(4) 4-6 Illustrated by James Lancett. In their latest mission for The League of Unexceptional Children, twelve-year-old spies Jonathan and Shelley must clear the names of Jonathan's witless parents, who were duped into stealing government secrets by a shadowy organization. Despite a rushed final act, jarring tonal shifts, and repetitive humor, fans will enjoy the usual energetic pace and the camaraderie of these average-Joe heroes. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations reinforce plot points.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by James Lancett. First introduced in The League of Unexceptional Children, unobtrusive juvenile spies Jonathan and Shelley now travel to London in pursuit of a rogue teen agent bent on releasing a virus that makes people less intelligent. Beneath the often zany, sometimes tiring humor, the genuine central friendship of Jonathan and Shelley greatly enhances the story. Occasional cartoon illustrations reinforce plot points.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by James Lancett. Jonathan and Shelley--average, unmemorable twelve-year-olds--are ideal spies for The League of Unexceptional Children. The unremarkable duo must save the day when the vice president is kidnapped and the nation's secrets are threatened. The one-note premise wears thin, but fans of comic mysteries should enjoy this projected series debut. Cartoon illustrations break up the text.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 School of Fear series. Illustrated by Carrie Gifford. When a nosy reporter threatens to shut down the School of Fear, the fearful fivesome must overcome their phobias to save it. A visit to another bizarre school--the Contrary Conservatory--delivers new comic twists to a familiar story line. The five "besties" (and a bungee-jumping ferret) bring a surprisingly touching solidarity to this third volume in the series.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 School of Fear series. Illustrated by Carrie Gifford. This School of Fear sequel welcomes a new student whose fear of solitude ironically isolates her from her coveted "besties." It will take all the students working together to save the batty Mrs. Wellington and prevent the school from closing, thus leaving the children terrified forever. Although the characters lack individuality, the story's dark and wacky humor is satisfying.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 School of Fear series. Illustrated by Carrie Gifford. Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, and Garrison are enrolled in an unconventional secret institution, the curriculum aimed at overcoming the children's phobias. The story is weakened by imprecise grammar and overwrought prose ("A horrific desire to extol Theo on the rules of life...abounded as [Garrison] watched the boy blubber"). Fans of Lemony Snicket may enjoy the over-the-top twists.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross