(4) YA Illustrated by Chad W. Beckerman. After her father's death, fifteen-year-old Frannie finds in his house a box with her name on it and a handmade puzzle inside. The discovery that she can magically enter into the puzzle leads her to find her father. Unexpected fantasy elements are jarring; the plot is at its best in Frannie's real life. Sketches decorate some pages.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Chad Beckerman. Kevin and Holly, besides concluding that their archaeologist mother has died in an earthquake, are also being threatened by a stalker. They leave New Mexico for Venice, California, where they meet all manner of colorful characters. Although framed with hints of mystery, the novel primarily paints vivid character sketches of individuals living the fringe life in Venice; it fails to sustain a coherent plot.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003