42. Frozen in Time by Ali Sparkes (Egmont USA, 2010)

BOOK: SCIENCE FICTION (ages 9-13)

Brief Description: Two bored siblings dig around their uncle's yard during summer vacation. Not only do they find an underground bomb shelter, but their cryogenically frozen cousins. When the cousins are reanimated, not only is their life in danger from the freezing process, big government groups want them for research.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I thought this book had wonderful potential, but it just didn't work. The characterization was weak, the plot extremely sluggish, and the novel lacked the action that I thought would be present throughout; only near the end did any true element of suspense develop. Alternating stories of the kids and the government discussions about the situation were somewhat confusing, or it might be that I read this in MANY sittings as it was so difficult to become engaged. There were a few moments of interest, though, but not enough to make me really care about reading the story.

Curriculum/Programming: I wouldn't really use this book for either programming or curriculum unless, as with another book I've blogged, I'd use it as an example of what to avoid in writing.

41. Half-Minute Horrors edited by Susan Rich (Harper, 2009)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 10+)

Brief Description: An incredible 73 authors contributed to this great book of quick stories told in both text and through artwork. As the cover states - it's packed with "instant frights" with stories that get to the heart of a young person's fears. The most effectively frightening stories turn common occurrences and daily life into something to fear, and nothing is sacred: parents, black lab pets, killing a spider, babysitting, caring for a younger sibling, and even scratching your face. Kids won't soon forget these stories when they go through their typical day.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I thought the variety of famous authors and types of stories and poems was quite amazing. I'm not a horror fan, but I found several of the stories a little creepy - made me jump at noises in the house! Not all the stories are outstanding - several are actually stinkers. My favorite is the one page illustration entitled "The Legend of Alexandra and Rose." Pictured is a grayscale house with trees, a shovel, and a tool shed. After examining the map-style legend, the reader comes to understand that Alexandra has killed her sister and buried her in three spots in the yard...in order to have the bigger bedroom. Nice.

Curriculum/Programming: This is the perfect book to help kids learn about writing a short story or poem, and I would use it without hesitation as a writing resource and tool. The work includes pantoums, haiku, short stories, and illustrations that tell a story - plenty of everything for individual interests, and ideal for teaching writing.

40. Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer (Dial Books, 2010)

BOOK: FANTASY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Orphan Frederick is a good boy who does what he's told. When he is "adopted" to be a servant in the wizard Lord Schofield's home, he unwittingly brings along a mischievous brownie named Billy Bly. When a dark curse appears at the home, and although Lord Schofield doesn't permit such creatures in his home, Billy Bly saves the day along with Frederick.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Didn't like it at all. This book was boring, lackluster and not a bit interesting. I think it had potential, but just fell short as the plot dragged considerably. There was not enough suspense to keep me interested, and it seemed there was much repetition. The characters were okay, but not completely compelling or authentic. I thought the actions of the characters were out of "character" and were really all over the place. Some may enjoy this story, but it simply didn't click for me at all.

Curriculum/Programming: I wouldn't use this book with students unless they were learning about sluggish plot structures and inauthentic characters; this book would then be a good example.

39. Zita The Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (First Second, 2011)

GRAPHIC NOVEL: SCIENCE FICTION (ages 8 - 12)

Brief Description: Zita zips her friend Joseph to another planet when she pushes the red button on a contraption she found in a deep hole- harry legs reach out and simply grab him away. Despondent, Zita pushes the button again to follow him. On her quest to find Joseph, she accumulates a motley crew of creatures to help her along. After a betrayal, and perilous danger, will Zita be able to escape back to Earth?

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Zita is a spunky and clever kid who takes the bull by the horns in this charming science fiction story. I loved the graphic novel for the unique creatures and plot line, and the illustrations are wonderfully drawn with characters who are full of expression. As with many of these books, the end truly is the beginning of the next installment in a series - but it's a good one!

