4 True Stories: Nonfiction for Young Readers and the Whole Family

As you know, I’m a huge fan of serious nonfiction written for younger readers, but you might not know why. First, I don’t think kids need to be talked down to. When children have a true interest in a subject—history, science, art, music—they want to know everything, not just a watered-down version. If a concept is confusing or difficult, they’ll ask questions, try to figure it out, or have faith they’ll find the answers eventually.

Second, serious nonfiction written for middle grade readers is a perfect first stop for curious teens and adults. I always learn something (actually lots of somethings) when I read science, nature, or history written for children. Finally, I like the idea that these books are perfect for family involvement. When my nieces and nephews were young, nonfiction was often a bridge between the generations.

So, take note: even if you don’t have any youngsters in your life, don’t turn your back on nonfiction written for middle grade readers. Here are four 2020 releases I can recommend to you, your family, and your children.

Extreme Ocean: Amazing Animals, High-Tech Gear, Record-Breaking Depths, and More by Sylvia Earle with Glen Phalen (National Geographic Children’s Books; March 3). This beautiful book is written by a well-known, well-respected marine biologist and National Geographic explorer-in-residence. Earle tells the story of her beloved oceans in accessible and fun, yet fact-filled language. She takes us on a watery adventure, introducing us to the power and awe-inspiring characteristics of our oceans: the after effects of a tsunami, the life of whales, and what we’d see in the deepest ocean trenches. We learn about icebergs, tidal pools, coral reefs, and kelp forests. Peppered throughout the text are all kinds of interesting facts and trivia. I think my favorite parts were learning about the technology that allows scientists to explore life underwater: sonar, scuba, diving suits, Sealab, and underwater robotic cameras. Earle tells us about the wonders of the ocean, but she also helps us understand how and why our oceans are in peril from pollution, over fishing, and climate change. She doesn’t end on a down note, however; she offers promise and practical advice on how we—and I mean you and I and our children—can save our oceans. The books is overflowing with National Geographic’s signature gorgeous photographs and graphics. I can’t say enough good things about Extreme Ocean.

Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle by Ruth Ashby (Peachtree, Feb. 1). This short biography introduces readers to Darwin’s voyage around the world and his observations and discoveries that eventually changed our views of the interplay between living organisms and their environment. Ashby includes Darwin’s own words, taken from his letters and his journals: we learn that the intrepid biologist suffered from seasickness and other illnesses but was awestruck by much of what he saw. He was a careful observer of nature—cataloging numerous species of insects, birds, fish, and mammals—and also had opinions (not always favorable) about the behavior and customs of the people and cultures he was exposed to over the five-year journey. The book ends with his return home, the publication of On the Origin of Species, his death, a chronology, and a short bibliography. Ashby’s biography is a well-written first step for readers interested in Darwin, 19th-century exploration and science, and the foundation of our current knowledge of evolution.

The Story of Seeds: Our Food Is in Crisis. What Will You Do to Protect It? by Nancy Castaldo (HMH BYR, Jan. 14): This gem of a book is all about preserving our food supply by saving the very seeds that grow it. We all love seedless oranges, cucumbers, and watermelons, but did you realize there was an ecological risk to having that luxury? We start our exploration of seeds by learning about Mendel, Burbank, and the first seed collector (Vavilov) and then read about the importance of variety, the effects of hybridization, the dangers of blights and wilts, and why we need seed banks (and whether they’re enough to protect our food supply). I particularly liked the sections on heirloom varieties and farmer’s markets and the differences between hybridization and GMO; I learned about biopiracy and seed warriors, and—most important—how to help, what actions I can take right now, and where to find more information. The book is richly illustrated with full-color photographs, and graphic elements help point out important facts and definitions. This year it’s more important than ever to support your local farmers and to preserve biodiversity in our food supply.

Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy’s Journey to Becoming an Astronaut by Mike Massimino (Delacorte BYR, Apr. 7). Although I’m a big advocate of directing your young readers to the adult sections of the bookstore or library, I also appreciate good, solid autobiography specifically directed to middle graders. Massimino was just seven years old when humans first walked on the moon, and from that time on, he dreamed of becoming an astronaut. His story is not all roses and glitter, though; Massimino tells us about his difficulties in school, not having money to go to college, being turned down by NASA (more than once!), and how nervous he was when undergoing physical exams. On the other side of the coin, he shares his excitement when he finally got the call and describes his wonder and awe at watching Earth from the darkness of space, his experiences as a spacewalker, and how he became the first person to tweet from space. This edition of Massimino’s story is not dumbed down or written in childish language and is appropriate for anyone wishing to know more about a modern-day hero and for those of us who need to be reminded that hard work and determination often really do make our dreams come true.

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4 Books for Young Scientists

When I was in elementary and middle school, serious science nonfiction geared to my age group that was engaging, accessible, and informative was fairly nonexistent. Today's young scientists are lucky to have Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in their court.

Their Scientists in the Field series and other science titles are some of my favorites, and I'm long past the middle grades. No matter the topic, I always learn something new in HMH's science books, and recommend them to readers of all ages. Note that HMH provides reader guides for these titles, perfect for educators, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants to know more.

Here is the latest batch of HMH nonfiction to cross my desk. The books have taken me to space, to the past, to my own backyard, and to lakes of my childhood. Let's take a look.

Eclipse Chaser: Science in the Moon's Shadow by Ilima Loomis with photographs by Amanda Cowan (Dec. 2019) focuses on the August 21, 2017, total solar eclipse, which was visible in North America. I was one of the millions who donned my special glasses to watch as the moon cast its shadow across the sun. My prep was to order the glasses, but Shadia Habbal, an astronomer at the University of Hawaii, spent many months preparing for the 2017 event and many years traveling the world to observe other total eclipses of the sun. Her specialty is the sun's corona and solar winds and their effect on our technology and even our climate. A total eclipse offers her the best chance to study the sun's surface, to test her hypotheses, and to further our knowledge.

Loomis gives it to us straight, from the logistics of setting up multiple teams at multiple viewing sites to the things that can't be controlled like bad weather and a harsh environment. Loomis's accurate and easy-to-understand explanations, enhanced with drawings and Cowan's (and other photographers') amazing photographs, make it easy to connect with Habbal's work. We see multiple photos of the eclipse as well as how the temporary field stations are set up and other behind-the-scenes activities. We feel Habbal's worries and her excitement, and we learn how scientists and technologists and everyday people come together to share knowledge and resources. The 2017 data are still being analyzed, but Habbal is already planning for the next total solar eclipse, which will take her South America.

Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution by Steve Jenkins (paperback: Jan. 28, 2020). Although not as detailed as the Scientists in the Field books, Jenkins presents an illustrated outline of evolution from the planet's beginnings to the modern era. Jenkins's watercolor cut–paper collages capture our imaginations, and the text gives us an accurate snapshot of how life on Earth came to be. I love the colorful illustrations of everything from one-celled bacteria to huge dinosaurs (see the cover for a hint). Jenkins introduces us to Darwin and his finches and then explains genetic variation and mutation and the development of new species as well as the extinction of others, through the process of natural selection. Although geared to a younger audience than the other books I'm reviewing today, Life on Earth will spark the interest of the paleontologists and biologists of the future and will have them heading to the library to explore the suggested readings listed at the back of the book.

Crow Smarts: Inside the Brain of the World's Brightest Bird by Pamela S. Turner with photos by Andy Comins and art by Guido Filippo (paperback: Jan. 14, 2020). Ever since I read a study showing that crows could recognize human faces and could remember who treated them nicely and who did not, I've been fascinated with the intelligence of the familiar backyard bird. In this Scientists in the Field book, I learned about crows' natural abilities to manipulate their environment and use tools to get what they want. How do they learn such skills? In a way that is similar to ours: they watch their parents and then practice on their own. Turner takes us to a New Caledonian forest, where we see the methods Dr. Gavin Hunt of the University of Aukland uses to study how these smart birds break open nuts, trick grubs into coming out in the open, and make hooked tools from pandanus plants.

Besides learning about crows and seeing them in action through photographs and drawings, we also learn about the ecology of New Caledonia and how human activity is threatening the environment. Hunt's observations and experiments have shown that crows do not act only on blind instinct; they use their brains to solve problems and enhance their survival. I had no idea of the extent of crow intelligence, and after reading this book, I'll never look at a crow the same way again. I like our neighborhood flock and always hope the crows recognize me as a friend.

The Call of the Osprey by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent with photography by William Munoz (paperback: Jan. 21, 2020): Although I've watched ospreys on wildlife cams on the internet and have seen at least the remnants of their nests along rivers and lakes, I didn't know much about them except that they mate for life and return year after year to same nest after their winters in the south. Patent takes us to osprey homes both in fairly remote areas and along urban waterways. We see how humans have erected platforms to encourage ospreys to settle in their area and how the cameras are set up to allow scientists to watch osprey couples raise their young from egg to independence.

Did you know that ospreys can live to 20 years? That the females are bigger than the males? Through Patent, we follow three scientists from the University of Montana, who teach us about osprey behavior, including hunting and migration patterns, and how they've been affected by a human-filled world. One of the things I love about the Scientists in the Field books is that we see the researchers as real people and discover conducting research in the elements isn't always pleasant, though the discoveries can make it all worth while. The main focus of the osprey research in this book is on conservation and pollution and how the birds act as barometers, offering insights into the state of the natural world and the status of environmental clean-up projects. The book ends with resources for getting involved in conservation programs and for learning more.

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Today's Read: Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

Imagine that when you were just an infant, your father, the royal mapmaker, disappeared on the same day that two young princes of your island kingdom were ambushed by an enemy army and never seen again. Now, almost two decades later, you discover secret maps and a related riddle that may shed light on what happened on that horrible day. Could your father and the princes still be alive?

The book opens innocently enough:

The outing had been planned on a whim; an afternoon lesson up in the hills, away from the smoke and stink of the city. Antoni hauled himself over the ledge and caught his breath—Saint Mary, he had grown soft—then reached down and instructed the child below to hold fast. When Bartolome's small hand grasped his, Antoni swung him up onto the rocks by side.

Prince Bartolome landed on his knees with an Oof before scrambling to his feet. He was seven, tall for his age, dark hair pulled back in a queue. The boy looked around with an expectant air, but as he surveyed the area—a flat hilltop covered entirely in black rock, barren of even a single bush or shrub—his anticipation quickly turned to bewilderment.

—Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier (HMH, 2018, p. 1 [Prologue])

Quick Facts

• Setting: a fictional island kingdom with a Renaissance Mediterranean feel
• Circumstances: Although Elias's father disappeared years earlier, the son has followed in his father's footsteps both in the trade of map making and in befriending the royal family. When he and his friend the young new king, Ulises, discover some mysterious maps that offer clues to who their true enemy is, they set out, along with Ulises's cousin Mercedes, to discover what really happened to the princes and to Elias's father. Their quest takes them on a journey over the seas and to distant lands and back home again. Along the way they discover some answers, find more puzzles, outwit enemies, fight beasts, and solve mysteries.
• Genre & themes: action adventure with hints of fantasy and mystery; themes of friendship, secrets, betrayals, family, loyalty, and maybe even a little romance; written for a teen audience
• Early thoughts: From the first scenes, I was impressed with Lucier's world-building skills and how quickly I connected with the characters and their universe. I'm only about a quarter of the way in, but I'm invested in the trio's fate. Both the main characters and the secondary players are fully developed with believable personalities and motivations. Oh, and I love books that include maps, and Isle of Blood and Stone doesn't disappoint.
• Other things to know: The book is the first in a duology and won starred reviews and much praise. I can see why. The second book came out in August, so no waiting to see what happens! You can find a copy of the map and a discussion guide at the author's website.
• Acknowledgments: Thanks to the publisher for the review copy of Isle of Blood and Stone.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Traveling the World through Books

Happy almost October. I am so ready for sweater weather and hearty dinners. Although the temperatures still say summer, the leaves are starting to change, and I feel the hints of fall.

I had an unexpectedly busy September, which has really eaten into my blogging time. I don't seem to have the energy to write reviews or spotlights after a long day. It's a dilemma because I have a ton of great books to talk about in October. I'm hoping to up my game either here or on Instagram or Litsy. We'll see how I do.

We haven't been watching too much on television. We're about halfway done with Ken Burns's series on country music. Even if you aren't a country music fan (I'm not either), it's a fascinating documentary of America and the music industry.

Here's what I've read and listened to in the last two weeks.

