Akiko on the Planet Smoo by Mark Crilley

The letter which would change Akiko's life arrived without a stamp and without a return address. And the message was even more mysterious. It said: "Dear Akiko: We are coming to get you. Meet us outside your bedroom window tonight at 8:00." But the trouble is that Akiko, a fourth grader, lives on the seventeenth floor of an apartment building. This letter is probably a hoax. But when 8:00pm arrives, so does a knock on Akiko's window.  Astonished, Akiko opens her window and sees a flying vehicle piloted by two odd looking men named Bip and Bop who have come to transport Akiko to the planet Smoo. Bip and Bop brought an Akiko look-a-like robot with them to take Akiko's place at home. Without giving the whole matter much thought, Akiko joins Bip and Bop and they fly to Smoo.  The space trip to Smoo is surprisingly short. Akiko meets King Froptoppit and receives her assignment, to find and rescue the king's son. Akiko bluntly tells King Froptoppit that she has no experience in finding kidnaped people. But the king doesn't believe that he has made a mistake in asking Akiko to lead the rescue mission. Akiko meets the other members of the rescue group and the adventure, or perhaps misadventure, begins.   Akiko's adventure first came into existence as a comic book series which Crilley created. His travels to Taiwan and Japan seem to have influenced his art and Akiko appears to grow into her role as a leader. Akiko on the Planet Smoo is silly fun and simply-written, squarely aimed, in my opinion, at pre-Harry Potter aged fans.

Alex Rider #6-Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz

Former SAS soldier Max Webber made his fortune and fame through telling captive audiences about terrorist groups. He gave seminars and taught people how to protect themselves. Unfortunately, Webber’s business also created enemies and his latest interest called Force Three quickly settled their beef with Webber.  Meanwhile, Alex Rider continues recuperating from being shot. He is housed at St. Dominic’s hospital. Another boy Alex’s age also is a patient here. This boy, Paul Drevin, becomes the subject of a kidnaping attempt. But Alex intervenes and becomes the kidnaping victim. He escapes and only adds a few scrapes, blisters and bruises to his bodily collection. Saving Paul’s life earns Alex a vacation invitation from Paul’s father, Nikolei Drevin.  Who is Nikolei Drevin? He is a Russian business man who has become one of world’s richest men. Drevin’s greatest and current endeavor is the creation of Ark Angel, the first commercial luxury hotel in space. In conjunction with the British government, Drevin stands to make a tidy fortune when the hotel opens. But Force Three decides that Drevin is their enemy. Alex would like to enjoy a quiet vacation but that won’t be.   Alex Rider is back in full force, still troubled by his enforced service to MI6, his past, and coerced choices. Horowitz hooks his readers and doesn’t let go. I don’t know what other adventures might await Alex Rider but I hope to read many more in the years to come.

Among the Betrayed by Margaret P. Haddix

What nightmarish creation could be worse than the bogeyman? For Nina, age 13, it is the population police. Nina is a shadow child, an illegal third child of a family, and her nightmares have achieved reality. She is imprisoned in a dungeon-like jail and can't grasp this awful twist of fate. Nina knows that she can be executed but an officer of the population police, a man she calls the "hating man," has other plans for her.  The "hating man" has a dubious deal for Nina. She must share a cell with three arrested children, who may be shadow children, and get them to reveal their true identities. If she succeeds, Nina will be freed and the other three children will be killed. Nina jumps at this chance for release until she meets Matthias, age 10, Percy, age nine, and Alia, age six. Human kindness will not allow Nina to betray these children yet when the "hating man" issues an ultimatum to Nina she nearly changes her mind. Then an opportunity for escape presents itself and Nina and the kids bolt for freedom. Will the children safely establish a new life or will the population police catch them?  This is the third book in Haddix's thought provoking series about the plight of illegal children and the dilemma of population control. Haddix provides her readers with tantalizing details about the lack of experience, even the lack of common sense, shadow children brave. Each character confronts fears, secrets and strict governmental control. The reader must decide whether to champion the cause of shadow children or to support the government stooges in incarcerating and eradicating these innocent children.

Among the Hidden by Margaret P. Haddix

Farm life always consists of many chores but Luke doesn't mind doing his share of the chores. He especially enjoys working outside, and when his parents permit it, playing in the forest next to the farm. Then one unfortunate day, workers start cutting down the forest to make room for new homes. Luke's limited freedom is shattered and he is restricted to the farm house.  Luke is a "shadow" child, a hidden child, the illegal third child in his family. As Earth's population increased and natural resources decreased, population controls were created and enforced by the government. All families were limited to two children. The penalties for disobedience are severe and third children like Luke have to live their lives in fear and hiding.   As Luke watches his new neighbors from his attic hideout, he learns their habits and who lives where. Then one day, Luke notices a new face peeking stealthily out of a window in the house next door. Luke knows that this family has two boys and both boys have left for school. Could this be another third child? Are other families foolish enough to defy the population laws? Sleepless nights and restless days plague Luke upon this discovery. How can Luke find out who this hidden child is? Luke finally decides to risk discovery and death in order to visit his neighbors home and uncover who this mysterious child is.   He finds Jen, also a third child. She has a computer and teaches Luke about the government and its population laws. Jen stays in contact with several hundred hidden children via the Internet. She has grandiose plans to reveal the existence of the hidden children and bring the government to accept these children. Luke has much to learn and has a few difficult decisions to make.   Among the Hidden is thought provoking and entertaining. The reader has to conclude for himself "when" the story takes place. The reader also has to suspend his beliefs in a government of democracy and accept the idea of a totalitarian government. This book holds even more meaning for readers who might be third or fourth children. Among the Hidden is a short but powerful novel. Readers will discuss the implications of this novel long after they have finished reading it.