Curriculum/Programming: I would definitely include this book in an after school library program for Manga drawing. I think kids would enjoy the story and could try to recreate the images for themselves. Some basic Manga drawing instruction would be good, and a hired artist would be great to lead the group. I also like the idea of taking one of the helping creatures and have students create a spin-off story about how that character came to meet Zita and what happened with the character after the end of this story.

38. Whale Port by Mark Foster (Houghton Mifflin, 2007)

BOOK/PICTURE BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: Foster traces the development of a fictional port he calls "Tuckanucket" over time as the whaling industry grows and wanes off the coast of what is now New England.

Awards: James Madison Book Award, 2008; Massachusetts Book Award, 2008; Mind the Gap Award, 2008

Personal Opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic book about the development of the fictional whale port. Being a native New Englander, I puzzled during the entire book about the town - I had never heard of it, and wondered how I could have missed such history! Foster includes information at the end of the book about the sources he used to pull together this treatment. Detailed drawings lend themselves to the simple text, permitting the reader to really see how such a port could change over time. Great nonfiction title that I'll be recommending to my young readers!

Curriculum/Programming: This book lends itself to being used in a history class focused on the New England whaling industry. It would make a great supplement to history classes for both younger and middle school students as well.

37. We the Children: Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School by Andrew Clements, Narrated by Keith Nobbs (Simon and Schuster Audio, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: REALISTIC FICTION (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Ben's feeling a bit out of sorts; his parents are separated and he's worried. When the janitor at his school dies after giving him a mysterious coin, and entrusts the care of the school to him, he teams up with Jill to ward off developers intent on destroying the school to build an amusement park in its place.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I had thought after reading No Talking by Clements, that reading one of his books was as good as reading another. Keepers of the School was different. I enjoyed the audio book for the narrator's wonderful expression as well as the compelling story. Clements creates atmosphere in this seaside town and Ben's interest in sailing adds to the overall setting. While the story was reminiscent of books like Scat and Hoot (kids against big business) and reminded me of the film "The Goonies," it had enough mystery and suspense to keep me engaged. Of course, this is a first in the series, so the ending was rather frustrating. I'll probably listen to the next installment if the same reader is used.

Curriculum/Programming: Paired with Scat and Hoot, this would make a nice addition to a literature unit on kids vs. adults in the real world.

36. Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Narrated by Lee Adams (Random House, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: Set in rugged, early America, Emily Wiggins is suddenly orphaned and all alone in the world except for the advice of her neighbors, Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire. She befriends a young boy named Jackson as she makes her journey to Redbud to live with her Aunt Hilda. When she learns through a newspaper story that she has inherited millions of dollars, all sorts of trouble begins for her, especially since her dastardly Uncle Victor is looking to get some of that loot. Armed with only her imagined advice from the three sisters, Emily attempts to make her way in a rough world.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This was a goofy sort of villainous wild west tale that will keep the young reader moving forward in the story; at each chapter's end, a wacky question is posed - such as "Now, what in the hokie smokies could that mean?" or "What in the hunky monkey do you suppose he was thinking?" and this serves effectively to move the story forward. The audio was well done, read by Lee Adams with just the right amount of wild west accent. This would definitely qualify as a material for the younger end of our age range, however. I came to like Emily and Jackson's characters, but would have enjoyed more interaction with Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire who only figured into the story in the first few chapters.

Curriculum/Programming: This book would be a good accompaniment to a study of the California Gold Rush, as this seems to be the time in which it was set. It would also make an excellent read-aloud in a classroom or after school program at the library.

35. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy (Clarion, 2003)

BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 10-14)

Brief Description: Murphy does it again with this fantastic - "read as fiction" style nonfiction telling of the yellow fever epidemic. He successfully instills fear into the reader as the symptoms are described without censor. He includes both first-hand accounts - medical and non-medical- as well as providing further reading on various topics relating to yellow fever. The last chapter serves to possibly instill great fear in readers as the information conveys that yellow fever is not eradicated, but is labeled "A Modern-Day Time Bomb."

