Crowned
by Julie Linker
Published 2008 by Simon Pulse

Paperback, English. ISBN: 9781416960522

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Jacket Notes:

Set in the world of teen beauty pageants, this hilarious novel follows two girls on the pageant circuit who stop at nothing to win--including scandalous Internet photos, message board gossip, and accidentally ruined costumes. Smile. Wave. Dominate.Presley loves the pageant world. She knows how to work the crowd and looks gorgeous in an evening gown. But really, she needs the pageant world -- for its scholarships and opportunities. The only thing standing in her way? Her archrival, Megan, who was practically born wearing a crown and sash. Megan may be the nastiest girl on the circuit, but she has one thing that Presley doesn't: connections. And she won't hesitate to use them. What happens when two girls will stop at nothing -- including scandalous Internet pictures, vicious message board rumors, or "accidentally" ruined hair -- to be crowned the winner? Strap on your stilettos and tuck in those shoulder pads...it's going to be a bumpy ride.

03/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 710It's good versus evil in the beauty pageant game, with good being represented by Presley Ashbury and evil by her archrival, wealthy Megan Leighton. After years of standing on stage near one another with fake smiles, spray-on tans, and hair extensions, Megan finally crosses the backstabbing line in her quest to be Miss Teen State. But Presley has even more at stake. As the daughter of a below-the-poverty-line single mother, she needs the scholarship money to attend college. And since academics aren't her forte, Presley must rely on her megawatt smile and dancing ability to win. This funny, behind-the-scenes novel will appeal to teens who enjoy reality shows such as "Dancing With the Stars" and "American Idol", or Miss America pageants. Linker has a sure touch with teen dialogue and it's clear that she knows her beauty pageants. This is a quick, enjoyable read for fans of Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown), and it has better-developed characters."Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

The Dead Drop
by Jennifer Allison
Published 2009 by Dutton Children's Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780525479802

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Jacket Notes:

When Gilda lands a summer internship at Washington, D.C.as International Spy Museum, she finds herself embroiled in both a museum haunting and a real case of espionage. While investigating a cemetery where Abraham Lincolnas son was once buried, Gilda stumbles upon a spyas adead dropa of classified information. Gildaas efforts to decode the cryptic message lead to further intrigues: Is she on the trail of a mole operating inside the U.S. intelligence community? Aware that anothing is what it seemsa when it comes to spies in Washington, D.C., Gilda faces the most serious challenge yet in her career as a psychic spy.

06/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 58In her latest psychic investigation, Gilda Joyce, "fourteen years and 11 months," has slightly fudged her age to land a summer internship at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. There she encounters a variety of characters, from spy museum summer campers to a former KGB agent, to her longtime psychic idol and mentor, Balthazar Frobenius. The humor, pacing, and story line are all top-notch, and Allison succeeds at breathing life into the entire cast. Gilda seems even more grown up and independent with as much, if not more, chutzpah than in her previous adventures. She retains and further develops her psychic powers that allow her to figure out and find the "dead drop," an agreed-upon place where spies leave crucial information for one another (and for government officials). Yet Gilda also shows some investigative restraint when it comes to equally important matters such as the questionable relationship between her brother and her best friend. This is a well-told story with a tenacious, yet completely endearing heroine. Allison creates a summer anyone would envyanyone interested in intrigue, adventure, fashion, and the truth, that is."Tracy Weiskind, Chicago Public Library" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Publisher's Marketing Text:

When Gilda lands a summer internship at Washington, D.C.as International Spy Museum, she finds herself embroiled in both a museum haunting and a real case of espionage. While investigating a cemetery where Abraham Lincolnas son was once buried, Gilda stumbles upon a spyas adead dropa of classified information. Gildaas efforts to decode the cryptic message lead to further intrigues: Is she on the trail of a mole operating inside the U.S. intelligence community? Aware that anothing is what it seemsa when it comes to spies in Washington, D.C., Gilda faces the most serious challenge yet in her career as a psychic spy.

