PSLA Media Selection and Review

Not-Ready-For-Newbery Picks

FICTION 1999 Titles

Abelove, Joan. Saying It Out Loud. DK Publishing, Inc., 1999. 0-789-42609-9. $15.95. Grades 7+ Mindy is supposed to be concerned with filling out college applications but her mom has been diagnosed with a life threatening brain tumor. She finds consolation with her best friend Gail and new interest Bobby; not with her father who has a hard time talking to his daughter. How she deals with her mom’s untimely death is beautifully written. Students who have had to deal with a death in the family can relate to Mindy’s mixed feelings. Donna Darmofal

Abelove, Joan. Saying It Out Loud. DK Inc., 1999. 0-7894-2609-9. $15.95. Grades 9-12. Mindy’s mother is dying from a brain tumor and she is lost. Her father will barely speak about what is happening as he tries to protect and shield her from what is happening. He finds he doesn’t know how to communicate with her and he is lost. Mindy tries to speak to him about her mother, but he is unable to answer her questions. Gail, Mindy’s friend, stays beside her after her mother dies and reminds Mindy of the wonderful times they had together. Gail’s father had died several years before and the girls are able to share their memories and grief. This is a touching novel about the loss of a mother and the effect that it has on the family. Peg Kleppinger

Almond, David. Skellig. Delacorte, 1999. 0-395-32653-X. $15.95. Grades 5-8. This is Almond’s first book for children and it is a winner. Michael, the young protagonist, moves into a new home with his parents and his seriously ill baby sister who is hospitalized. The first day in the new house Michael discovers a man or something like a man in the broken down garage on his property. Michael isn’t sure if it is a man but the creature is need of help. Michael also meets his neighbor, Mina, a home-schooled girl,. The work together nursing the man/creature back to health. The plot intertwines Michael and Mina’s question of what or who Skellig is and the ups and downs of Michael’s baby sister’s health. There are a lot of clues nut ultimately there is no real answer provided in the end. It is the perfect ending left open to speculation and room for readers to come their own conclusions.Susan Krenicky

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. Farrar Straus Giroux, 1999. 0-374-37152-0. $16.00. Grades 9-12. Melinda enters the story as an unpopular high school student who was once favored by her peers. The story abounds with hints about a summer party during which something happened to make Melinda the scorn of her class. Eventually we understand that Melinda did a very brave thing, but because of the hostility she endured, a horrifying and violent crime went unreported. Melinda deals with the lack of emotional support from her parents and from her former friends with silence. At the end of the story, she is finally able to speak. A powerful, well-constructed novel which high school girls will certainly relate to. Pat Bender

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. Farrar Straus Giroux, 1999. 0-374-37152-0. $16. 00. Grades 9-12. A National Book Award Finalist, Speak has been one of the most popular books in our high school library this school year. Students and teachers have all expressed praise for Mrs. Anderson’s first novel. Melinda Sordino begins her 9^th grade year as a social outcast at school. She is accused of breaking up an end-of-summer party by calling the police. No one knows the real reason for her call. A popular senior, Andy Evans, raped her at the party. Melinda is finally drawn out by an eccentric art teacher at school and we gradually begin to understand what has happened to her. The interior dialog in Melinda’s voice is unusual and she manages to create a totally believable character through it. Melinda, a social outcast for much of the novel, finally confronts her tormentor and the readers cheer for her. An excellent novel that has been checked out repeatedly in our library is a winner! Peg Kleppinger

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. Farrar Straus Giroux, 1999. 197 pp. 0-374-37152-0. Grades 10-12. Melinda's freshman year in high school is related through undated diary-like entries that reveal her struggles with post-traumatic withdrawal and depression. While her pungent, acerbic observations about teachers, cliques, and school life provide humor, this book is not for the weak of heart. The writing is compelling and the reader is quickly drawn into Melinda's world and point of view, but perspective is needed to understand why she is behaving the way she is and that her behavior is not normal. Melinda's salvation lies in confronting the source of her pain so that she can begin to prune herself of its hurt and be the healthy teen she once was. Her recovery begins when she tells a girl friend that she was raped. Recommended for mature teens. Eleanor Howe

Atkins, Catherine. When Jeff Comes Home. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1999. 0-399-23366-0. $17.99. Grades 10+ Jeff Hart was 14 years old when he was kidnapped 2 _ years ago at knife point, and physically abused for the entire time that he is in captivity. Now, he's home. How would YOU pick up the pieces? What do you say to your father? Your mother? Your best friend? The FBI? The kids at school? Follow Jeff through this readaption to his "normal" life, that is at times as tough as living with his kidnapper. Joanie Marstiller

Atkins, Catherine. When Jeff Comes Home. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1999. 0-399-23366-0. $17.99. Grades 8+ At 13, Jeff Hart is kidnapped at knife point. After spending three years locked in a basement with little food while enduring mental and sexual abuse, his captor, Ray, allows him to return home. Unwilling to face his ordeal or discuss its chilling details, Jeff must learn to cope with his family, his friends, and the authorities. Bit by bit his horrific ordeal is dramatically revealed in spite of his deep denial. With his father’s support, Jeff begins the very difficult recovery process. Jeff’s story is suspenseful, gripping and hard to forget. Leslie Mastronardo

Atkins, Catherine. When Jeff Comes Home. G.P. Putnam’s, 1999. 0-399-23366-0. $17.99. Grades 9-12.Jeff was kidnapped at a rest stop along a freeway three years before and he is suddenly returned to his family when his kidnapper drops him off. They are thrilled to have him back and very concerned about what had taken place during those years. Jeff was sexually abused and brutally treated by Ray. The police want Jeff to help them locate Ray and he is terrified about testifying because he believes that Ray will return to harm his family. Ray has psychologically harmed Jeff and those fears keep him from cooperating. In one terrifying scene near his father’s office, Ray actually speaks to his Dad while Jeff stands there. His parents and friends want to help, but as his friends learn what happened to Jeff, they are repelled and say vicious things to him and about him. This novel is a riveting story that teens will find hard to put down.Peg Kleppinger

Avi. Midnight Magic. Scholastic, 1999. 0-590-36035-3. $15.95. Grades 5-8. Avi has woven together a story of medieval intrigue, ghosts, and magic. Fabrizio , the servant of Magnus the Magician, helps his master to solve the mystery of the ghost that is threatening Princess Teresina. With its many turns and twists, this tale should hold the interest of even your most reluctant middle school readers. Sandra Krieg

Banks, Sara Harrell. Abraham's Battle : A Gettysburg Novel. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1999. 88 pp., map. 0-689-81779-7. $15. Grades 4-7 and Secondary Hi/Low. The Civil War is finally over in this short novel by a Southern woman who writes with understanding of a former slave who meets a poor Johnny Reb before the battle at Gettysburg. Abraham and Lamar develop an enduring bond of friendship as they share their food, personal stories, and different views of the War on a field. Basic issues of human rights, state's rights, and "poor boys fighting a rich man's war" are raised in this story of two men on opposite sides helping each other and Lincoln mourning and honoring the dead from both North and South. Highly recommended for Grades 4-7 and older Hi/Low readers. Eleanor Howe

Bauer, Joan. Backwater. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1999. 0399-23141-2. $16.99. Grades 7-10. Because the Breedloves are raised to be lawyers, Ivy’s desire to become an historian is met by the rest of the family with scorn. It is only when she encounters danger in attempting to interview her reclusive aunt, Josephine Breedlove, that Ivy’s future is confirmed. This book begins slowly, but the ending is exciting and adventurous. For fans of hiking and adventure stories.. Pat Bender

Bauer, Joan. Backwater. 1999. 0399231412. $11.89. Ages 12-16. Bauer delivers another entertaining novel with Backwater. Ivy Breedlove would like to defy her father and old lawyer-family and strike out on her own with a desire to be an historian. She sets out to find her "Backwater" Aunt Jo to discover some family history, the differences among the elder siblings and where Ivy will ultimately fit-in. Along the way she finds adventure with a wilderness guide, "Mountain Mama"who helps her and her aunt after a snowstorm and she also finds love with an interesting young man. Susan Mowery

Benford, Gregory. The Martian Race. Warner, 1999. 0-446-52633-9. $23.95. Grades 9+ If NASA lost funding, and the commercial sector decided to pick up the ball on a manned Mars landing, this could happen. You can depend on Benford for science fiction that is well-grounded in the possibilities of current science. The issue of possible past and present life on Mars is central. Pam Kavanaugh

Bitton-Jackson, Livia. My Bridges of Hope. 1999. Simon and Schuster. 0689820267. $17.00. Young Adult. My Bridges of Hope is a novel that tells the often overlooked story of what happened to the Jews in Europe after the Holocaust and World War II were over. Ellie, the heroine, faces dozens of seemingly impossible obstacles, only to always emerge victorious, keeping her body and spirit intact. Based on a true story; it is a sequel to I have lived a thousand years. It is a valuable addition to any Holocaust collection. Susan Mowery

Bjork, Christina, and Eriksson, Inga-Karin. Vendela in Venice. R&S Books, 93 pp. ill. 91-29-64559-X. $18.00. Grades 6-12. This highly informative and beautifully illustrated book is written in the style of a child's travel diary. It follows Vendela and her father through their days in Venice as they visit both the well-known and the not-so-well-known sites and enjoy the local food. They explore the many beautiful palaces apparently "floating" on water, museums, churches, statues of horses and winged lions, and glassworks while traveling by gondola and vaporetti. Along the way the history of the city and its connections with their hometown, Stockholm, are explained. The story of their trip is supplemented by other interesting facts about Venice, shops, a map of the city, a chronology, and a bibliography. Eleanor Howe

Blackwood, Gary L. Moonshine. Marshall Cavendish. 1999. 0-7614-5056-4. $14.95. Grades 7+ A very inventive story about a 13 year old boy who is a bootlegger during the Depression. Although it is a little slow in the beginning, the ending is very well done and well thought out. Even though this isn’t one of my favorite books, I did enjoy reading it. Audra Hugo, Ancillae Assumpta Academy

Blevins, Win RavenShadow. Tom Doherty, 1999. 0-312-86565-1. $25.95. Grades 9+ Joseph Blue Crow, Lakota Indian, alcoholic, recently fired D.J. returns to his ancestral roots. His spiritual journey back to Wounded Knee presents a strong story of America’s treatment of it’s native American. This wonderful, emotional, and touching experience will appeal to anyone interested in Indian history. Donna Darmofal

Block, Francesca Lia. Violet & Claire. Joanna Cotler Books, 1999. 0-06-027749-1. $14.95. Grades 10+ Violet Samms, age 17, has gone through the Goth phase, complete with death rock, skulls and crossbones. Now she's writing the screenplay that she's been destined to write since she was a child. She is looking for her star when she meets Claire, a true tinker bell faerie complete with wings and star wand, who writes poetry and dances in the light to avoid the darkness at home. Now, Violet's script only needs a conflict. Joanie Marstiller

Block, Francesca Lia. Violet & Claire. HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler. 1999. 0-06-027749-1. $14.95 Grades 8-12. Block offers another lyrical story set in LA. This time it’s a tale of a friendship between opposites, "photo-negatives of the perfect girl." Tough, talented, screenplay-writing Violet and Claire, a fragile Tinker Bell, fit together like puzzle pieces, each filling the other’s emotional needs. But all is not happy. Success and love and pain threaten to pull the pair apart. Love and friendship win out in the end. Though this is not my favorite, Block again offers poetry and strong characters to satisfy her many girl fans. (As usual, some fairly graphic sex.) Joyce Valenza