Awards: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence, 2004; Cuffies: Children's Booksellers Choose Their Favorite Books of the year, 2003; James Madison Book Award, 2004; John Newbery Honor Book, 2004; National Book Awards, 2003; Orbis Pictus Award, 2004; Robert F. Sibert Award, 2004.

Personal Opinion: I had to read this book in one sitting! Wonderful fiction-like telling of the horrors of yellow fever. I had read The Hot Zone years ago, and this had a similar feeling - nonfiction with fear! Then I got to the last chapter which indicated that the aedes aegypti mosquito could still transmit the disease - I had no idea about this, and also the fact that there have been no vaccines produced in recent years, and that there is no cure for yellow fever - all made this book incredibly frightening!

Curriculum/Programming: Studies in science concerning bacteria and viruses would work well with this book; also history courses focused on this time period would benefit from this well-told story.

34. Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman (Houghton Mifflin, 2010)

BOOK: POETRY (ages 8 - 12)

Brief Description: The poetry of this book is beautiful, lush, descriptive and inviting. Each two-page spread features a poem, a gorgeous relief printing of the animal or nighttime feature of the poem. A tiny lizard graces the poetry page of each poem acting as a guide throughout the book. On the right, readers will enjoy a description of the night animal or feature with great details about its eating habits, and other unusual characteristics. Also includes a handy glossary.

Awards: Newbery Honor, 2011; Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2011; Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2011

Personal Opinion: This is an instance in which the illustrations and text work seamlessly to create a united whole that is most pleasing. Enchanting poetry and relief printing pair to form the perfect picture book. Educational and beautifully illustrated with enchanting poems, I loved this book!

Curriculum/Programming: Sidman's creation and Allen's illustration would make a great supplement to both science and English poetry units as well as a visual aide for relief printing in an art class. Certain sections might be highlighted for story time using the theme of the animals presented.

33. The Chinese Book of Animal Powers by Chungliang Al Huang (Harper Children's, 1999)

BOOK: FOLKLORE (ages 9+)

Brief Description: Huang's book portrays the characterizations of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac as they pertain to human births; each year falls into one of the 12 categories of animals, and each month does as well. Each of the twelve animals illustrated present a short description of the animal and its characteristics, then applies these personality traits, both positive and negative, to the human born under that animal's sign. Large black calligraphic art illustrates the animals in a distinctive Chinese style that is bold and powerful. Text appears in various colors.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This starkly illustrated book captures the spirit of Chinese art with bold calligraphic illustrations of animals and the characters presented. I found it a little tricky to read the handwriting of the Chinese name of the animal and had to refer to the back of the book where the years associated with the twelve animals is listed. Before this list, however, there is a fantastic section entitled "Dancing Glossary" in which readers are encouraged to dance the characters as they try to write them - much like Huang himself does as shown on the back flap description of the author. Lovely book which is not restricted to youth.

Curriculum/Programming: This book would be a great addition to the study of China, and is currently on display at the library as we study China under the summer reading theme "One World, Many Stories." It would make an excellent introduction to writing in the Chinese style, and an art class might include dancing the characters as an activity.

32. Arthur and the Sword retold and illustrated by Robert Sabuda (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1995)

BOOK: FOLKLORE (ages 6-9)

Brief Description: This story of King Arthur is retold and illustrated by Robert Sabuda. The illustrations are made to look like brightly colored stained glass and have the effect of making the story sacred and formal. Readers will be delighted as the child Arthur becomes King.

Awards: None Found

Personal Opinion: Being a stained glass artist, I really appreciated the illustrations in this book and found facial expressions quite well done. I thought the story was told in simple, sparse language which offered an especially powerful telling. The author's note offered even more information for curious readers.

Curriculum/Programming: Although this book is meant for kids ages 6-9, I could see it benefiting older readers as a supplement to an Arthurian legend curriculum. I think it would offer a good discussion point as a comparison to other versions of the story.

