers so that he might become the ultimate Epic. David and his small band of Reckoners are determined to stop him, but only David is sure he can force Prof to face his fears and recover his goodness. The only problem? David has yet to figure out Prof’s fear. To do so, he and the team must rely on Megan’s growing powers and the others’ daring and intelligence, risking their own lives and those of the innocent people around them. It’s a conclusion that won’t satisfy everyone. While there’s plenty of violence, as well as other dimensions, new Epics, and high-tech tools, there are also David’s awful metaphors and similes, and the twists and turns, especially the final resolution, don’t always add up. There are elements of the end, however, that are satisfying, even sweet, and that ought to make some readers feel that it’s worthy, even of an Epic.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Sanderson’s number-one best-seller status should ensure that this series finale should have the requisite finale-type demand.

Kirkus Reviews (January 1, 2016) Climactic battles with the most powerful of the supervillainous Epics plaguing our planet leads to a win at last for truth, justice, and, well, second chances. Once-worthy Epic Jonathan Phaedrus has been corrupted by his powers but might still be redeemable if he can be made to face his deepest fears. In pursuit of his former boss, Reckoner David "Steelslayer" Charleston and his diverse crew of Epic-killers fetch up in Ildithia--formerly known as Atlanta but now, thanks to the powers of its resident Epics, located in Kansas and transformed into salt. A whirl of raids, chases, rescues, and spectacularly destructive displays of both magic and high-tech gadgetry ensues, bringing David face to face with Calamity: the original Epic and the source of the other Epics' powers. As said individual powers range from transformational skills and energy blasts to the ability to force victims to talk in rhyme, the threat doesn't always seem entirely serious despite a rapidly escalating body count. Moreover, narrator David seems as addicted to eye-rolling similes ("The sun peeked over the horizon like the head of a giant radioactive manatee") as he is to "exceptionally dangerous" mission plans. Perhaps it's not surprising that the key to victory in this action-packed romp turns out not to be violence but pop psychology. Adeptly done thrills, whether readers take their costumed supers seriously or with a dish (or, in this case, an entire city) of salt. (Fantasy. 11-13)

Garber, Stephanie

Young Adult

School Library Journal (October 1, 2016) Gr 8 Up-Scarlett and her sister, Donatella, have been raised on a remote island by a demanding and cruel father. Scarlett is about to be married to a man she's never met, and though her long-held dream of receiving an invitation to Caraval, the once-a-year, fantastical, immersive performance, has come true, she believes attending would jeopardize her wedding and destroy her sole chance to get herself and Tella away from their father. When her sister teams up with a sailor to trick Scarlett onto a ship and take her anyway, the heroine plans to stay for a night or two, then return home for her wedding. But then Tella is kidnapped by Legend, Caraval's mysterious mastermind, and the protagonist learns that she can get her sister back only if she plays Legend's game for five nights-and wins. It won't be easy, though. Nothing (and no one) at Caraval is what it seems: time speeds up, clothing morphs according to its own agenda, and players may be called on to pay for things with their deepest fears or two days of their lives. Without knowing whom she can trust, including her own reason and senses, Scarlett must work out where her sister is and how to save her. This twisty, terrifically fun page-turner is ideal for fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, Neil Gaiman's Stardust, and fantasy novels where relationships between sisters drive the plot, such as "The Hunger Games" or Rosamund Hodge's Cruel Beauty. VERDICT A must-have fantasy debut for high school collections.-Stephanie Klose, School Library Journal © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Magazine (March/April, 2017) Scarlett has agreed to marry a count she�s never met in hopes that her marriage will take her and her sister Tella away from their abusive, manipulative father. The only dream Scarlett has ever truly allowed herself is to attend Caraval, a five-night scavenger hunt with the prize of a granted wish, held in a fantastical city entirely created by the infamous magician Legend. After Tella and intriguing-but-exasperating stranger Julian scheme to get all three of them to Caraval, Tella is separated from the others, and Scarlett grows convinced that the scavenger hunt�s clues lead not only to the prize but to her sister as well. Scarlett is enchanted by strange loveliness she discovers while searching: a carousel made of roses; divinatory tattoos that reveal the beholder�s future. But Caraval may be as deadly as it is exquisite, and despite the distance from home, it�s not as far outside her father�s influence as Scarlett hoped. The stakes grow ever higher, and Scarlett is no longer sure what�s real or whom she can trust. The suspenseful story is perhaps a bit too twisty-turny, but readers invested in the sisters� fates (not to mention the outcome of steamy will-they-or-won�t-they? tension between Scarlett and Julian) will hang on tight and enjoy the ride. Garber�s darkly beautiful and brutal magical world is the star here, anyway, full of luscious details that invite readers to linger despite the breakneck pace. katie bircher

