Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley

Hanley, Victoria Violet Wings, 372 p. Egmont, 2009. $15.99. Violence: PG, Other Content: G. Zaria Tourmaline and her other friends have just reached the magic age of 12. When their fairy powers are revealed, both Zaria and her best friend Jenna are revealed to be two of the most powerful fairies seen in Tirfeyne in generations. But Zaria and Jenna are overly fascinated with Earth – Zaria because of her parents and brother’s disappearance and Jenna because it is a forbidden place. There is an enemy lurking in Tirfeyne who is more than willing to take the whole world down if Zaria gets too close to revealing the secret. Zaria will have to face betrayal from friends and enemies. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. Younger students, any fantasy reader, will also enjoy. I can’t wait for #2! EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

Rinaldi, Ann My Vicksburg, 149 p. Harcourt, 2009. $16.00. Content: G. Claire, 13, is hiding with her family in the caves around the city of Vicksburg – except that Pa is off fighting with the South and Landon, her older brother, has joined the Yankee forces as a doctor. During the 1863 siege of her city, Claire’s assumptions of the world will be challenged. I have not been enthralled with Rinaldi’s books of late – this one feels better for an elementary level, because there is just not much here for anyone older. EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Shooting Star by Frederick McKissack Jr.

McKissack Frederick, Jr. Shooting Star, 272 p. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. $16.99. Language: R (100+ swears, 15 “f” – at the point I stopped counting); alcohol abuse. Football reigns supreme in Jayson and Jomo’s hometown. Jayson plays with his whole heart, while Jomo isn’t always sure that he wants to be there. The boys are two of only 28 black students at their high school and on one hand Jomo’s friends tell him he is too white and the other hand tells him he sticks with “his own kind” too much. When Jomo decides to commit himself to football, he decides that juicing is the way to go. Now his life is spinning completely out of control – just as the football is coming together. Another books about the dangers of steroids in high school sports – unfortunately the language is so raw, that it is inaccessible for many schools and students. Point your boys to Gym Candy by Carl Deuker instead. NO - Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica

Lupica, Mike Million Dollar Throw, 249 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. $17.99. Nate Brodie, 13, has won the chance for a one-time throw during the halftime at a major league football to win $1 million. His family is struggling during the financial downturn; his best friend, Abby, is going blind - $1M would go a long way. But, just as he needs his quarterback arm the most, it seems to be failing him. Lupica’s book feels like a part of Dan Gutman’s “Million dollar” series, which is not a bad thing, as I think we need lots of boy-oriented books. I just wish the protagonists were a bit older – there are more elementary level sports books coming out – and not enough middle level sports books. EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Mantchev, Lisa Eyes Like Stars, 356 p. Feiwel, 2009. $16.99. Beatrice Shakespeare, 17, has lived most of her life within the walls of a very important Theater – a Theater that contains the essences of every character from every work performed within its walls. Beatrice has always been a bit rebellious, but she has reached her last chance – and unless she can prove herself valuable to the Theater, the Manager has decided that it is time for her to go. The cover is very eye-catching, Beatrice is highly amusing. Beatrice’s world is so fantastical, that your hard-core fantasy readers will really enjoy the experience. It will work best in a large, active collection. MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Cashore, Kristin Fire, 461 p. $17.99. Penguin, 2009. Content: PG-13 (some violence). Beuatiful Frie is the last of the human “monsters” in her country of Dells. Her father used his powers of attraction to control a corrupt king; Fire was raised by a human with a conscience. Now Fire has been called to the capitol to help the new king hold onto his throne and she must find her place and her strength within this perilous time. Once I got over the fact that this book was not a direct sequel to Graceling, I was able to enjoy it must better. It stands on its own right and will be a great find for students who enjoyed Hilari Bell or Cinda Chima. MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

The Crown of Earth by Hilari Bell

Bell, Hilari The Crown of Earth, 260pgs. Simon and Schuster. Sexual Content: G, Violence: PG, Language: G. Weasel, Prince Edoran’s most trusted friend, has been captured in his place. Edoran escapes the palace in a desperate attempt to save his best friend from possible death. One thing he does not know is that he is in for a whirlwind of discovery. Never once leaving the palace, Edoran feels what it is like to be a common worker. Can Edoran survive the reality of the common worker to save his best friend? Read the exciting conclusion to the trilogy to find out! The Crown of Earth was the perfect end. It was action packed and at times, suspenseful. If you haven’t read this trilogy, I recommend doing so if like action and fantasy in one great bundle. EL, MS--ESSENTIAL. Student reviewer: CW