31. This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness by Joyce Sidman (Houghton Mifflin, 2007)

BOOK: POETRY (ages 9-12)

Brief Description: Based on the poem "This is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams, this grouping of poems features two sections: apologies and responses, and is meant to be the collection of one sixth grade class's work. This, however, is solely Sidman's poetry. It should be noted that one of the poems features "curse" words which may limit the use of this book in the classroom.

Awards: Claudia Lewis Poetry Award; Cybils Poetry Award; Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book; IRA Teacher's Choice Book; SLJ Best Book of the Year

Personal Opinion: What a fantastic collection of poems. I loved the introduction by the 6th grade "editor" and found the poems to be rich and full of wisdom. The apology/responses sections are quite wonderful as "students" write poems and have them answered. Quite a clever and often funny book, but also quite poignant as well.

Curriculum: This book would obviously enhance any section on poetry, however, a few of the poems feature harsh language that may make this book unsuitable in some classrooms. This is unfortunate as the book has so much to offer in the way of poetry.

30. The Cod's Tale by Mark Kurlansky (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2001)

PICTURE BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: This book covers the development of cod fishing and the effects of overfishing in general. Told with accompanying illustrations, the book relates the story of the cod and how it came to be a huge industry on the continental shelves around the Atlantic Ocean.

Awards: Orbis Pictus Award

Personal Opinion: The illustrations and accompanying text dramatically portray first the habitat, lifecycle and enemies of the cod - which is a perfect segue into the story of how Cod's greatest enemy, man, has exploited the fishing of the cod to near extinction. I hadn't realized the part the Basques played in the waters off North America; because they did not plant a flag, they lost their fishing rights to Britain and France. I enjoyed The Story of Salt, and was delighted to read another of Kurlansky's books, however frightening the outcome of overfishing.

Curriculum/Programming: I would include this book on a display of books on fishing, and would also add it as required reading for a science curriculum on the study of sustaining the Earth's resources.

29. Luna by Julie Ann Peters (Little Brown, 2006)

BOOK: TRANSGENDER/TRANSSEXUAL (age 14+)

Brief Description: This touching story has narrator Regan explaining her relationship with her brother as he attempts to transition; Liam has known since he was very young that he was born a girl in a boy’s body, but he has kept this secret from everyone except his sister. While high school senior Liam successfully keeps his secret identity under wraps, he yearns to be free and express himself as the female Luna. Tension builds to a satisfying conclusion as the reader comes to understand the complexities of and gain a deep insight into the heart and thoughts of one who is transgender, and even sees the affect that keeping secrets can have, not only for Liam, but also for his sister Regan.

Awards:

• 2004 National Book Award Finalist in Young People’s Literature

• 2005 Stonewall Honor Book, awarded by the GLBTQ Round Table of the American Library Association

• An American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults 2005

• 2005 Colorado Book Award for Young Adult Literature

• 2005 Lambda Literary Award Finalist

• 2004 Borders Original Voices Award Finalist

Personal Opinion: Once I finished the book, I missed Luna and her sister Regan and felt hopeful for them both. I have to admit that I had been fairly ignorant concerning transgender and transsexual people, but Luna was a wonderful introduction into understanding and appreciating the hardship that may be encountered by a transgendered person. What was most beautiful about the novel was the relationship between the two siblings; it was interesting to discover that Luna's plight was difficult, but it carried over to Regan who shouldered the responsibility of keeping Luna's secret. Once Luna liberated herself, Regan, too, was able to spread her own wings and find the freedom that Luna so desperately desired. This was a very touching novel, one whose characters I won't soon forget.

Curriculum/Programming: The book would make an exceptional addition to an upper grade unit on understanding transgender and transsexual teens, and would be a great way to introduce the hardship that they may experience. I think the book would help kids respect differences in others.

28. The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti (Simon and Schuster, 2007)

BOOK: ROMANCE (ages 12+)

Brief Description: Jade has an anxiety disorder and is very introspective. To keep herself calm, she watches the web cam in the Elephant pen at the Woodland Park Zoo near where she lives. When she sees a young guy in a red jacket repeatedly, she falls for him without meeting him. Jade eventually works through many of her problems and actually meets Sebastian, who has a young son. Chapters begin with a quote about animal behavior that is mirrored in the events of that chapter.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I was initially disinterested in this book, but gradually grew to truly love and care about Jade and worried about her finding her way in the world. It's her senior year, and she's quite lost, not understanding her place even within her own family. Jade becomes a volunteer working with the elephants at the zoo when she finally meets Sebastian, about whom she's only fantasized. They become close quickly, and their relationship is lovely, tender, and quite moving, but Sebastian is harboring a secret that threatens to destroy Jade's new found security. I loved the book and spent quite some time considering the characters long after I finished the book. While the flap indicates a recommended age of 12+, I see this book as one for a much more sophisticated reader due to the nuances of Jades introspection, but a more sophisticated younger reader might enjoy it as well. The elephants themselves are entirely lovable as are all the truly well-drawn characters. Deb Caletti does a great job with this gorgeous and gentle novel.

Curriculum/Programming: I think this book would serve well as a discussion point for a psychology course. Jade is unbelievably self-reflective, and her dealing with her anxiety disorder might make for some good conversations.

27. Sports Illustrated Kids - June, 2011

MAGAZINE (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: "Sports Illustrated Kids," a monthly publication, covers sports highlights for that month and includes all major sports. A removable poster of two sports figures is included each month as well as removable sports figure cards. The "favorites" section includes various monthly features such as "Tips from the Pros," "Scouting Report," and "What's the Call?" Great action shots and other photography pepper the pages of this exciting monthly magazine. Most articles feature men's sports, but a few articles focused on women athletes. Very few advertisements are present.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This magazine was gorgeously photographed with action shots - and huge spreads throughout the publication. I enjoyed the featured articles as well as the monthly favorites like "Freeze Frame." While most articles are short, there are a few longer and fairly well-written pieces as well. I noticed a lack of information concerning college-level athletes, but that may be because of the season.

Curriculum/Programming: This magazine offers an excellent addition to a PE Curriculum and would help create a wonderful discussion about various aspects of major league sports.

26. Storm Runners by Roland Smith, Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo (Scholastic, 2011)

AUDIO BOOK: ACTION/ADVENTURE (ages 11-15)

Brief Description: Chase and his dad are on their own after the deaths of his mother and sister. When Chase's dad is struck by lightning picking up power tools that Chase left in the yard, and he survives, their lives change forever...again. A contractor, John Masters decides to become a "storm runner" - the guys head to wherever a natural disaster is imminent and "help" folks shore up against the impending storm; when the storm's over, John helps the owners rebuild, and that's not for free. So the guys are heading into Category 5 Hurricane Emily in Florida. Chase has been trained to survive in a myriad of situations and to trust his instincts, but against his better judgment, he boards a school bus when he knows the storm will hit the small town of Palm Breeze, Florida. His prediction is spot on when Emily bears down on his little town while his Dad is further south. This doomed bus ride lands Chase and two classmates in some serious trouble when Emily finally makes landfall.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I'm a weather nut, so this book was engaging and action-packed; tween guys will like the fast pace and excitement that the story offers. What I didn't realize is that the reader has to read The Surge, the next in the series to be released in September, to find out what happens next as Mr. Smith leaves the reader hanging on a thread at the book's end. I liked these two characters, and the secondary characters, for that matter - they were convincing, quirky, and evoked sympathy. The pacing is perfect, keeping the reader completely engrossed in the story. With carefully planted foreshadowing, we learn that the farm where Chase is staying could see serious trouble if electricity is lost; the farm is the winter home of a circus of animals. At the book's end, freed circus animals up the ante in this hurricane of danger.

Curriculum/Programming: Storm Runners would be great as a supplement to a science class dealing with meteorology. Also, the book illustrates survival skills and thus would be excellent as a program focusing on utilizing boy scout skills in serious and life-threatening situations.

25. The Westing Game, Narrated by Jeff Woodman (Recorded Books, 1998)

AUDIO BOOK: MYSTERY (ages 9-12)

Brief Description: Ellen Raskin has woven an intricately plotted mystery with a cast of characters that won't soon be forgotten. An excellent narration by Jeff Woodman enhances the story significantly. A motley cast has been invited to live in Sunset Towers; the will of wealthy Sam Westing is read naming them all heirs, and each receives $10,000 with the promise of over two million if a puzzle is solved. As the characters work in pairs to solve the clues they receive, much is revealed of their characters and "who did it" is surprisingly elusive. Readers will be delighted by the satisfying ending.

Awards: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence, 1978; Newbery Medal, 1979

Personal Opinion: This conundrum of a book was one of the most exciting reads of the 50 for this assignment. I thought Raskin's characters were particularly well drawn, the plot steady, increasing in suspense, and even the setting beautifully conveyed. I was completely fooled by the mystery and didn't expect the ending, but hoped for one of the characters to be the victor, and I was not disappointed. I kept expecting, as the judge expressed, a very harsh ending like the one in Ten Little Indians by Christie, but was most pleasantly surprised and satisfied by Raskin's clever wrap up to this story.

Jeff Woodman's audio was superb; perhaps the best narration I've heard to date (and I listen to MANY books on audio). His accents, inflections, and voices, brought the characters to vivid life. I found myself frustrated as I wanted to read faster than the audio due to the intrigue, but went right back to the narration because of Woodman's depiction of the characters I had grown to love. Story, characters, setting, narration - all combine to make The Westing Game absolutely PERFECT!

Curriculum/Programming: There are many applications possible with this book and narration, but I would use the book to explore the genre of mystery with my students. In fact, I'd use it with my 8th grade class before I began reading Christie or Doyle as it is the perfect introduction, especially to Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie.

24. Swim the Fly by Don Calame (Candlewick, 2009)

BOOK: HUMOR (ages 13-16)

Brief Description: Three best friends continue their yearly summer tradition of meeting an agreed upon goal; this summer's goal, though, has upped the ante. They must, but summer's end, see a live girl completely naked. When Matt takes on more than he can manage by volunteering to do the butterfly for the summer swim team, all sorts of mayhem ensues. This hysterically funny book is the first for author Don Calame, but let's hope it's not the last. As we watch Coop, Matt and Sean attempt what even they admit is probably an unreachable goal, the teen dialogue and character development is spot on and unmistakably hilarious.

Awards: Thumbs Up! Award, 2010; White Pine Award, 2011

Personal Opinion: The prude in me initially found the honest language between the boys quite "out there," but I soon overcame this foolishness as I learned more about the characters and their friendship. Matt narrates the story, letting us in on his ridiculously funny situations. I can't think of a more hilarious book that I've ever read, causing this reader to fully put the book down and wait until the laughter began to subside to continue reading. Not kidding. Reading it out loud was even better.

Programming/Curriculum: This would be the perfect book to assign as summer reading, and it would be a great selection for a boy's book club. It would be great as essential reading for a swim team as well, just for fun.

23. Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti (Scholastic, 2005)

BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 10-16)

Brief Description: Hitler Youth chronicles the lives of twelve German young people and their participation in or resistance to Hitler's controversial use of children to further his ideology. The accounts are disturbing yet hopeful as readers learn of featured childrens' feelings about their involvement in the Hitler Youth following WWII . What many youth believed was a fun group to belong to eventually learned the truth about the Fuhrer. Firsthand accounts make this book incredibly compelling; photographs complete the horrific visuals of Nazi Germany and the man who changed Germany forever.