Among the Impostors by Margaret P. Haddix

"Stop him! Call the Population Police!  He's an illegal third child!"  These are the rallying cries that torment Luke's nightly dreams. Luke's new life at Hendricks School for Boys is so different from what he was used to. He must at all costs remember to only answer to his fake name, Lee Grant, and not appear so apprehensive about living among many people. Why is Luke/Lee so afraid?  Because he is an illegal third child, one who is living a lie with fake identification. He hopes to become just another student at Hendricks but he is confused and doesn't receive any help from the unenthusiastic teachers. And one particular boy picks on Luke/Lee mercilessly.  Hendricks School for Boys is a bewildering place for Luke/Lee. This perplexing place of demerits and strict discipline has no windows in any of the rooms. There are even students acting as hall and bathroom monitors. Then one day, Luke/Lee discovers an unlocked door leading to the outside. He races out into the fresh air and relishes his temporary freedom. However, something dubious is going on at Hendricks. Luke/Lee has noticed many boys acting strangely and he plans to investigate.  Among the Impostors is Haddix's exciting sequel to her previous book Among the Hidden. The reader again is challenged to accept this totalitarian world and the consequences of "shadow children." Luke/Lee and the reader learn that deception exists and that not everybody has your best interest in mind. I can hardly wait for the next volume in this thrilling series.

Animorphs: The Ellimist Chronicles by K.A. Applegate

The Ellimist appears to be an omnipotent being; he can alter space and time. Nobody understands his power nor his intentions. And the Animorphs have crossed paths with him several times. But who or what is the Ellimist? This is his story. "My full name is Azure Level, Seven Spar, Extension Two, Down-Messenger, Forty-one. My chosen name is Toomin. My game name is Ellimist." Toomin is a Ketran, a race of game players. All Ketrans have assigned flight responsibilities to help keep their Crystal homes afloat. In their spare time, Toomi and his friends play amazing electronic games. In these game scenarios, whole civilizations are altered or even destroyed. The Ketrans send "video" records of their matches into space to attract other races to these games. But unfortunately, a race called the Capasins misunderstands and interprets the games to be reality. The Capasins come calling with their guns blasting. Most Ketrans are slaughtered. Ellimist and a few Ketrans escape on an experimental spaceship. These last surviving Ketrans struggle to accept their dilemma and forge a new way of life for themselves. Their bodies evolve, they learn to become warriors and they increase the combat readiness of their ship. Ellimist evolves more than the rest of the crew. He is completely changed. He becomes one with his ship. After eons in space, by himself and without any friends, he encounters another seemingly omnipotent being, the Crayak. What will happen to the universe now? Who will be the victor? Will there be a victor?K.A. Applegate continues to surprise me with her imagination. Writing about the Ellimist in more detail is a great addition to the Animorphs series.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is not an owl nor any kind of feathery fiend. However, Artemis Fowl is the antithesis of Harry Potter. Artemis is a 12-year-old deceitful and unscrupulous computer genius who is becoming a criminal mastermind. His father has disappeared and Artemis mother is dotty. The Fowls used to be quite rich, in the billions, but Artemis' dad lost much of the family's fortune through poor business decisions. Artemis has one adult companion, Mr. Butler, his servant, bodyguard and friend.  "The Butlers had been serving the Fowls for centuries...there were several eminent linguists of the opinion that this was how the common noun had originated."  It took Artemis many months of study but he finally hatched a plan to drastically increase the family coffers. He would kidnap a leprechaun and hold it for ransom. Yes, fairies and leprechauns are real. This is why Butler and Artemis traveled to Éiriú to capture a leprechaun. They caught spirited Holly Short, an officer in LEPrecon, an elite branch of the Lower Elements Police. And the adventure of a lifetime is just beginning.  Artemis Fowl is an imaginative and inventive book. Eoin Colfer involves the reader in solving the lexical riddle of the Elfin Book and then immerses the reader in Artemis' adventure. For parents considering this book for their children, let me mention that several characters do use "damn" and "hell" about a half dozen times in this book. Artemis Fowl fits nicely into the niche of children's fantasy books. I'm looking forward to the next Fowl adventure.

Fierce African masks hang on the walls, dusty journals and leather-bound books fill the shelves and maps are strewn throughout the study. Whose dusty study is this? It is the study of Arthur’s grandfather who disappeared four years ago. Arthur knows that his grandmother doesn’t like for him to poke around in the study. But it is such an exciting and adventure inspiring place, Arthur can’t curb his curiosity. Where are Arthur’s parents? They are on the road trying to find a good-paying job for Arthur’s father. And grandma has financial difficulties. A shifty business man, Mr. Davido, who owns most of the local enterprises, lusts after grandmother’s land. The taxes on grandma’s land are past due and Davido buys the deed. Grandma has three days to pay up or vacate!   While rummaging through the study, Arthur finds a mysterious message which proposes to lead him to a buried treasure and a race of miniature people called Minimoys. Now Arthur knows what he must do. To save his and grandma’s home, Arthur must contact the Minimoys and enlist their help in locating the concealed treasure. Of course, Arthur only has three days to return with the treasure whatever form it may be.  Besson’s book is quickly paced. The narrative tempo is perhaps influenced by Besson’s experience as a director, remember The Fifth Element? Arthur’s adventure includes overtones of fairytales, fantasy novels and science fiction. Besson borrows liberally from these genres. And Arthur and the Minimoys is only the first half of Arthur’s adventure.

