Written by Justin Richards

Matt is a 15 year old son of an archeologist. When he is sent to stay with his father during the summer, he discovers his father is missing, but he has left Matt some clues about what to do and where to go. Everything about the dad's disappearance and what he is working on is strange and confusing to Matt.

The mysteries deepen when Matt is told to go to his Aunt Jane, a woman Matt loves and admires and who just happens to work for a man from a noble family line. As Matt and Mr. Vecter and his daughter work to find Matt's father, a huge, crazy plot to take over the world unfolds.

The action takes Matt and his friends from England to the Brazilian jungle to Denmark, back to England and then back to Brazil. In the process, Matt discovers, to his dismay his mother and father are both involved in in this crazy plot to rule the world.

Review by Linda Douglas, English Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩

This is a great story about a teenage boy whose father is an archaeologist searching for a code that could have brought down the Mayans and Atlantis.  His father comes up missing and in searching for him the boy is absorbed into a world-wide treasure hunt, with suspense woven all the way through the story.  The code has fallen into the hands of a madman who plans to use the code in a sinister manner.  The boy and his friend fight creatures and mercenaries to keep him from reactivating the chaos code.

Reviewed by JoLene Ellertson, G.S.D. Instructional Technology  

Written by Neal Layton

Review
This is an easy chapter book.  Oscar Mammoth solves a mystery at the academy.  Many pages are illustrations.  The book is OK.  Would not highly recommend it!  

Written by Wendy Corsi Staub

Calla thinks her world is at an end when her college boyfriend breaks up with her with a text message. Two weeks after the break up Calla's mother Stephanie dies in a freak accident, the life as she knew it is no longer. Overwhelmed with her drastically changing life, Calla decides to go to her mother's home town, Lily Dale, to be with her grandmother that she hardly knows.

Lily Dale is nothing to be expected. The small secluded old Victorian style community is full of psychics -- her grandmother among them. The longer she is in Lily Dale a strange unsettling feeling of being watched becomes more apparent.

After a dream of her mother and grandmother by the mysterious lake she awakes suddenly. The room is cold, the clock that has never been set glows 3:17, and the room has the aroma of lilies of the valley. To her surprise there is a woman standing by the window, or was there? She was gone as soon as she appeared. This event leads Calla to believe there is something more about her mother's relationship with her grandmother, and leads her to wonder whether she has inherited her grandmother's unique gift. Will Calla be able to deal with what she learns about her mothers past?

This book contains some language, and appeals more to a high school level. The Lily Dale series is full of twists and unexpected turns leaving the audience captive.  

Written by James Lincoln Collier

Eugene Richards lives with his mother and grandpa during the Depression. He does not know his father and his mother and grandpa refuse to talk about him. One day on his way home from school a voice speaks to him about a bad thing that took place in the past when Gene was just a small boy. The voice wants him to investigate the injustice so that he will believe the voice. Gene gets his two friends, Sonny and Sam (Who are not on the same wavelength) to help him in the investigation. Sonny's father is killed in a freak accident and then Sam's father drives his car off the road into a tree. As the investigation continues it becomes clear that something bad did happen and many people in the town were involved in a coverup, including Gene's grandfather who was a judge at the time. The friends must work fast to find a way to keep more people from becoming victims of the mysterious voice.  

Written by James Lincoln Collier

Eugene Richards lives with his mother and grandpa during the Depression. He does not know his father and his mother and grandpa refuse to talk about him. One day on his way home from school a voice speaks to him about a bad thing that took place in the past when Gene was just a small boy. The voice wants him to investigate the injustice so that he will believe the voice. Gene gets his two friends, Sonny and Sam (Who are not on the same wavelength) to help him in the investigation. Sonny's father is killed in a freak accident and then Sam's father drives his car off the road into a tree. As the investigation continues it becomes clear that something bad did happen and many people in the town were involved in a coverup, including Gene's grandfather who was a judge at the time. The friends must work fast to find a way to keep more people from becoming victims of the mysterious voice.  

 

Written by Rick Riordan

Minutes before Grace Cahill died she changed her will, leaving her descendants an impossible decision: "You have a choice - one million dollars or a clue."  The 39 Clues books set the story, while the cards, website and game allow kids to participate in it. Kids will love this! They can visit the website - www.the39clues.com - and discover they are lost members of the Cahill family. Look for the second book, One False Note by Gordan Korman, Dec. 2, 2008.


The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues Series, #1)
Scholastic
978-0545060394
Release Date: September 9, 2008










 

Written by Patrick Carman

Coming Soon!  Release Date: February 10, 2009

Review
Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the bottom of the strange things happening in Skeleton Creek. Ryan has an unfortunate accident so he records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out and emails clips to Ryan. At certain times the reader is directed to go to sarahfincher.com to see the clips. A fun book for those who love mystery and suspense.  

Written by Patrick Carman

Coming Soon!  Release Date: February 10, 2009

Review
Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the bottom of the strange things happening in Skeleton Creek. Ryan has an unfortunate accident so he records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out and emails clips to Ryan. At certain times the reader is directed to go to sarahfincher.com to see the clips. A fun book for those who love mystery and suspense.  

Written by Gordon Korman

Coming Soon!  Release Date: December 2, 2008

THIS JUST IN! Amy and Dan Cahill were spotted on a train, hot on the trail of one of 39 Clues hidden around the world. BUT WAIT! Police report a break-in at an elite hotel, and the suspects ALSO sound suspiciously like Amy and Dan. UPDATE! Amy and Dan have been seen in a car . . . no, in a speedboat chase . . . and HOLD EVERYTHING! They're being chased by an angry mob?!?
When there's a clue on the line, anything can happen. Coming in December!


One False Note (The 39 Clues Series, #2)
Scholastic
ISBN: 978-0545060424
Release Date: December 2, 2008







 

Written by Blue Balliett, Illustrated by Brett Helquist

When Calder Pillay travels with his father to a small town in England, he finds himself drawn to an Alexander Calder sculpture. Both the sculpture and the boy seem to be out of place. Then one night they both disappear.  This book would tie into the art curriculum. In the story the students visit a Chicago museum where they are displaying famous mobiles. There they are introduced to the "Calder game," which invites participants to make their own mobiles by joining five ideas or things that move in relation to one another, while looking for "balance, beauty, and surprise."  