Bloor,Edward. Crusader. Harcourt Brace and Co., 1999. 0-15-201944-8. $17.00. Grades 8+ Fifteen-year-old Roberta works in a virtual reality arcade in a Florida mall. Using Crusader, a virtual reality game, she tries to solve her mother’s brutal murder. Drugs and racism become part of this carefully woven plot. Although long, this book will keep teens absorbed till the very last chapter. Donna Darmofal

Budhos, Marina. The Professor of Light: a Novel. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. 1999. 0-399-14473-0. $23.95. Adult. The story of family’s summer trips to England. It is narrated by teenager Maggie Singh. The story describes the experiences of a family caught between cultures. Maggie’s father, a Caribbean native, is a professor of philosophy, who is obsessed with the theory of light. The blending of many ethnic backgrounds makes for a very interesting read. Margaret Goodlin

Burks, Brian. Wrango. Harcourt, 1999. 0-15-201815-8. $16.00. Grades 6-8. This story, based on the life of black cowboy George McJunkin, gives a fresh perspective to trail life history. George sees life on the trail as his only escape from the racism and limited opportunities that are his heritage in his south Texas hometown. With the help of his friend, Senor Valarde, he joins a cattle drive from Comanche, TX to Abilene, KA. George and the other cowboys and vaqueros must work together in facing a host of challenges: horse thieves and Indians, harsh weather, rough terrain and disease. Engaging, well-written book. Rosemarie Becker

Cadnum, Michael. Rundown. Viking, 1999. 0-670-88377-8. $15.99. Grades 7-10. Jennifer Thayer doesn’t feel appreciated by her family and she makes an attempt to gain their attention. She feels that her older, brighter and more beautiful sister, Cassandra has been the focus of the family. This is especially true now as Cassandra is planning her wedding. One evening she reports an attempted rape that allegedly occurred in the same area where several women have been attacked. The spotlight is turned on Jennifer and she is originally pleased with the attention, but gradually realizes that she is running from her home problems and not helping herself at all. Will she tell the police the truth? How will her parents and boyfriend feel about her deception? Peg Kleppinger

Caldwell, V. M. The Ocean Within. Milkweed Editions, 1999. 1-57131-623-X. $15.95. Grades 6+ When Elizabeth, 11, is placed in yet another foster home, she is already practiced at protecting herself. Her self imposed rules include: "Do as your told. Say as little as possible. Tell them what the want to hear and they'll leave you alone. Never let them see you cry. Never let them know what's important to you." She believes communication will only get her in trouble, so her dialog is mostly in her head. Unfortunately, the Sheridan's are a very close family. They approach Elizabeth with patience and understanding. With horror, Elizabeth finds herself becoming emotionally attached. When she learns that the family has started the adoption process she can finally open-up and learn to trust again. Michelle Stone

Calhoun, Dia. Firegold. Winslow, 1999. 1-8908-1728-7 $9.95. Grades 6+ Thirteen-year-old Jonathon is cursed with blue eyes, making him different from everyone else in the Valley and leading the others to question his heritage. Could he be a Dalriada - one of the blue-eyed mountain people with magical powers? His people have hated and feared the Dalriada for generations. Jonathon is forced to escape when he is blamed for the blight that is destroying the Valley's orchards. Will he discover his true identity and can he bring peace to the two nations? A beautiful debut novel of fantasy and coming of age. Joyce Valenza

Calhoun, Dia. Firegold. Winslow Press, 1999. 1890817287. $9.95. Young Adult. Jonathan is a mysterious blue-eyed boy in a valley of brown eyed folk. When his mother dies both the valley people and Jonathan wonder whether he is one of the Dalraida, the much-feared mountain people who have magnificent horses, mystical powers and horns.He escapes to the mountains to search for his identity, manhood and love. This first novel provides adventure, fantasy and emotion. It is also a great read-aloud with each chapter ending on a suspenseful note. Susan Mowery

Card, Orson Scoot. Ender’s Shadow. Tom Doherty Associates, 1999. 0-312-86860-X. $24.95. Grade 7–Adult. When the This book is the newest installment in the Ender series. However, it is neither a prequel nor a sequel, but rather as Mr. Card puts it a "parallel novel." It is the same story as Ender’s Game but told from a different point of view. It takes us through the story of Bean, the child soldier trained by Ender, during his years at battle school. The two stories support each other, each one making the other more complete. Personally, I love books by Orson Scott Card and this was definitely no exception. It was painful to put it down. I thought it was a well written "parallel novel." Neil Narayan, 8^th grade, The Haverford School

Card, Orson Scott. Ender’s Shadow. Tor Books, 1998. 0-312-86860-X . $24.95. Grades 7+ A parallel novel to Ender’s Game, this tells the story from the point-of-view of Bean, the youngest student in Battle School. Fascinating, engrossing and revealing. You won’t be able to put it down…and then you’ll want to go back and reread Ender’s Game! Pat Naismith

Cart, Michael, ed. Tomorrowland: 10 Stories About the Future. Scholastic, 1999. 0-590-37678-0$15.95. Grades 6+ This collection contains short stories that not only takes us to the future but also those take hark back to early millenniums. James Cross Giblin presents " Night of the Plague" in which a young monk, at the end of the first millenium, wonders if the plague is portenting the end of the world. Katerine Paterson, known for her historical fiction, writes about a future society covered by a bubble and a boy who finds the last dog in the "outside." "The Last Dog" could be used as a lead into Lois Lowery’s The Giver. Rodman Philbrick’s story "The Last Book in the Universe" is a darker tale of a future world out of control. Michael Cart’s "Starry, Starry Night" lends itself to reading aloud as do many of these nine stories. Sandra Krieg

Clancy, Tom. Hidden Agendas. Berkley Books,1999. 0-425-17139-6. $7.99.Clancy fans will love his latest Net force adventure. Someone has infiltrated the Internet and classified information falls into the wrong hands. Students interested in techno-cyber space will especially enjoy this thriller. Great ending. Donna Darmofal

Clement, Hal. Half-Life. Tom Doherty Associates, 1999. 0312869207. $23.95.Young-Adult/Adult. Half-Life is a captivating science-fiction novel rich in detail, fast-paced and moving with its heavy use of dialogue. In the near future the human race on Earth is in trouble, perhaps even facing extinction, because of the rapid evolution of diseases. The average life-span is twenty-years. A crew of young men and women travel to the moons of Saturn, to Titan, to investigate the biochemistry of the pre-life conditions there in the slim hope of discovering something that might save Earth. Nearly half of the crew die on the way. They have to do most of their exploration in virtual-reality machinery. The whole story runs at high speed, as they race to find answers across the surface of an alien landscape with death close behind, and gaining. This is classic science-fiction writing. Susan Mowery

Coonts, Stephen. Cuba. St. Martin’s Press, 1999. 0-312-20521-X. $24.95. Grades 9+This book does not meet the expectations of readers of previous books by this author. He starts out strong but the action begins a steady decline and he cannot seem to recapture it. Impossible situations and more impossible detract from what could have been a great novel of spies,crime, Fidel Castro and the overthrow of Cuba. Some diehard fans might enjoy this novel. Donna Darmofal

Cooper, Susan. King of Shadows. Margaret McElderry Books. 0-689-82817-9. $16.00. Grades 7+ In love with Shakespeare, young Nat Field has been chosen to join an all-boys troupe of actors who will perform at the newly restored Globe Theater in London. Nat gets more than he bargains for when he is transported to the original Globe Theater, meets his idol Will Shakespeare, and performs on stage for Queen Elizabeth. The reason for Nat’s time travel is explained to him when he returns to the twentieth century, and he is comforted to know that Will Shakespeare has not forgotten him. A meticulously researched look at Elizabethan England and an actor’s life, and an excellent introduction to Shakespeare for readers who like a challenge. Rosanne Zajko

Couloumbis, Audrey. Getting Near To Baby. Putnam, 1999. 0-399-233389-X. $17.99. Grades 6+ Twelve year old Willa Jo comes to terms with the tragedy of the death of her baby sister when she and Little Sister climb out on to the roof of their bossy Aunt Patty’s house to watch the sunrise. They have come to stay at Aunt Patty’s following their sister’s death to give their mother time to come out of her depression. Here on the roof through a series of flashbacks the story of the death, the events during their stay with Aunt Patty and Uncle Hob are revealed and in the process Willa Jo begins to come to terms with her own grief. Wonderful characters! Susan Krenicky

Coville, Bruce. Odder Than Ever. Harcourt Brace and Company. 0-15-201747-X. $16.00. Grades 8+ I found this collection of short stories to be very enjoyable and a quick read. They were also extremely unpredictable. Some of the stories made you think and some were just for fun. Don’t be fooled by the cover! Audra Hugo, Ancillae Assumpta Academy

Coville, Bruce. Odder than Ever: Stories by Bruce Coville. Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-15-201-7747-X. $16.00. Grades 7-12. This quirky set of short stories will delight readers because the stories are unusual. From the ghost who bakes biscuits each Saturday night in "Biscuits for Glory" to the young who who discovers the land of nightmares under his bed in "There’s Nothing Under My Bed," Colville weaves interesting short stories that capture readers’ imaginations. In "I, Earthling" a boy learns what it is like to be an alien on a planet that where the residents have six arms and one eye. The most poignant, yet humorous, story "Am I Blue" was originally published in a gay and lesbian-themed short story anthology. The protagonist is enlightened about the trials and tribulations of gay life. It showcases the discrimination that many homosexuals feel every day. This short story collection is well done. Peg Kleppinger

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. Delacorte, 1999. 0-385-32306-9. $15.95. Grades 5+ In this depression era story, ten-year-old orphan Bud Caldwell runs away from his new foster home in search of his father. Bud never new his father, but believes he is the jazz musician Herman E. Calloway, advertised in the flyers his mother kept with her. Bud is helped on his journey by a man on his way to Grand Rapids who delivers him to the musician. The man turns out to be much older and certainly not as friendly as Bud had hoped and he certainly isn’t receptive to the idea that Bud is his son. Luckily the musicians in Calloway’s band take Bud under their wing. Bud uses rocks he has from his mother to show his surprising relationship to Calloway. The chapters each begin cleverly with one of Bud’s Rules of Life. A great story! Susan Krenicky

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. Delacorte Press, 1999. 0-385-32306-7. $15.95. Grades 4-7. In the heart of the depression Bud, not Buddy Calloway, an orphan deciding that he has been one too many foster homes, seeks his father. From only souvenir flyers that he has from his mother, he decides that Herman E. Calloway, a bandleader from Flint, Michigan must be his real father. In his search he meets many interesting characters and offers his insights for surviving and wry comments on life in general. As in The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963, Curtis creates a poignant story filled warmth and humor. Bud’s search has several twists and coincidences that keep the reader wondering. Bud is a survivor but not cynical. He has an optimistic view of life. Jeannie Bellavance

Cussler, Clive with Paul Kemprecos. Serpent: a Novel From the NUMA Files. Pocket Books, 1999. 0-671-02670-4. $16.00. Cussler introduces a new series with two new heroes Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala of NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency). The background for the story is the remains of the Italian luxury liner, Andrea Doria, and the treasure that it may hold on the bottom of the sea. NUMA must capture villains and solve mysteries to save the world. Another great suspense thriller from Cussler. Margaret Goodlin

D’amato, Barbara. Help Me Please. TOR / Tom Doherty Associates, 1999. 0-312-86563-5. $23.95. Grade 9 thru Adult. A three-year old is kidnapped, and appears on a website, in realtime. The Chicago cops and their F.B.I. associates can see the child, but can they get to her in time? This one will keep you turning pages far into the night, and has enough high-tech interest to appeal without losing the focus of the narrative. Well done! Pam Kavanaugh

Davis, Kathryn Lynn. Somewhere Lies the Moon. Simon & Schuster. 1999. 0-671-73605-1. $24.95. Adult. Finally, the man of her dreams has proposed to her, but Eva Crawford cannot accept until she deals with her past. The author uses flashbacks and dreams to develop Eva’s state of mind. Readers will enjoy this historical romantic story. Margaret Goodlin

DeFelice, Cynthia. Nowhere to Call Home. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1999. 0-374-35552-5. $16.00. Grades 6-9. After Frankie’s wealthy father commits suicide due to the stock market crash, she decides to take her chances by riding the rails with the other hoboes. She disguises herself as a boy, meets up with Stewpot and together they jump trains headed toward the Rocky Mountains. When Stewpot contracts pneumonia, Frankie is left to make decisions about her future. A good way to learn about the Depression. Pat Bender

Delaney, Mark. Misfits, Inc. No. 2: Of Heroes and Villains. Peachtree Publishers, 1999. 1-56145-178-9. $5.95. Grades 6-9 Of Heroes and Villains is a quick, fast-paced read for middle school students and reluctant readers. Four teenage "misfits" band together to solve crimes. In the second book of the series, Misfit, Inc. are given free tickets to the 17^th annual Bugle Point comic book convention for the preview of the new Hyperman movie. The movie is stolen before their eyes and suddenly they are involved in the solving of this crime. This should appeal to both male and female readers. Sandra Krieg

Dessen,Sarah. Keeping the Moon. Viking, 1999. 0-670-88549-5. $15.99. Grades 9+ Great story about a young girl gaining confidence in herself. Fifteen year old Colie is stuck in a hick town for the summer with her eccentric aunt while her mother the “aerobics queen” is touring Europe. She befriends two funloving waitresses who help her see herself and her potential. Funny at times, touching, sad and revealing help make this a wonderful story for teen girls. Donna Darmofal

Draper, Sharon M. Romiette and Julio. Simon & Schuster. 1999. 0-689-82180-8. $16.00. Ages 12+ The story is a modern day version of Shakespeare's tale Romeo and Juliet. Romiette and Julio meet in an Internet chat room but have no idea that they both attend the same Cincinnati high school. When they finally meet they know they are meant to be together, but the local gang, the Devildogs is set on keeping them apart. Margaret Goodlin

Duey, Kathleen. Amelia Carrett: Bayou Grand Coeur, Louisiana, 1863. AmericanDiaries. Aladdin, 1999. 137p. 0-689-82402-5. $3.99 (pbk). Ages 9-12. Here is another addition to the popular historical fiction series, American Diaries. Each story is about a different girl living in a different time period of American's past, who reveal their life secrets through the pages of their diaries. Each encounters a life altering challenge. In this story, an orphan, Amelina is used to being left all by herself while her Uncle Pierre is off trapping or fishing. And it's a Cajun custom to welcome strangers into your home. But she soon realizes that the two men who've come to her tiny wooden house are dangerous. It will take all her knowledge of the dark swamp--and all her courage--to save herself and her uncle. Candy Blessing

Elliot, Kate. The Burning Stone. DAW Books Inc., 1999. 0-88677-813-1. $24.95. Grades 9+ This is the third in a series Crown of Stars. Outcasts Liath and Sangplant shunned by their love must decide among politics, forbidden knowledge, and family. If readers enjoyed the first two they most certainly will pick up this one. Some readers felt this tale wasn't as good as the previous. Donna Darmofal

English, Karen. Francie. Farrar Straus Giroux. 0-374-32456-5. $16.00. Grades 6+ Francie lives with the hope and expectation that her father, who has a new job in Chicago, will send for his family and rescue them from life in rural Alabama. Until that time, Francie goes to school, teaches an illiterate teenage boy to read, and helps her mother who is employed as a domestic worker. Although faced with intimidation and prejudice, Francie finds the courage to help a friend in trouble, thereby putting her own family in danger. The winner of The Coretta Scott King Award, Francie portrays an intelligent and brave girl with a vision of a better life and the strength to achieve it. Rosanne Zajko

Fisher, Dorothy Canfield. Understood Betsy. Henry Holt, 1917 reissued with new illustrations in 1999. x, 229 pp. 0-8050-6073-1. $17.95. Grades 4-8. This timeless story describes the transition of a pampered protected city girl raised by a timid aunt into a self-reliant, responsible farm girl. Elizabeth Ann's own fears are reinforced by her well-meaning Aunt Frances, but when she goes to live with the Putney relatives in Vermont, she is treated differently and responds by becoming more self-assured and taking a different name. Betsy finds she prefers the hearty country life and finally realizes that her Aunt Frances is the one who needs to be protected. The author was an early follower of Maria Montessori, and while this book demonstrates the Montessori principles of guidance and self-reliance rather than instruction, it avoids didacticism and is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended for all young readers, this book takes its place with other classic stories of the personal change of orphans in new and different situations. Eleanor Howe

Fleischman, Paul. Mind's Eye. Holt, 1999. 0-8050-6314-5. $15.95. Grades 6+ This haunting, little story is written as a play for the reader's mind's eye. Sixteen-year-old Courtney is bitter. She has severed her spinal cord and will never walk again. Elva, 88, lies in an adjacent bed in a nursing home where the TV hasn't worked for years. Elva's eyesight is failing but her memories are strong. She slowly convinces the young girl to share those memories (and fantasies) by inviting her to join on a long-awaited, but imaginary trip to Italy. As Courtney reads aloud from the1910 Baedeker guide, she learns the power and liberation of imagination. Joyce Valenza

Foster, Alan Dean. Journeys of the Catechist, Book 2: Into the Thinking Kingdoms. Warner Books, 1999. 0-446-52136-1. $23.00. Grades 7+ Reading the middle book of the series has me ordering the rest. This is a book full of thought-provoking ideas, with all the requisite fantasy trimmings, but transcending them. Great vocabulary and turn of phrase, as well as issues of Honor and the meanings of friendship. Multicultural Fantasy for the Philosophical and Lovers of Cats. Get the series. Pam Kavanaugh

Francis, Dick. Second Wind. G.P.Putnam's and Sons, 1999. 0-399-1452-1. $24.95. Grades 9+ Readers who are expecting the typical horseracing story will be disappointed in Francis' latest novel. This plot was a little difficult to follow. This should be an optional purchase.Donna Darmofal

Garden, Nancy. The Year They Burned the Books. Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 1999. 0-374-38667-6. $27.95. Grades 8+ High school senior Jamie Crawford, editor of the school newspaper must contend with censorship and her own sexual identity. Realistic characters provide thought-provoking aspects of these topics. An important book that will stimulate a lot of discussion. Once started, this book is hard to put down. Donna Darmofal

Gilmore, Kate. The Exchange Student. Houghton Mifflin, 1999. 0-309-57511-7. $15.00. Grades 6-9. Daria, an apprentice biologist who helps breed endangered species not thrilled when her mother announces that they will be hosting an exchange student who is from the planet Chela. Fen, nearly 7 feet tall, and his fellow exchange students are on Earth with a secret mission – to bring back animals to Chela where the only wildlife left is insects and rodents. Fen is thrilled to be able to help with Daria's projects, but his curiosity and sometimes-hostile attitudes are disturbing. Gilmore challenges reader to think about ethics, cultural values and the environment. Jeannie Bellavance

Gilmore, Kate. Exchange Student. Houghton Mifflin Co, 1999. 0-395-57511-7. $15.00. Grades 6+ The year is 2094, an environmental crash occurred 70 years earlier and Daria is trying to help breed species that are near extinction in her home zoo. Her mother, without telling her family, decides to sponsor an exchange student, Fen, from the planet Chela. Fen is evasive when questioned by Daria about the animal life on his planet and he changes colors whenever he is around Daria's animals. As this improbable friendship develops Fen reveals the devastating tale about the destruction of the animal life on Chela. Students will find humor in Fen's rapidly changing colors as well as being drawn to Gilmore's well-crafted characters. Sandra Krieg

Gordon, Amy. When JFK Was My Father. Houghton Mifflin, 1999. 0-395-91364-0. $15.00. Grades 7-12. Georgia Hughes is stuck in a boarding school, abandoned by her mother with whom she has fled her home in Brazil after her father's affair. She's lonely, doesn't fit in, tormented by other girls. What keeps her going is her journal, in which she writes to her “father” JFK. Excellent read. Pat Naismith

Gordon, Lawrence. Haunted High (The Ghost Chronicles: Vol. 2). Karmichael Press, 1999. 0-9653966-1-4. $11.95. Grades 7+ In the past, ghosts have contacted our world either by bumping into things in the night or via psychics and clairvoyants. It should be no surprise that a ghost, determined to communicate evidence of a crime, will even use a computer to make contact with our side. Using his own haunted house experiences as research, Gordon brings back Eddie Fields (in this second book of a series) to solve several untimely deaths, with the help of the information literate ghost. Students who have been haunting the library in search of mysteries or ghost stories will enjoy this easy read Roseanne Zajko

Griffin, Adele. Dive. Hyperion Books for Children. 0-78680440-8. $14.99. Grades 7+ Ben's mother wants to leave his stepfather, but Ben, longing for a normal life, opts not to leave. His stepbrother Dustin, looking for adventure and daring to live on the edge, leaves instead and joins Ben's mother in California. Dustin is severely injured in a diving accident, and Ben, although never close with Dustin, speaks to him (and us) via interior monologue and flashback that explain both Ben's and Dustin's decisions. The monologue eventually establishes a pattern, and readers who follow Ben's thoughts will discover that Ben shows us his heart, and we are comfortable that he has chosen wisely. Rosanne Zajko

Grove, Vicki. The Starplace. Putnam, 1999. 0-399-23207-9. $17.99. Grades 6-8. It is 1961 in a small Oklahoma town when Celeste Chisholm moves to town and becomes the first black student to attend the local public school. Racism and small-mindedness are rampant, but eventually Celeste is accepted by Frannie and her friends. As Frannie and Celeste's friendship develops, Frannie's sees through Celeste's eyes how hurtful and ugly racism is. This book is an impressive blend of a serious topic with the lightness of daily life of eighth graders. Characters are well developed and likable. Lots of engaging personalities here. Rosemarie Becker

Guhrke, Laura Lee. Breathless. Sonnet Books, 1999. 0-671-02368-3. $6.50 (pbk). Adult. Librarian Lily Morgan exchanges barbs with the lawyer she despises, Daniel Walker, until a murder makes them allies. They work together to solve the mystery, and in the process discover that the passion of hate can become the passion of love. A good beach book. (Read before processing to be sure the more intimate scenes meet your selection guidelines.) Constance Roupp

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Just Ella. Simon and Schuster, 1999. 0-689-82186-7. $17.00. Grades 7-12. Ella Brown AKA Princess Cynthiana Eleanora has won the hand of Prince Charming. Now she is discovering that she may not live happily ever after. Life in court where she is being trained to be a proper lady is DULL, deceitful and imprisoning. She is no longer in control of her destiny and must make decisions to regain her independence. This is essentially a coming of age story with some great insights. Readers will enjoy Ella's wry commentary. Jeannie Bellavance

Hansen, Joyce. The Heart Calls Home. Walker, 1999. 0-8027-8636-7. $16.99. Grades 7-10. I'm in love with this book because it was a great story about family getting together. Obi is a former slave who left his girlfriend Esther and Jason, the only family he had left, to become a Union soldier. And then Obi returns to build a new family. Coretta Scott King Honor Winner. Melanie, Grade 9 Springfield High School, Mont.Co.

Hawes, Louise. Rosey in the Present Tense. Walker, 1999. 0-8027-8685-5. $15.95. Grades 8-12. Rosey Mishimi has a fatal accident and Franklin, her boyfriend, can't adjust to being without her. The months that follow her death are filled with despair. He sees a psychiatrist, he takes medication and he still can't do as his friends and family tell him to do: “get over it.” He has conversations with Rosey in his head and then Rosey begins to talk to him and appears as a ghost. Rosey doesn't feel that she can go on without helping Franklin to let go of her. The readers learn about their relationship through journal articles written by Franklin for his psychiatrist. In it, he can't think of Rosey in the past tense as the psychiatrist hopes will allow him to let go of the relationship. A touching story that will appeal to teens. Peg Kleppinger

Hawes, Louise. Rosey In the Present Tense. Walker and Company, 1999. 0-8027-8685-5. $15.98. Grades 8-10. I liked Rosey in the Present Tense. It was about a boy [Franklin] dealing with the loss of his girlfriend [Rosey]. He longs for her so much that he actually makes her appear. Only when he accepts what is can he move on. I thought it was interesting and short enough for most people's tastes. The plot was sweet, but it made me sad. I recommend this book to anyone. Ninth grade student Harlan Rowe Junior High School

Hernon, Peter. 8.4. G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1999. 0-399-14400-5. $24.95. Grades 8-Adult. 8.4 is a very suspenseful novel. It is about a new fault line named the New Madrid Fault Line and an alarming number of large earthquakes. Some of the scientists think this is all leading to a much larger quake. The scientists devise a plan to put a thermonuclear missile in an abandon mine shaft to release all the tension in the fault line. But will it Work? This is an excellent book. One problem with it is that since there are so many scientists and other characters, at times it is hard to keep the different story lines apart. Alex, 8^th grade. The Haverford School

Hewitt, Lorri. Dancer. Dutton, 1999. 0-525-459685. $15.99. Grades 6-10. Stephanie wants nothing more than to become a professional dancer, but as an African American, she doubts that there is a place for her in the world of ballet. Stephanie finds the confidence she needs to pursue her dreams when Miss Winnie, a retired African American dancer, takes an active interest in her. Conflict with her parents and within her dance group plus a sweet romance with Miss Winnie's unmotivated but talented nephew all add interest to this very appealing novel. Rosemarie Becker

Hobbs, Will. Jason's Gold. Morrow Junior Books, 1999. 0-688-15093-4. $16.00. Grades 5-10. Jason Hawthorn sets off from Seattle to the Klondike. This fifteen-year-old is trying to find his brothers and make his fortune along with thousands of others who have no idea how difficult and harsh this trek will become for him. Along the way he meets up with some interesting characters, including Jack London, a young girl named Jamie, the notorious Soapy Smith and a husky named King, that he rescued. Historic details, maps and the author's note, add to the reality of this attention grabbing adventure story. Sandra Krieg

Hobbs, Will. Jason's Gold. Morrow Junior Books, 1999. 0-688-15093-4. $15.95. Grades 7-10. This novel reminded me of Jack London stories about the gold rush and Alaska. Jason Hawthorn heads out west from New York City to seek his fortune in Alaska. Jason stows away on a ship headed to Alaska and then begins the trek up the Yukon River in search for gold. He even meets Jack London on his trip. His companion for this journey is King, a husky that he rescued. As one would expect, Jason has run-ins with bears, moose and the harsh Arctic winter. This is a great adventure story. Peg Kleppinger

Hoffman, Alice. Local Girls. G.P. Putnam's Sons. 1999. 0-399-14507-9. $22.95. Young Adult. The ups and downs and often humorous events of Gretel Samuelson growing up in a Long Island, New York neighborhood. The story is told in a series of fifteen narratives, each written around one of the pivotal moments in the lives of the Gretel, her best friend Jill, her mother Franny, and cousin Margot. An easy read, very enjoyable, interesting format. ALA Best Book for Young Adults Margaret Goodlin

Hoffman, Alice. Local Girls. G.P.Putnam's Sons, 1999. 0-399-14507-9. $22.95. Grades 9+ A collection of short stories woven around teenage Gretel, Jill, her best friend, her mother Franny and Franny's cousin Margot. The characters are compelling and endearing and the stories deal with many issues; drugs, suicide, college acceptance, loyalty and loss. Donna Darmofal

Hoffman, Alice. Local Girls. Putnam, 1999. 197 pp. 0-399-14507-9. $22.95. Grades 7-12. This survival story for and about girls follows Gretel Samuelson through her rebellious and tumultuous teens and twenties. Her father's leaving the family and marrying another women has disastrous consequences for her mother and brother, but Gretel, her cousin Margot, and her best friend Jill each find a way through cynicism and challenges to an optimism for the future. Memorable characters are supplemented by insightful views of life. Teen readers will find appeal in this story of strong but average women not only because of the topics of teen pregnancy, divorce, and drugs but also because of Hoffman's engaging writing style and the girls' antics. Highly recommended for teen readers. Eleanor Howe

Holt, Kimberly Willis. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. Henry Holt. 1999. 0-805-061-169. $16.95. Grades 5-9. It seems as if nothing ever happens in Antler, Texas. That is, until Zachary Beaver rolls into town in his trailer as paret of a traveling sideshow. Zachary is billed as the "fattest boy in the world," weighing 643 pounds. When Toby and Cal try to befriend Zachary, they are rejected by him, only to realize that Zachary is in desperate need of friendship. Other incidents, such as the death of Cal's brother in Vietnam, and the trauma Toby faces when his mother leaves Antler for a chance at stardom in Nashville, makes the reader feel a part of this town and its many interesting characters. Joanie Marstiller

Hoobler, Dorothy and Thomas. The Ghosts in the Tokaido Inn. Philomel, 1999. 0-399-23330-X. $17.99. Grades 5-7. While attempting to solve the mystery of a stolen jewel, Seikei, a merchant's son who longs to be a samurai, joins a group of Kabuki actors in 18^th century Japan. Seikei is 14 years old and he is drawn into the case because he witnessed the theft of the ruby by a ghost. He is able to demonstrate the courage of a samurai and help to solve the crime. It is kind of fun to learn about Japanese culture and the role of the samurai in historical Japan through this book. The book would make great summer reading for young students who are always intrigued about the legendary samurai Peg Kleppinger.

Horvath, Polly. The Trolls. Farrar Straus & Giroux. 0-3743-7787-1. $16.00. Grades 6-8. When mom and dad need a last minute babysitter for their trip to Paris, they have no alternative but to call Aunt Sally whom they've rarely even spoken of. During their week with their creative aunt, ten-year-old Melissa, eight-year-old Amanda, and six-year-old Frank learn about their unusual family history and increase their self-awareness. Aunt Sally's stories are humorous and insightful while her habits demonstrate a wondrous philosophy of life. Which leads the children to understand their parents and themselves. Michelle Stone

Johnson, Scott. Safe at Second. Philomel Books, 1999. 0-399-23365-2. $17.99. Grades 7+ Todd Bannister has everything: a fast ball that will be his ticket to the Major League, a beautiful girlfriend and Paulie, his best friend and number one fan. Then a line drive hits Todd in the face and damages his eye. Todd had trouble adjusting to his glass eye and everyone else's reactions to his accident. Paulie narrates his story of trying to get Todd back on the pitcher's mound. As the story unfolds the reader comes to realize Paulie's obsession with Todd's baseball career has more to do with Paulie's needs than Todd's. Will Todd ever return to the mound? Will Paulie ever get over his fear of computers and the thought of going to college? Will Paulie ever gain a sense of who he is apart from Todd? Johnson holds the reader's attention as he navigates through the rough waters of growing up. Sandra Krieg

Joyce, Graham. Dark Sister. TOR, 1999. 304p. 0-312-86632-1. $22.95. Mature Young Adult. Here is a true, “can't put it down” book. Joyce's compelling dark fantasy depicts the story of a young married couple who discover a witch's diary hidden in a fireplace in their house and enter a grand adventure into the occult. At first, Maggie, the wife unleashes friendly spirits which seem harmless. Before you know it, her use of the herbal lore evolves into an obsession until even her doubting, archeologist husband, Alex, cannot deny the mysterious spirits that have taken over their life. Due to the adult material of the couple's marital problems, this book would be most suitable for mature teens. Originally published in Britain and the winner of the British Fantasy Award for best novel in 1993. As good, if not better than Joyce's The Tooth Fairy. Candy Blessing

Karwoski, Gail Langer. Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis & Clark. Peachtree, 1999. $8.95. 1-56145-190-8. Grades 5-10. The story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, with a heavy emphasis on the part played by Captain Lewis's dog, Seaman. Some original journal entries of members of the expedition are included. This story tells mainly the positive aspects of the trip. A good tale of the arduous, but successful expedition. Maps and an author's note provide additional information. Constance Roupp

Lasky, Kathryn. Star Split. Hyperion Books. 0-78680459-9. $15.99. Grades 8+. Life in 3028 is almost perfect, if you are genetically enhanced. Thirteen year old Darci questions the true meaning of self in a world of genetically enhanced humans. When she realizes that her parents have broken the law by cloning her, and her family is sentenced to death, Darci finds the essence of being is in one's soul. Lasky raises moral and ethical questions on cloning and the true meaning of words that are sure to spark discussions and debates. The author's note suggests that we have already crossed the line with genetic engineering, and readers of this book will certainly find parrelles with life today and life in 3028. Rosanne Zajko

Lawrence, Ian. The Smugglers. Delacorte, 1999. 0-385-32663-7. $15.95. Grades 5-8. Sequel to The Wreckers, the hero, 16-year-old John Spencer gets more than he bargained for when he takes responsibility for his father's new ship, the “Dragon.” Smugglers, highwaymen, and blackguards abound in this historical adventure thriller, set in 18^th century England. Pat Naismith

Levine, Gail Carson. Dave at Night. HarperCollins, 1999. 0-06-028153-7. $15.95. Grades 5+ Set in the 1920's, Dave, a Jewish boy, whose father has died is sent to the Hebrew Home for Boys other wise know as the Hell Hole for Jewish Boys because his stepmother found herself unable to care for him. The boys are treated like prisoners and Dave has all of his meager possessions taken including his Noah's Ark hand which was hand-carved by his father. Dave begins sneaking out at night and becomes part of the life of the people involved in the Harlem Renaissance. A very clever story. Susan Krenicky