The Book Without Words by Avi

Borrowers by Mary Norton

It was a strange old house, miscellaneous things disappeared and nobody could discover how or why. This house was also home to the Clock family, a family of Borrowers. What are Borrowers? They are little people who secretly live in the same homes as humans. But to support themselves, Borrowers have to "borrow" things.  Other Borrowers used to live in this mansion but now only the Clock family remains. Pod, Homily and daughter Arrietty have outfitted their rooms under the floor quite nicely with all the things they "borrowed" from the home. Throughout their lives, they have managed to avoid being seen by any of the humans living in the mansion. But one fateful day, Pod is discovered by a boy and a few days later, this boy also discovers Arrietty. What will happen next?  The Borrowers reminds the reader of the genteel Victorian age. Life was simpler and more innocent. Norton's prolific imagination creates a wonderfully visualized picture of the Clock's world. It is amazing to recognize everyday objects gaining existence as furniture and furnishings in the Borrowers' home. This is a glorious childrens book.

Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

Afghanistan is a rugged country deeply steeped in an unhappy history. Most of the major conquerors of world history have invaded this diverse land; albeit, none ever completely succeeded in subjugating the Afghan people. Centuries of strive and warfare have left their toll. More recently, Russian occupation and bombardment followed by civil conflict have destroyed the once fruitful and productive valleys. In the capital city of Kabul, as well as throughout most of Afghanistan, water must be boiled, buildings are crumbling and food is scarce.  As if life wasn't bad enough, just a few years ago the strictly religious Taliban took control of Kabul and other parts of the country. Women lost all rights, having to wear burqas which cover the wearer from head to toe, men and women were indiscriminately arrested or executed and the few religious freedoms which endured previously ceased to exist.  This is the only life that Parvana has known. She and her parents and three siblings, two sisters and a baby brother, live in one room of a bomb damaged building in Kabul. Parvana's father, whose war inflicted injuries restrict him from manual labor, earns a little money for living expenses by reading and writing notes and letters for people. Then one day he is arrested because of his foreign education. The family is desperate. Women may not walk the streets unless they are escorted by a man or boy. Who will help Parvana's family? Parvana is still young and hasn't developed her girlish figure. She will dress as a boy and work to earn money for her family. If Parvana's true identity is discovered by a Talib, she may well be executed. Deborah Ellis wrote The Breadwinner a year before the events of 9-11-2001 brought the plight of the Afghan people to the forefront of Western, and particular American, conscience. This powerful novel teaches about the injustices inflicted by the Taliban in the name of religion. The reader will greatly appreciate his freedoms and privileges of life here in America.

Cirque du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 1 by Darren Shan

In the introduction to this quirky book, Darren Shan proclaims that this is his life's story. He then continues to tell his story.  Darren and his buddies; Steve, Tommy and Alan; love to play soccer but they don't like school. One day, the boys hear about Cirque du Freak, an illegal freak show. Steve buys tickets, he could only get two tickets, and he and Darren attend the show. They are amazed at the wolf-man, the bearded lady and the "pretzel" twins. The main attraction seems to be Mr. Crepsley and his trained spider Madam Octa.  Darren has always loved spiders and is enthralled with Madam Octa. Steve is shocked to recognize Mr. Crepsley as the vampire Vur Horston. After the performance, Steve talks to Horston about becoming a vampire but Horston rejects Steve after tasting his blood. Darren witnesses this exchange and fears for his friend. What will happen to Steve and Darren? Well, as the cliché says "Their lives will never be the same!"  I'm not a fan of horror novels and I have mixed feelings about Cirque du Freak. Cirque is the first of several volumes, the author predicts that he may write as many as twenty books. This book is marketed for preteens and teens but I feel that it is too dark for preteen readers. Darren warns the reader that life isn't always happy and that people die. Cirque echoes Darrens warning.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

Fourteenth century England isn't a hospitable place for an orphaned boy but unfortunately such is the life that the fates have decreed for Asta's son. As a peasant, his life is lived in endless service to the king. Pleasures and luxuries do not exist in the boy's dreary life and he says that only "birth and death gave distinction" to his life. Then the king's steward accuses this thirteen-year-old orphan of stealing and declares that Asta's son is a "wolf's head" and that anybody may kill the boy. With help from the village priest, the orphan, whose real name the priest reveals to be Crispin, flees. Why is Crispin a threat to the king's steward?  Crispin's fear filled flight is fraught with frightening experiences, from the dark woods to the mysterious sounds of nature to the hunting parties planning to kill him. He does make a friend in an abandoned village, a bear of a man who juggles and sings and looks like a court jester. But Bear, for that is his name, carries a secret burden which Crispin doesn't discover for quite some time. And all through their travels, Crispin and Bear are pursued by the steward's men.  Avi artistically portrays the callous degradation of peasantry and the horrific death and destruction caused by the Plague. Crispin's country bumpkin sense of wonder is sorely stretched when he experiences the nasal, aural and visual stimuli of the walled city of Wexley - so many smells, so many sounds and so many colors! Avi's realistic descriptions made me feel as if I was Crispin. This book deservedly received the Newbery Medal.

Danger Boy #1: Ancient Fire by Mark Williams

Can humans travel through time? Perhaps. In 2019, a secret US government project appears to have discovered a way of traveling through time. Unfortunately, the first subject has disappeared in time. This subject was Eli’s mom. And now, Eli and his physicist dad, who is the creator of the time spheres, find themselves under strict governmental control. Why? Because Eli also disappeared in a time sphere but returned unscathed. However, since the time traveling started, time is acting strangely and people are getting sick. It would seem that the proverbial conundrum of traveling through time and affecting the time stream does exist. How can the time stream be repaired? By sending Eli back to the past. But extremely important experiments and secret missions never come to fruition easily.  Eli’s first unwilling time travel adventure involves another dimension. He becomes the uninvited guest in a vessel piloted through the Fifth Dimension by a student from an alternate Earth. This student is on a school assigned field trip. Together, the two travel back to Alexandria in 415 C.E. Here, Eli befriends the daughter of a librarian of the Library of Alexandria. With his newfound friends Thea and Clyne, Eli hopes to discover what he must accomplish to correct the time stream.  I’ve always enjoyed time travel adventures. Inventively written alternate time line stories provide great escapism. Oft times, an author will only use subtle changes to allow his readers to discover that the time line no longer agrees with the reader’s own point of view. Williams’ Danger Boy #1: Ancient Fire provides plenty of excitement, adventure and surprises. The short books are aimed at the nearly teenaged reader. I’m hooked and will follow this series for as long as Williams continues it.

Danger Boy #4 - City of Ruins by Mark London Williams

"I already know that if you’re not careful, you can really mess up the past" thinks Eli Sands. And the past is messed up.   Eli and his friend Thea have returned to 2020 only to be confined by DARPA operatives. But since the past is unraveling and the mysterious slow pox epidemic keeps spreading, Eli may be the only one who can return through time and try to fix the deviations. But what is causing all the historical changes? Are others also traveling through time and changing minor events, introducing historical tangents? And why does the new DARPA laboratory include an exact replica of Eli’s mom’s hotel room from the 1940's?   Clyne also has returned to 2020 but is held captive as part of a bizarre carnival. While looking for an opportunity to escape, Clyne speculates about the occurrence of time nodes which appear to influence Eli’s time travels. Meanwhile, Thea becomes sick with slow pox and the cure may just be found in ancient Jerusalem. When Eli returns to Jerusalem of Bible times, he finds an interloper.   City of Ruins is a fun continuation of the Danger Boy series. Williams carefully intertwines historical facts with inventive fiction, adds a dash of alienness, and mixes it all with the complications of time travel. City . . . doesn’t resolve all the conundrums posed in earlier books and readers will just have to wait for the next volume in this exciting series.

Daughter of the Wind by Michael Cadnum

"There was a bear on the ice" and Gauk and his friend Snorri were hunting the beast. This adventure was much more than just another hunt for the friends. It was also a trial of bravery, endurance and celestial navigation. Alas, the hunt would end tragically with one friend dead and the other friend turning into a berserkir, a crazed warrior. The old poems taught that "a berserker actually feels the bear-spirit enter his body, changing his essence."  While the friends are away, their village is attacked by Danes and the beautiful Hallgerd is kidnaped. When Gauk returns from his ill-fated expedition and finds the villagers filled with sorrow, he decides to rescue Hallgerd. Gauk has fondly longed for Hallgerd in his heart and now he can prove himself worthy of her.   Cadnum's book presents Norse mythology as fiction. Thor and Odin play prominent parts in the narrative. Weapons are named to supposedly imbue them with powers granted by the gods; for example, Head-splitter the battle-ax. And honor for family and village supercedes all other matters. Daughter of the Wind offers seafaring adventure, dangerous hunts and warring factions to entertain its readers.

Deathwatch by Robb White

The desert is a harsh mistress whose hostile environment exacts the ultimate price from anybody who goes exploring unpreparedly. Ben knows about the desert and welcomes the opportunity to apply his skills and earn money for school at the same time. However, Ben doesn't enjoy guiding Madec, the too-full-of-himself businessman who wants to hunt bighorn sheep. A few days into the week-long trip, Madec shoots at a bighorn even though Ben didn't see any horns. When Ben looks for the dead sheep, he finds that Madec shot an old man and not a sheep. Clearly it was an accident and Ben wants to return to town with the body and make an official report. But Madec has other ideas. He feels that nobody will miss the old prospector and that the hunting trip should continue. Ben balks at this idea and prepares to retrieve the body. Then Madec threatens Ben. Madec gives Ben two choices. Forget about the old geezer and earn a bonus or return to town across the deadly desert for forty-five miles on foot, with no water, no food and no clothing except for his undershorts. Ben realizes that a trek to town with no water or protective clothing is likely a death sentence but he chooses this option nonetheless.  So begins a one-sided game of survival. Ben cuts his feet on sharp rocks, the merciless sun cooks his brains and sucks the moisture out of his body, his lips crack and bleed and his tongue becomes a bloated mass filling his mouth. But sheer stubbornness and desert survival skills allow Ben to at least attempt to cross the desolate landscape. Will Ben's integrity cause him to die in the desert?   Deathwatch is intense. Readers vividly and vicariously undergo the same privations that Ben does. The scorching heat, endless pain and lack of water are tangible as you read this book. White reminds readers that man's inhumanity toward other men has no bounds.