Written by Elise Broach, Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

A great book for all ages! A book about true friendship between James and Marvin, the beetle that lives in James' kitchen cupboard. Marvin draws James a birthday picture that is absolutely beautiful. James takes all the credit for this piece of art. James and Marvin work together to catch an art thief. Marvin catches the art thief, but he's a beetle. What will he do now? A fast read for all, and wonderfully written.

Review by Tawnya Albertson, Library Media Assistant, Jackling Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

Marvin, a beetle, lives with his family under the kitchen sink in a New York apartment.  James, an eleven year old boy, lives in that same apartment.  After James receives a pen and ink art set, Marvin surprises him by drawing a detailed miniature picture.  Everyone thinks that James made the drawing.  Then one thing leads to another and Marvin and James find themselves in the middle of complicated situation and a mystery to solve.

Review by Cindy Moyle, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District  

Written by Will Peterson

Rachel and Adam Newman, twins, receive an extremely unfriendly welcome when they go to England to visit their grandmother.  At first the town appears to be deserted.  Then two brothers show up and attack Adam.  Even their grandmother seems oddly distant.  And then there are the bees that appear to follow a mysterious force.  Everything seems to be connected to the Triskellion (a symbol etched in chalk on the moors).  As the twins get closer to the truth about their ancestors and the secret the village has protected they put themselves in a very dangerous situation.  

Written by James Swanson

Review
This was a very fact based book that reads with the entertainment value of a fiction novel. The author did a very good job of pulling the reader into the story. The book gave a very clear description of both President Lincoln and his family, as well as the Booths. It was very interesting to read how their lives intertwined. It has a conspiracy theory feel to it. This book was written for 7th grade and up. I would agree with that ranking. It is a fairly quick read.  This book is not available for purchase yet.  

Written by Mal Peet

It's 1995 and 15 year old Tamar's grandfather's suicide bewilders her, as does the collection of things that he has left her in his apartment. There is a mystery, she knows, and her grandfather loved puzzles, as does she. Her father, his son, has disappeared, and she talks a distant relative into helping her solve the mystery -- which is related to the other part of the story, that of two undercover operatives who parachute into the Nazi-occupied Netherlands late in 1944 and encounter both the starving winter and an array of plots, relationships and dangers.

I liked this book a lot. I did find it confusing at times, but that might be because I was trying to read two books at once.  

Written by Wendy Corsi Staub

The mysteries continue in the second book of the Lily Dale series. After spending the summer with her grandmother, Calla decides to stay in Lily Dale, hoping to unearth more about her mothers untimely death. When Calla helps authorities find the body of a missing girl, she becomes the next target of Kaitlyn's killer who has perpetrated a string of abductions. While trying to understand more about her new found gift she uncovers the whereabouts of a recent victim that has been dumped while still alive. Will Calla be able to help her before she dies?  

Written by Jill Santopolo, Illustrated by C.B. Canga

This is a different kind of mystery book. I was not familiar with the Alec Flint series, but it seems to be appropriate for elementary students. The code in the book could offer a fun challenge for students as they try and figure out what the two main characters are communicating to each other. The black and white pen and ink illustrations add detail to the story. Afterall, when you're trying to figure out who stole items from the museum's Christopher Columbus exhibit, you need all the help you can get. Try this series, if you haven't already. You might find a winner for your students!

Review by Kathy Loewy, Twin Peaks Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Nina, the Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure (Alec Flint, Super Sleuth)
Orchard Books / Scholastic
183 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-90352-3
Release Date: July 2008
 

This is a story about an 11-year old boy by the name of Reynie Muldoon. He is very intelligent, so much so that he has read all the texbooks at the Stonetown Orphanage where he lives, even those for high school students. When he reads the morning paper one day with a special tutor (a kind and intelligent woman) Miss. Perumal, he notices an advertisement directed specifically for children which says: "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When Reynie decides to answer the ad he finds himself involved in an adventure he never thought possible and finds friends (children and adults) who become his family. He and these friends are the last hope as they try to stop an evil genius who tries to take control of the world.

Review by Marjorie Briggs, Oquirrh Hills Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

The Mysterious Benedict Society
Little, Brown
341 pages
ISBN: 978-0-316-03211-7
Release Date: March 2008

 

Written by David Acer, Illustrated by Stephen MacEachern

This book shows kids how to fool their friends into thinking that these 18 hoaxes and myths are true. Doubting Dave is the "author" of this book. By helping kids set up these tricks, he give them facts that will help them decide if these myths really exist. Each trick is creatively presented. The illustrations are humorous and eye catching. I think this book will be a hit!

Review by Vala'dee Tanner, Rosecrest Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-7

Gotcha! 18 Amazing Ways to Freak Out Your Friends
Kids Can Press
48 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-194-3
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Tom Becker

This is book two in the Darkside series. Jonathan Starling is hanging out in Darkside with Carnegie, a Private Detective. Darkside is ruled by a powerful family that has descended from Jack the Ripper. The ruler is chosen in a process called the Blood Succession in which family members fight to the death. Because of this process, family members live in Darkside under false identities until the time of the Blood Succession. Suddenly, people in Darkside are being murdered, and Carnegie and Jonathan are asked by the local paper, The Informer, to investigate. Jonathan discovers that his mother worked for the newspaper and was working on a big story at the time of her disappearance. As Jonathan and Carnegie investigate and get closer to the truth, both their lives are in danger. This is a fun story with many great twists and turns. The characters are interesting and the story line keeps you reading. This book answers some of the questions about Jonathan and his personal connections to Darkside from book one. I am sure that another great story is in the waiting.

Review by Robin Larsen, Matheson Jr. High Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Jr. High / High School

Lifeblood (Darkside Series #2)
Orchard Books / Scholastic
279 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03742-6
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Kim Platt

This book was published posthumously and has a forward by Kin Platt's son, Christopher Platt. This story takes place in Concord in the late 1840s. Sixteen-year-old Oliver Puckle helps his uncle run the local newspaper, Concord Freeman. The story is rich with the historical events of this time period and includes important historical figures. Oliver roams the town gathering news for his uncle's newspaper. During one of his outings he runs into Hetta Bird, a local lady that is considered not-right-in-the-head. She chants a vision that she had concerning a death that will involve Oliver. Although shaken, Oliver dismisses the idea. With his uncle out of town, Oliver is running the paper and must get it ready for print. Henry Thoreau has been arrested for non-payment of his poll tax. Oliver has interviewed both Thoreau and Sheriff Staples and is writing an article. As he is working, a beautiful young lady enters and wishes to place an ad for employment. She has recently arrived from Boston and gives her name as Margaret Roberts. Oliver suggests that she find a room with the Thoreaus. Later, when he discovers that she is not at the Thoreaus he becomes concerned for her safety. The next morning, a horrible murder has taken place and Oliver believes it must be Margaret Roberts. However, it is the unfortunate Hetta Bird. As Oliver investigates the murder he seeks the help of Henry Thoreau and Charley, a local Indian boy that he grew up with. Together they work to solve the murder and find the missing girl. The story is interesting and weaves the local events of the day along with important historical and literary figures.

Review by Robin Larsen, Matheson Jr. High Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Middle and High School

A Mystery for Thoreau
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
162 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-35337-7
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Retold by Martin Powell, Illustrated by Daniel Perez

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are asked to help find out how Sir Henry Baskerville's uncle died. Is there a hound that is attacking the heirs to the Baskerville estate? Read this graphic novel retelling of Doyle's classic.

Review by Debbie Luke, Westbrook Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Graphic Novel)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
63 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-0755-5
Release Date: July 2008






 

Written by Brooke Taylor

Kori and Serena did not know when they first met what a great friendship would develop. Kori was the "dark angel' type: she was beautiful, mysterious, and always talked about behind her back. Serena was what you would consider the average type, never really noticed by those around her. Two years have passed and the girls, having grown so very close in the meantime, are now sophomores. They're given an assignment to list the five things they want to happen in the next six months--their five ways to tempt fate. Then tragedy strikes Kori, and Kori's list of five things becomes an important artifact to help figuring out the mystery behind her tragedy. Serena finds it important to follow through with Kori's desire not to leave anything undone.

This is not only a story about two young girls who work together to find themselves, it is also a wonderful mystery. It has a captivating plot and pulls the reader into the story.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Olympus High School Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

Undone
Walker & Co.
310 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9763-6
Release Date: July 2008  

Written by Jack D. Ferraiolo

Matt knows that middle school is one nightmare after another. At Franklin Middle School, crime is as organized as the Mob. The Mob boss, Vinny, offers Matt a detective job to find out who "took out" Nikki Fingers with a squirt gun of cat urine.  Countless hitmen have created a whole group of the Outs, for whom school has become their worst nightmare.  Matt is not happy about accepting a job from Vinny, but he has his own reasons for pursuing the identity of the lowlife who turns a topnotch hitman (girl) into a notorious member of the Outs.

Curriculum Ties: This book belongs to the category of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. It could be read aloud to an English class, but would just as easily be a great choice for a high interest novel.  It has use for social studies, English, even some Community of Caring reading.

Review by Linda J. Douglas, English Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Big Splash
Amulet Books
277 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8109-7067-0
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Alane Ferguson

Cameryn is a seventeen-year-old who assists her father, the county coroner, on cases in the field as well as in the county morgue. Her job can be quite gruesome and the forensic details at times can be a bit much to handle, even for Cameryn, who usually is tough as nails. A mystery unfolds when she is assisting on the case of an apparent suicide of a girl she had just recently met when Cameryn's long lost mother picked the girl up at a gas station a few hours earlier. Cameryn is torn about her mother's possible involvement in the young girl's death, which turns out not to be a suicide. The story takes an interesting turn as Cameryn fits pieces of the mystery together to discover the truth about her mother and the death of the young girl. If you are squeamish about in-depth forensic details of autopsy, you may want to skip some of the pages which can get very graphic.

Curriculum Ties: Forensic science, human anatomy, biology, criminal justice ; law enforcement.

Review by Lorraine Wyness, Library Media Specialist, Taylorsville High School
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

The Circle of Blood (Forensic Mystery Series)
Speak (Penguin Group)
236 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241267-1
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Steven Brezenoff, Illustrated by Tiffany Prothero

This book was very good chapter book mystery. It has girls that are sleep walking and it has to do with the museum. The Girls sleep walk at midnight.

Review by Diane Scott, Western Hill Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

The Mummy at Midnight
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
80 pages
ISBN: 978-1-43420-797-5
Release Date: August 2008


 

Written by Kevin Brooks

While it became a compelling story, it was extremely full of R rated language, in particular the "F" word. The themes were very adult in nature with the story covering issues such as sex, drugs, alcohol, violence, and homosexuality. The drug use in the book was disturbing, particularly because it was centered on spiking alcohol with hallucinogens. A couple of the key characters were drugged without knowledge or consent. I think the book could be placed in the library with a warning IF the drug use wasn't so much of a violation of the other characters.

Review by Larae Thomas, Counselor, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★✩✩✩✩
Interest Level: High School Only [After review, Cyprus High decided not to put this book on their shelf]

Black Rabbit Summer
Scholastic, Inc.
488 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-05752-3
Release Date: July 2008
 

Written by Michael Dahl

At first glance at the title I thought this book was somehow linked to Disney’s High School Musical, but it has no connection. I guess that’s one way to get kids to pick it up. Anyway, as I read it I thought it was interesting enough to continue.  Hopefully the kids will do the same.

The story is about a boy named Kyle who is a new student at Harrison Ford High School and is in the school play. Kyle has made friends with a girl by the name of Mindy. One day during a play rehearsal there is an accident with one of the props and one of the actors in the play almost gets hit by a heavy light.  Kyle and Mindy are suspicious because of some unusual clues they have found and decide to look into it further; the story is continued with them looking for other clues to who would have wanted the play to fail. In the process Kyle learns about some of the other kids in the play and develops friendships with them.

I liked the story line and I think 4th through 6th graders would read it; they just need to know up front that it is not at all related to Disney’s High School Musical.

Review by Marjorie Biggs, Library Media Assistant, Oquirrh Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Curtains!: A High School Musical Mystery
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
105 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-0801-9
Release Date: August 2008  

Written and Illustrated by Janice Poon

Claire and Jet are excited to start a new school year. Jet wins a new digital camera, which becomes an annoying obsession for Claire. Claire makes friends with Sky from a nearby lake community.  Sky reveals how pollution in the lake is making people sick. The girls find adventure as they stumble onto a reason for the pollution...

This is a fun and quick read for girls, especially reluctant readers. The graphic format keeps interest going. They'll be asking for more.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Claire and the Water Wish
Kids Can Press
118 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-381-7
Release Date: March 2009  

Written by Lewis B. Montgomery, Illustrated by Amy Wummer

Milo must solve a real case to join Dash Marlowe as a real detective. He and Jazz try to find out who stole the star pitcher's lucky, stinky socks.  I thought the characters were believable and had just the right amount of suspense and humor for young readers. Enjoyed very much.

Reviewed by Laura Schmidt, Library Media Assistant, Fox Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-3

The Case of the Stinky Socks (The Milo & Jazz Mysteries)
The Kane Press
88 pages
ISBN: 978-1-57565-288-7
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Alexander McCall Smith, Illustrated by Macky Pamintuan

This is about a couple of young twins who are amateur detectives. They help a very wealthy man who has organized a balloon race find out who is sabotaging the balloons chosen to race. It could be entertaining for very young readers. Second graders might find it believable and some third graders might find it entertaining, but for most kids it would be quite cheesy and unbelievable. The setting is supposed to modern day in a normal household and it came off as outlandish. The parts that were supposed to be exciting weren't even good.

Review by Connie Burton, Teacher, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★✩✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-2, maybe 3

Max & Maddy and the Bursting Balloons Mystery
Bloomsbury
70 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-035-3
Release Date: March 2007  

Written by Wendelin Van Draanen

Sammy didn't expect to scare a man to death as she returned home to the seniors high rise apartment. That is what happened and so began a rollicking mystery complete with stacks of cold hard cash, a dead body, sinister characters searching for what the dead man was supposed to be carrying, a 13 year old girl who scared the man and found the cash. Sammy lives with her grandmother at the senior high rise apartment, unknown to anyone but her grandmother, friends, and a blackmailing neighbor who extracts errands and favors in exchange for her silence. A delightful read.

Curriculum Ties: friendship, responsibility, honesty, disfunctional families.

Review by Gerry Ewing, Library Media Assistant, Pioneer Elementary
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash
Knopf
293 pages
ISBN: 978-0-375-83526-1
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Mary Labatt, Illustrated by Jo Rious

The concept and idea for this book are great and our kids do like mysteries. The outside of the book is an enticing graphic. The problem is that the inside is in a black and white comic strip format. I don't think it will appeal visually to our readers. I hope I'm wrong. The short, choppy sentences left me with a disjointed feeling, also. I'm grateful for any new book, but I wouldn't buy this one.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Dracula Madness (A Sam & Friends Mystery)
Kids Can Press
95 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-418-0
Release Date: February 2009  

Written by David A. Adler, Illustrated by Barbara Johansen Newman

This is a Level 2 Easy-to-Read, so it's not really a picture book, nor a beginning reader. Since most of our boys go through a dinosaur phase, it will be widely read. It's a paperback, however, which is a real drawback. The story is cute, but about average. I'm appreciative of the opportunity to have a new book, but probably wouldn't go out and buy it. Also on page 23, the 5th sentence on the page has the word "I" left out of it.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Bones and the Dinosaur Mystery
Puffin / Penguin
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241341-8
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Peter Lerangis

This is book three in The 39 Clues series. I found it a fun, fast read. Having not read the first two books I was a little lost, but it was still enjoyable. In fact I will now go back and read the first two so that I can follow the rest of the series as it comes out.  The Sword Thief takes our main characters, Dan and Amy, to Japan where they are continuing to look for the clues to the Cahill secret. The characters are wonderful and the adventures build throughout the book. It definitely leaves you hoping that the next book comes out soon so you can continue the story.  This series is along the lines of The Magic Tree House series, but it has more danger and life threatening experiences. It might be more for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.

Review by Irene Taylor, Library Media Assistant, Vista Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Sword Thief (39 Clues Series #3)
Scholastic
156 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-06043-1
Release Date: March 2009  

Written by David A. Adler, Illustrated by Barbara Johansen Newman

This book is by the man that wrote the Cam Jansen books. It houses a fabulous story about a little boy and his grandpa and a mystery they solve together while visiting an amusement park.  This book has eye-catching illustrations. Students can really become a part of the investigation as the characters retrace their steps to solve a problem. It was nice to see a grandparent share the starring role with Bones; it mirrors the growing number of children growing up under a grandparent's care. There is plenty of white space in the text which makes it visually appealing to beginning readers.

Review by Amber Palmer, Teacher, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Bones and the Roller Coaster Mystery
Viking / Penguin
31 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-06340-6
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Caroline Lawrence

Roman Chariot horses are bolting during races and the consequences are deadly for some drivers. Four friends prove adept at solving the mystery. The language in the book would be difficult and a stumbling block for our students. The print in the text is also far too small for elementary students. Unless students are into this series, I wouldn't buy it. In a tight budget year, we can't afford to buy anything "average". Although the reading level isn't as high, "The Time Warp Trio" series is much better.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Charioteer of Delphi (Roman Mysteries Series, #12)
Roaring Brook Press
224 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-085-3
Release Date: October 2007  

Written by Catherine Jinks

Jinks takes a different approach to what a vampire's life is really like. They're DEAD. They're not romantic and powerful, "and unless they want to end up staked, they have to give up fanging people, admit their addiction, join a support group, and reform themselves."  The support group finds one of their members staked and they set out to find the mysterious slayer. A fun read. However, it does have a few swear words.

Review by Cindy Moyle. Granite School District Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 6+

The Reformed Vampire Support Group
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
368 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206609-3
Release Date: April 2009

 

Written by J. Banscherus, Illustrated by Ralf Butschkow

Those who enjoy Nate the Great books will love Klooz chapter books. A few steps up from the Nate the Great books, but still easy chapter books, Klooz have short chapters with controlled vocabulary and great black and white illustrations that compliment the text. There are discussion questions, a glossary and writing prompts at the back.
Klooz is a gum-chewing, elementary school detective who is hired by a local soccer team, the Horton Street Hornets, to figure out why their goalie freezes up during each game. The case puts Klooz right on the field, although he hates sports, as he tries to solve this mystery. This a funny little mystery series I highly recommend.