Match Made in Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai (Little, Brown YR, Sept. 10): This is a fun, light contemporary novel about a first-generation Punjabi American teen who dreams of being an artist. Simi, however, is pressured to follow the path of generations of women in her family and become a professional matchmaker. With help from her older brother (who's a whiz at coding) and relying on the matchmaking wisdom she's learned from her mother, aunt, and grandmother, Simi decides to take the family business into the twenty-first century. She and her best friend, Noah, devise a dating app that's geared specifically to the kids in their high school. As Simi and Noah (who's gay) help others find their soulmates, their popularity increases, until the coolest girl in the class is upset that she wasn't matched with the coolest guy. When Amanda begins her defamation plan, Simi and Noah have a whole new set of problems, some of which test their long friendship. Great themes of staying true to oneself, being honest, friendship, family, young love, and finding balance between family traditions and the modern age. Simi and Noah's relationship is believable, as are the plot lines of young love. Simi's family life and the differences between the generations also rings true. The unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio; 7 hr, 2 min) was well read by Priya Ayyar, who smoothly transitioned between teen and adult voices and American and Indian accents. She picked up on the emotions and personalities of the characters, making it easy to root for Simi and Noah and boo the mean kids. (audio copy provided by the publisher)

The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea (Harper, Sept. 3): Set in the late 17th century in Iceland, this haunting novel examines the choices a young woman makes after her father suddenly dies and her mother becomes sick. Facing a bleak future, Rosa agrees to marry Jon, a wealthy farmer and trader, who lives in a distant town near the sea. In return for leaving her beloved village and being obedient, Jon has agreed to provide for Rosa's mother, ensuring the older woman's survival. Rosa's marriage is haunted by the uncertain circumstances of Jon's first wife's death, her husband's distance and coldness, and her extreme loneliness. The story is infused with the Icelandic landscape and focuses on the edge of change or maybe the edge of changing states: Christianity and the old Norse gods, girlhood and womanhood, single and married, married and widowed, love and friendship, woman and mother, insider and outsider, life and death. Although primarily a character-driven novel, the book includes some drama as well as mystery. I really liked this and have continued to think about Rosa. The unabridged audiobook (Harper Audio;11 hr, 18 min) was read by Heiða Reed and Smari Gunn, who set the mood and pace of the story, and nicely avoided foreshadowing. I appreciated hearing the correct pronunciations of the Icelandic names and words. (print and audio copies provided by the publisher)

Fever Year: The Killer Flu of 1918 by Dan Brown (HMH Books YR, Sept. 3): A graphic nonfiction look at the spread, aftermath, and cause of the great flue pandemic of 1918. I don't know why I have a fascination with the Spanish flu -- maybe because it acted as a modern-day plague, killing many more people across the globe than the Great War. Brown (who also illustrated the comic), lays out the pandemic in three parts: In Act I the flu wasn't any more deadly than any other flu, but it spread quickly as troops returned home from war in Europe. No one really knows where it started or its origins, but it was likely from an animal source and may have first shown up in the eastern United States. In Act II, the flu came back with a vengeance, was more deadly than any other flu ever seen, and seemed to strike young adults most strongly (unlike usual flu, which is worse for the very young and very old).  Act III came later, when the Spanish flu reared its ugly head several more times in the following few years. The plot of Fever Year is a little disjointed, but the book serves as a good introduction to the pandemic. The artwork is in muted colors, befitting the event; the expressions on people's faces clearly convey emotions, and period details are evident. The book concludes with a short look at biological research into the Spanish flu and a good bibliography for readers who want to know to more. Recommended. (review copy provided by the publisher)

Death of a Gentle Lady by M. C. Beaton (Blackstone Audio; 2008; 5 hr, 31 min): This is the 23rd entry in the Hamish Macbeth mystery series set in Scottish Highlands. As you know, I just love these cozy mysteries, in which village copper Hamish Macbeth solves murders, helps his neighbors, has bad luck in love, and avoids getting promoted to the city. There's quite a bit of action in this book, and the murder mystery was well set up, with a few believable red herrings. Hamish's personal life plays a large role and includes his ongoing dealings with his personal nemesis, big-city detective Blair, as well as some complications in his love life. Lots of fun, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. The audiobook is read by Graeme Malcolm, who captures the personalities of the townsfolk and keeps the story moving. These quick listens are perfect escape books. (borrowed from the library)

The Liar by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen (Little, Brown, Sept. 24): What happens when a lonely, insecure Israeli girl mistakenly cries wolf but is slow to tell the truth? Seventeen-year-old Nofar has had it with her summer job scooping ice cream, with being outshone by her perfect younger sister, and with feeling lonely since her childhood friend graduated to the cool kid group. After an altercation with a male customer, Nofar reaches her breaking point: she storms out of the store into the back alley; when the man follows her, she screams. Witnesses assume the worse, and Nofar, in shock and humiliation, fails to correct them. The man goes to jail to await trial on charges of sexually assaulting a minor. I really wanted to like this story of Nofar's struggles to balance her newfound fame and popularity with doing what's right to save her "assailant" from serving time. I, however, could not relate to how far she let things go. There are several other liars who cross paths with Nofar, and I didn't much care for them either. I had issues with the ending as well (I can't get into detail without spoiling the book), because the lesson almost seems to say, lying pays. I was not sold. The unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio; 8 hr, 14 min) was very well read by Ajjaz Awad. This was my first experience with her. Her performance was fine and her pronunciation of the names, Hebrew, and Yiddish seemed believable. On the other hand, her British accent seemed off in a book set in Israel. (audio copy provided by the publisher)

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5 Books for Middle Grade Nonfiction Fans

I am a lifelong nonfiction lover. When I was a kid, I read a lot of biographies, mostly because there weren't very many accessible science titles for curious young readers. At least I couldn't find them in my local library.

Kids these days have access to so many terrific nonfiction titles and series. The middle grade STEM and other books I've run across (and read) in the last few years have impressed me on several levels. First, the science books tackle important subjects like conservation, energy, and medicine. Second, the biographies and histories give plenty of page time to women, people of color, non-Western countries, sociocultural issues, and LGBGT+ topics. Finally, although the books are written for young readers, the text is not watered down. Kids get the chance to learn real science and real history presented in a colorful and entertaining way.

This week I read five middle grade nonfiction titles and recommend all them for you or your young reader.