Dial-a-Ghost by Eva Ibbotson

"The Wilkinson family became ghosts quite suddenly during the Second World War when a bomb fell on their house."  Well, what do you do when you no longer have a body and a home? You seek a place to haunt. But the Wilkinsons are good spooks and have a tough time finding a suitable home. They finally settle, temporarily, in a knicker shop. But Mrs. Wilkinson knows that this shop isn't the right environment for little ghost children.  The Shriekers are a couple of galling, foul-smelling and snobbish ghosts. They love to scare mortals and cause all other kinds of havoc.  Fulton Snoddle-Brittle, the last surviving heir of the the Snoddle-Brittle linage, expects to inherit the gloomy and drafty family estate Helton Hall. Then Fulton learns that he has a previously unknown cousin, ten-year-old Oliver, who becomes the rightful heir of Helton Hall. Miss Pringle and Mrs. Mannering are two kindly old ladies who run a most remarkable business, an agency to relocate homeless ghosts. Fulton discovers the Dial-a-Ghost Agency, so do the Wilkinsons.   Fulton Snoddle-Brittle hires the Shriekers to haunt Helton Hall and scare Oliver, to death if needs be. Miss Pringle and Mrs. Mannering find a pleasant abbey for the Wilkinsons' new home. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the files are mixed up. The Shriekers arrive at the abbey and the Wilkinsons arrive at Helton Hall. Now the real fun begins!   Dial-a-Ghost is fun to read. Eva Ibbotson grants her characters feelings and the reader enters their mirthful world. Children will quite enjoy this book and adults will also be entertained.

The Divide by Elizabeth Kay

Vacations should be carefree times without worries. Unfortunately, Felix and his parents are not without worries while on vacation. Felix suffers from a rare heart condition and blacks out at times. His parents watch Felix constantly. But this trip to Costa Rica will allow Felix to possibly enjoy a few days of feeling fairly healthy while at the same time indulging his unquenchable curiosity and quest for learning. Actually, Felix only has one wish, to reach the Continental Divide and straddle it. To achieve his goal, Felix wears himself out. Upon reaching the famous landmark, Felix feels dizzy and blackness engulfs him. When Felix regains consciousness, he doesn't recognize his surroundings nor does he recognize the first creature he meets. This creature seems to resemble a griffin but calls itself a brazzle. Is Felix dead and is this some sort of afterlife? No. But this definitely isn't Costa Rica anymore.  Well, the brazzle isn't very helpful so Felix continues his journey and meets more mystical creatures and beings including Betony. Felix and Betony both agree that neither one of them is dreaming. But Felix's flashlight appears to be magic to Betony and her unique skills and potions seem like magic to Felix. Of course, Felix's existence comes to the attention of the scoundrel Snakeweed who desires the powerful magic of science for his own purposes for in this fantastical world, humans and science do not exist. Meanwhile, Felix and Betony search for a cure to save Felix's life and for a way to return him to his world.  Kay's Divide is fantastical and entertaining. This book surprises readers and deserves to stand out in the crowded field of juvenile fiction. Who wouldn't like to visit an alternate world in which mystical creatures exist but humans do not? How would you handle such a situation?

Elmo Jackson Man of Action: The Great Yellow Ball by B.J. Nybo

Who is the most confident girl in the sixth grade? Chelsea the Cool. And it is her turn to take a block from the bottom of the 22 level tower and add it to the top. Then it will be Coswell the Clod’s turn, oh no! But Elmo Jackson roots for the underdog and has confidence in Coswell. Luckily, the bell rings before Elmo’s confidence can be betrayed.  On his way to lunch with his father, Elmo experiences a most unusual and frightening elevator ride. Was Elmo hallucinating? Riding the school bus the next day, Elmo suffers another delirious mental escapade. But this time, Elmo isn’t alone. Several other students, including the Horne sisters, shared the same experience. What is going on? Meanwhile, Marvin the Maintenance Man hatches nefarious plans which soon will interfere with peaceful life in Albatross. When Elmo confides in his parents about his phantasms, he learns that his father used to be a superhero! And Elmo has inherited superhero capabilities! But Elmo isn’t the only sixth grader with powers. Do you remember the other students on the bus who shared his "vision?"   As superheroes in training, Elmo and his friends discover that the fine citizens of Albatross need their help. There is an unseen evil residing in Albatross and nobody is safe.  I could tell you more about Nybo’s rollicking ride of marvelous mayhem but I don’t want to spoil your surprise. And in the end, Elmo has a message for the citizens of Albatross as well as for the readers.  EJMA:GYB was very funny. At first I considered Nybo’s characters’ names to be silly, but then the silliness of the names became enjoyable. Nybo tells readers that this is the third book in the Elmo Jackson series so it will be interesting to see what books 1&2 will be like.

The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket warns the sensitive reader that this chronicle in A Series of Unfortunate Events is also filled with despair, discomfort and misery. However, this warning didn't keep me from reading this unfortunate adventure of the Baudelaire orphans.   Mr. Poe, the Baudelaire family banker, has been promoted to be the bank's Vice President in Charge of Orphan Affairs. He has found a new home for Violet, Klaus and Sunny. The children will be living with Esmé and Jerome Squalor.  The Squalors are financially well off and live in a penthouse on top of a high-rise. Jerome appears pleasant enough but Esmé exhibits some unusual social quirks. She introduces herself as "the city's sixth most important financial advisor" and is an advocate for what is "in" and what is "out." For example, elevators are currently "out" but pinstriped suits are "in."  Violet, Klaus and Sunny are surprised by these peculiarities but they valiantly accept their fate. They even believe that their nemesis Count Olaf will not find them this time. Violet and her siblings also worry about their friends Isadora and Duncan Quagmire. Count Olaf kidnaped the Quagmire orphans at the end of the previous book. Alas, the precious orphans aren't that lucky and Count Olaf reappears in their lives in the guise of the "In" auction auctioneer. Who led Olaf to the Baudelaires? Read the book.  Lemony Snicket's books are amusing, just wait until you read about Café Salmonella, and the reader just has to finish the story. The books grow on you; you can't wait to see what other misfortunes will plague the orphans. I will anxiously await the next adventure in this series.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