Awards: Carolyn W. Field Award, 2006; John Newbery Medal, 2006; Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2006; Parent's Choice Award, 2005; Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2006

Personal Opinion: I have resisted reading this book for some time as my own spouse is German. In fact, a much loved step-mother was a "Hitler Youth" and she cherishes the time she spent in the group having felt a strong sense of belonging. Like many of the youth featured in the book, she was in denial over the true actions being reported about Adolf Hitler. I found the book to be incredibly difficult to read as the content was often beyond human comprehension in the horrors it portrayed, and yet, I found myself racing to the end to see how these people could have come to terms with the part they played, probably unknowingly, in one of the world's most grisly and shocking stories. In short, I truly couldn't put the book down even as I was repelled by its contents. I'm quite interested to read the many books written by the people portrayed here; nearly all whom survived have told their own stories. A truly outstanding book.

Programming/Curriculum: Tweens will be engrossed in this book about kids near to their own age; it should be essential reading material for the study of WWII and the holocaust, and would make an excellent book club discussion book as well, but graphic portrayals may be difficult for some readers, so the book should be focused on the upper age group of tweens.

22. American Girl Magazine, July/August 2011

MAGAZINE (ages 8-13)

Brief Description: This colorful publication is beautifully designed. Included are recipes, fashion and hair tips, crafts, quizzes, and a short story with a message, but a great deal of the content is generated by readers through drawings, life stories, and true stories of good deeds. This particular issue included a fold-out poster of fun cartoons to color. Of course, there is an entire story centered around "doll fun" in which American Girl dolls are pictured on a camping trip. Adorable cut-out posters of animals are featured at the end of the publication as well as a "Help!" column in which readers request assistance for problems. The only advertisements were two pages on the inside covers for American Girl magazine itself, and American Girl's online store of doll/kid-matching dresses. Ages of readers ranged from 9 - 13.

Awards: Recommended Award, Parent's Choice, 2011

Personal Opinion: My library has carried this publication for many years, yet I have never cracked the cover! I found it beautifully photographed and written, although it seemed a bit much to have fashion tips, but that's probably just me. The stories were well written, and the interactive games and quizzes were pretty fun. I would have enjoyed coloring the poster insert, and I think I'll be trying a few of the simple recipes for library programming. I would definitely recommend this to patrons.

Programming/Curriculum: It might be fun to center a weekly craft activity on the crafts provided in the magazine; from scrapbook paper beads, to simple no-cook snacks, this publication could easily support a weekly craft activity for kids.

21. Wereling by Steve Feasey (Feiwel & Friends, 2010)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 11-16)

Brief Description: Orphan Trey LaPorte wakes up one morning to find his room in the care home completely trashed - including his brand new and highly adored pair of trainers. Nothing makes sense as he tries to defend himself to the nasty sadistic director of the care home, when he is told he has a visitor. A man purporting to be his uncle comes to claim him and uses strange powers to control the director, but they still have to steal away in his "uncle" Lucien's Lexis to a luxury apartment in London. So begins the story of Trey, who discovers that he is a werewolf. He learns the true cause of death for his parents and must put his trust in a man he's never met, and who is a vampire, for forces are conspiring to destroy Trey even as he is whisked to safety. Readers are set up for the next in the series as one situation ends, but another looms on the horizon.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I've put off reading this title, but found it refreshingly interesting and lacking in the romantic vampire images portrayed in much of contemporary teen fiction. While there is an element of romance present, the character development and originality of the story kept me interested. Trey is a likable guy about whom I came to care quite a bit. His love interest, Lucien's daughter and part vampire, is charming as well.

Programming/Curriculum: With all the hype over vampires and other supernatural beings, this book would be perfect to include in a supernatural book club. In a classroom, it may bring an element of interest in the study of mythology and legend, particularly of supernatural beasts and possibly a comparison of werewolves in different stories.