In the 21st-century we take microbes, amoebae, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms for granted. In the early 1600s no one had heard of or seen any of these. That would change after Antony van Leeuwenhoek, a self-taught scientist from Delft, built a microscope and started documenting what he discovered. Lori Alexander's All in a Drop (HMH Books for Young Readers, Aug. 6), tells the story of how the uneducated son of a basket maker became the father of microbiology. His life wasn't easy and his path may seem surprising -- what was it about becoming a linen merchant that jump-started his curiosity for tiny things? Despite the poor odds, Antony eventually convinced the leading scientists of the era to take his discoveries seriously. This little-known story, which includes quotes from Anthony's own letters, is beautifully illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. The back of the book contains a time line, a glossary, and a bibliography.

Have you heard of Tyrus Wong, who came to America in 1919 from his native China at the age of nine, carrying false papers? I hadn't either, but I've seen some of his work, and so have you. Paper Son by Julie Leung (Schwartz & Wade, Sept. 24) introduces us to the man that the New York Times called "one of the most celebrated Chinese-American artists of the 20th century." Tyrus Wong (his Americanized name) grew up to be the inspirational artist for Disney's Bambi movie and later worked for other Hollywood studios. Although Tyrus's father was well educated, he couldn't find a good job. Regardless, he worked hard to give his son a better life in America. After graduating from art school, Tyrus held a number of jobs, but he never stopped painting. Tyrus's story is inspiring, but it also reveals the darker side of what it is like to be foreign born in the country of opportunity. The book, geared to very young readers, is beautifully illustrated by Chris Sasaki.

The Awesome Achievers series uses a mix of humor, simple drawings, and entertaining text to introduce middle grade readers to some of the world's lesser-known inventors. Author Alan Katz peppers his books with personal stories, fun facts, and silly questions, perfect for young readers. Both Awesome Achievers in Science and Awesome Achievers in Technology (Running Press Kids, Aug. 6) are delight to read and include a good mix of women and men and people of color. Many of the achievers were new to me, and I enjoyed getting to know the man who invented seat belts, the woman who was the first voice of Siri, the woman who was a pioneer in modern communications, the guy who invented Velcro, and the woman who invented non-reflective glass. The biographies are short and each one is accompanied by funny extras, such as lists, jokes, a comic, and ridiculous invention ideas. Chris Judge provides black and white drawings to accompany the text.

You've read it here before, but I absolutely love the Scientists in the Field series, which gives budding scientists (of any age, in my opinion) an insider's look at what it's like to be a field scientist. This month's book is Saving the Tasmanian Devil by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (HMH Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20). After zoolologist Patent learned that a mysterious and rapidly spreading disease was threatening to kill the entire Tasmanian devil population, she traveled to Australia to learn what conservationists were doing to save this species. The types of scientists trying to stop devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) includes geneticists, ecologists, and cancer researchers from all over the world. Through text, drawings, and photographs, we learn about Tasmanian devil behavior and habits, the discovery of DFTD, and the various efforts being made to save the animals. Through field studies, scientists developed a theory for the disease's transmission; meanwhile lab researchers have developed a promising vaccine. Sidebars and boxes explain scientific concepts, and the text and photos give us a good sense what's like to work with the devils. If you want to help, check out the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

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6 Books to Celebrate Women's History Month

The other day I was in one of those rare states of being in between both print/digital and audiobooks. When I was thinking about what to read next, I remembered March is Women's History Month. This prompted me to sort through my new releases to see which titles would fit the theme. I found books geared to young adult readers and to adults. My mix includes fiction and nonfiction, and one is written in verse.

Although not all the books I feature today are technically women's history, I think they all nicely celebrate the spirit of Women's History Month.

American Princess by Stephanie Marie Thornton (Berkley, March 12): Alice Roosevelt, daughter of President Teddy Roosevelt, was a no-nonsense, you-can't-stop-me kind of woman. She grew up in the public eye and knew how to use that platform to its best advantage, without stifling her wild side. Yes, she smoked cigarettes in public, but she also understood Washington, DC. Even so, she was less savvy when it came to friendships and love, and her flamboyant personality veiled some deep sorrows. This well-researched novelized version of Alice's life begins in 1901 with her father's unexpected presidency (after McKinley was assassinated) and ends in late 1970s, just before her death. Alice witnessed two world wars, women's suffrage, two presidential assassinations and one resignation, and great changes in technology and society. Audiobook: Penguin Audio; 15 hr, 27 min; read by Elizabeth Wiley.

The Real Wallis Simpson: A New History of the American Divorcée Who Became the Duchess of Windsor by Anna Pasternak (Atria; March 5): You know who Wallis Simpson was: the woman who caused a king to give up his throne. Simpson's disruption of the monarchy is often thought of as the least of her sins. She was supposed to have been a Nazi sympathizer and spy and self-promoting schemer. Pasternak's new biography provides an alternate perspective of what lay behind the gossip and public perceptions and paints a different picture of the woman who was shunned by Britain, suggesting that the royal family took advantage of the situation to dethrone Edward, whom they thought unfit to rule. In this account, Simpson is less concerned with becoming a queen than she is with the welfare of her husband, being the only one who knows how to placate his whims and moods. Pasternak also suggests a fairly innocent reason for the Windsors' interest in Hitler. Did Simpson get a raw deal from the royals and the media or did she deserve her bad press? This biography helps round out Simpson's story. Audiobook: Simon & Schuster Audio; 11 hr, 37 min; read by Laura Kirman.

Salt on Your Tongue by Charlotte Runcie (Canongate, March 5): It's a little hard to describe this book of personal essays because Runcie covers so much territory within its covers. As the subtitle--"Women and the Sea"--suggests, the unifying thread of her pieces is the ocean. Some of the essays are clearly nature writing; some are about motherhood; and others take a literary, mythology, or history bent. Women have always had a mixed relationship to the sea. The ocean took their husbands and sons but also provided food, beauty, and recreation. Runcie explores the shoreline and tidal pools, recalls songs and poems celebrating the sea, and turns to the waves when life is overwhelming. Shakespeare, folk tales, Greek mythology, and science all make appearances, but Runcie's Scotland and its rugged coast is the star. This is a book for those who love the beach. Audiobook: Cannongate; 8 hr, 48 min; read by Jessica Hardwick.

Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David Elliott (HMH Books for Young Readers, March 26): This novel in verse geared to young adult readers imagines Joan of Arc's last day through multiple perspectives, some living, some not. Elliott uses a variety of poetic forms, which are signaled by typeface, placement of the words on the page, and ornamented initial capital letters. We hear from Joan's mother and Catholic saints; from the king and from her childhood friends. We also hear from inanimate objects, like a church's altar; from animals, including a stag; and from emotions and states of being, such as lust. Elliott bases at least some of his work on the historic records of Joan's two trials. The first trial includes Joan's own words and resulted in her being burned at the stake. The second trial, held years after her death, documents the voices of the people who knew her well. The book includes a map, a guide to pronunciations, and an index of poetry forms used. Forget the "young readers" label; this is for you too. Audiobook: no information.

Women Who Dared to Break All the Rules by Jeremy Scott (Oneworld, March 12): This collection of short biographies focuses on six women who defied their gender stereotypes and/or societal expectations to follow their own advice. Some are well-known women, such as Mary Wollstonecraft whose equal rights document has inspired women for centuries. Others are more obscure, such as Margaret Argyll, who was often the subject of a hostile press as she pursued her passions (and divorces). The other women are Victoria Woodhull (women's suffrage), Aimee Semple McPherson (a preacher), Edwina Mountbatten (last vicereine of India), and Coco Chanel (fashion icon). This collection provides a good introduction to interesting women who were a force to be reckoned with during their lifetimes; some of them are still making waves today. The book is illustrated with black-and-white photos and ends with a bibliography of the sources used. Audiobook: no information.

Yes She Can compiled by Molly Dillion (Schwartz & Wade, March 5): This book collects the stories of 10 young women who served in the White House during the Obama administration. Now a few years older and in a different America, these women give us an inside look at the everyday workings of the White House, share their thoughts on being part of a historic presidency, and inspire women and girls to find their own place in American government. Although these women helped shaped their country and the world, they aren't afraid to share their blunders and mistakes, and it's exactly this personal and down-to-earth viewpoint that makes these essays so accessible. You too, no matter your age, can make a difference: get out the vote, become an activist, volunteer, find a new job--just do what you can to make the world a better place for everyone. The book includes a glossy photo insert and ends with a guide for how young people can become involved in the day-to-day business of running the government. The target audience is young adult, but these smart, capable women are speaking to all American citizens. Audiobook: no information.

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7 New(ish) Books for Speculative Fiction Fans

What's your favorite escape reading? Do you turn to a steamy romance, light women's fiction, or a heart-thudding spy thriller? I've been known to read all three, but I think my top genres for ditching reality are good, solid murder mysteries and full-on speculative fiction, especially fantasies. If you're like me, then read on . . . here are seven fall fantasies that should be on your current reading list. (Descriptions are adapted from the publisher's summary.)

The Alehouse at the End of the World by Stevan Allred (Forest Avenue Press, November 6). Genre: epic fantasy. Audience: adult.

When a fisherman receives a mysterious letter about his beloved’s demise, he sets off in his skiff to find her on the Isle of the Dead. Set in the sixteenth century, where bawdy Shakespearean love triangles play out with shapeshifting avian demigods and a fertility goddess, drunken revelry, bio-dynamic gardening, and a narcissistic, bullying crow, who may have colluded with a foreign power. A hopeful tale for our troubled times.

City of Ash and Red by Hye-young Pyun (Arcade Publishing, November 6). Translated from Korean. Genre: dystopian. Audience: adult.

Distinguished for his talents as a rat killer, the nameless protagonist is sent on an extended assignment to a country descending into chaos and paranoia, swept by a contagious disease, and flooded with trash. No sooner does he disembark than he is whisked away by quarantine officials and eventually told he is the prime suspect in his wife's murder. Barely managing to escape arrest, he must struggle to survive in the streets of a foreign city gripped with fear of contamination and find a way to clear his reputation.

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (Jimmy Patterson, November 6). Genre: fantasy. Audience: young adult.

Lei--a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted class of people in Ikhara--lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards for an unknown fate still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after, whose rumored beauty has piqued the king's interest. At the palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king's consort. Lei's ensuing forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens her world's entire way of life. Although still a country girl at heart, Lei must decide how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.

Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd (HMH Books for Young Readers, October 2). Genre: dark, epic fantasy. Audience: young adult. First in a series.

Seventeen-year-old Anouk has been enchanted from an animal form into a human girl but is forbidden to venture beyond her Parisian prison to mix with real humans. She is destined for a life surrounded by dust bunnies and cinders serving the evil witch who spelled her into existence. But when her mistress is found murdered, Anouk is accused of the crime. Pursued through Paris by an underground magical society, Anouk and her friends have only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known, but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for.

Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch (DAW, November 20). Genre: urban fantasy. Audience: adult. Seventh in the River of London series.

The series follows Peter Grant, a constable turned magician’s apprentice, as he solves crimes in London. This mystery-thriller-fantasy involves the Faceless Man, who is wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud, and crimes against humanity. Detective Grant soon realizes that in order to bring the criminal to justice and thwart a larger, deeper conspiracy he may have to rely on a woman who once betrayed him.

The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman (Ace, November 27). Genre: time travel / urban fantasy. Audience: adult. Fifth in the Invisible Library series.

The series follows librarian Irene and her assistant Kai as they travel to various worlds fighting creatures of chaos and tracking down important books. In this installment Irene travels to 1890s Paris where a powerful dragon has been murdered in the middle of a top secret dragon-Fae peace conference. Tasked with solving the case, Irene and fellow Librarians find evidence of a larger crime that might involve the Invisible Library itself.

The XY by Virginia Bergin (Sourcebook Fire, November 6): Genre: dystopian. Audience: young adult.

Sixty years ago, a virus wiped out almost all men on Earth. Now women run the world, and men are kept in repopulation facilities, safe from the deadly virus. At least, that's what everyone has been led to believe, until River discovers a young man on a country road-—injured but alive. Mason has been outside for five days since escaping from his facility, and no one can understand how he has survived. Hiding the boy violates the rules of their world, but as the women of the town band together to try to save him, River begins to suspect that the truth behind Mason's existence is darker than she could have imagined.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: 5 Books for Your Reading List

There's good news and bad news on the reading front. A long holiday weekend doesn't stop me from working, and my spare time is spent cooking, not reading. On the other hand, there is all that audiobook time when in the kitchen and cleaning the house!

We watched one book-based movie this week (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) and finished up the PBS version of The Woman in White. We thought the first one was cute and fun, and we liked the gothic atmosphere, costumes, and acting of the latter.

I can hardly believe we're into the last week of November. I got into a mild panic about the December holidays because I haven't even made my gift list yet. I know we'll pull it off, but life is currently crazy, crazy.

Here's what I read last week.

How Long 'Til Black Future Month by N. K. Jemisin (Orbit; November 27): Holy cow this book is amazing. First, take a second and absorb the cover. I'm in love. This book is a collection of Jemisin's shorter pieces, but instead of reading like short stories they all read like novellas. I'm so impressed with how complete each story is. The book begins with a message from Jemisin explaining how she came to write these pieces. The stories are related by the themes Jemisin's fans are used to seeing: feminism, otherness and wanting to belong despite being different, relationships, motherhood, the powerful versus those who seem to not have power, fertility, and dreams. Some of the pieces were expanded into her novels (fans will have no difficulty recognizing these stories), and some explore a kind of dystopian future. I also liked the mix of settings, including a futuristic New York, a Katrina-suffering New Orleans, and off-plant settlements. I listened to the unabridged audio edition (Hachette Audio; 14 hr, 10 min), which was read by an amazing cast of narrators. This was not a full-cast production; instead a single narrator read each story. I didn't find any weak links here. Shayna Small, Gail Nelson-Holgate, Robin Ray Eller, and Ron Butler presented Jemisin's style and characters brilliantly. I can't recommend this audiobook more highly. (For more, see my upcoming review with AudioFile magazine)

Spellslinger (Orbit paperback, July 2018) and Shadowblack (Orbit paperback, August 2018) by Sebastien de Castell: I loved the first book in this fantasy so much that I immediately read the second. I believe there will be six books in all and that first four are currently available. This is the story of Kellen, the son of powerful magi and a member of a politically powerful clan. The only problem is that his magic, which should manifest itself before he turns 16, is slow to ignite. The books are about what happens when Kellen learns the truth of why he can't weave a spell and what he learns when leaves his home city and family to live in the greater world as a kind of outlaw (and, in fact, there is a bounty on his head). I really liked the world building and the role magic plays in Kellen's land. We meet those with magical power and those without, we meet the powerful and the weak, we meet loners and clanspeople, and we even meet a few sentient creatures. Kellen is on the run with his "squirrel cat" partner and a woman traveler who teaches the boy how to survive on his own. There's a bit of a wild west feeling about the books, but the setting is unique. Here are some things I like about the books: Although Kellen has an interest in a couple of girls he meets, there is (so far) no love story. Kellen is clever and smart but makes lots of mistakes and is often struggling to balance his baser instincts with loyalty and doing the right thing. There's a lot of action. Kellen's squirrel cat is a smart aleck, and I love the ribbon of humor that winds it way through the stories. There are surprises but also familiar tropes. If you're looking for a new fantasy series that does not involve a love triangle and that would appeal to both teens and adults, I'd give this one a try.

I listened to the unabridged audiobooks (Hachette Audio: 10 hr, 58 min; 9 hr, 35 min) both read by Joe Jameson. Jameson has narrated a ton of audiobooks, but I think this is my first experience with him. I liked the way he delivered the humor; upped the tension in the action scenes; and created solid, believable voices for the characters. I'm so glad I decided to give this series a chance and highly recommend it. (Review copies provided by the audiobook publisher)

Click by Kayla Miller (HMH Books for Young Readers, January 2019): I didn't realize when I picked up this very cute graphic novel that it wouldn't be available until January. I don't usually like to review books so far ahead, but such is life. This is Miller's debut graphic novel, and I thought it was a lot of fun. Olive is comfortable being friends with a number of her classmates, but when their teacher announces a fifth-grade talent show, she is dismayed to find that all of her friends have teamed up to work on their acts. Although they are excited to tell Olive about their ideas, no one invites the girl to join their act. Instead of being a woe-is-me story, this is an uplifting tale of how Olive came to terms with understanding herself and her relationship with her classmates. I loved how she found her own solution and refused to let her well-meaning and understanding mother step in to make things right. The messages here are light handed but important--for example, we can have friends of different genders and skin colors, it's okay not to have a single best friend, and sometimes friends do things we don't understand but that doesn't mean the friendship is over. Plus Olive shows us that by thinking a little outside the box (with the help of her aunt), we may be able to solve our own problems in a way that highlights our own personality. The artwork is colorful, fun, and expressive, and readers young and old will easily relate to Olive. I was trilled to see that another Olive story is in the works.

Little Dancer Aged Fourteen by Camille Laurens (Other Press, November 20, translated from the French): A few years ago I read and featured a historical novel about Degas, the ballet dancers he sketched and painted, and his famous wax / bronze statue of the Little Dancer (The Painted Girls; guest post by Cathy M. Buchanan). When I heard of this nonfiction account of Marie van Goethem, the young dancer who modeled for the famous artist, I felt drawn to it. This nicely researched book is only 150 pages, but Laurens packs a lot of thoughtful information between the covers (including photographs of Degas and his work). She puts the life of adolescent ballerinas into the broader sociocultural world of the mid-1800s, noting that (by law) the age of sexual majority was only 13 years and that young dancers had limited opportunities both during and after their association with a ballet company. The child dancers of the Paris Opera were called rats, and this quote sums up their life:

The little rats are Cinderellas without fairy godmothers, they don't become princesses, and their carriageless coachmen remain mice as gray as the cotton ticking of their slippers. They are children who work. (p. 40)

Laurens goes on to discuss the possible relationship between the artist and his model, Degas's influences for how he rendered Marie's features, and Degas's place in the art world. All the while, she tries to find clues to what happened to Marie after she was fired from the Opera for absenteeism (likely because she was modeling for Degas). What was the girl paid? What were her options? What was her future? Laurens doesn't have answers for all her questions, but her stark picture of the young dancer's world will stick with me and has broadened my reaction to the small statue. (review copy provided by the publisher)

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5 Books for Space Lovers

Here's a little-known fact about me: when I was in junior high, I saved all my baby-sitting, birthday, and holiday money to buy a good-quality telescope, which I still own. At one time I dreamed of becoming an astronomer. Although my life went in a different direction I haven't lost my love of looking into the night sky and learning about space. This week's roundup is all about books that will take us to the far reaches of the universe or maybe just into orbit around Earth.

For Adults

Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance between Astrophysics and the Military by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang (Norton, September 2018). What's it about? As indicated by the subtitle, this book is about the tight connections between the Defense Department and space research, especially during the cold war. I'm never disappointed with deGrasse. Opening lines:

On February 10, 2009, two communications satellites—one Russian, the other American—smashed into each other five hundred miles above Siberia, at a closing speed of more than 25,000 miles an hour. Although the impetus for building their forerunners was war, this collision was a purely peacetime accident, the first of its kind. Someday, one of the hundreds of chunks of resulting debris might smash into another satellite or cripple a spaceship with people on board.

Into the Black: The Extraordinary Untold Story of the First Flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the Astronauts Who Flew Her by Rowland White (Touchstone, April 2016). What's it about? Again, the subtitle reveals the contents, but what's different about this book is its reliance on declassified materials and firsthand accounts. I don't know if you remember this flight, but there were some majorly tense moments. Opening lines:

Dottie Lee's mother thought it was unusual for her ten-year-old daughter to display such a love of classical music. That, though, seemed positively conventional next to Dottie's keen interest in astrophysics. Growing up in New Orleans in the 1930s, Dottie and known that there would one day be men on the moon.

For Young Adults

It's a Question of Space: An Ordinary Astronaut's Answers to Sometimes Extraordinary Questions by Clayton C. Anderson (University of Nebraska Press, July 2018): What's it about? Written by a man who spent almost a half year on the International Space Station, this book reveals everything you always wanted to know about life in orbit and being an astronaut. The questions range from scientific to fun and silly, and Anderson's answers reveal his engaging personality and zest for life. Sample question:

Question: What is NASA hiding from the world about aliens?

Answer: What is NASA hiding from the world about aliens? Beats the heck outta me! [and then he goes into his own thoughts on the subject]

For Middle Grade Readers

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott (HMH Books for Young Readers, August 2018). What's it about? The author explains how scientists have used the data and images obtained from the Hubble Space Telescope to study the nature of the universe, the birth of stars, and more. Includes a history of the Hubble mission, short biographies of inventors and scientists, and stunning photographs. Opening lines:

Have you ever wished you could travel back in time? Or visit another planet? Or see a star close up? Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of the universe, and whether other life forms, similar to humans, exist somewhere? These are important questions that people have been asking for hundreds of years.

Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo (Clarion, September 4, 2018). What's it about? In her memoir, Acevedo pays tribute to the Girl Scout program for fostering her interest in math and science and giving her the confidence, despite her underprivileged background, to eventually become a rocket scientist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. Also available in Spanish. Opening lines:

My Papá wasn't much for telling stories. He liked facts and information. if you asked him about the Mexican Revolution or about the freezing point of water, he'd go on all day, sounding grown-up and important, like the men who read the news on television. Mami was the storyteller in our family--as long as the subject was people. I thought she must know everybody in the world--who their family was, where they came from, and what they did all day.

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4 Nonfiction Picks for Curious Young Minds

In this day and age when facts are called into question, it’s more important than ever to encourage and support youngsters who want to know about the world they live in. I’m a big advocate of nonfiction for middle grade readers, especially books that treat kids with respect. Fortunately for today’s kids, quality nonfiction for young readers is readily available. Today I’m recommending 4 books to get you started.

Contemporary Culture

• This Is Our Constitution: Discover America with a Gold Star Father by Khizr Khan (Knopf Books YR; October 2017): This annotated version of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights was written by a Pakistani native who became a U.S. citizen and then lost one of his sons to war in 2004. Khan’s easy-to-follow explanations help all of us (young and old) connect in a very personal way to our country’s foundational documents. Recommended for those who want a clearer understanding of history and how it relates to contemporary everyday life.
• Nevertheless, We Persisted edited by Amy Klobuchar (Knopf Books YR; September 2018): This collection of essays presents the stories of how all kinds of people (poets, actors, musicians, politicians, teen activists) faced and overcame discriminatory roadblocks because of their skin color, gender, sexuality, or religion. As the subtitle says, the pieces included here are testaments to everyday defiance, strength, and courage. Recommended for those needing inspiration and support in the continual fight for true equality.

Field Biology

• Special note: I love HMH’s nonfiction books for young readers so much, I find it almost impossible to pass my review copies along to the kids who make up the target audience. The science and presentation are appropriate for readers of all ages, me included. Both books are recommended for budding animal biologists.
• The Orca Scientists by Kim Perez with photos by Andy Comins (HMH Books YR; July 2018): Through easy-to-read text and stunning photos, we’re introduced to the researchers who are learning the truth about the sea mammals that some call killer whales. The book focuses on studies being conducted in the Pacific Northwest that aim to analyze ocra behavior and communication, with the ultimate goal of conservation and protection. As with all books in the Scientists in the Field series, we learn what it’s like to be a field researcher (the good and the bad) and come to realize that only through science can we understand and appreciate the complex lives of our fellow beings.
• Backyard Bears by Amy Cherrix (HMH Books YR; October 23, 2018): This entry in the Scientists in the Field series focuses on how eastern black bears have adapted to the urbanization of their habitat. What’s interesting about this book is that it examines a conservation success story: the rebound of the black bear population of South Carolina. That success, however, comes with a price—bears in your backyard. From there, the book goes on to explore other urban wildlife encounters from around the world and asks how humans and animals can share the same territories.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Good Books for Young and Old

Last week was insanely crazy with work. I had editing deadlines and writing deadlines all piled up on each other. But I still managed to finish five books and make progress on a sixth.

How did I do that? Mr. BFR was off fishing with his friends for the week. So I had all the time to myself. I read at all my meals, never turned on the TV, and had an audiobook on speakers whenever I could.

I'm happy he's back home, but I was also happy to get in so much reading time. Here's what I read.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Books 1–2, edited by Fancesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli (Listening Library; 6 hr, 59 min, June 19). Put this audiobook (sold in two parts on Audible) on your reading list. Buy it for the young people in your life. Listen to it yourself. As the subtitle says, this is a collection of "200 Tales of Extraordinary Women," and the stories are inspiring, moving, and empowering. Forget the target audience of middle grade girls. Rebel Girls is for everyone: all ages, all genders. The stories are short, really short—but each is a biography of a rebel woman from ancient history to the current century. Some of the people everyone's heard of, such as Jane Austen, Marie Curie, Qui Jin, Sappho, and Frida Kahlo. Others were totally new to me (though maybe you'll recognize the names): Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (president & scientist), Wang Zhenyi (astronomer), Maya Gabeira (surfer), Grace O'Malley (pirate), and Eufrosina Cruz (activist and politician). Each volume contains the stories of 100 women and girls, arranged alphabetically and spanning the world. This is not a Euro-centric collection, and the women profiled excelled at politics, sports, science, cultural change, the arts, and more. The overriding message is that girls can dream of doing whatever they want: they can be smart, brave, and strong and if you don't believe it, here are 200 true-life stories to prove it. I am recommending, nay insisting, that you listen to Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls because the two volumes are brilliantly read by a cast of fantastic audio performers, among them Mozhan Marnò, Janeane Garofalo, Esperanza Spalding, Ashley Judd, Alicia Keys, and Esperanza Spalding. My full audiobook review will be available at AudioFile magazine, but let me assure you there are no weak links in the performances or the stories. (copy for a freelance assignment)

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand (Little, Brown, June 19): If it's summer, it's time for a new Hilderbrand novel. I can't say I've read all 21 of Hilderbrand's books, but I can say I've never been disappointed. This year's outing combines all the expected Nantucket details, great characters, up-to-date plot, and good food with a murder mystery. Just days after the island is recovering from the Fourth of July celebrations and tourists, the very wealthy Garrison-Winburys are hosting their son's wedding. Greer has managed the entire event (with the help of the island's best wedding planner and caterers) because her future daughter-in-law, Celeste Otis, is completely focused on her mother, who is battling end-stage cancer. There are delicious subplots involving secret affairs, a social media influencer who slept with her ex-boss, an airport security agent looking for love, an antiques dealer involved in fraud, and a famous author facing her first rejection. Everyone seems to be hiding something, and the cops are having a hard time figuring out the sequence of events that ended in the death of the maid of honor in the dark hours after the rehearsal dinner. This smart, sharp story is one of the must-read books of the summer. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio; 12 hr, 8 min) read by Erin Bennett. She did a fantastic job with the accents, pacing, and characterizations. I was captivated by her unforced expressiveness and easy-to-listen to voice. Get out your beach towel, pour yourself some expensive rum, put in your earbuds, and get ready for a trip to Nantucket. (audiobook copy provided by the publisher)

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne (HMH Books for Young Readers, May 1): I love classic retellings and I love how Donne reimagined Jane Eyre as a futuristic, space age story. Earth is in the grips of an Ice Age, but the lucky humans are safe in space ships, orbiting the planet until it's safe to return to ground. Stella Ainsley was sent to live on an orphan ship after being rejected by her rich aunt. Despite becoming both a teacher and an accomplished engineer, she wants more out of life. So when offered a job as governess on a privately owned ship, the Rochester, she accepts, ignoring rumors that the ship is haunted. From there, the plot riffs on the main plot points of Jane Eyre, keeping all the familiar parts of the story—for example, Aunt Reed, a crew member named Poole, a secretive boss, and laughter in the night—but setting them on a space ship with cool technology. Stella is pretty kickass and doesn't let her heart get in the way of doing what she knows is right for humanity, herself, and her friends. I especially like the fact that Donne didn't hesitate to dispense with some of the original story arcs, thus keeping the story moving forward to a satisfying ending. If you haven't read Jane Eyre, you would still enjoy Brightly Burning, but a lot of the fun for me was recognizing characters and events from the classic. (review copy provided by the publisher)

A People's History of the Vampire Uprising by Raymond A. Villareal (Mulholland, June 5): Sometime in the near future a CDC virology researcher is sent to Arizona to investigate a suspicious death, but when Lauren arrives at the morgue, she's told the body has been stolen. Officials, however, can show her the body of another person who seemed to die under similar circumstances. Later that night, she's told the body got up and walked away. That day is forever known as Day 1 of the Nogales organic blood illness (NOBI). The story of what happens next is told a series of reports, newspaper articles, FBI documents, diaries, and interviews. The format is slightly derivative (see Mira Grant's Newsflesh trilogy or Sylvain Neuvel's Themis Files), but plot itself is unique, and the different perspectives on the vampire phenomenon are well thought out. For example, if people were infected by a virus that turned them into vampires, would they have rights under various disability laws? What if those people asked to be turned into vampires? Everyone has opinions on this and all kinds of other issues and complications caused by the rise of the vampires (called Gloamings in the book), including Hollywood, the Vatican, and Washington, DC. Meanwhile, Lauren and her team are interested in trying to isolate the virus and perhaps find a cure, and those acts are also considered controversial. A People's History of the Vampire Uprising is a fun addition to the vampire genre. The unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio, 13 hr, 26 min) is read by 10 narrators, including Christine Lakin, Robert Petkoff, and Karissa Vacker. I've grown quite fond of full-cast productions, especially when everyone does a good job. The expressive and well-matched performances added to my overall enjoyment of the story. (print and audiobook copies provided by the publisher)

The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott, illustrated by Robin Robinson (First Second, April 24): Isabel lives in San Francisco with her high-society mother, who is more concerned with her own life than that of her daughter's. If it weren't for the household staff, Isabel would be left totally alone. When she is taken to live with her artist father for the summer, Isabel is even more isolated. Her dad has no household staff and spends all his time in his studio. One day when playing in the woods, she finds a fay who has crossed the veil into the human world. As Isabel touches him she is transported to an alternate San Francisco, where two fairy factions are at war. Before the fay dies, he gives Isabel the power to bring peace, if only she can find the rightful prince and heir to the throne. With the help of some new friends, she sets out to find the prince. The City on the Other Side is a fun middle grade comic about a lonely girl who finds her courage and learns to make friends. There's plenty of action as she escapes the bad guys and figures out who is trustworthy and who isn't. The illustrations clearly show the action and the characters' emotions, and the fanciful creatures, including a delightful friendly mushroom, are unique and well rendered. Recommended for younger readers who like adventure and fantasy. (copy provided by the publisher)

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