Magizoology: The study of magical beasts.  The young Newt Scamander enjoyed his mother's blessings in his studies of fantastic beasts. This interest eventually led to a career in Magizoology and the writing of this book. Fantastic Beasts... is now in its 52^nd edition and has earned Scamander worldwide acclaim. He was even awarded the Order of Merlin, Second Class, for his explorations concerning fantastic beasts.  This facsimile of Harry Potter's personal copy of Fantastic Beasts... includes his notes and comments on many pages. For example, the book tells readers "[r]umours that a colony of Acromantula has been established in Scotland are unconfirmed." But Harry wrote in his book "confirmed by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley." Scamander's footnotes are also insightful and humorous. I was intrigued to learn that the "Erumpent will not attack unless sorely provoked, but should it charge, the results are usually catastrophic." It also pleased me to finally learn which beast provides the pelt used in the weaving of Invisibility Cloaks. Read the book to discover which beast's fur is used.  If you don't yet own a copy of Fantastic Beasts..., get one. This exhaustive and carefully researched reference work belongs in every wizards home.   Yes, I'm a Harry Potter fan and I wholeheartedly endorse this addition to Potter's adventures. Now when J.K. Rowling presents a new beast in her novels, I can read about the dangers this particular beast may present. As always, I'm again pleasantly surprised by Rowling's fertile imagination.

Green Boy by Susan Cooper

The Bahamas, consisting of many beautiful islands with white perfect beaches, are home to people who enjoy the simpler and less troublesome lifestyle of nature without the interference of too much civilization. Trey, age 12, and Lou, age seven, have been reared by their grandparents on one of these islands. The boys' mom works out-of-town and their dad left the family years ago. Lou doesn't speak but communicates in other ways. Lou and Trey often visit idyllic Long Pond Cay, a beautifully tranquil and undisturbed island. One day, they notice several strangers on the island, men who seem to be taking a geographical survey. When the boys return home, their grandfather tells them that a consortium of French investors is planing to build a vacation resort on Long Pond. The boys are shocked. Why destroy more of nature in the name of recreation? The boys receive a good scare when their next trip to Long Pond involves a trip to an alternate world, Otherworld. This world is filled with traffic, concrete, smog and no green spaces anywhere. In this world, Lou is known as Lugh, a mythic person who will bring ecological destruction and then renewal to this strange and deceiving world! A group of eco-terrorists rescue the brothers from the authorities. On a subsequent journey to the bewildering Otherworld, the boys again unite with their unusual benefactors and learn more about this squandered world. Humanity and scientific advances subjugated the natural world but at what price? Susan Cooper is a laudable author but Green Boy did not feel complete. The story is entertaining but lacks deeper development. The idea of "Gaia" could also have been enhanced. Green Boy does serve the purpose of sounding the ecological awareness alarm.

Hostile Hospital (Series of Unfortunate Events #8) by Lemony Snicket

At the beginning of this book, the Baudelaire siblings are literally running for their lives. They have barely escaped the crazed and mislead citizens of V.F.D., a truly peculiar village, and now find themselves "rescued" by a group of travelers calling themselves "Volunteers Fighting Disease."  The volunteers arrive at an odd, only half-finished hospital. Klaus, Violet and Sunny accept an assignment in the records room where they find a file folder labeled "Baudelaire." Unfortunately, this partial file only deepens the mystery of the fire which killed the Baudelaire's parents. In fact, this file alleges that somebody may have survived the fire, but who? Before Klaus and his sisters can investigate further, Count Olaf again finds them and tries to dispose of them.   The Hostile Hospital is a quick read and a good addition to this series. Klaus, Violet and Sunny are growing older and growing weary of being lonely. Circumstances have forced them to fend for themselves and the siblings are wishing for happiness, to no avail. I enjoy the Snicket books. However, I do believe that it is time for Lemony Snicket to provide some contentment for the Baudelaires.

House Called Awful End (Eddie Dickens Trilogy #1) by Philip Ardagh

Some doctors are quacks and Mr. and Mrs. Dickens have fallen under the care of one of these quacks. Their doctor has recommended all sorts of unusual treatments with unfortunate side effects. In fact, Mr. and Mrs. Dickens fear that Eddie their son will also get sick. So Eddie will have to live with his great-aunt and great-uncle, both of whom are mentally confused. Eddie isn't thrilled with this idea but what can he do?  Awful End is the name of great-uncle's house and this story takes place around 1900. Lunacy and confusion abound as Eddie and his relatives travel by carriage to their home. They pick up a hitchhiker, Mr. Pumblesnook, who claims to be an amazing actor. He declares that he always stays in character until his part is finished and he challenges Eddie to play an escaped orphan boy. As luck would have it, a boy has escaped from St. Horrid's Home for Grateful Orphans and Eddie is mistaken for and then arrested in place of this boy. Meanwhile, Eddie's parents are nearly killed when their house catches on fire. Silliness and absurdity reign throughout Ardagh's novel. For example, chambermaids who fail their training are forced to live in closets under stairs, Mrs. Dickens has to suck on ice cubes shaped like famous generals as part of her medical treatment, and Eddie's great-uncle pays his bills in fish. House Called Awful End was first published in the United Kingdom but is now available in the USA. Ardagh joins the ranks of Dahl, Kästner, Snicket and others in his quest to entertain youth and adults with zany stories. Hold on to your sanity while reading, or else. House. . . is short but quite fun to read.