Review by Renee Larsen, Library Media Assistant, Hillside Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

Undercover Goalie (Klooz Series)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
72 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1219-1
Release Date: January 2009

 

Written by Marbara Mitchelhill, Illustrated by Tony Ross

This book is part of a series, Damian Drooth, Supersleuth. It is a humorous mystery about a group of friends who consider themselves to be detectives ready to solve any mystery, lead by Damian Drooth. It is easy to read with sketches throughout. In the back there is a glossary and discussion questions, writing prompts, and Internet links. I really liked the format and cute plot. A great beginning chapter book.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Library Media Assistant, Robert Frost Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 1-4

The Mystery of the Missing Mutts (Damian Drooth, Supersleuth)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
67 pages
ISBN: 978-1-43421-216-0
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Dave Mckean

Disclaimer: I found this book a somewhat surprising choice for the Newbery medal, which is one of the reasons I chose to read it.  I tend to seek out the unknown and route for the underdog, which may have colored my reading of this book, as it and its author were already quite popular and hyped before even winning the award. 

I listened to and enjoyed the audio recording of the majority of this book.  However, reading the closing third without the audio, I began to be obsessed with the unanswered questions that began to pile up in my mind (the vague motivations behind the Jacks and their murder of Nobody’s family being just the foremost head-scratcher).  I have to wonder to what extent the charisma of Gaiman’s reading performance caused me to overlook the actual words of the book as I listened to the opening chapters.

That being said, the world Gaiman has created is fascinating and includes some incredible details.  Honestly, this book had a remarkably familiar feeling to it from the outset, and seems to draw upon and mash-up elements of children’s literary works both old and new, sometimes with subtlety and sometimes too obviously.  I am tempted to re-read this book to see if my prejudice caused me to miss something, or unfairly dismiss what may be clever allusions to other works as unoriginal borrowing.  In particular I am tempted to read Kipling’s Jungle Book (a book that’s been on my to-read list for a long time anyway; the Disney cartoon just isn’t going to cut it) to see if it brings any additional resonance to this book.  Shared roots in British folklore could also account for many similarities between this and other books.

All in all, there is much of mystery, magic, character and humor in this book , and I’m sure that many young readers will be able to overlook the supposed shortcomings that I felt a need to notice in my vain attempt to humble it.

Review by Josh Whiting, Library Media/Instructional Technology, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Graveyard Book
HarperCollins
312 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-053092-1
Release Date: September 2008
Winner of the 2009 Newbery Medal  

Written by Marlene Perez

This book was not really about death. It was awesome.  The story is told by Daisy, who is one of three sisters who live with their mom (their father left them when Daisy was seven). Her family has psychic powers.  The whole town is full of werewolves and other creatures.  This book is awesome.

Reviewed by a student at Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grade 10

Dead Is a State of Mind
Graphia / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
175 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206210-1
Release Date: January 2009 (paperback)



 

Written by Tim Wynne-Jones

This book did not grab my interest very well.  It took until the latter part of the preface to gain some sort of interest.  Chapter 1 was okay, but I did not have much of an interest in this book.

Review by Kevin Searcy, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: High School

The Uninvited
Candlewick Press
386 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3984-6
Release Date: May 2009


 

Written by Rick Riordan

A book about the Cahill family, the most powerful family in the world.  Amy and Dan need to find all the sources of that power. The sources are found around the world and they need to follow the clues to find them. A well written book that captures your attention from the start.

Review by Sara Justet, Librarian, Carl Sandburg Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 3+

The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues, Book One)
Scholastic
220 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-09054-4
Release Date: Oct 2008

 

Written by Rachel Wright

Lauren Cracknell finds herself in trouble with the school Bully, Tonya Ravonia. An e-mail was accidently sent to a number of students when she thought it would be sent only to her friend Dex. She is trying to avoid Tonya to escape her retribution.  Someone breaks into her room and tries to steal items. She first suspects Tonya. Then she suspects her mother is dating one of her teachers. They find a note that someone is blackmailing.  They think the lady works with her mother. The evidence leads her to believe that the teacher is involved that she thinks is dating her mother. This story has lots of shifts in the mystery.

Review by Todd Francis, Library Media Teacher, Jefferson Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

You've Got Blackmail
Putnam / Penguin Group
194 pages
Release Date: April 2009  

Written by Lucy Silag

I liked this book a lot.  It made me want to go to Paris.  I really felt the culture.  The teens seemed okay; I've never met anyone like them but I kind of believe they are real.  It is a good book, though.

Reviewed by a student at Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: High School

Beautiful Americans
Razorbill / Penguin Group
308 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59514-222-1
Release Date: January 2009



 

Written by Bruce Hale

This is the first Chet Gecko mystery I've read. Chet and his friend Natalie try to find out why students at their school are acting weird. I'm afraid I couldn't relate to these animals as main characters. Chet tries to act like an edited version of an old "Dragnet" star, but it didn't "hook" me.  I've heard that some students are really into this series, so I'm willing to see how my students react. It's always interesting to see what they will read.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

From Russia with Lunch
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
112 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-205488-5
Release Date: Jan 2009

 

Written by Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott, author of Secrets of Droon, creates a fast paced, suspenseful, four volume series called The Haunting of Derek Stone.

The first book, City of the Dead, introduces Derek, his older brother, Ronny and their Dad. After a train accident, which Derek survives, strange things begin to happen, starting with the appearance of assumed to be dead Ronny and others. Are they zombies? Why are they chasing Derek? Can this relate to a train wreck in the 1930s?

The second book, Bayou Dogs, reveals more of the mystery of who these spirits are and what they want. 

The story takes place in the Louisiana Bayou and New Orleans, a perfect locale for an eerie ghost tale. Easy to read, but lots of details hit you really quickly. Probably for 5th grade and older because it is really pretty scary. I think the students will love this.

Review by Terrie Bishop, Librarian, Academy Park Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

City of the Dead (The Haunting of Derek Stone, #1)
Scholastic
134 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03429-6
Release Date: Jan 2009
www.tonyabbottbooks.com



Bayou Dogs (The Haunting of Derek Stone, #2)
Scholastic
117 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03430-2
Release Date: Mar 2009  

Written by Deborah Noyes

In this book the setting, the Kerfol Estate, is the centerpiece of the story. The book is separated into five different stories, all of which take place in the home at Kerfol. The first story, where we are introduced to the character that will become the ghost, was very interesting. I found it a little more difficult to read the remaining stories. It was a nice, quick read. It is appropriate for high school students.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Elementary Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

The Ghosts of Kerfol
Candlewick Press
176 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3000-3
Release Date: Aug 2008
www.deborahnoyes.com


 

Written by Tracy Berrett

Xena and Xander are related to Sherlock Holmes and have his unfinished case book. They are in England trying to solve the mystery of a beast that terrifies a quiet English village at night. If you have students that like Sherlock Homes, they may get into this series. On the other hand, I found the plot and the characters rather predictable. Unless I have high interest in these books, I probably won't buy them, especially in such tight budget times.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Beast of Blackslope (The Sherlock Files Series)
Henry Holt
174 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8341-5
Release Date: May 2009

 

Written by Jennifer Allison

Apparently this is the third book in the Gilda Joyce series. In this episode, she has been accepted as an intern at the Spy Museum in Washinton D.C.  She is really only fourteen, but passes herself off as a fifteen-year-old. Gilda has a roommate that is a college student. Gilda is quite unusual, she has packed some very exotic outfits to wear in the museum - she thinks they will make her look older. She types all her letters and notes on a manual typewriter. She frequently writes letters to her friend, Wendy. These all appear in the book in a typewriter font. The book is full of spooks, ghosts and psychic experiences as Gilda tries to solve a mystery of national importance.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Dead Drop (Gilda Joyce Series)
Dutton / Penguin Group
300 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-47980-2
Release Date: May 2009
www.gildajoyce.com  

Written by Nancy Springer

This is the third book in the Enola Holmes Mystery series.  Enola is the young sister of Sherlock Holmes. In this book Dr. Watson has gone missing and she follows the clues to find him. For some reason that is not explained in this book she is hiding from her brothers. The mother has left her and only communicates through codes in the personal ads of the newspaper. The mystery was good but I was confused by the side story, having not read the first two books. Some of the language was Old English and a little hard to understand.

Review by Jane Walton, PTA Board Member, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets
Puffin / Penguin Group
170 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241390-6
Release Date: May 2009


 

Written by Marybeth Kelsey

Three pre-teens decide to solve the mystery of stolen heirlooms during a community cucumber festival.  A goose is also on the loose, and her owner Granny Goose is under suspicion. While the three friends get the clues wrong and look at the wrong suspects, all turns out well in the end. This book is about average for detective stories. It's an okay book, but certainly not the "can't put it down" variety. I'm not sure if I'd buy it or not. It's a book that you wait and see how the students react before committing to buy more from the author.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

A Recipe 4 Robbery
HarperCollins
282 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-128843-2
Release Date: Apr 2009


 

Written by Hubert Ben Kemoun, Illustrated by Thomas Ehretsmann

In the continuing Adventures of Sam X, Sam and Lionel discover a small statue in the river. Much to their surprise it has magical powers and can talk. Sam and Lionel learn who this statue is and help him get where he belongs. This book was fun and I would recommend it to a young boy of girl.

Review by Jane Walton, PTA Board Member, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

The Statue's Secret (The Adventures of Sam X)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
54 pages
ISBN: 978-1-43421-220-7
Release Date: Jan 2009



 

Written by Michael Northrop

"Michael, Tommy, Mixer, and Bones aren't just from the wrong side of the tracks-they're from the wrong side of everything." Mr. Haberman, their remedial English teacher calls them "Gentlemen." One day Tommy just vanishes. Michael, Mixer and Bones think that Mr. Haberman has something to do with Tommy's disappearance and go to his home to confront him. Things go badly and Bones beats Haberman until he is knocked unconscious. The book has some language and some sexual content.

Review by Cindy Moyle, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: High School only

Gentlemen
Scholastic, Inc.
234 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-09749-9
Release Date: Apr 2009


 

Written by John Flanagan

Will is finally a full-fledged Ranger and has received his own fief to look after. Things aren't as hunky-dory as he would hope, however, when Will discovers that Lord Syron, ruler of Will's fief, is suddenly struck down with a mysterious illness and rumors have it that Omnar, the Lord's son, has been dealing with sorcery and may have something to do with his father's illness. Other rumors, however, say that Malkallam, an evil sorcerer who wants revenge on the royal family, may have something to do with the illness. To top it all off, tensions become high as Keren, a knight of the kingdom, starts stirring up trouble about Omnar being removed from the throne and Alyss is taken hostage. Will Will be able to decipher what is truth and what are lies before it is too late? Who has really caused the king's mysterious illness? Who is trying to take over the fief? Will Will be able to save his friend and save Macindaw? A mystery and an adventure in one, this story has all the elements of a great story. It's full of suspense, fast-paced plot, and a character who is facing the darkest moment of his career as a Ranger. Readers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery with the main character and will feast on the perils he faces. Avid and reluctant readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and paranormal stories will love this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Sorcerer of the North (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 5)
Puffin / Penguin Group
295 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241429-3
Release Date: June 24, 2009 (paperback)
www.rangersapprentice.com  

Written by Liane Moriarty, Illustrated by Shannon Bonarakis

It is a delightful book. I could hardly put the book down. That was neat. It held my interest. It is a mystery about a girl who lives in the future and she goes off to space to save earth. She has to get a team together to help her. A fun, fast reading book.

Review by Diane Scott, Western Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Nicola Berry: Earthling Ambassador 
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
223 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-44846-6
Release Date: Mar 5, 2009 (paperback)




 

Written by Liane Moriarty, Illustrated by Shannon Bonatakis

I read these books out of the order because  I did not realize that they were part of a series. There is no indication on the cover.   However, the author does fill you in on what happened in the other book.  This story has another mystery or big problem to solve, and Nicola needs her team to support her. She also learns more about herself.  It is light reading and fun. You get sucked into the story fast. I could hardly put the book down.

Review by Diane Scott, Western Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Shobble Secret (Nicola Berry: Earthling Ambassador) 
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
233 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45088-9
Release Date: Mar 5, 2009 (paperback)

 

Written by Steve Bowkett, Illustrated by David Burroughs

I liked this book as a graphic novel. It kept you involved untill the very end trying to figure out with Roy Kane, private investigator, who the villian was. It starts with police detectives turning to Roy Kane after a 300 carot gem is stolen from the museum. As he investigates the crime, they turn to different sources to help them solve the crime. One person they go to is a magician, Dr. Pretorious, who they hope can help tell them how the thief was able to pull off the heist. I think that children will enjoy the format and the story line.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-9

Detective Files 
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
80 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59889-826-2
Release Date: Sep 1, 2007


 

Written by David A. Adler

There are three short mysteries in this book. Each mystery involves a sport - racing, soccer and baseball. Cam always has an interesting way of solving mysteries and these stories are no exception.  I think the readers will enjoy the memory games in the back of the book.  I would recommend this book for a newly independent reader. It would hold their interest.