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
by Ally Carter
Published 2009 by Hyperion Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781423116387

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Jacket Notes:

Cammie Morgan arrives in Boston, where Macey's father is about to receive the vice presidential nomination. The girls soon find themselves trapped in a kidnapping plot, in the third installment of the Gallagher Girls series.

When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.

As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can the Gallagher Girls keep her safe?

Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth..

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love
by Lauren Tarshis
Published 2009 by Dial Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780803733213

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Jacket Notes:

The unforgettable Emma-Jean from the award-winning "Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree" is back and experiencing something new and unsettling, but not entirely unpleasant. It's a fluttering in her heart for Will. Emma-Jean is experiencing something new and unsettling, but not entirely unpleasant. Itas a fluttering in her heart when she imagines herself asking Will to the seventh-grade dance. Her best friend Colleen is worried that Will might laugh if Emma-Jean invites him. After all, Emma-Jean is a "different" kind of girlacertainly different from queen-bee Laura, who has always made it clear that Will is "hers." Maybe Colleen can distract Emma- Jean from this risky plan by recruiting her for a top-secret investigation. You see, Colleen has an anonymous admirer, and if Emma-Jean can help her figure out who he is, then "Colleen" could ask "him" to the dance. Even more endearing and genuine than its predecessor, this companion to the award-winning "Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree" steals your heart and inspires a smile that lasts as long as the novel itself. . . and longer.

Publishers Weekly 04/13/2009

Tarshis proves she gets adolescent female friendships (not to mention seventh grade) in this funny and empathetic follow-up to "Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree". For the first time, the intensely analytical Emma-Jean has friends among her peers (as she refers to them) and, like them, she is preoccupied with the girl-invite Spring Fling. Emma-Jean considers asking basketball star Will, though they have little in commonhe's been kind to her and causes a fluttering of her heart. But she ends up sorting out the dance-related woes of fragile Colleen (whose point of view is explored in certain chapters). Fans of the first book will be pleased that the deadpan narration (as a single cell can reveal the DNA code of an entire organism, the look in Kaitlin's eyes told Emma-Jean everything she needed to know) and Emma-Jean's observations are as amusing as ever. (Adolescent males engage in conspicuous displays to attract the attention of females, is her explanation of cafeteria boisterousness.) Her blossoming appreciation for emotions that logic can't explain, sympathetic supporting characters and an uplifting finale will warm hearts. Ages 1014. "(May)" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Girlfriend Material
by Melissa Kantor
Published 2009 by Hyperion Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781423108498

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Jacket Notes:

If Kate were Lady Brett Ashley, the devastating heroine of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, she'd spend her summers careering around the Riviera in her coupe, breaking hearts by the dozen--because why not? In reality, Kate's never even had a boyfriend, and she'll be spending the summer abetting her mom's lame ploy to make her dad jealous: running off to Cape Cod and crashing at the seaside home of her wealthy friends, the Cooper-Melnicks. To add to the shame, the Cooper-Melnicks' gorgeous daughter Sarah "is "a bit like Lady Brett, and she seems less than thrilled to hang out with her new houseguest. Any dreams Kate once had of a perfect summer are ruined.

That is, until Sarah's cute, witty friend Adam starts drawing Kate into the fold--and seems "intrigued." With Adam around, Kate feels like she just might have a bit of heartbreaker potential after all. But when a breezy summer romance quickly grows more complicated can Kate keep pretending her relationship with Adam is just a carefree fling? Or will she take the risk and tell him her real feelings? Suddenly Kate is asking herself a question she never thought she'd stoop to: Is she girlfriend material?

