The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman - OPTIONAL

Shulman, Polly The Grimm Legacy, 325 pgs. Putnam, 2010. Language - G, Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG; Elizabeth is excited to get a job in hopes that she will finally be able to gain friends. However, she finds a whole lot more than that. Magic and a mystery are now part of Elizabeth's formerly boring life and she's knee deep in trouble, too. With everyone pointing fingers and arguing, it's hard to get anything accomplished, can they over come their differences long enough to save each other and the magic? 

Once you get into it, this book is intense, but everything seems to be worked out too fast and easily. It's still cute and exciting with new magic at every turn. 

MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

Dreamland (Book 3 of Riley Bloom series) by Alyson Noel –NOT RECOMMENDED

Noel, Alyson Dreamland (Book 3 of Riley Bloom series) 224pgs. Square Fish, 2011. $7.99. (Language-G Violence-G; Sexual Content-G).
Riley is a 12 year old “living” in the Afterlife. This is her third adventure in being dead. When she is given some time off from her job helping souls, she doesn’t know what to do with her time. She decides she wants to check in with her living sister, Ever. The best way to do that seems to be through dreams. When she pursues this route she finds out its more dangerous than she could imagine.
Although this book can function as a stand alone, I don’t recommend it. I thought it was incredibly linear and boring. Even as an adult, reading about an afterlife in which the main character is bored with not to mention where the main character has to “work”, is depressing on many levels. I don’t think students will enjoy this book because the events are hard to relate to and frankly, not that exciting to imagine.
Elementary – NOT RECOMMENDED

Above by Leah Bobet –OPTIONAL

Bobet, Leah Above, 528 pgs. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2012 (April). $8.99. (Language-PG Violence-PG13 Sexual Content-G).
A group of misfits hides themselves under the city, in a space they call Safe. Matthew (aka the Teller) is a young man who was born in Safe, and has very little experience with the world Above. He knows that bad things can happen, via Whitecoats, if people like him are identified as different and caught. When one of their own goes rogue, Matthew and the others must flee to the Above and try to survive and make plans to take back their home. Complicating matters is Ariel, a beautiful young woman whom Matthew is trying to keep safe –mostly from herself.
The best thing about this book is the unique voice and cadence to speech that is presented. The main character, Matthew and the others have their own creative way of speaking that is both interesting and descriptive, which helps draw the reader into their reality. That being said, I didn’t ever really bond with the characters, and didn’t care at all when they were placed in danger. The plot was fairly linear and repetitive at times. I think students will not find the unique speech all that thrilling, and might give up when Matthew has to go chasing, yet again, after Ariel.
MS, HS – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Wildcat Fireflies (Meridian Novel #2) -NOT RECOMMENDED

Kizer, Amber Wildcat Fireflies (Meridian Novel #2), 528 pgs. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2011. $11.98. (Language-PG13 (Sex talk) Violence-PG13; Sexual Content-PG13).
A second book in a series, this is the continuing story of a teen girl named Meridian. She is a Fenestra, part angel who helps dead souls through the transitionary window to death. It’s apparently important she is there, or the evil Nocti will lead the souls to hell instead. In this book, she is on a road trip with her protector Tens, a hunky teen boy, to search out and help more Fenestra’s like herself. When they stop in a small town in Indiana, they find what they are looking for. Juliet is living in a horrible place, a group home that exploits children and dying elderly. She is heading towards disaster and only the distracted Meridian and Tens can help her.
First off, this book does not function well as a standalone. It really annoys me when publishing companies try to trick you, not putting Book 2 or something telling on the cover, especially when the book isn’t up to the challenge of being a stand alone. Secondly, this book wins the grand prize for bad writing on sex. The scenes in which the two main characters grapple with sexual romance are some of the worst writing I have read in a long time, and are downright cringe worthy.
The plot was muddled and confusing; maybe if I had read the first book, things would have been clearer. Even the characters themselves are confused!! Also I could forever have lived without the image of children getting spanked with a cheese grater –thank Amber Kiser!
HS – NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough -ADVISABLE