Review by Dianne Sonzini, Library Media Assistant, Pioneer Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

Cam Jansen and the Sports Day Mysteries
Viking / Penguin Group
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01163-6
Release Date: Apr 2, 2009


 

Written by Meg Cabot

Emerson Watts is dead to everyone but her family. Killed by a loose television in a Stark Megastore, her brain is traded into a model named Nikki who happened to have a brain aneurysm at the same time. When Nikki's mom goes mysteriously missing and the brother shows up on her doorstep, Emerson can't help but wonder if Stark has something to do with it. Things heat up, however, when relations with her real family become strained and her former crush shows up claiming that Nikki's death and her mom's disappearance may be connected. Will Nikki solve the mystery before Stark catches on that she may know something? What really happened to Nikki? Where is Nikki's mom? A unique science fiction mystery filled with action and intrigue. This story will appeal to girls who have ever wished they could be someone else.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Being Nikki
Point / Scholastic
336 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-04056-3
Release Date: May 5, 2009
Airhead site at megcabot.com

 

Written by

This is a future society that is managed by a corrupt business called ChaoSonic. An underground agency called the Deck is fighting to protect the people of the city. Deck agents are organized by the suits of a deck of cards. The hearts are the spies and field agents. Agent Six has been genetically altered and has more strength and agility than a normal human. As Agent Six completes missions for the Deck, he is also interested in finding out more about the program that created him. This is a good book with some interesting twists and turns.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Lab
Scholastic Press
311 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-06860-4
Release Date: Nov 1, 2008
jackheath.com.au

 

Written by Eric Berlin

This is an innovative and interesting book that pulls the reader into helping solve the puzzles that Winston Breen has been challenged to solve!  While this book would appeal to a wide range of students, it would especially be of interest to students who love to think outside the box. There are several illustrations and diagrams also included to aide students in solving a range of mysteries. This book would make a great class read-aloud (pending novels committee approval) and would be fun to work on as a class to solve the problems. Perhaps the best part of this book is that the main character is a child, and a great emphasis is put on the use of his strengths to help his community.

Review by Amber Palmer, 4th Grade Teacher, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Potato Chip Puzzles (The Puzzling World of Winston Breen)
Putnam / Penguin Group
244 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25198-6
Release Date: Apr 16, 2009
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen Web Site

 

Written by Mary Labatt, Illustrated by Jo Rioux

Sam is a canine detective who has a nose for sleuthing. He joins his human family in an adventure at Sawaga Lake. Is there really a monster in the lake? Sam and his friends uncover the mystery and have a lot of fun. This was a good graphic novel that portrays strong family principles along with the value of a great pet, Sam.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

Lake Monster Mix-Up (A Sam & Friends Mystery)
Kids Can Press
95 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55337-822-8
Release Date: Aug 1, 2009


 

Written by Jennifer Sturman

Delia lives with her mother and enjoys a pretty normal teenage life. She is an only child. Her mother runs her own company and her father is dead. One day Delia's life completely changes when her mother disappears and everyone believes she is dead. Delia goes to live with an aunt that she had never met. While adjusting to a new life, Delia searches for and believes her mother is still alive.

Review by Aimee Ungricht, English Teacher, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Junior High

And Then Everything Unraveled
Point / Scholastic
244 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-08722-3
Release Date: Jul 1, 2009


 

Written by John C. Ford

This is the story of a high school graduate that takes a summer job at the morgue to make some money before he begins college. The job is filing papers and cleaning up in the autopsy room.  Dr. Mobley is the medical examiner and a part time pediatrician at the hospital. What can happen in a small town? Christopher decides to peak in on an autopsy because he has never seen a dead body before. What he finds is a conspiracy to cover up a murder and much more. Christopher joins forces with a writer from the local newspaper, and together they try to get to the bottom of this mystery. There are some great twists and turns in this book as Christopher finds leads that make him question friends and loyalty. This book is well written and fun to read.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: High School

The Morgue and Me
Viking / Penguin Group
313 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01096-7
Release Date: Jun 25, 2009


 

Written by Rebecca Stead

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

When You Reach Me
Wendy Lamb Books / Random House
324 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-340-8
Release Date: Jul 14, 2009
Rebecca Stead - Official Web Site

 

Written by Rob Reger and Jessica Gruner, Illustrated by Rob Reger and Buzz Parker

A girl wakes up one day in the middle of nowhere in a town called Blackrock. She has no idea who she is or what she is doing there. When a power struggle between her and some other shady characters in Blackrock begin, she must discover who she is, what her mission was, and how she ever ended up in Blackrock. With the help of an unusual boy, the number 13, and some cats, she might just do that. For a character who started out as an image on a skateboard, Rob Reger has done a great job of bringing to life as Emily the Strange. Her character, her brilliance, and her story are well-developed and keep readers wanting to read more. A unique but fun read. Those who like horror, fantasy, adventure, and science-fiction will enjoy reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist,  Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-7

The Lost Days (Emily the Strange Series)
HarperCollins
264 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-145229-1
Release Date: Jun 2, 2009


 

Written by Bruce Hale

This book is about a student gecko taking on the role of school detective to solve some theft crimes occurring on school campus. It is witty, fun, and easy to read. Students will enjoy the great illustrations and surprising turns of events that occur throughout the mystery.

Review by Brooke Deardorff, Teacher, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Hills Me Deadly (Chet Gecko Series)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206424-2
Release Date: Jan 1, 2009



 

Written by Patrick Ness

The darkest hour seems to be upon Todd and Viola. Separated from each other in a town recently conquered by self-proclaimed President Prentiss, both are more vulnerable than ever. Todd has been captured by Prentiss and is confused who the enemy really is. Hardened by a world filled with war and rumors that Prentiss is the one who seeks to destroy the worlds, as well as a belief that Prentiss has killed Todd's family and seeks to kill Todd, he gets confused when the president tries tries to convince him that he is not the enemy. Rather the danger comes from a group of "visitors" that are quickly approaching the world that Todd has always known.  Viola finds herself in the care of a healing house without a clue where Todd is. Both worry that the other is dead. Who really is the enemy? Will Todd and Viola ever find each other? What is President Prentiss really up to? Who are the "visitors?" A puzzle in itself, this book is fun to read, but is extremely confusing if you haven't read the first book. Readers will feel like they've stepped into Todd or Viola's shoes and will experience first-hand the confusion these two feel. A great read for anyone who likes adventure, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, or who has read the first book, The Knife of Never Letting Go.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7 and up

The Ask and the Answer
Candlewick Press
519 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4490-1
Release Date: Jul 23, 2009


 

Written by Mal Peet

This book has a great structure and uses two stories to help the reader understand the plot.  There is quite a bit of foul language and it has an occult feel to it. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mystries or suspense books.