Publishers Weekly 05/04/2009

Kantor ("The Breakup Bible") writes a funny and intimate story of summer romance and family conflict featuring 16-year-old Kate, who wishes she could be more like the independent heroine of Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises", Lady Brett Ashley (without a doubt the coolest woman in the world). But Kate's plans to spend a peaceful summer writing, reading and playing tennis go awry when her mother, wanting a temporary separation from Kate's father, whisks Kate away to stay with old friends at their summer house in Cape Cod. Besides resenting being uprooted, Kate feels uncomfortable around the friends' daughter, Sarah, who is less than pleased to have Kate tagging along. Amusingly neurotic as a narrator, Kate gradually gains confidence as she cultivates friendships with other teenagers, especially cute Adam (Was it my imagination, or did he say "big serious relationship "as if it were a repugnant political party). The changes in Kate are both gradual and realistic, as she learns painful lessons about love, her parents' failing marriage and her own needs. Her emotional journey and acute self-consciousness are likely to strike a chord. Ages 12up. "(May)" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Publisher's Marketing Text:

If Kate were Lady Brett Ashley, the devastating heroine of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, she'd spend her summers careering around the Riviera in her coupe, breaking hearts by the dozen--because why not? In reality, Kate's never even had a boyfriend, and she'll be spending the summer abetting her mom's lame ploy to make her dad jealous: running off to Cape Cod and crashing at the seaside home of her wealthy friends, the Cooper-Melnicks. To add to the shame, the Cooper-Melnicks' gorgeous daughter Sarah "is "a bit like Lady Brett, and she seems less than thrilled to hang out with her new houseguest. Any dreams Kate once had of a perfect summer are ruined.
That is, until Sarah's cute, witty friend Adam starts drawing Kate into the fold--and seems "intrigued." With Adam around, Kate feels like she just might have a bit of heartbreaker potential after all. But when a breezy summer romance quickly grows more complicated can Kate keep pretending her relationship with Adam is just a carefree fling? Or will she take the risk and tell him her real feelings? Suddenly Kate is asking herself a question she never thought she'd stoop to: Is she girlfriend material?

Hurricane Gold
by Charlie Higson
Published 2009 by Hyperion Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781423114123

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Jacket Notes:

James Bond is on a much-needed vacation in Mexico at the home of ex-flying ace Jack Stone. But his holiday is cut short when a hurricane hits. As the storm ravages the community, a gang of thieves lies in ambush - they want Stone's safe, and will kill for its contents. Stone's children, Precious and JJ, are kidnapped, and James must embark on a perilous chase through the jungle to rescue them and retrieve the stolen items. The clues ultimately lead him to the island of Lagrimas Negras, a haven for deadly criminals, controlled by the ruthless El Huracn.

James will have to use all of his instincts and cunning if he's going to outwit El Huracn and escape with his life. But the only way off the island is through a treacherous maze, "La Avenida de la Muerte "- the Avenue of Death.

On this terrifying trail of greed and betrayal, only danger is guaranteed.survival is not.

Publisher's Marketing Text:

James Bond is on a much-needed vacation in Mexico at the home of ex-flying ace Jack Stone. But his holiday is cut short when a hurricane hits. As the storm ravages the community, a gang of thieves lies in ambush - they want Stone's safe, and will kill for its contents. Stone's children, Precious and JJ, are kidnapped, and James must embark on a perilous chase through the jungle to rescue them and retrieve the stolen items. The clues ultimately lead him to the island of Lagrimas Negras, a haven for deadly criminals, controlled by the ruthless El Huracn.
James will have to use all of his instincts and cunning if he's going to outwit El Huracn and escape with his life. But the only way off the island is through a treacherous maze, "La Avenida de la Muerte "- the Avenue of Death.
On this terrifying trail of greed and betrayal, only danger is guaranteed.survival is not.

Kiss of Life
by Daniel Waters
Published 2009 by Hyperion Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781423109235

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Jacket Notes:

Even as the undead population of Oakville bands together to find solidarity, Phoebe Kendall still feels lost and alone. Just as she admits to having feelings for a zombie, she realizes she has romantic interest in two dead boys--one who saved her life, and one she can't seem to live without.

The phenomenon that's been sweeping the country seems to be here to stay. Not only are the teenagers who have come back from their graves still here, but newlydeads are being unearthed all the time. While scientists look for answers and politicians take their stands, the undead population of Oakville have banded together in a group they're calling the Sons of Romero, hoping to find solidarity in segregation.

Phoebe Kendall may be alive, but she feels just as lost and alone as her dead friends. Just when she reconciled herself to having feelings for a zombie -- her Homecoming date Tommy Williams -- her friend Adam is murdered taking a bullet that was meant for "her." Things get even more confusing when Adam comes back from the grave. Now she has romantic interest in two dead boys; one who saved her life, and one she can't seem to live without.

Lifeblood
by Tom Becker
Published 2008 by Orchard Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780545037426

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Jacket Notes:

A series of unexplained murders on the Darkside of London has Jonathan tangled up in another dangerous mystery. With the help of his ally, private detective (and werewolf) Elias Carnegie, the pair discover that Jonathan's mother had been investigating similar murders before she vanished.

03/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 58Jonathan Starling, the smart and self-reliant teen first introduced in "Darkside" (Scholastic, 2008), must travel between London's familiar, modern Lightside and Darkside, where horse-drawn carriages travel under gas streetlamps and werewolves, vampires, and murderers all reside together under the rule of the descendant of Jack the Ripper. There he tries to solve the serial murders linked to the ensuing battle between Ripper descendants and possibly his mother's disappearance 12 years earlier. The fact that Jonathan was born of two worlds makes his travel between them less physically devastating, and aids the self-discovery aspect of the story. His mother was a reporter for a Darkside newspaper, and his father is a Lightsider who cannot risk the trauma of traveling to Darkside since he is weakened from his battle there with a vampire. The book has many fantastical characters, such as Jonathan's sidekick and protector Carnegie, a charming albeit deadly werewolf; outrageous settings like the nightclub where undead characters go to party and do battle; and plotlines that involve killers who are also painters desperate for sales. This book is totally cool, and readers who love Harry Potter, as well as fans of all things dead and undead, will flock to this fantasy/horror/thriller."Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Necropolis
by Anthony Horowitz
Published 2009 by Scholastic Press

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780439680035

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Jacket Notes:

The evil corporation Nightrise has amassed an immense amount of power, and the devastating force of the Old Ones is about to be unleashed. Matt and three of the Gatekeepers head to the secretive underworld beneath Hong Kong, where they will meet the final Gatekeeper.

Once Dead, Twice Shy
by Kim Harrison
Published 2009 by HarperCollins

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780061718168

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Jacket Notes:

The "New York Times"-bestselling author of "For a Few Demons More" delivers her paranormal teen debut about a girl who straddles the line between the living and the dead, reapers and angels. My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it. Madison's prom was killer--literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper--yeah, "that" kind of reaper--intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away. Now she's stuck on Earth--dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course. With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before "it" takes control of "her." Well, if she believed in that stuff.

Peace, Love & Baby Ducks
by Lauren Myracle
Published 2009 by Dutton Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780525477433

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Jacket Notes:

Growing up in a world of wealth and pastel-tinted entitlement, fifteen-year-old Carly has always relied on the constancyaand authenticityaof her sister, Anna. But when fourteen-year-old Anna turns plastic-perfect-pretty over the course of a single summer, everything starts to change. And "there are boys involved," complicating things as boys always do. With warmth, insight, and an unparalleled gift for finding humor even in stormy situations, beloved author Lauren Myracle dives into the tumultuous waters of sisterhood and shows that even very different sisters can learn to help each other stay afloat.

