Moon Magic
by Tony Abbott
Published 2008 by Scholastic Paperbacks

Paperback, English. ISBN: 9780439902557

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Jacket Notes:

Eric, Julie, Neal, Keeah, and all their friends are about to discover one of Droons biggest secrets as they are transported to Droons past and future. This story is presented from each characters different point of view. Illustrations.

Kenny & the Dragon
by Tony DiTerlizzi
Published 2008 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781416939771

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Jacket Notes:

The co-creator of the "New York Times"-bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles puts a fun-filled, thoroughly theatrical spin on Kenneth Graeme's "The Reluctant Dragon"--a classic tale of subterfuge and showmanship. Illustrations. What do you do when your new best buddy has been designated a scourge by the community and marked for imminent extermination? Just ask Kenny Rabbit. When the simple folks in the sleepy little village of Roundbrook catch wind that there's a dragon running loose in the countryside, they get the wrong idea and the stage is set for a fight to the death. So it's up to Kenny to give his neighbors front-row seats to one of the best-known battles in history -- the legendary showdown between St. George and the dragon -- without losing a friend in the fray.

Publishers Weekly 07/14/2008

Fans hooked on DiTerlizzi's (coauthor of the "Spiderwick Chronicles") goblins and fairies may be disappointed initially that his newest novel has neither, but chances are they'll warm up to this old-fashioned tale that contains at least one dragon. Kenny, a clever rabbit, befriends a dragon who has settled on his family's property. Overcoming his fears, Kenny soon realizes that Grahame is not the stereotyped fire-breathing creature he reads about in books but a well-read, insightful dragon with a flair for the dramatic arts and poetry. But news of Grahame's presence leaks out to the townsfolk, and before long the king summons a retired knight named (what else?) Georgehe is also a friend of Kenny'sto battle Grahame to the death. DiTerlizzi's novel is light-hearted and his informal pencil sketches enhance the creative interpretation of what would otherwise be a simple animal story. Some readers might struggle with the mannered vocabulary, which encompasses words like drake and varlet, and Beowulf references will probably be lost on the intended audience. Regardless, readers will understand the author's message: make friends, not unfair judgments. Ages 812. "(Aug.)" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

10/01/2008 School Library Journal

Gr 36Kenny's father brings home a fearsome description of an enormous creature: ."..one of them flying things that eats pretty maidens and burns castles to the ground." Instead of being frightened, Kenny, a curious and well-read rabbit, wants to meet the beast. His father, not too bright in some ways but quite sensible in others, is sure Kenny can handle it, but Kenny's no-nonsense mother insists, "Dishes and homework first." What follows is a delightful riff on Kenneth Grahame's classic "The Reluctant Dragon", starring a dragon named Grahame that can delicately torch crème brûlée with the flames from his left nostril and has no interest in killing anyone. Before long, rumors and fear create a mob mentality among the local townspeople, and Kenny has to come up with a plan to prevent the retired dragon slayer (George, of course) from killing Grahame. This is a fun story with substance. At one point, Kenny wonders, "How can they want someone killed they don't even know?... How can George just blindly do whatever the king says?" The civilizing influence of literature is another theme that has relevance for today's readers. Lively pencil sketches add to the charm. The author's reputation will enhance the popularity of this solid fantasy."Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

The Greatest Power
by Wendelin Van Draanen
Published 2009 by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780375843778

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Jacket Notes:

The evil treasure hunter Damien Black has just robbed the local bank, and Dave Sanchez and Sticky are on his trail. But Damien really wants Dave's magical wristband with its Invisibility Ingot--and he's got a dastardly plan to get it. Illustrations. "Could you choose between a superpower and a friend?

"The evil treasure hunter Damien Black needs some quick cash--so he robs the local bank. But Damien Black didn't figure Dave Sanchez into his plan. Dave's been itching to try out the Invisibility Ingot in his magical wrist band, and here's the perfect opportunity to make like a superhero! So Dave and Sticky set off after the robber, determined to retrieve the bank's money. The Black mansion is a house of hysterical horrors, but somehow he and Sticky manage to navigate the maze and escape with the cash. "Asombroso! "Dave thinks he's home free, but Damien Black isn't one to give up easily--more than the cash, he wants Dave's wrist band, and he's got a dastardly devious plan that even an invisible boy won't be able to slip out of.

04/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 35In their second adventure, a spinoff of Van Draanen's popular "Shredderman" series (Knopf), Dave Sanchez ("The Gecko") and Sticky (a gecko) once again face down evil villain Damien Black. Black, recently escaped from prison, robs a bank to finance his latest round of dastardly deeds. Unfortunately for him, Dave and Sticky witness the theft and vow to track him down. With the help of the Aztec powerband that gives Dave the ability to turn invisible, as well as the wall-walking superpower that earned him his nickname, the two pals infiltrate Black's lair, encountering an overcaffeinated monkey, three bumbling baddies, and numerous bizarre gadgets created by Black. After escaping with the cash, Dave and Sticky must get past a nosy neighbor, protective parents, and an attempt by Black to recapture the loot before Dave can return it to its rightful owners. While the action and humor will likely appeal to young readers, the writing is not up to Van Draanen's usual standard. Sticky's linguistic quirks spill over into the narrator's voice, becoming less charming and more distracting by the page. Purchase this early chapter book where enthusiasm for "Shredderman" runs high. Otherwise, stick with Jon Scieszka's "Time Warp Trio" (HarperCollins) to entice reluctant readers."Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.Gr 35In their second adventure, a spinoff of Van Draanen's popular "Shredderman" series (Knopf), Dave Sanchez ("The Gecko") and Sticky (a gecko) once again face down evil villain Damien Black. Black, recently escaped from prison, robs a bank to finance his latest round of dastardly deeds. Unfortunately for him, Dave and Sticky witness the theft and vow to track him down. With the help of the Aztec powerband that gives Dave the ability to turn invisible, as well as the wall-walking superpower that earned him his nickname, the two pals infiltrate Black's lair, encountering an overcaffeinated monkey, three bumbling baddies, and numerous bizarre gadgets created by Black. After escaping with the cash, Dave and Sticky must get past a nosy neighbor, protective parents, and an attempt by Black to recapture the loot before Dave can return it to its rightful owners. While the action and humor will likely appeal to young readers, the writing is not up to Van Draanen's usual standard. Sticky's linguistic quirks spill over into the narrator's voice, becoming less charming and more distracting by the page. Purchase this early chapter book where enthusiasm for "Shredderman" runs high. Otherwise, stick with Jon Scieszka's "Time Warp Trio" (HarperCollins) to entice reluctant readers."Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Bell's Star
by Alison Hart
Published 2009 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Paperback, English. ISBN: 9780375852046

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Jacket Notes:

Vermont, 1850s

Bell's Star is a brown Morgan colt with a white star and two white stockings. He was bred for hard work, yet he longs to run free with his human friend, Katie, on his back. But when Star helps rescue a runaway slave girl, his ideas about freedom may change forever. Here is Star's story . . . in his own words.

With exciting and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout--both by real horse owners--Horse Diaries are the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history!

Publisher's Marketing Text:

Vermont, 1850s
Bell's Star is a brown Morgan colt with a white star and two white stockings. He was bred for hard work, yet he longs to run free with his human friend, Katie, on his back. But when Star helps rescue a runaway slave girl, his ideas about freedom may change forever. Here is Star's story . . . in his own words.
With exciting and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout--both by real horse owners--Horse Diaries are the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history!

The 100-Year-Old Secret
by Tracy Barrett
Published 2008 by Henry Holt & Company

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780805083408

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Jacket Notes:

Xena and Xander Holmes have just discovered they're related to Sherlock Holmes and have inherited his unsolved casebook! The siblings set out to solve the cases their famous ancestor couldn't, starting with the mystery of a prized painting that vanished more than a hundred years ago. Can two smart twenty-first-century kids succeed where Sherlock Holmes could not? Modern technology meets the classic detective story in this terrific new mystery series that will intrigue young sleuths everywhere!

06/01/2008 School Library Journal

Gr 47Detective stories derived from the adventures of Sherlock Holmes are well represented in juvenile literature from Donald Sobol's "Encyclopedia Brown" series to Nancy Springer's "Enola Holmes" mysteries. Welcome 12-year-old Xena Holmes and her brother, Xander, Sherlock's great-great-great grandchildren, newly arrived in London from Florida. They are playing a favorite game, guessing people's occupation by appearance, in front of their hotel when a strange man delivers a note written in disappearing ink directing them to the Dancing Men Pub. There, through a set of tests, their famous relative is revealed to them, and they are given his "Unsolved Cases" notebook. Xena, intrigued by it, soon finds a case with modern relevancea missing portrait by Nigel Batheson, whose other works are being displayed in a nearby gallery. The siblings are off and running through a plot laced with references to the original stories and using similar devices, including a red herring. The main characters are observant, bright, and gifted with powers of deduction. Watson's great-great-great grandson, Andrew, is integral to the plot. Some clues seem to be obvious, but they can lead to a wrong conclusion. A well-paced beginning to a new series."Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Publisher's Marketing Text:

Xena and Xander Holmes have just discovered they're related to Sherlock Holmes and have inherited his unsolved casebook! The siblings set out to solve the cases their famous ancestor couldn't, starting with the mystery of a prized painting that vanished more than a hundred years ago. Can two smart twenty-first-century kids succeed where Sherlock Holmes could not? Modern technology meets the classic detective story in this terrific new mystery series that will intrigue young sleuths everywhere!

The Seven Keys of Balabad
by Paul Haven
Published 2009 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780375833502

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Jacket Notes:

Balabad is the birthplace of the international secret society known as the Brotherhood of Arachosia. Balabad is also home to Oliver Finch, whose life if pretty dull until a 500-year-old sacred carpet is stolen and one of the few friends he has disappears. Oliver is determined to figure out what exactly is going on. Welcome to Balabad, birthplace of the international secret society known as the Brotherhood of Arachosia. And rumored hiding place of the grandest riches the world has ever known. Balabad is also the country Oliver Finch calls home ever since his father was reassigned to this dull, war-torn dust bowl.

Each day runs into the next for Oliver until a 500-year-old sacred carpet is stolen. Then one of the few friends he has disappears. Oliver is determined to figure out what exactly is going on. But in order to do that he'll have consult with a one-eyed warrior, track down the far-flung members of the Brotherhood, and unlock a centuries-old secret! Suddenly, life in Balabad for Oliver has become a whole lot more interesting . . . and dangerous.

Publishers Weekly 12/15/2008

Three children encounter kidnappers, a mysterious carpet and a thieves' market in Haven's ("Two Hot Dogs with Everything") entertaining but slight novel. Oliver's father, a newspaper reporter, has moved his family to the tiny Middle Eastern nation of Balabad. Oliver, 12, and his best (and only) friend, Zee, relieve their boredom by visiting a carpet seller, Mr. Haji, who entertains them with stories of Balabad's history. When a series of unusual crimes that begins with the theft of the 500-year-old Sacred Carpet of Agamon culminates in the disappearance of Haji, Oliver and Zee, with the help of a girl named Alamai, set off to find their friend and discover the secrets of Balabad. The brief adventure is exciting but ends too quickly, and with too few opportunities for the protagonists to put their intelligence to use. There's much to like, including smart, realistic characters, a fascinating back story and solid action sequences, but the strong writing doesn't compensate for the structural problems. Illustrations not seen by "PW." Ages 812. "(Jan.)" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

04/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 58Centuries ago, seven keys were given to the seven sons of King Agamon of Balabad to protect the country's treasures from foreign invaders. The young men were then sent to seven different places around the world, and only when all of the keys came together again could the treasure be found. Now, 500 years later, Oliver Finch, a New York City kid, is stuck living in Balabad because his father is a reporter and his mother is an art historian. He and his friend Zee spend most of their time visiting Mr. Haji, a carpet salesman who tells funny stories. Then, Balabad's sacred carpet is stolen, the culture minister disappears, and Zee overhears his father talking about a secret brotherhood. When Mr. Haji disappears, Oliver and Zee try to find him and are joined in their search by a girl named Alamai, who knows the ins and outs of the city and where and how to get information. In the process, they almost become the villain's next victims. Haven has created an exciting mystery set in a fictional Middle Eastern country with an intriguing history and a vibrant culture. The story is woven together like an intricate carpet. It's disjointed at times, moving around the world as the thieves locate the current owners of the keys, but all of the plot threads come together for the action-packed climax."Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.Gr 58Centuries ago, seven keys were given to the seven sons of King Agamon of Balabad to protect the country's treasures from foreign invaders. The young men were then sent to seven different places around the world, and only when all of the keys came together again could the treasure be found. Now, 500 years later, Oliver Finch, a New York City kid, is stuck living in Balabad because his father is a reporter and his mother is an art historian. He and his friend Zee spend most of their time visiting Mr. Haji, a carpet salesman who tells funny stories. Then, Balabad's sacred carpet is stolen, the culture minister disappears, and Zee overhears his father talking about a secret brotherhood. When Mr. Haji disappears, Oliver and Zee try to find him and are joined in their search by a girl named Alamai, who knows the ins and outs of the city and where and how to get information. In the process, they almost become the villain's next victims. Haven has created an exciting mystery set in a fictional Middle Eastern country with an intriguing history and a vibrant culture. The story is woven together like an intricate carpet. It's disjointed at times, moving around the world as the thieves locate the current owners of the keys, but all of the plot threads come together for the action-packed climax."Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

The Silver Door
by Holly Lisle
Published 2009 by Orchard Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780545000147

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Jacket Notes:

A master storyteller transports readers back to the night worlds, in this enchanting second tale in the Moon & Sun saga. Genna is the chosen Sunrider, and under nightling protection, she must learn the ancient magic to end the war between slaves and masters.

Weapons of the Civil War
by Matt Doeden
Published 2009 by Blazers

Library Binding, English. ISBN: 9781429619684

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Jacket Notes:

Describes the weapons of the Civil War, including small arms and larger weapons.

01/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 13Large type, short sentences, and glossaries make these texts accessible. Brief paragraphs provide descriptions of the use of the weapons, and notes dispersed throughout impart extra facts such as the range of a rifle. The texts are packed with clearly labeled color photos. "Civil War" is the most successful since it covers a relatively short period. "Ancient Times", however, tries to cover the period from prehistory to ancient Romefar too much time. In the same way, the information in "Middle Ages" becomes unfocused because there is no one event or period being discussed. Overall, the books are simplistic and will only warrant purchase for their photographs. Michele Byam's "Arms and Armor" (2004) or Richard Holmes's "Battle" (2000, both DK) are better bets."Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.Gr 13Large type, short sentences, and glossaries make these texts accessible. Brief paragraphs provide descriptions of the use of the weapons, and notes dispersed throughout impart extra facts such as the range of a rifle. The texts are packed with clearly labeled color photos. "Civil War" is the most successful since it covers a relatively short period. "Ancient Times", however, tries to cover the period from prehistory to ancient Romefar too much time. In the same way, the information in "Middle Ages" becomes unfocused because there is no one event or period being discussed. Overall, the books are simplistic and will only warrant purchase for their photographs. Michele Byam's "Arms and Armor" (2004) or Richard Holmes's "Battle" (2000, both DK) are better bets."Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.Gr 13Large type, short sentences, and glossaries make these texts accessible. Brief paragraphs provide descriptions of the use of the weapons, and notes dispersed throughout impart extra facts such as the range of a rifle. The texts are packed with clearly labeled color photos. "Civil War" is the most successful since it covers a relatively short period. "Ancient Times", however, tries to cover the period from prehistory to ancient Romefar too much time. In the same way, the information in "Middle Ages" becomes unfocused because there is no one event or period being discussed. Overall, the books are simplistic and will only warrant purchase for their photographs. Michele Byam's "Arms and Armor" (2004) or Richard Holmes's "Battle" (2000, both DK) are better bets."Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.