Reviewed by a student at Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: High School

The Penalty
Candlewick Press
262 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4339-3
Release Date: Oct 1, 2008




 

Written and Illustrated by Shaun Tan

This is a great mystery that leaves you wondering what really happened. Gavin was a young boy with a metal detector who loved to go the parks and look for lost things. One night as he is searching, he realizes that his watch is lost. He searches all over for it but can not find it. He is late returning home. He goes the next night as well and soon finds mysterious children that come out at night. They entice him to play with them. They get him to keep coming back at night. He soon realizes that he may not be able to return home.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-7

The Haunted Playground
Stone Arch Books / Capstone Press
73 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59889-860-6
Release Date: Sep 1, 2007


 

Written and Illustrated by Doug Cushman

Fun story for those early readers.  Pictures are also cute.  Dirk Bones is a cute character that has to solve the mystery. Something that the reader might think is going to be scary turns out to be a friend or something silly. Cute book.

Review by Lori Jacketta, Library Media Assistant, West Valley Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Dirk Bones and the Mystery of the Missing Books
HarperCollins
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-073768-9
Release Date: Jun 2, 2009





 

Written by Justine Larbalestier

This was an interesting book. It caught me off guard once it got towards the middle of the book. I liked it, but I wish the boyfriend had stayed alive. The ending was still happy, though.

Reviewed by a student, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 10-12

Liar
Bloomsbury
376 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-305-7
Release Date: Aug 1, 2009









 

Written by Susanne Dunlap

Theresa lives in the time of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy's court in eighteenth century Vienna. Her father is a violinist for the famed composed Franz Joseph Hayden, who is her godfather.  However, her father has been murdered and his valuable violin is missing. Theresa is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death. At first her mother is incapacitated by her husband's death. Then, as she recovers, she is insistant that Theresa, at age 15, now be married and hires a matchmaker for that purpose. The mother is depending on her brother, Theresa's uncle Theobold Wolkenstein, a counselor to the court, to save them from destitution with a dowry for Theresa. The uncle turns out to be the vilain in the story, and Theresa faces several dangerous situations because of him. A good adventure from a historical time and through the eyes of the court musicians.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-10

The Musician's Daughter
Bloomsbury
317 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-332-3
Release Date: Dec 23, 2008



 

Written by Ian Beck

Eliza has always lived in a Victorian London setting in the year 2050. To her, horse-drawn carriages and gas lamps are normal. Caleb visits Pastworld for the first time with his father-- one of the creators of the Victorian world. When the Fantom (an apparent reincarnation of Jack the Ripper) reappears in Pastworld and kills Eve's father and gets Caleb accused of murder, Eve and Caleb must flee to the modern world and discover the secrets of the past in order to save the past and the present. Although this book has some holes in the plot, it is a gripping tale filled with adventure and mystery. Readers will enjoy the suspense and clues they have to follow to solve the mystery. Mystery, adventure, and suspense lovers will enjoy reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7 and up

Pastworld
Bloomsbury
351 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-040-7
Release Date: Sep 29, 2009



 

Written by Jennifer Jabaley

Emily's parents die in a car crash and the only thing she has left is an apology her mother wrote in lipstick that says, "Please Forgive me, Emily." When she moves to New York to live with her aunt she meets two handsome boys: a cute, popular boy and a quirky, chemistry geek.  With the help of some friends, she must choose between the two boys.  She, however, can't forget her mother's apology. Why was her mom apologizing and what for? Which boy will she choose? Will Emily be able to find peace in her new life? A funny, romantic story with a fair amount of mystery. Chic-lit, humor, and mystery lovers will love this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 9+

Lipstick Apology
Razorbill / Penguin Group
321 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59514-231-3
Release Date: Aug 6, 2009




 

Written by Dom Testa

I enjoyed this easy read about for students Grade 8 Up—More than 200 years in the future, Comet Bhaktul hurtles past Earth, leaving a deadly contagion in its wake. Bhaktul's disease threatens to annihilate the human race within a decade, but the mysterious illness only affects adults. Scientists worldwide scramble to find a cure, while one scientist proposes a controversial project to preserve humanity, should other efforts fail. Under Project Galahad, 251 teens are sent on a mission to reach a habitable planet free of Bhaktul's contamination. As Galahad enters space, the young people must deal with the intense pressure of saving humankind and the sadness of leaving their families behind. Sixteen-year-old Triana, the ship's commander, must manage daily operations while also dealing with her father's recent death. I enjoyed reading this book. I am looking forward to reading book 2.

Review by Michelle Asay, Library Media Specialist, Granger High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: 8-12 grades

Galahad 1: The Comet's Curse
Tor Teen/Profound Impact Group
pages 240
ISBN: 9780976056409
Release Date: January 2005

 

Written by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

Seven Paths to Death the adventure of a Seiki, a young samurai, and his step-father, Judge Ooka.  The case they are investigating this time is the mysterious attack of a tattooed man who winds up in the rice patty field of a nearby village.  There are seven tattoos that are on seven men. Seiki and Judge Ooka aren't quite sure what they are but their idea is it's some sort of map. The men that have these maps are targets and require protection from the evil ninja Kitsune.

Reviewed by a student at West Lake Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 5+

Seven Paths to Death (A Samurai Mystery)
Philomel / Penguin Group
189 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-24610-4
Release Date: Nov 2009

 

Written by Janet Taylor Lisle, Illustrated by David Frankland

This is a fun story about a group of cats who live along the side of the highway. New cats are dropped off by their owners and learn to become highway cats. Many adventures come their way, along with three special little kittens. Everyone becomes fascinated by the little kittens as they become a part of the group. All the cats think the kittens have special powers because they cross the highway without being killed. Whenever danger arises they always seem to escape. They become a big part of the highway cats. Everyone wants to see what will happen next. As their homes are threatened can these little kittens become the answer to saving their homes?

Review by Donna Gubler, Title I Para-Professional, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-6

Highway Cats
Philomel / Penguin Group
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25070-5
Release Date: Aug 2009