McCullough, Kathy Don't Expect Magic, 256 pgs. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2011. $11.98. (Ratings: All PG. Swear: 0)
Delaney is a tough cynical teen and her mood certainly doesn’t improve when she her mom dies and she must move in with the father she hardly knows (and doesn’t like). Despite trying her best, Delaney is finding it hard to make herself an outcast at her new school –where everyone is happy and friendly. In order to use her newly discovered Fairy Godmother powers, Delaney must change herself, because granting wishes takes positive energy.
This was a supernatural romance that didn’t rely too much on the magic part, which is refreshing. It was a fun and light read. Students will relate to Delaneys cynical outlook and may discover along with her that sometimes it’s just funner to lighten up and have some fun.
MS, HS – Advisable Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Beasts (Mystic Phyles Book 1) by Stephanie Brockway and Ralph Masiello –ADVISABLE

Brockway, Stephanie and Masiello, Ralph Tami Lewis Beasts (Mystic Phyles Book 1), 137 pgs. Charlesbridge Publishing, 2011. $12.44. (Rating: G in all categories)
Abigail is a bit of geek, and her life is pretty boring. When she is prompted by a mysterious message to start research mystical creatures, her life gets a bit more interesting. With the help of her friend Charley she begins to collect and record information on these creatures, and finds herself wondering if they might be real. Even more mysterious than her guide for this process are the strange locked rooms in her big house and her grandparents odd behavior. Will Abigail be able to sort everything out before danger comes calling on her whole family?
This story is told in scrapbook journal format, which makes it incredibly appealing. I really enjoyed this book, and found it to be quite a page turner. The plot kept me interested and Abigail was a quirky and fun to read character. Spoiler Alert: I am bit worried that the plot reminded me a lot of the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull –where the kids are an important part of hiding and keeping mythical creatures safe (as were their parents and grandparents). I hope this series has something different to offer as it continues.
Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard -ADVISABLE

Hubbard, Mandy Ripple, 260 pgs. Razorbill, 2011. $11.55. (Language-G, Violence-PG; Sexual Content-PG13.)
At the age of Lexi has inherited the family curse, and its not a fun one. She is a Siren, doomed to spend her nights swimming and singing, instead of sleeping. Oh, and any man that hears her song will come out into the water and be drowned. This includes her first boyfriend. Overcome with grief and dealing with her secret, Lexi withdraws from her former life. When a special someone, or two, comes into the picture –her life is turned upside down.
This is a very typical supernatural romance novel; linear plot, very little attention given to the sub-characters, very little adult supervision, and of course the romance that overcomes all. But that being said, it was actually a fun read. The sexual content was minimal, the supernatural element was unique, and if you have still having a blitz on this genre in your library –this one is a good one to add to your collection.
MS, HS – Advisable Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Hourglass by Myra McEntire-ADVISABLE

McEntire, Myra. Hourglass, 390 pages, Egmont, 2011, $17.99.
Language-G, Mature Content-PG, Violence-G  

Emerson thinks that she is crazy. She can see people from the past- apparitions of Southern belles and 1920's jazz musicians who once inhabited the buildings of her Southern hometown. Haunted to the point of insanity, she has tried everything to make the images go away, and as a last resort her brother has employed the handsome Michael Weaver  from the organization, Hourglass, to help her. With his experience and knowledge, he may be able to help her see her life as a continuous pattern-the past, the present and the future. Only she begins to wonder if Michael is the answer or the problem? Is Hourglass a benign institute for the study of time or something more sinister? If she is getting better, why is she still being haunted? This was a very engaging, highly-readable, original addition to the YA paranormal genre. The cliffhanger ending may have been a little too steep for my liking, but I can't wait for the sequel.   MS/HS-ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Gretchen

Just Add Magic by Cindy Callaghan - ADVISABLE

Callaghan, Cindy Just Add Magic, 218 p. Simon, 2010.  Content: G.  Kelly, 12, and her friends Hannah and Darbie, are very excited when they discover what looks to be a magic cookbook.  While the ingredients are a little strange, the weird little shop downtown seems to have everything they need.  What they mix-up instead, is a whole lot of trouble.  Every plan backfires and the girls are not too happy with each other.  

Like everything in the MIX imprint, you get a whole lot of fun, with a clean book to enjoy.  And they are at a paperback price.  You can’t go wrong!  EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Shape-Shifter’s Curse by Amanda Marrone - ADVISABLE

Marrone, Amanda The Shape-Shifter’s Curse (Magic Repair Shop #2), 232 p. Simon and Schuster, 2010.  $6.  Content: G.  Maggie loves her job as a repair person in a magic shop.  But now it is time for her magic levels to be tested, so she and her friends are off to Scotland.  Unfortunately, Darcy Davenport, Maggie’s rival, is also going for testing, which means that there is bound to be trouble along with the magic.  