Catacomb : an Asylum novel

Roux, Madeleine

Young Adult

Booklist (August 2015 (Online)) Grades 7-10. The third volume in Roux’s Asylum series starts with a road trip to New Orleans the summer before fast-friends Dan, Abby, and Jordan begin college. But with this trio, danger is never far away: they are stalked during the road trip, and Dan experiences startling visions of his dead father, learning about a cover-up regarding his parents’ deaths. Upon arriving in New Orleans, things get worse, with physical attacks, slimy politicians, a mysterious motorcyclist, and the Bone Artists, who reside in the catacombs and want to add Dan’s bones to their collection. Although not as strong as the two previous titles, Roux’s use of found photographs, text messages, and excellent chapter hooks will keep readers up late, following the misadventures of the appealingly geeky honor students. It’s not a stand-alone title, but the series’ many fans won’t complain about slight weaknesses in plot and character development. An epilogue solves one mystery, assures readers that everything is okay, and leaves open the possibility of a future installment.

Insignia Trilogy

Kincaid, S. J

Young Adult

School Library Journal (August 1, 2014) Gr 8 Up-Tom Raines faces his biggest challenges yet in this final installment of the trilogy that began with Insignia (HarperCollins, 2012). The action begins immediately as Tom accidentally creates a security incident that exposes the existence of his neural computer to his already paranoid father and puts them both in danger with the NSA. He manages to free his father, but alienates him in the process. Reporting back for training at the Spire, he finds that much has changed: a new General is in charge, and training (and punishment) is in place to force them to be better soldiers. Tom continues to use his secret ability of infiltrating networks to communicate with his love interest, Medusa. The truly evil Joseph Vengerov is a threat to everyone, and when he kidnaps Tom to examine and ultimately use his secret ability, he may be hard to stop. There are finally explanations to be had for some major questions, and what they lack in credibility is compensated for by the nonstop action and intrigue that fills every page, much like the first two installments. Some readers may find the juvenile humor funny, but others will find it jarring alongside the very adult decisions that Tom and his friends must make. Still, a worthwhile read for those who enjoyed the previous books.-Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJ (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist starred (September 15, 2014 (Vol. 111, No. 2)) Grades 9-12. Tom Raines is now 16, and he feels certain he has seen the worst that power-hungry individuals like Joseph Vengerov have to offer. He and his fellow cadets—Yuri, Wyatt, and Vik—quickly realize that life in the Pentagonal Spire has become almost unbearable with the rise to power of General Mezilo and his extreme disciplinary tactics. Further complicating things is the reality that Blackburn has created a neural link with Tom, and when a new “ghost in the machine” begins systematically removing all of the world’s oligarchy, it is Tom alone who may be able to stop Vengerov from literally taking over the world. Kincaid’s Insignia series has proven science fiction worthy of comparison with Asimov. Throughout, Tom has been a believable character, and here he is more human than ever in spite of his superhuman powers. Fast-paced and brilliantly executed, with complications and unanticipated turns, this conclusion to the Insignia trilogy is far-reaching and gut-wrenching in its chilling portrayal of an unstoppable madman using technology to control the human race. Readers will be spellbound as they inhale this last chapter. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The demand doesn’t get much higher than this for the throngs of readers who have been eagerly waiting for the trilogy’s conclusion.