Levine, Anna. Running on Eggs. Front Street/Cricket Books, 1999. $15.95. 0-8126-2875-6. Grades 5-8 Karen is on the track team for her school in Israel. In a country where most Israelis suspect all Arabs, and vice versa, having an Arab friend can be dangerous. Karen, an Israeli, and Yasmine, an Arab, walk a dangerous line to maintain their friendship in a country shrouded in suspicion. This book explores the complexities of living in a war torn country. Constance Roupp

Levitan, Sonia, The Cure. Silver Whistle/Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-15-201827-1 $16.00. Grades 8-12. In the year 2407, 16 year-old Gemm is branded a deviant by the Elders for his urge to sing and his love of music. When he accepts "the cure," he is hurled back to 1348 Strasbourg, Germany, at the onset of the Black Death. He is now Johannes, a 16 year-old Jewish boy in a town raging with anti-Semitism. Students will love the time travel and realistic portrayal of both time periods. Joyce Valenza

Lewin, Michael Z. Cutting Loose. Henry Holt and Company. 1999. $23.95. Young Adult. The year is 1895 and Jackie, so she can play professional baseball, has decided to live her life disguised as a man. This is a rather dark tale with mature subject matter. It is the author's first attempt at writing young adult material. Margaret Goodlin

Lubar, David. Hidden Talents. Tor Books, 1999. 0-312-866646-1. $16.95. Grades 5-8. Martin Anderson manages to be kicked out of every school he's ever attended because he can't stop himself from mouthing off. Now he's at the last stop, Edgeview Alternative School. There he is befriended by five other students who,even among the other alternative learners, stand out as misfits. Observing his new friends, Martin realizes that his friends all possess some type of extrasensory power. Realistic dialogue, humor, and the boys' growing interpersonal relationships will keep your students' interest. Pair it with Stephanie Tolan's Welcome to the Ark. Sandra Krieg

McKay, Hilary. Dolphin Luck. Margaret K. McElderry, 1999. 0-689-82376-2. $16.00. Grades 4-7 The Robinsons are back in the hilarious companion novel to Dog Friday and The Amber Cat. This new adventure begins with the illness of Mrs. Robinson and the death of the family dog, Old Blanket. (Even these serious situations are handled with humor.) The doctor recommends that Mr. Robinson take Mrs. Robinson away to recuperate in a warm climate away from the cold damp English winter. Twins Ant and Perry are sent alone on a train to stay with Mad Aunt Mabel, and Sun Dance and Beany are to stay next door with Mrs. Brogan and her son. The escapades of each of these sets of children flip back and forth through the chapters. Each one is more outlandish than the next. A fun book for the Middle School student. Susan Krenicky

Marchetta,Melina. Looking for Alibrandi. Orchard Books, 1999. 0-531-33142-3. $17.99. Grades 9+ Josie, a senior, meets the father she never knew, deals with two vastly different love interests, and the pressures of being different in an elite private girls school. A wonderful story that is set in Australia,will appeals to girls who are trying to understand themselves. This book is a must!! Donna Darmofal

Marchetta, Melina. Looking for Alibrandi. Orchard Books. 1999. 0-531-33142-3. $16.95. Grades 9-12. Jose Alibrandi is a young Italian girl growing up in Sydney, Australia. She attends a Catholic school and is constantly testing the limits of the school, her mother and grandmother. She has been harassed throughout her life because her mother never married her father. She feels isolated because of this and because of the discrimination she and her friends feel because they are “Europeans” and “Wogs” (negative term for Italians) from the other Australian students. As her senior year continues, she learns the truth about her birth, her grandparents lives and her mother's isolation. She tests her limits and finally grows to understand herself and those around her. Coming of age story from a different country. High school students will see some of their actions in this story about family and cultural differences. Peg Kleppinger

Marsden, John. Darkness Be My Friend. Houghton Mifflin, 1999. 0-395-92274-7. $15.00. Grades 7-12. Latest, and darkest, addition to the series about Australian teenage guerillas, started in Tomorrow, When the War Began . Ellie and her four remaining friends return to Australian to guide a group of New Zealand commandos, with disastrous results. The characters continue to grow and amaze. Pat Naismith

Matson, Nancy. The Boy Trap. Front Street /Cricket Books, 1999. 0-8126-2663-X. $14.95. Grades 4-8. Are girls better / smarter than boys? Emma is sure they are, based on her experience, and tries to prove it in a science fair experiment that divides the school when two boys in her 5th grade class set out to prove that the reverse is true. A great ending. My sixth grade daughter loved it, and my 9th grade son insisted on being told how it came out. Pam Kavanaugh

Matz, Marc. Nocturne for a Dangerous Man. A Tom Doherty Associates Book. 1999. 0-312-86935-5 $25.95. Adult. A futuristic science fiction thriller. The hero, Gavilan Robie, is an amazing clever character in the high-tech, high-stakes world of the 21^st century. His mission is to recover the kidnapped Siv Matthiessen. A very intricate plot, which demands careful reading but will be, enjoyed by science fiction fans. Margaret Goodlin

Mazer, Norma Fox. Good Night, Maman. Harcourt Brace & Company. 1999. 0-15-201468-3. $16.00. Ages 9-12 Based on historical fact, this is a story of survival, of a brother and sister's escape from German occupied Paris, France; to Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York, the only refugee camp in America during World War II. Teens who enjoyed Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl will want to read this story which has a happy ending. Margaret Goodlin

Mazer, Norma Fox. Good Night, Maman. Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-15-201468-3. $16.00. Grades 6-10. Paris is a dangerous place for Jews in 1940. Karin, a twelve-year old Jewish girl hides from the Nazis with her mother (Maman), and 14 year old brother Mark, in an attic room for over a year, when they are suddenly told to leave. The family walks by night through the French countryside until Maman falls ill and Karin and Marc must continue on. The children make their way to Naples with the help of an Italian girl. In Italy they are fortunate to board a refugee ship to the United States. Once in the United States, the children are taken to the Fort Ontario refugee camp in Oswego, New York, where Karin tries to hold onto childhood memories while learning a new culture. Mazer's story is drawn from the experiences of the nearly one thousand residents of the Fort Ontario camp-"the only group of refugees brought to America by the government during World War II." Michelle Stone

Mead, Alice. Soldier Mom. Farrar Straus Giroux, 1999. 151 pp. 0-374-34124-5 $16.00. Grades 5-9. Jasmyn's world begins to unfold when her single mother is called for duty in Kuwait at the beginning of the Persian Gulf war. Two days later she leaves and Jake, her mother's boyfriend, comes to care for Jas and her 10-month-old brother (his son) while their mother is gone. Jas and Jake each make mistakes but grow by taking on new responsibilities, being honest, and making compromises. The story is a heart-warming testimonial to strength of each of the relationships in families (parent-parent, parent-child, child-child) and the need of children for consistent parenting. Highly recommended for all young readers. Eleanor Howe

Meyer, Carolyn. Mary, Bloody Mary. Harcourt/Gulliver, 1999. 0-15-201906-5. $16.00. Grades 7-10. A wonderful new perspective on the life of Henry's other daughter! I got completely drawn into the political goings-on in the Tudor court through the eyes of young Mary I. Joyce Valenza

This book really makes you more sympathetic to the English Queen who has such a bad reputation. If you are interested in Queen Mary I's childhood, or the Renaissance, you would enjoy this book, which shows history and a great story. Although not 100% accurate, this book gives a sense for what being a daughter of King Henry VIII was really like. Kati, Grade 9 Springfield High School, Mont.Co.

I liked it because it gave the underdog version. It made me want to read more about Elizabeth and Anne and Henry. Melanie, Grade 9 Springfield High School, Mont.Co.

Mills, Claudia. You're a Brave Man, Julius Zimmerman. Farrar, 1999. 0-37438708-7. $16.00. Grades 4-7. This growing up story is a quick read written with a light touch. Julius Zimmerman's plans for a relaxed seventh grade summer evaporate when his mother enrolls him in a French course and finds him a job babysitting a challenging three-year-old. Julius' weekly list of goals helps him to stay focused on his priorities, which change as the summer progresses. Many middle schoolers will be able to relate to Julius' self doubt and awkwardness; they will giggle in delight at the humorous and sometimes embarrassing situations he finds himself in. A fine choice for pleasure reading. Rosemarie Becker

Modesitt, L.E. Jr. Colors of Chaos. Tom Doherty Associates Book, 1999. 0-812-57093-6. $7.99 . Grades 9+ Newest addition to this author's popular fantasy series. Students who have read other novels in this series will enjoy this one. Too bad there is really nothing new or different in this latest one. Donna Darmofal

Morris, Gerald. The Squire, His Knight & His Lady. Houghton Mifflin, 1999. 0-395-91211-3. $15.00. Grades 7-10. A retelling of the tale of Gawain and the Green Knight, and other stories focusing on Gawain. King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot and the Round Table also appear in the stories, but the focus is on Gawain, his squire, Terence, and Terence's romantic interest, the Lady Eileen. Both Terence and Eileen are from the author's own imagination. Eileen is an interesting character: a strong female, while Guinevere is made to look silly, only concerned with her looks and her image. Lancelot is also narcisistic while Arthur is treated kindly. A different slant on the Knights of the Round Table using one of the minor characters, Gawain, who must learn a valuable lesson from his encounters with the Green Knight. The author presents the medieval tales in modern language with modern humor. A good read for Knights and Chivalry lovers. Pat Bender

Murphy, Pat. There and Back Again. Tor Books, 1999. 0-2-86644-5. $4.95. Grade 8-Adult. When my school librarian recommended There and Back Again, she mentioned that Pat Murphy had loosely based this novel on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. I had read Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series, and had enjoyed them, so I decided to read it. Although throughout the book it makes references to Tolkien's characters and adventures, Murphy has created something new and exciting. The novel takes place far in the future. In this future universe, man has invented the Hoshi Drive, which allows spacecraft to travel at about 99% of lightspeed. The main character, Bailey is a nirbit, a race of small non-space faring humans (Hobbit anyone?) who is taken on an adventure by a group of clones. He travels with them to find the ultimate map for all the wormholes in the galaxy. Wormholes take you anywhere in the universe, but they are one-way and you can't tell where they go, so it is hard to map them. All in all, this novel captivated me, I finished it in a week. Perhaps it is my love for science fiction or fantasy, but I would say it is due partly to Murphy's excellent writing. I do not want to give away anything because the book is filled with action from start to finish so I will stop now. Good Luck with those giant spiders. Charlie, 8^th grade. The Haverford School

Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. HarperCollins, 1999. 0-6-028077-8. $15.95. Grades 7+ Monster is the story of Steve Harmon, an aspiring black student filmmaker, who is a defendant in a murder case. Steve says he feels like he's in “a strange movie” and decides to keeps a journal of his experience. He records his entries as if they are a screenplay. Myers uses different fonts and spacing to move the reader back and forth from Steve's thoughts and the trial. These shifting fonts appear to allow Steve to maintain an emotional distance from his actions. This is an emotional story of the dehumanizing process of being in prison awaiting trial. It depicts the changing relationship with his dad. Monster is a thought provoking tale about a timely topic, teenagers committing murder. Myers manipulation of the type-face allows his characters to speak for themselves and gives the story an interactive feeling. Sandra Krieg

Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. HarperCollins, 1999. 0-06-02-80778. $15.89. Grades 6-10. Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon, who has been arrested and charged with murder, writes a screenplay of the ordeal as he experiences it—and sometimes merely observes it. Courtroom and gritty jailhouse events alternate with flashbacks of the neighborhood. The unusual structure is enhanced by the powerful illustrations of Christopher Myers. Thoughtful, compelling, suspenseful and troubling, this unusual novel raises serious societal questions. Joyce Valenza

Napoli, Donna Jo and Richard Tchen. Spinners. Dutton's Children's Books, 1999. 0-525-46065-9. $15.99. Grades 8+. Love, magic, and greed are woven into this clever retelling of the popular Rumplestiltskin fairy tale. A young tailor cripples himself spinning straw into gold to win his love, but is rejected when she marries the miller. She dies giving birth to Saskia, who believes the miller is her true father. Only the tailor turned spinner knows the truth. The drunken miller brags of his daughter's extraordinary spinning, even turning straw into gold. The king demands her to spin the gold, and the mysterious spinner comes to her rescue, but there is a price. The tale unfolds beautifully as the true victim and the spinner's identity are revealed. Leslie Mastronardo

Nolan, Han. A Face in Every Window. Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-15-201915-4. $16.00. Grades 7+ National Book Award winner Han Nolan has created another novel which will keep you engrossed from beginning to end. It is a story of an unusual family, mam, pap (who is mentally retarded) and their gifted son PJ. Mam wins a farmhouse in an essay contest. Her comment that she would like to come to find "a face in every window" is what made her the winner. To meet that dream, she invites the neighborhood misfits to become a part of her family. How PJ copes with this new "family", as well as his mother's strange behavior, makes for a very compelling story. Joanie Marstiller

Nolan, Han. A Face in Every Window. Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-15-201915-4. $16.00. Grades 9+ When Grandmother Mary dies, JP must contend with his ill mother and mentally challenged father. After his Mam wins a home , they move to a new area and become a safe haven for a group of misfits. JP, after constantly wishing for a normal family life begins to truly appreciate his loving although at time misguided parents. A hard to put down book, students will surely find a character to relate to in this great book. Donna Darmofal

Pannebaker, Ruth. Conditions of Love. Henry Holt, 1999. 0-8050-6104-5. $16.95. Grades 7+. Sarah Morgan's young teenage life is full of dramatic issues. Her story opens one year after her father's death. Sarah and her best friend Ellie are on the bottom of the social ladder at their ritzy suburban high school. Still grieving for her loving father, Sarah tires of the drama of Ellie's dysfunctional family and her friend's sad and serious demeanor. Longing for some fun in her life, she begins to date her crush, Ben, and makes new friends. At the same time, she discovers a friendship with her mother and a clearer understanding of her less than perfect father. Readers will find humor, sadness and reality in Sarah's inner most thoughts on dating, relationships, sex, and love. Leslie Mastronardo

Parker, Robert B. Family Honor. G.P. Putnam, 1999. 0-399-14566-4. $16.07. Mature YAs only. Family Honor is a story of a man who is running for political office and has been bought by the mafia. The mafia has taken complete control of the man's life even to the point of controlling sexual activity between him and his wife. This has led to psychological damage for their daughter. A female cop is a strong main character in this story. Parker provides a fast-paced read that holds the readers attention from beginning to end. The conclusion is believable and satisfying, leading the reader to believe they will work out their differences. Karen Hornberger,

Patrick, Denise Lewis. The Longest Ride. Holt, 1999. 0-8050-4715-8. $15.96. Grades 5+ This sequel to The Adventures of Midnight Son continues the story of Midnight Son a teenage runaway slave who is now working as a cowboy in Colorado. Midnight Son wants to return to his home to be reunited with his family now that the slaves have been freed. On his way home he is lost in a blizzard and is found by Arapaho Indians. He meets another former slave who married an Arapaho Indian named Big Running Fox. He becomes friends with their daughter and when the former slave, Winter Mary, and Big Running Fox are killed, Midnight Son agrees to take the daughter and son to see their own mother's relatives, also former slaves. There is a lot of good historical information as well as information on Native American Indians and slaves. Susan Krenicky

Pearson, Gayle. Don't Call It Paradise. Atheneum. 0-689-82579-X. $15.00. Grades 7+ The McBeans seem like the perfect family to Maddie, who is sad to lose her friend,, Beanie when Beanie's family moves to California. When Maddie goes to California to visit Beanie, she finds out that they are not as perfect as she thought. When Beanie has a serious accident, Beanie's parents blame Maddie, even though it is not her fault. Maddie realizes that maybe Beanie isn't the kind of friend she needs. Chris Work, Ancillae Assumpta Academy

Peck, Richard. Amanda Miranda. Dial Books, 1999. 0-8037-2489-6. $16.99. Grades 8-12. This novel was originally released as an adult book in 1980. It is now abridged and re-released as a young adult novel. Amanda Miranda is an interesting story set at the beginning of the 20^th century. Amanda is a spoiled, wealthy young woman who is used to having everything she desires. Miranda is a young, poor girl who is hired to be a maid at Amanda's mansion. Miranda bears a striking resemblance to Amanda and she is quickly trapped in a scheme by wicked Amanda. Amanda and Miranda are sailing on the Titanic to the United States so Amanda may marry an American, Gregory Forrest. From here the story twists and turns and Miranda finds herself impersonating Amanda after the sinking of the ship. This is a great summer beach read for all romantics. Peg Kleppinger

Peck, Richard. Don't Look and It Won't Hurt. Henry Holt, 1972. 153 pp. 0-8050-6316-1. $16.95. Grades 9-12. This first novel by Richard Peck, reissued in 1999, focuses on the timeless issues of teen pregnancy and the innocent girl falling for the wrong boy who loves her and leaves and her fantasies that he will return and love and protect her. It is also set in the 1970's issues of marijuana, draft dodging the Vietnam War, and the effects of single-parenting and poverty on children. The teenage characters and their families provide a contrast between the lives of those in the middle class and those of a single mother and her three daughters, a family of good intentions but limited means. The story is told through the eyes of middle daughter Carol Patterson who sneaks away to visit her pregnant older sister in Chicago while her younger sister Liz adopts a wounded stray cat. Although the endings of both strands are unresolved, Carol's actions make a daring and caring statement about the importance of family ties. Peck writes convincingly from a feminine perspective. Eleanor Howe

Pohl, Peter and Kinna Gieth. I Miss You, I Miss You! R & S Books, 1999. 9-129-63935-2. $17.00 Young Adult. The novel is a blend of fact and fiction, it is based on the life of Kinna Gieth who lost her twin sister Jenny at an early age. Cilla and Tina are identical twins and best friends when Cilla is struck and killed by a car. The book chronicles the year after Cilla's death and how Tina struggles and finally comes to terms with it. Be sure to have a tissue handly when reading this book. Margaret Goodlin

Porter, Connie. Imani All Mine. Houghton Mifflin, 1999. 0-395-83808-8. $23.00. Grades 9-12. The voice of this novel is that of a fifteen-year-old African American girl whose life has changed dramatically with the birth of her daughter, Imani. Tasha's love for Imani rises above the mundane tasks of changing dirty diapers, going to school and trying to survive in a crime-filled neighborhood. Although there have been many books on this subject, this one stands out. While the language is colloquial, the story and writing turn the improper English into sheer poetry. This story will make you cry. A worthwhile addition to your high school multicultural fiction collection. For mature readers only due to graphic sex scenes. Pat Bender

Preston, Douglas and Lincoln Child. Thunderhead. Warner, 1999. 0446-52337-2. $18.17. Grades 7 up. "One of the best books I've read all year!" states Jayne, an avid reader at Palisades High School. Thunderhead is a novel with numerous twists and turns and is highly unpredictable. "It is the best book by these authors, but you will regret reading the ending early." warns Leigh, a PHS staff member who also loved this novel. The story revolves around a young female archaeologist whose father disappeared when she was a child. She begins a quest to find her father and a city that he tells her about in a letter. The tale flies by engrossing the reader full force into this novel! This book is highly recommended to all individuals - you do not need to have an interest in archaeology to enjoy this book, the authors will create the interest for you. Karen Hornberger,

Randle, Kristen D. Breaking Rank. Morrow Junior Book, 1999. 0-688-16243 –6. $16.00. Grades 7+ Baby, a member of the Clan (a non traditional gang) is paired with Casey, an honors student to help him catch up in a gifted program. A modern day Romeo and Juliet story with a new twist will leave readers with a lot to think about. Can be compared to The Outsiders or West Side Story. A definite must for high schools. Donna Darmofal

Read in to Millennium. Millbrook, 1999. 160p. 0-7613-0962-4. $22.40. Grades 6-9 A mixed bag of ten historical and contemporary stories, pondering different accounts of the future. The better selections are written as short stories, such as Robert Lipsyte's “Future Tense.” Others, like H.G. Wells' The Time Machine, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and Lois Lowry's The Giver novel adaptations are not treated as well. However, the adaptations might light a spark of interest to read the complete work. Candy Blessing

Read Magazine. Read into the Millennium : Tales of the Future. Millbrook, 1999. 0-7613-0962-4. $22.40. Grades 6 + A collection of science-fiction short stories from the editors of Read Magazine in honor of their fiftieth year of publishing. The theme is “What is the future and how will it change us?” Some of the stories are old and some are modern but they all address the theme from the perspective of the time in which they were written. Some of the stories are adaptations from longer pieces. Includes stories by Mary Shelley, Robert Lipsyte, Isaac Asimov, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., and Lois Lowry. Susan Krenicky

Reynolds, Marilyn. If You Loved Me. Morning Glory Press, 1999. 1-885356-54-4. $15.95. Grades 10+ "Dear Journal! I promise not to do anything to mess my life up. No DRUGS! No SEX! STAY A VIRGIN UNTIL MARRIAGE." These are the promises that 17 year old Lauren Bailey, who was born addicted to drugs, made to herself when she was 13. Now she's in love and becoming sexually active, and all of these promises are being put to the test. Joanie Marstiller

Rinaldi, Ann. The Coffin Quilt. Gulliver Books. 1999. 015202015-2 $16.00. Grades 8-12. Ann Rinaldi has written another historical fiction that will capture the minds of young adults. This novel is about the Hatfields and McCoys and their famous feud. In 1880 Johnse Hatfield of West Virginia runs off with Roseanna McCoy of Kentucky. Both families harboring old hatreds continue to kill each other. Roseanna works on the “Coffin Quilt” while the feud escalates. The Coffin Quilt is a family genealogy with coffins stitched along the edge and then moved into the center graveyard with death dates added. Rinaldi suggests that this warring was brought on by families being on opposite sides during the Civil War, the theft of the McCoy pigs and refusal of Devil Anse to allow Johnse to marry a pregnant Roseanna. The story is told by Fanny, Roseanna's younger sister. There is violence, revenge, honor, love and justice in this interesting novel. This faced-paced story will appeal to young adults. Peg Kleppinger

Rosen, Sybil. Speed of Light. Atheneum, 1999. 169p. 0-689-82437-8. $16.00. Grades 4-9 A novel about racism set in the 1950s which parallels anti-Semitism and discrimination against African Americans. The story is told by Audrey, a Jewish girl whose father, a city councilman, is advocating that a Black friend be appointed as a police officer. This decision causes a wave of anti-Semitism in the town. A live-in cousin, Tante, is painfully reminded of her experiences in the Holocaust. Audrey and Tante, build a relationship through the ordeal. The theme of astronomy, Audrey's passion, is also interwoven throughout the story. A student reader commented, “The book reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird. It had a good explanation of the concepts of the Holocaust. I see it as the story of Audrey's lost innocence as she realized that everyone is affected by racism. It's excellent!” Candy Blessing

Rottman, S. L. Head Above Water. Peachtree, 1999. 196 p. 1-56145-185-1. $14.95. Grades 9+ Skye, a high school junior is feeling overwhelmed by her busy life. She is trying to maintain straight-A grades, to qualify for the State swimming meet, and meanwhile has to be one of the main caretakers at home. Single mom is working two jobs, and Skye must care for her older brother Sunny, who has Downs syndrome. Add to this a new romance with the most popular boy is school who is demanding more and more attention from her. She starts cutting corners, and telling lies to spend more time with her boyfriend. He pressures her about a physical relationship which ends up as a near rape. Skye gains maturity and learns to think for herself through her ordeal. A very realistic picture of teen experiences today that kids will appreciate. The third novel by a young teacher in her 20s that can obviously identify with teen life. Hero (1998) and Rough Waters (1999) were on YALSA Best lists. Candy Blessing

Saramago, Jose, translated by Margaret Jull Costa and illustrated by Peter Sis. The Tale of the Unknown Island. Harcourt, Brace, 1999. 0-151-00595-8. $16.00. Grades 6+ It's amazing how much romance, symbolism, and tongue-in-cheek humor can be packed into 64 pages. The king only waits at the door for favors (favors for the king), but a man at the door for petitions demands to be heard, setting in motion an amazing chain of events. Small, but entrancing. Pat Naismith

Second Sight: Stories for the New Millennium. Philomel Books. 0-399-23458-6 $14.99. Grades 7-10. Young adult short stories by Madeline L'Engle, Richard Peck, Avi, Natalie Babbitt, Janet Taylor Lisle, Rita Williams-Garcia, Nancy Springer and Michael Cadnum. The best stories are by Peck, Avi and L'Engle. Each is set at the time of the milennium—Avi's is set in 1000 and deals with a young slave boy and his relationship with a priest and the belief that the world is going to end in 1000. Peck's is a humorous tale about a woman who is 101 and has lived in three centuries. She tells a television crew about various events by reading about them and tricks them all. She has a grand time with her spoof. L'Engle's is about a college boy at a radio station playing music and getting in touch with people on New Year's while his father is in the hospital with a potential heart attack. He speaks of his love for his parents so they can hear. Several of the stories are very entertaining and worthwhile reading. Peg Kleppinger

Sheldon, Dyan. Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. Candlewick Press. 1999. 076360822X. $16.99. Grades 8+ Mary Elizabeth Cep, called the “Drama Queen” by her mother, is determined to enlighten the student body at her new but hopelessly backward high school in suburban New Jersey. Calling herself Lola, this transplanted New York City teenager with a talent for embellishing the truth quickly commands center stage. She enjoys the limelight and is loathe to share it with Carla Santini, the queen bee in the school's most popular clique. Carla and Lola engage in a game of teenage one-upsmanship that culminates with Lola attempting to crash a Manhattan party attended by Carla. Sheldon has created a fascinating and funny portrait of a teenager trying to be accepted without sacrificing her identity, and readers will want to give Lola an Oscar for her feisty performance. Rosanne Zajko

Sherman , Josepha and Susan Shwartz. Star Trek: Vulcan's Heart. Pocket Books, 1999. 0-671-01544-3. $23.00. Grades 9-12. This is a very good book that deals with two topics that are not discussed a great deal in Star Trek. The first is Pon Farr, the period of a Vulcan's life that occurs every seven years after maturity is reached. Pon Farr is when a Vulcan will revert to a state of emotions and violence. The second issue is about the relationship between Romulans and Vulcans. It is commonly known [among Treckies] that they are cousins, but this book shows just how close their blood bonds really are. Ninth grade student,Harlan Rowe Junior High School

Shusterman, Neal. Downsiders. Simon & Schuster, 1999. 0-689-80375-3. $16.95. Grades 5+. Social satire, humor and fantasy are deftly mixed in the tale of a secret culture living under the streets of New York, the Downside. Worlds collide when Talon, a teenage Downsider, makes the journey to the Topside in search of medicine for his sick sister. There he meets Lindsay. As the relationship blooms, the future of the Downside is threatened. Joyce Valenza

Skinner, David. Thundershine: Tales of Metakids. Simon & Schuster, 1999. 0-689-80556-X. $15.00 Grades 5–9. Kids who can bop instantaneously to other locations, change the shape of reality with their hand-drawn maps, share the consciousness of the planet Pluto populate a book about the ins and outs of being a middle-schooler. These powers are only the background for stories about kids who are still just kids. The kids who read it loved it, and it could provide a springboard for some unusual writing assignments. Pam Kavanaugh

Skurzynski, Gloria. Spider's Voice. Atheneum, 1999. 0-689-82149-2. $16.95. Grades 8+ Abelard and the beautiful Heloise are the most famous lovers in medieval Europe. He is a charismatic, yet selfish and insensitive scholar. She is his student, and the most educated woman in all of France. Aran, a tongue-tied boy they call “Spider,” flees a cruel childhood to become their faithful servant. His silence is perfect for keeping their passionate love affair a secret in order for Abelard to maintain his status in the academic world. Eventually, the two are caught and must suffer the wrath of her uncle, who forces them to marry. The two separate and keep their marriage a secret, infuriating her uncle. Abelard, Heloise and Spider go their own way, but maintain a complex relationship. Told through the eyes of the silent but observant Spider, this story is full of drama, love, and devotion with wonderful descriptions of life in 12th century France. Leslie Mastronardo

Sleator, William. Rewind. Dutton, 1999. 0-525-46130-2. $15.99. Grades 6-8. After Peter is struck and killed in a car accident, he gets a chance to go back in time and change the events leading up to his death. If he cannot change how he deals with his parents and classmates, he will die again, and for keeps. A gripping plot that will fascinate and chill middle schoolers. Rosemarie Becker

Sleator,William. Rewind. Dutton Books. 0-5254-6130-2. $15.99. Grades 5-8. What would you do if you had the opportunity to come back to life and make the changes necessary to avoid an early death? Peter, an 11-year-old is given four opportunities to make the modifications he thinks may do the trick. First, it seems easy, just disable the car that hit him. Next try, he simply won't get upset and run into the street. On his third try, Peter decides to please his cold insensitive parents by being who they want him to be, instead of himself. Finally, Peter looks outside himself to become a more thoughtful, caring and considerate person. Michelle Stone

Sleator, William. Rewind. Dutton, 1999. 118 pp. 0-525-46130-2. $15.99. Peter is instantly killed by an automobile when he runs into the street after being upset by his parents, but he is offered three chances to effect a different outcome by going back in his life and making changes. He fails at the first two attempts and is twice again hit by a car, but he finally realizes that he must change himself in order to change his fate. The book raises the perennial issues of personal identity, parental acceptance of adopted children, the "what if" questions of fate, and the determination of teens to follow their own preferences rather than those of their parents. Sleator's enjoyable style quickly draws the reader into Peter's challenge and avoids morbidity. Through Peter's art project Peck reveals the secret of achieving suspension of disbelief in presenting fantasy or science fiction. This enjoyable page-turner is highly recommended for all teens. Eleanor Howe

Smith, Roland. The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe. Harcourt Brace & Company, 1999. 0-15-201989-8. $17.00. Grades 6-12. Winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Children's Book Award for 1999. A grittier retelling of the Lewis and Clark Expedition than Karwoski's Seaman. Captain Lewis's dog, Seaman, narrates the story. Each chapter begins with an entry from the journal of Meriwether Lewis. An exciting story of the unexplored western wilderness. Constance Roupp

Stanley, Diane. A Time Apart. Morrow Junior Books. 1999. 0-688-16997-X. $16.00 Grades 7+ Can a teenager accustomed to life in the twentieth century adapt to life in the Iron Age? This is the situation facing 13 year old Ginny Dorris when she is sent to England to visit with her father while her mother stays in home in Texas to battle cancer. Hugh, Ginny's father, is an anthropology professor who is a member of a “living archaeology” Iron Age village. The title refers not only to the distance in time, but quite possibly describes Ginny's relationship with a father she sees infrequently and the mother she loves. Although Ginny worries about her mother, she comes to value the bonds of community among the members of the village and forges a closer relationship with her father. The detailed descriptions of life in the Iron Age are fascinating, and at times they overshadow Dorrie's predicament, but they bring forth Dorie's inner strengths as she adapts to her difficult circumstances. Rosanne Zajko

Stine, R.L. Nightmare Hour. HarperCollins Pub., 1999. 0-060-28688-. $9.95. Grades 4-6. This collection of ten short stories was not especially frightening, but clever. Most of the stories could have had elements added to make them more chilling, such as more gruesome details. Also I expected the fates of the characters to be clearer, but most of the stories ended with the characters in a deadly situation, not yet dead. However, I did think the collection was well written and very clever. The plots were interesting and the character's personalities and predicaments were imaginative. Caroline, Age12, Scranton Prep

Sword and Sorcercers XVI. Marion Zimmer Bradley, editor. Daw Books, 1999. 0-88677-843-3. $6.99. High School. This book is a compilation of twenty-six short stories selected by Marion Zimmer Bradley. The stories all have heroines who are women picking up the challenges often considered to be the roles of men. Ms. Bradley points out that the stories have followed trends in women's roles in society. In the beginning volumes there were stories about women proving they could do “men's work.” Then the stories tended to look at women coping with things they weren't at all sure they could do. This year women are persevering against all odds, coping with disasters and surviving. The stories vary in length and have interesting story lines. One I read had a creature called a “Kappa” who was a creature that had a fish bowl on its head that had to be filled with water in order for it to survive. The girl in the story ends up helping the Kappa and receiving critically needed assistance.The Frog Prince, another short story, tells the story of why the Prince became a frog. Each story has a statement from Marion Zimmer Bradley on why she selected the story. This book is a great summer read. Peg Kleppinger

Tashjian, Janet. Multiple Choice. Henry Holt and Company. 0-8050-6086-3. $16.95. Grades 7+ This book grabbed my interest right away. It is the story of an obsessive-compulsive teenage girl who loses her friends because of her problem. However, she does work her way through her problems. I couldn't put this book down. Maurin, Ancillae Assumpta Academy

Tashjian, Janet. Multiple Choice. Henry Holt, 1999. 185 pp. 0-8050-6086-3. $16.95. Grades 10-12. From the first page, Monica and the reader both know that she has a problem: obsessive compulsive disorder. The use of first person narrative takes the reader inside Monica's mind to reveal how the person with OCD thinks: she worries about past and future, follows rules strictly, wants to be perfect, is afraid to make decisions, and feels stress and fear. She is also unhappy with herself and her life and wants to change. To put a little spontaneity in her life, she develops a game of "multiple choice. " Monica becomes a slave to the "game" and things go very wrong when she follows the rules and carries out some peculiar options that she realizes are not wise. After near-disaster, Monica begins the road to recovery and emerges from her affliction. The topic is a relevant one for teens since OCD affects teenage girls and many teens are self-absorbed and self-conscious. The reader may also enjoy Monica's mental word games and the author's symbolism. For mature teen readers who can understand but not copy Monica's behavior. Eleanor Howe

Thompson, Kate. Midnight's Choice. Hyperion, 1999. 0-7868-0381-9. $15.99. Grades 6-10. Tess is a “switcher,” she can change from human form at will. But when she must decide whether to follow her friend Kevin into the too-perfect life of a phoenix, or succumb to the exhilarating, but frightening life of a vampire like Martin, the struggle between good and evil begins to tear her apart. Pat Naismith

Tomey, Ingrid. Nobody Else Has to Know. Delacorte, 1999. 0-385-32624-6. $15.95. Grades 8-12. Webber and his grandfather are involved in a car accident where a young girl is severely injured. Webber can't remember the accident at first and his grandfather tells him that he was driving the car. As Webber heals from the accident, he realizes that his grandfather was not driving, he was. He is haunted by the guilt that his grandfather is taking the blame for the accident but the grandfather insists that he was to blame. Webber is distraught and upset by the guilt he feels for the accident, yet he doesn't tell the truth about the real cause immediately. As the guilt overwhelms him, the reader can ponder the consequences of his actions. This book will interest teens because of the issues it raises about driving and responsibility. Peg Kleppinger

Vande Velde, Vivian. Never Trust a Dead Man. Harcourt Brace , 1999. 0152018999. $17.00. Grades 7+ Poor Selwyn! He and Farold were rivals for Anora's affections, and now Farold has been murdered and Selwyn has been unjustly accused of the murder. With the help of the witch Elswyth, Farold is recalled to life (albeit in the bodies of a bat, a bird and a dog) to help a disguised Selwyn discover the true identity of the murderer. This humorous and well written medieval fantasy/murder mystery will weave its own spell of enchantment on readers as they join Selwyn and Farold in determining whodunit. Rosanne Zajko

Vande Velde, Vivian. Never Trust a Dead Man. Harcourt, 1999. 0-15-201899-9. $17.00. Grades 6-9. Selwyn, 17, is wrongly accused of his rival Farold's murder. The punishment is internment in a burial cave alongside the decaying corpse. The witch, Elswyth, enters the chamber and brings Farold back to life so he may help Selwyn find the true murderer. Mistakenly, Farold comes back in the body of a bat. Elyswith eventually disguises Selwyn as the local tavern girl. The two form an unusual alliance as they return to their village to find many suspects who would want Farold dead. Vande Velde creates a witty and suspenseful medieval murder mystery with a bit of the supernatural. Leslie Mastronardo

Van Velde, Vivian. Never Trust a Dead Man. Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-152-01899-9. $17.00. Grades 7-12. No vampires this time, but a story every bit as good. Selwyn is accused of Farold's murder and sealed in a cave with the body as punishment. A witch, with a great sense of humor, reanimates Farold as a succession of creatures to help find the true murder. Part mystery, part fantasy, part historical, part comedy – and a wonderful blend of all! What fun! Pat Naismith

Vande Velde, Vivian. There's a Dead Person Following My Sister Around. Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-15-202100-0. $16.00. Grades 4-7. The house has been in the family for years. It is not run down nor is it isolated on top of a hill. Why then is Ted's little sister, Vicki, being visited by ghosts? . Both his hard working parents and “too cool” older brother put off Vicki's fears. Ted must solve the mystery, which includes research into the Underground Railroad and his family's past. There is a twist in the end. As in A Coming Evil Vande Velde uses history, mystery and a ghost story in an entertaining yet instructive manor. Jeannie Bellavance

Velde, Vivian Vande. There's a Dead Person Following My Sister Around. Harcourt Brace, 1999. 0-15-202100-0. $16.00. Grades 6-9. This is a ghost story focusing on the underground railroad and runaway slaves. The young narrator is certain that his house can't be haunted because it has been in his family for generations. His younger sister, Vicki, has an imaginary friend, Marella, who seems to have someone chasing her. As Ted tries to figure out what is going on, he has run-ins with the “bad lady” and Marella and unravels the story of the runaway slave and her daughter. There are some chilling moments in this tale and it will certainly keep middle school students reading. Peg Kleppinger

Watts, Peter. Starfish. Tor Books, 1999. 0-3128-6855-3. $17.96. Grades 8+ In his debut novel, Peter Watts offers a work that is as much psychological fiction as it is science fiction. A group of individuals are sent to the deep sea to help run an energy station at a rift in the ocean floor and collect data for a company called the Grid Authority. The ocean floor, unfortunately, is an undesirable place for people to inhabit. Psychologists suggest using individuals who are emotionally damaged due to the fact that they have become addicted to trauma. The crew is physically altered and trained through dreams to accomplish their task. In the sea, they encounter monsters of gigantic size, yet learn that the monsters they should really fear are the "drybacks" back home. This suspenseful novel will captivate the reader from start to finish. As in most science fiction novels, the prospect of fiction becoming fact is truly frightening. Karen Hornberger

Whitemore, Arvella. Trapped Between the Lash and the Gun. Dial, 1999. 0-8037-2384-9. $16.99. Grades 5-8. Jordan has little interest in the suffering of his ancestors. While stealing money to impress his street gang, the Cobras, he steals his grandfather's pocket watch, and is transported back in time to the days of slavery. Working as slave on the plantation with his young ancestor, Uriah, he comes to a new appreciation of his heritage. Students will appreciate this exciting and believable time travel story. Joyce Valenza

Williams, Laura E. The Ghost Stallion. Henry Holt and Company, 1999. 0-8050-6193-2. $15.95. Grades 7-12. This book is quite good, though a bit short. It deals with a girl finding out about her heritage and where she belongs in life. The book's title comes from the wild stallion that Mary Elizabeth most admires, and wishes she could follow, to be wild and free. Ninth grade student, Harlan Rowe Junior High School

Wittlinger, Ellen. Hard Love. Simon and Schuster, 1999. 0-689-82134-4. $16.95. Grades 9+ Sixteen year old John ,a product of a dysfunctional family, writes articles in a “zine” and meets Marisol a “Puerto Rican Cuban Yankee Lesbian.” He falls in love with her and learns how hard love can be. Both boys and girls can relate to his feelings of unrequited love. This book is both funny and compelling at times. Donna Darmofal

Wood, June Rae. About Face. Putnam, 1999. 0-399-234195-5. $19.99. Grades 6-9. Take one shy town girl who lives with her grandparents and is embarrassed by the large birthmark on her face. Add an outgoing carnival girl who lives in a trailer and is eager to make a friend. Mix them together, and you have the start of a heartwarming story of two girls who each long for a different life. Additional ingredients: Personal losses and hardships, prejudices on both sides, introspective monologues and fast-paced dialogue, and an engaging plot. Result: A book too good to miss! Rosemarie Becker

Wood, June Rae. About Face. G.P. Putnam's Sons. 1999. 0399234195. $19.99. Grades 7+ This is a story about two girls who are unhappy with their lives who meet and become friends. The story is told from the perspective of both girls. After becoming friends, they learn to appreciate themselves and the way they live. The author creates interesting characters to get you involved. Caitlin, Ancillae Assumpta Academy

Wood, June Rae. About Face. G. P. Putnam's. 1999. 0-399-23419-5. $19.99. Grades 7-10. Glory has a birthmark on her face, lives with grandparents in a home that also serves as a secondhand store and is very lonely. She meets Marvalene, a girl who grew up in a carnival and yearns for a home of her own—“not on wheels” and together they form a friendship that allows both to grow. Marvalene travels with her dad, a corn dog salesman, and her mother, Madame Zulig, who tells fortunes in the carnival after suffering a stroke. Glory and Marvalene explore each other's worlds, despite the admonitions of the adults that they should stay away from each other. Together they work to overcome their personal problems and explore each other's environment. Peg Kleppinger

Yamanaka, Lois-Ann. Name Me Nobody. Hyperion, 1999. 229p. $14.99. Grades 9-12. Set in the author's native Hawaii, here is a bold, heartfelt novel about identity, friendship, sexuality, and the tough realities of being a teenager. Japanese-American Emi-Lou, age 14 and overweight, finds her life in a turmoil. She lives with her maternal grandmother since being abandoned as a baby by her teenaged mother. She is comfortable only as the sidekick of “Von”, short for Yvonne, who tries to draw her into the volleyball-softball-cheerleader crowd. Suddenly Von is showing feelings for an older girl, Babes, from their softball team. Emi-Lou is hurt and confused by her best friend's relationship with the other girl and afraid she is a “lez.” Emi-Lou loses weight as a result of her stress. She eventually, with the help of her grandmother, sorts things out and develops her own interests, one of which is the cute guy on the volleyball team, who has been showing a lot of attention to her. Richly written with Ms. Yamanaka's girlhood language, Hawaiian Creole English, sprinkled throughout the story. Teens will relate to the dilemmas of everyday life that are told in the first person by Emi-Lou. Candy Blessing

Yep, Laurence. The Amah. G.P. Putnam's Sons. 1999. 0-399-230408 $15.99. Grades 5-9. Amy's mother is a Chinese Amah (governess) for a wealthy young white girl, Stephanie and this causes many problems for Amy as she prepares to take the role of the stepsister to Cinderella in a ballet. She feels increasingly hostile toward Stephanie because she can't attend her ballet class and she is caring for her siblings. When Stephanie comes to stay with them, Amy learns more about Stephanie and her life and grows to like her. After a clash with Stephanie's father, Amy learns what Stephanie's life has been like since the death of her mother. Her mother was killed in a car accident that Amy feels responsible for happening. The personal and cultural conflicts arising between generations is again explored by Yep. Students will like this book because of its exploration of family issues. Peg Kleppinger

Yumoto, Kazumi, translated by Cathy Hirano. The Spring Tone. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1999. 0-374-37153-9. $16.00. Grades 6-10. Struggling with her own “monsters, ” Tomomi finally escapes her troubled family life which seems to be crumbling around her after the death of her grandmother. A sensitive, multicultural coming-of-age story. Pat Naismith

Zindel, Paul. Rats. Hyperion, 1999. 204p. 0-7868-2820X. $15.99. Grades 6-9. Horror fans will get into the graphic details of this horror story of a gang of rats who invade New York City. The thriller is heavily laden with scenes full of bloody details about the havoc caused by the mob of rodents. The heroine of the book is Sarah, the 15-year old daughter of the owner of a landfill. Sarah and her friend, Michael, use ingenuity, courage, and creativity to overcome the catastrophe and save the day. There is a slight inference to environmentalism, but most readers may miss it due to the fast-paced gory action taking place in the story. Candy Blessing

Zindel, Paul. Rats. Hyperion, 1999. 0-7868-0339-8. $14.99. Grades 5-10. Angry rats, billions of them (!) rebel when workers try to pave over a Staten Island landfill. They swarm all over Staten Island and are headed toward Manhattan. Fortunately, Sarah and Michael, together with their pet rat, are working on solving the crisis. You'll have trouble buying this ending, but kids will love the gore and suspense as the rats attack. Joyce Valenza

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