Nice elementary level fiction for those who want to be ready for Harry Potter, but aren’t quite up to the challenge.  EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans - ESSENTIAL

Evans, Richard Paul Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25, 336 p. Simon & Schuster, 2011.  $18.  Violence: PG (implied torture, lots of it).  Michael Vey has always been unusual, but except for his best friend Ostin  and his mother, no one else knows about Michael’s powers until he makes a mistake.  Enter Taylor, cheerleader, popular – and with a hidden talent of her own.  As the little group delves into Taylor and Michael past, they find answers and questions and put a very dangerous enemy on their trail.  Because, you see, the pair are not alone with their powers.  Someone very dangerous has been collecting the others and using them for nefarious purposes. 

I was all prepared to dislike this book – I had been avoiding it for months, as I am not a fan of Mr. Evans original works.  Now, however, he has burst full-formed onto the teen scene and I can’t ignore the fact that I read this through in almost one sitting.  Yes, I really did like it.  MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Dying to Tell Me by Sherryl Clark - OPTIONAL

Clark, Sherryl Dying to Tell Me, 217 p. Kane Miller, 2011.  Violence: PG (severed sheep’s head, beating, drug use).  Neither Sasha, 13, nor her little brother are happy to be moving to Manna Creek, a tiny town outside Melbourne, Australia – a really tiny town.  With a few days before they have to start school, Sasha and Nicky try to explore the town and are plunged right into mystery and danger.  Someone  - maybe more than one someone – doesn’t want a new cop in Manna Creek, and they are willing to use intimidation and force to make their point.  And could Sasha’s life to stranger?  She seems to have a telepathic connection with her family’s new police-trained German shepherd.  Clark’s book tends to go a little all over the place with a bit of magic, a trio of mysteries and vengeance from the past, but it has lots of action and I grew fond of the dog, too.  A good recommendation for your reluctant readers.  EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Frost by Wendy Delsol - OPTIONAL

DelSol, Wendy Frost, 375 p. Candlewick, 2011.  $16.  Language PG (6 swears), Mature Content: PG-13 (teen drinking, partying).  Just as things seem to be going well in Katla’s life – she’s made friends, she has a boyfriend, she is adjusting to life in the frozen northlands of Minnesota – until Jack makes an error with his powers that causes a little boy’s death.  Now he is wallowing in guilt and when a beautiful Arctic research scientist shows up with a research job for Jack, he seems to be more than willing to drop his girlfriend and his life and head off the parts even further North.  Maybe there is something Katla can do as a Stork, but maybe its her love for Jack and her sheer determination that will save them both.  DelSol’s first book about Katla was so original and great that I was a little unhappy with this one when it looked like it was becoming just another “Snow Queen” retelling – Katla deserves better.  SO while this one was satisfying at the end, I hope that if Katla has another book that it will original.  MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Game of Triumphs by Laura Powell - ADVISABLE

Powell, Laura The Game of Triumphs, 265pgs. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. $16.99. Language: PG    (6 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content- PG-13; Violence: PG-13

15-year-old Cat is a loner and prefers it that way. She is able to negotiate the streets of London in a way that allows her to observe, but remain invisible. This holds true until the day she finds herself unwittingly pulled into a complex game that will lead her into another reality unlike anything she knows. As she discovers more about the game she learns more about her past and realizes that what she thought was real may in fact be a sham. Playing Tarot has never had such fantastic rewards or dire consequences.  Powell wastes no time in starting the action of this book. From the first page the reader is immediately draw into the “game” alongside Cat. The book is well written with teenage characters that are portrayed as intelligent and free of the usual stereotypes that plague most young adult literature. My only hesitation with this book is the complexity of the tarot game the characters are involved in. Many times I had to reread passages and use the reference pages to attempt to understand how the game worked and what this meant to the plot and characters.

HS—ADVISABLE. AEB, Social Studies Teacher

Seeing Cinderella by Jenny Lundquist - ADVISABLE

Lundquist, Jenny.  Seeing Cinderella.  225 pages Simon and Schuster, 2012. $6.99 (Language-G; Violence-G; Sexual Content-G) Calliope is given a pair of magical glasses that help her to see what people are really thinking.  Sometimes it’s hard to hear and other times it helps her to understand people better.  As she goes through her first year of middle school, she learns who her true friends are and how to be a better daughter.  Creative coming of age story.  MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.