Publishers Weekly 03/30/2009

An honest narrator grounds this sweet story about two sisters learning to accept their differencesand help each other grow up. The sisters, who live in an exclusive Atlanta neighborhood, both attend the most prestigious prep school in the South, but while narrator Carly thrives on being an individual, Anna's pretty face and developing body earn her a different kind of attention. Carly stands up for her softer sister often (telling their mom to stop treating curvy Anna like she is fat, for example). She realizes, though, that she is jealous of Anna's looks even though I'm her big sister, who should be above such things. As the sisters get different friends and interests, Carly spends less time with Anna, and they find themselves saying mean things and betraying each other (Anna even hooks up with Carly's crush). The conclusion gets emotionally overwrought with a teary scene in which the sisters turn into a puddle of ridiculous-ness, but mostly readers will find both the characters and their problems genuine. Ages 12up. "(May)" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Publisher's Marketing Text:

Growing up in a world of wealth and pastel-tinted entitlement, fifteen-year-old Carly has always relied on the constancyaand authenticityaof her sister, Anna. But when fourteen-year-old Anna turns plastic-perfect-pretty over the course of a single summer, everything starts to change. And "there are boys involved," complicating things as boys always do. With warmth, insight, and an unparalleled gift for finding humor even in stormy situations, beloved author Lauren Myracle dives into the tumultuous waters of sisterhood and shows that even very different sisters can learn to help each other stay afloat.

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary
by Brandon Mull
Published 2009 by Shadow Mountain

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781606410424

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Jacket Notes:

The magical preserve Fablehaven provides refuge to numerous mystical species, but some beings are too large and powerful to be confined to regular enchanted refuges. These mightiest of creatures dwell inside the dragon sanctuaries.

The Sorceress
by Michael Scott
Published 2009 by Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780385735292

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Jacket Notes:

Book Three begins as Sophie and Josh Newman show every sign of being the twins of prophecy, and Flamel vows to protect them from the Dark Elders. But he must find an Elder who can teach the siblings the third elemental magic--Water Magic. The only Elder who can do that is Gilgamesh--and he is quite, quite insane. "Book Three in the "New York Times "bestselling series."

Nicholas Flamel's heart almost broke as he watched his beloved Paris crumble before him. The city was destroyed by Dee and Machiavelli, but Flamel played his own role in the destruction. Sophie and Josh Newman show every sign of being the twins of prophecy, and Flamel had to protect them and the pages from the Dark Elders.

But Nicholas grows weaker with each passing day. Perenelle is still trapped in Alcatraz, and now that Scatty has gone missing, the group is without protection. Except for Clarent--the twin sword to Excalibur. But Clarent's power is unthinkable, its evil making it nearly impossible to use without its darkness seeping into the soul of whoever wields it.

If he hopes to defeat Dee, Nicholas must find an Elder who can teach Josh and Sophie the third elemental magic--Water Magic. The problem? The only one who can do that is Gilgamesh, and he is quite, quite insane.

Stargazer
by Claudia Gray
Published 2009 by Harper Teen

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780061284403

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Jacket Notes:

The second installment in Gray's gripping modern gothic tale of star-crossed love, "Stargazer" continues the story of Bianca, the daughter of two vampires, who returns for a second year at Evernight Academy. The vampire in me was closer to the surface . . . Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all--vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them. But Bianca fell in love with Lucas--a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school. Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross--or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies. Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning. . . .

05/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 9 UpThis sequel to "Evernight" (HarperTeen, 2008) throws more plot twists at readers, but the writing has improved. The characters are also better developed, and readers find out more about their history. As the new school year begins at a private (vampire) academy, Bianca, a vampire, and Lucas, a vampire hunter, continue their illicit romance, meeting every few months. Her friend Balthazar is trying to find his sister, who is being pursued by the vampire-hunting group the Black Cross. Bianca has several encounters with wraiths and finds out that all of the humans admitted to Evernight have homes haunted by ghosts. Still confused about who and what she is, she gets hot and heavy with Balthazar but returns to Lucas in the end. Part "Romeo and Juliet", part paranormal romance, part high school drama, this series will definitely continue as the author is keeping some secrets from readers. Fans of Richelle Mead and Stephenie Meyer will definitely enjoy this book."Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Sunrise
by Erin Hunter
Published 2009 by HarperCollins

Library Binding, English. ISBN: 9780060892180

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Jacket Notes:

There will be three, kin of your kin . . . who hold the power of the stars in their paws. A mysterious murder in the ranks has ripped ThunderClan apart. But more secrets still remain to be discovered. Jayfeather is determined to find out who his real parents are. But he'll have to trample through a forest of lies in order to uncover the truth. Hollyleaf is shocked by her Clan's disobedience of the warrior code, and distraught enough to strike out at someone she's always admired. And Lionblaze must bear horrified witness to events that will change everything he believes. In the harshest days of leaf-bare Clanmate turns upon Clanmate, danger lurks behind familiar faces, and one more warrior may be lost forever. . . .

The Twilight Prisoner
by Katherine Marsh
Published 2009 by Hyperion Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781423106937

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Jacket Notes:

In this gripping sequel to "The Night Tourist," Jack Perdu has made it back above ground and tries hard to fit in at his new school--and tries even harder to win the affections of Cora. In an effort to impress her, Jack leads Cora to the entrance of the underworld and makes a terrible mistake.

After traveling to the ghostly underworld beneath New York City, Jack has made it back aboveground, to join the living. But if he's alive why is he still seeing ghosts?

Jack tries hard to fit in at his new school-and tries even harder to win the affections of his Latin classmate and friend, Cora. In an effort to impress her, Jack leads Cora to the entrance of the underworld and makes a terrible mistake. Soon they have crossed the threshold, and there may be no getting back.

Like "The Night Tourist," this exciting sequel blends together the modern-day world and mythology-this time cleverly introducing readers to myth of Persephone and Eros.

Publishers Weekly 02/02/2009

In this quick-paced sequel to "The Night Tourist", Marsh returns readers, and her hero Jack Perdu, to the New York City underworld. In an effort to impress his classmate Cora, Jack takes her to the underworld, but heightened security leaves them without a return route. Jack and Cora dodge underworld authorities as they track down the civil engineer who may hold the key to their escape, while piecing together a mystery involving Euri, the ghost Jack befriended in the previous book (readers needn't have read it, as Marsh provides sufficient background). The hallmarks of "The Night Tourist" remain: the historical trivia and humor Marsh weaves through her text (ghosts at the Bloomingdale asylum learn the limbo, as part of their therapy), appearances by notable deceased figures (Emily Post, W.H. Auden) and the influence of Greek myth. (This story takes cues from the story of Persephone, in which the goddess is abducted by Hades and brought to the underworld.) Readers should be drawn in by the complex relationships between Marsh's protagonists and Jack's continuing existential struggles, caught between the worlds of the living and the dead. Ages 10up. "(Apr.)" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

06/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpIn this follow-up to "The Night Tourist" (Hyperion, 2007), Jack Perdu wants to get the attention of Cora Flores, a fellow member of the Chapman High School Latin Club. She brings his rival, Austin, along for a date that Jack has arranged, but Jack gamely takes them both on some urban underground exploring. He leads them to the underworld where he is reunited with Euri, the suicide victim who was his guide on his previous visit. The presence of living, breathing humans sets off a security alert, which means that the teens can't get out the way they came in. And after three days, they will become permanent underworld residents. But there are secret ways out. With the clock ticking, they journey aboveground in nighttime Manhattan, and, with Euri's help, Jack tries to find the ghost who mapped the city's underground passages while at the same time avoiding security ghosts and the three-headed dog, Cerberus. The discovery that Austin is still in the underworld adds another layer to a mystery that involves Euri, who, it turns out, is a poltergeist. With its references to Greek myth, the book will remind readers of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series (Hyperion/Miramax). While the rules of the underworld sometimes seem arbitrary, the race-against-time narrative will keep readers flipping pages, and the characterization, especially Jack's selflessness, creates some genuine emotion. This one is for libraries in which fantasy is popular, which is probably most of them."Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.