(4) 4-6 Story Thieves series. In the fourth and fifth books, Owen and Bethany story-jump and time travel to rescue friends, learn how to defeat Nobody, and reconnect the nonfictional and fictional worlds. Plot's choose-your-own-adventure-style puts the reader in charge of Owen's journey, while Apart returns to the traditional storytelling format. Though both books are unnecessarily drawn out, humor and likable characters carry this series to a satisfying conclusion. Review covers these Story Thieves titles: Pick the Plot and Worlds Apart.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(3) 4-6 Story Thieves series. Illustrated by Patrick Spaziante. Owen, Bethany, and their friends (Story Thieves; The Stolen Chapters) return to their mission of finding Bethany's dad. This time their fictional travel leads them into a comic-book world--full of superheroes and a villain, The Dark--where no one can be trusted. Several black-and-white comic-book panels illustrate the story. Series fans will enjoy another book-themed romp packed with action and quick dialogue.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(4) 4-6 Story Thieves series. In the fourth and fifth books, Owen and Bethany story-jump and time travel to rescue friends, learn how to defeat Nobody, and reconnect the nonfictional and fictional worlds. Plot's choose-your-own-adventure-style puts the reader in charge of Owen's journey, while Apart returns to the traditional storytelling format. Though both books are unnecessarily drawn out, humor and likable characters carry this series to a satisfying conclusion. Review covers these Story Thieves titles: Pick the Plot and Worlds Apart.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(4) 4-6 Story Thieves series. Owen, Kiel, and Bethany travel through books in search of Bethany's father, making friends, outwitting the authorities, and fighting a very familiar super villain. The narrative jumps through time and setting too often and the group is no closer to its goal by story's end, but the protagonists are funny and likable.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(3) 4-6 Everything bores Owen until Bethany, a half-human/half–fictional character searching for her lost father, brings Owen into his favorite book. The plan soon backfires and the children find themselves fighting to save both the book world and the human one. With its quick-paced plot, sharp characters, and funny dialogue, Story Thieves opens an enjoyable new fantasy-adventure series.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(4) 4-6 Half upon a Time series. "One will betray her, and one will die for her." The prophecy involving May, Jack, and Phillip finally comes to pass, but not in the way readers might expect. The otherwise clichéd conclusion to this over-the-top trilogy includes familiar characters from previous books returning for a final battle with the Wicked Queen and satisfying (if tidy) story resolutions for all the main characters.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) 4-6 Jack dislikes princesses. But when one falls out of the sky, he gets swept up into adventure. Jack and Princess May are both related to famous fairy-tale characters, and they encounter other familiar figures on their journey. The lively, humor-filled story is chock-full of action, which keeps the intricate plot moving. An unresolved ending will leave readers eagerly anticipating a sequel.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter