(2) 4-6 In Booraem's (Small Persons with Wings, rev. 3/11; Texting the Underworld, rev. 7/13) latest fantasy, Donna's small family is grieving the death of her aunt, Annabelle, and struggling financially now that Annabelle is no longer there helping to support them. Donna takes an afterschool job as a housecleaner for Vilma Bliksem, an elderly new neighbor. But Vilma, it transpires, is a weather mage, and as her telepathic dragon companion reports, she has a nasty retaliatory streak. When she spitefully turns Donna's former best friend into a chicken, Donna mobilizes an eccentric classmate and half the girls' basketball team to change her back. The mix of the fantastical and the practical gives this light, quickly paced fantasy its vitality; dragon flights and magical gold coexist with tips from "Annabelle's Guide to Everyday Household Mechanics." On the serious side is a family on the verge of collapse and a girl who feels she's lost her best friend; on the whimsical, the magic of pixies and the suspenseful action of a hand-to-hand fight with a baleful thunder mage.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(2) 4-6 When an attractive young banshee moves into his closet, predicting an upcoming death, anxiety-prone Conor is convinced that she's come for his beloved grandfather. To save Grump, Conor travels to the underworld, where he must face his greatest fears. Complex characters, a moving story line centered on family and courage, and plenty of exciting moments make this an appealing read.

Reviewer: Monica Edinger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2013

(2) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old narrator Mellie Turpin's family has for centuries been pledged to protect the Parvi Pennati ("small persons with wings") in exchange for a magic moonstone ring. Now the Parvi need the ring back--but the Turpins don't know where it is. Mellie has a wry, snarky voice that will draw readers in and keep them invested in the escalating events.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(2) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Medford Runyuin lives in an Island society that values Usefulness only. Self-expression is an abomination--until the Goatman shows up and explodes the society's self-understanding. An optimistic story about the importance of art, the tale also plays with questions of language and naming, friendship and integrity. The novel's humor and amiability make it highly accessible but thought-provoking.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2009