If Only I Had a Green Nose by Max Lucado

Punchinello and his friends are living a good life. Eli the woodcarver created each Wemmick distinct from the others. This difference defines their individuality. But not everybody is content and one day, Punchinello sees Wemmicks walking through town with their noses painted green.  Having your nose painted green is the latest fad, or so at least the "with it" Wemmicks proclaim. At first, Punchinello and his friends refrain from joining the crowd but when other Wemmicks make fun of them, Punchinello and his friends run to have their noses painted green. Now everybody should be happy, right?  Well, soon enough the "with it" Wemmicks proclaim that green no longer is acceptable and that a new color must adorn your nose. Eventually, the Wemmicks' noses change colors every few days. It is a nightmare and also quite tiring. Punchinello realizes the folly of following the crowd, of becoming a slave to the latest fad, and he visits with Eli to ask for forgiveness for being so foolish. Eli compassionately accepts the apology and restores Punchinello's nose to its original color.  Lucado's story, beautifully illustrated by Sergio Martinez, gently reminds the reader that fads never last. True individualism and character make our interactions with others really interesting. Everybody being the same, looking the same and acting the same will lead to a dull life. Cherishing your independence, accepting who you are and bettering yourself are the lessons of this book.

Island of the Aunts by Eva Ibbotson

There is a mysterious island which doesn't appear on any maps. This is the home of a number of unique and nearly mythical creatures. Inhabitants include a family of mermaids, a long talking worm, selkies, a boobrie and a couple of ghosts. Three sisters and their dad are the only human dwellers of the island. But the ladies are old and aren't as energetic as they used to be. Taking care of all the strange creatures, and their bedridden dad, is becoming too much work for them. Etta, Coral and Myrtle hatch a plan to get help. They will travel to London and advertise their services as aunts, also known here in America as nannies.  Hubert-Henry Mountjoy is unhappy. His grandparents have hired an aunt to return Hubert to Greymarsh Towers, a private school with strict discipline. Here Hubert will be taught to become an English gentleman. But Hubert, whose actual name is Fabio, doesn't fit in with his olive skin, light built, black hair and dark eyes. Fabio's mother was South American, his dad British. Now he lives with his British grandparents. Coral is the aunt who will travel with Fabio.   Minette Danby is unhappy. She has journeyed between London, where her mom lives, and Edinburgh, where her dad lives, forty-seven times since her parents' divorce. Mr. and Mrs. Danby usually hire an aunt to accompany Minette on the train. Etta is the aunt who will travel with Minette.  Both Coral and Etta decide that their current charges have the right attitude and fortitude to live on the island. Through chloroform and sleeping powder, both children are rescued from their dreary lives. When Fabio and Minette wake up on the island, they are confused. But the old sisters put Fabio and Minette to work and the kids quickly adjust to their new lives and grow to love the island and all the marvelous creatures. When an egotistical business millionaire discovers the island and plans to turn it into an amusement park, the sisters and children must defend and protect the island.   Eva Ibbotson has written another delightful childrens fantasy. Island of the Aunts is an adventurous yarn filled with humor and enchanted creatures. Readers of all ages will cherish this book.

Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson

Mayfair Academy for Young Ladies is Maia's current home. The year is 1910. Maia's parents, archeologists working in Egypt, were killed in a car accident two years ago. It has taken these past two years to locate and contact Maia's only living relatives, the Carters living in the Amazon.  Mr. Carter became a rubber farmer in search of his fortune. He moved his wife and twin daughters to the beautifully wild and exotic Amazon territory. Maia is quite excited about moving to the Amazon, to explore the fauna and flora and to live with the Carters. The Carters have also hired a new governess, Miss Minton, and she and Maia will travel together to their new home. But an unpleasant surprise awaits them.  Mrs. Carter is a snob and her daughters are troublesome. Mr. Carter manages his business poorly and takes little interest in his family's activities. Instead of enjoying the singular climate and local food, the Carters have isolated themselves. Their home is shut up against the environment and constantly disinfected. All their food is shipped to them from England. This miserable and restrictive place has become Maia's and Miss Minton's new home. But there are still surprises waiting to be discovered and adventures waiting to be experienced.  This latest Ibbotson novel is a departure from her usual fantastical writing. Instead, Ibbotson gives her readers a pure adventure story that is highly entertaining for adults and children alike. Many a reader will yearn to visit the River Sea.

Just Ella by Margaret Haddix

"And they lived happily ever after" isn't the end of Ella's fairy tale. Yes, she arrived at the ball, danced with the prince and fell hopelessly in love with him and he with her. But now, Ella finds her enchanted life in the palace boring and incredibly restrictive. Palace fineries and luxuries have lost their appeal and lessons in decorum and protocol have taken their toll. In fact, the prince is more dull than charming. Ella yearns for responsibility, she is tired of being idle and being coddled in the palace. Can Ella's loneliness really become the happiness she dreamed of?  Ella befriends Mary, a servant girl, and Jed, who instructs her about religious matters. As Ella dreadfully continues her studies, she realizes that palace life, with all of its rules, just doesn't attract her anymore. She was blinded by love but now has come to her senses. How will the prince react when he hears Ella's criticism? Let Haddix tell you.  Margaret Haddix puts a new spin on the Cinderella story. She weaves a plausible sequel to the fairy tale and informs the reader that there was no fairy godmother, although there still was an enchanted evening. Not all wondrous stories have a happy ending. Or do they?   I've enjoyed all of Haddix's books so far and Just Ella is no exception.

Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography by ?

Lemony Snicket, beleaguered author, is reported dead in the Daily Punctilio, the most correct and respected newspaper in this confusing world. But you as the reader know that the Daily Punctilio often gets information wrong and even fabricates stories to beguile its readers. Snicket is not dead! He lives! But this fake autobiography will not tell you more about this elusive author.  As the sole teller of the Baudelaires' saga, Snicket made many enemies. And this Unauthorized Autobiography is just another salvo in the smear campaign against Snicket. He says that he was shocked, and definitely alive and breathing, when he read his own obituary while enjoying tea in the Café Kafka.  Snicket has read this fakery of a biography and has added addendums, explanations and notes to help the reader work his way through this fictional quagmire. The list of subversive books is quite entertaining and the caption of one particular picture will delight readers of children's books. Snicket includes a definition of the Sebald Code so that the reader may interpret secret messages. There is also a chapter on disguise training. Just remember, "the world is quiet here," whatever that means. Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography is a hoot, a laugh riot and a literary Vergnügen - a German word meaning enjoyment. Snicket's corrective notes muddle the waters of information even more. Snicket also advises the reader to use the reversible dust jacket so that strangers won't recognize this seditious book. Honored reader, explore every page of this book instead of just reading it straight through. You will be surprised.

LightLand byH.L. McCutchen

The Iowa farm country doesn't offer much entertainment to Lottie and her friend Lewis. Lottie's mom died when Lottie was born. Lewis doesn't talk to anybody except Lottie and then only in secret. Also, Lewis' father left the family when Lewis was only three years old. Nobody knows where Mr. Weaver, a scientist, disappeared to. When both kids were just six years old, Lottie's father crafted a memory box from their old cherry tree for Lottie. This box was meant to symbolically hold all of Lottie's memories throughout her life.  Now five years later, the memory box exhibits mysterious powers and allows Lottie and Lewis to transport to another world called LightLand. This magical realm consists of the memories of real people. But an evil power known as the NightKing tyrannizes LightLand. The NightKing prowls the spectral landscape nightly, preying on anybody foolish enough not to have sought shelter before nightfall. When the NightKing finds a victim, he steals his memories and the person is soon forgotten by everybody else in LightLand. Eventually, the NightKing will rule LightLand and darkness will prevail. And to make matters worse, Lewis didn't return from LightLand. Lottie must rescue Lewis, keep her own memories safe from the NightKing and restore LightLand to its original mystical glory.  McCutchen's debut children's fantasy holds much promise for Potter deprived fans and for the most part, LightLand delivers on this promise. Adults and children will find this book entertaining and imaginative. Readers can also consider how their own memories might influence the magic of LightLand. Lottie and Lewis both have unique character quirks but also display character strengths which aid them in their quest. Give LightLand a try and decide for yourself if you could defeat the NightKing.

A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck

Every summer for six years running, Joey and Mary Alice Dowdel would visit their grandmother. The siblings are not excited about their summer vacation at first because Grandma Dowdel lives in a sleepy Illinois town. Joey and Mary Alice are used to the adventure and excitement that create everyday life in Chicago. But little do they know that life with Grandma Dowdel can hardly be considered dull.  The summer of 1929 is the first summer that Joey, age nine, and Mary Alice, age seven, spend with their grandmother. Small town life holds far more surprises than the siblings ever dreamed of. For example, Joey and Mary Alice learn all about "Shotgun Cheatham," a near celebrity of Grandma's town.  During the following summers, the Dowdel siblings receive indirect lessons about charity, helping your neighbors and solving problems of vandalism. Grandma Dowdel teaches her grandchildren the value of friendship and doing the best with your lot in life.  Richard Peck has painted a realistic picture of rural existence during the 1930's. His characters, especially Grandma Dowdel, are endearing to the reader. A Long Way From Chicago is a well-written book and a pleasure to read.

The Magickers by Emily Drake

Nightmares are not fun and Jason has had the same scary dream repeatedly. Every time, Jason finds himself in a spooky cemetery and discovers a corpse that may actually be alive. Tonight's dream startled Jason awake and then Jason heard a mysterious sound outside his attic room window.  Jason loves to read fantasy novels and gets along fairly well with his step-family. But he remembers happier times when both of his parents were still alive.  The school year is almost over and various summer camps beckon the students. Jason hopes to attend soccer camp but first he has to pass the tryouts. However, the fates intervene. Jason is hurt during the tryouts and can't attend soccer camp with his friends. Is his summer vacation ruined? Not at all, Jason's English teacher has the admission form for another camp, a sort of creativity and science camp. Jason is accepted and travels with a group of students to Camp Ravenwyng. He and the other kids perceive that Camp Ravenwyng holds a few secrets.  All the counselors at Ravenwyng wield magic and call themselves Magickers. They have an ancient enemy, the Dark Hand of Brennard, who is again assaulting the Magickers. Jason and the other students have been invited to Ravenwyng to discover and foster their magical talents. Before Jason recognizes his powers, he is attacked by a wolfjackal, a minion of the Dark Hand. Eventually, many of the students will join the battle against the Dark Hand.  Magickers has several blatant similarities to the Harry Potter books. Nevertheless, Emily Drake does not appear to have plagiarized J.K. Rowling's work. I liked Magickers but I would have preferred more detail about the enmity between the Magickers and the Dark Hand. Perhaps, this information will be forthcoming in future books. Yes, there most likely will be a sequel since Drake ended her book abruptly. Magickers will appeal to Harry Potter fans and quench the fans' appetite for juvenile fantasy.