(4) 4-6 Photos, drawings, loud graphics, and "Fearless Fact" boxes provide interesting context for a variety of historical and contemporary heroes and heroines, including Harriet Tubman, Tina Fey, Malala Yousafzai, Galileo Galilei, and Mohandas Gandhi. The inclusion of fictional characters dilutes historical significance; brief sections on heroic animals are also included. A colorful and compartmental, if visually busy, design drives these biographical surveys. Ind. Review covers these titles: The Book of Heroes and The Book of Heroines.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA Housemaid Anne, the orphaned daughter of a wealthy English merchant and a West Indies slave, is desperate to escape England for the West Indies, her mother's birthplace. Her plans become complicated as she falls for sailor Teach, her employer's son. Castroman's slow-paced love story addresses race and gender issues, culminating in an origin story for Blackbeard the pirate.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA For the Brontë children, reality and fiction collide when they strike a bargain to travel as characters inside their own stories. As the young authors lose control, secrets among the siblings enrich an otherwise tepid fantasy plot. Despite its lacking drama, the story's biographical details and literary references (Charlotte "poor and plain"; Emily falls in love with a Heathcliff-like rogue) will please keen observers.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) 4-6 Photos, drawings, loud graphics, and "Fearless Fact" boxes provide interesting context for a variety of historical and contemporary heroes and heroines, including Harriet Tubman, Tina Fey, Malala Yousafzai, Galileo Galilei, and Mohandas Gandhi. The inclusion of fictional characters dilutes historical significance; brief sections on heroic animals are also included. A colorful and compartmental, if visually busy, design drives these biographical surveys. Ind. Review covers these titles: The Book of Heroes and The Book of Heroines.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Vivienne To. With help from old friends, banshees, and Excalibur, Grubb and his recently discovered father, Alistair Grim, continue their quest to defeat evil necromancer Prince Nightshade, who is searching for animus, a magical power source. This follow-up to Alistair Grim's Odditorium doesn't stand alone, but fans of the first book's (hodgepodge) fantastical elements, action, and mystery will find more of the same here. Final illustrations unseen. Glos.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) 4-6 Gadgets and Gears series. Illustrated by James Hamilton. Walter and his faithful dog, Noodles (the narrator), enter London's underbelly to help new friends find the master criminal Tick Tock. Playful spot illustrations and interesting secondary characters (such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) draw readers in, but frequent definitions of terms, while educational, drag the pace of this third installment. Unexpected acts of kindness allow for a warm conclusion.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) YA Higgins introduces key figures and issues of the feminist movement through the lens of the different waves, discussing reproductive rights, abortion, poverty, work discrimination, and more. Text boxes provide context, ask questions, and outline adjacent issues and ideas. Photos and extensive supplemental materials (mini-biographies of key figures and a list of recommended organizations for "tak[ing] action") round out this opinionated overview. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) YA A kinship over physical deformities evolves into friendship between Joseph Merrick ("the Elephant Man") and his new maid, Evelyn, who has "phossy jaw." As Evelyn seeks refuge from London's streets, a series of murders brings ghosts to their door. Kirby's gritty novel includes historical references within a unique story of self-acceptance, murder, and friendship.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) K-3 Louise (Louise Loves Art) is thrilled to discover her new neighbor, Andie, shares her affinity for art until artistic differences test the new friendship. The observational humor in Light's pencil and digital illustrations complements this congenial tale of collaboration. The background antics and character expressions (unnoticed by Louise) of Louise's brother and the girls' pets, are sure to delight readers.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Will Terry. Despite horrific accidents and magical recoveries on his playground, new-to-town Dr. Fell has everyone (besides Nancy, Jerry, and Gail, that is) under his spell. Neilsen's storytelling and wicked plot (Dr. Fell is sucking the lives out of children) are accessible to intermediate readers, though some may grow impatient waiting for all to be unveiled in the finale. Black-and-white illustrations accompany the just-creepy-enough tale.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Zhang. This account of suffragette Alice Paul's involvement in ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment foregoes some historical points and figures (e.g., WWI, hunger strikes), and Robbins's focus on Paul's apparel ("this small woman in a purple hat") somewhat undermines broader messages of empowerment. Still, it's a lively introduction, and Zhang's colorful illustrations spotlight story elements while providing contextual detail. Author's note appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) YA Awoken after five hundred years, the Sleeping Prince ruthlessly murders his way to the Lormere throne as neighboring Tregellan braces for war. Errin, sister to now-missing Lief (The Sin Eater's Daughter), bargains her apothecary skills to protect her family, only to discover her brother aids the murderer who threatens them. Salisbury's complicated web of twists and intrigue will have fans eagerly awaiting the next volume.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) 4-6 Highlighting traditional entrepreneurial themes such as creativity, dedication, self-drive, determination in adversity, and observation, Swaby introduces lesser-known female science pioneers including Canadian engineer Yvonne Brill, Russian mathematician Sophie Kowalevski, and American bacteriologist Alice Hamilton. Each well-researched, accessible biographical narrative touches on personal background and cultural impacts and could be a good jumping-off point for further research. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) YA Keepers' Chronicles series. With her family divided and presumed dead, Johanna (The Storyspinner), rightful heir of Santarem, joins love interest Rafi to fight a villainous Keeper from the other side of the Wall, who is enslaving people using magical collars. Complex romance cushions the war-driven momentum, and quickly alternating narrators in the finale accelerates the magical battle to a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA Palace of Spies series. In the third book, Peggy Fitzroy returns to her role as a palace spy, this time bringing along her cousin Olivia. Peggy's duties become complicated as her aunt is accused of treachery; she gains sympathy for old rivals; and the true identity of Peggy's patron is revealed. The eighteenth-century London court remains lushly built, but there's limited action in this subdued adventure.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) YA In 1814 England, banished to Stranje House for "severe" reform, Georgiana discovers a place where the unusual residents are encouraged in their "eccentricities" (for Georgie: her love of science). Georgie's invention of invisible ink helps support the English war effort in this carefully balanced adventure of girl empowerment, spies, and romance. Baldwin acknowledges historical alterations for readers unfamiliar with the Napoleonic era.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA Illustrated by Jordyn Bonds. Directed at young women, Bondy's book addresses "Speaking Up" in myriad circumstances (with adults, bullies, friends, crushes) and explores associated issues such as eating disorders, self-esteem, and sexism. Lots of lists and author anecdotes help readers digest main points, but the narrative can occasionally feel patronizing. Photo collages flavor the pages but add little to the message. Helpful resources are included.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA Selection series. As a scheme to distract a discontented post-caste populace, future ruler Eadlyn (daughter of America, the protagonist from the previous three books) begrudgingly agrees to participate in a husband-finding Selection. Eadlyn's plan to thwart the historic matchmaking process backfires as she befriends the candidates and opens up. Discrimination issues are overshadowed as the self-determined girl learns she must loosen up to become a well-rounded leader.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA In a steampunky post-Revolution America, the British and French dominate, which forces reluctant leader Charlotte (The Inventor's Secret) and gang to seek refuge with the Resistance in New Orleans. Unsure whom to trust, especially as multiple agendas arise regarding an assumed-dead friend, Charlotte's protective instincts triumph over duty. This transitional sequel lacks a standalone plot but not action, which steadily builds toward future adventure.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA Virgin teen Mina's immaculate conception strains her relationships--her father doesn't believe her, her boyfriend leaves her, she's bullied at school--especially as she decides to keep the child. Worshiped while also hated and subjected to violence, Mina must keep herself and her daughter safe. Detweiler's trite messages ("life is not always what you expect...") hamper a thoughtful exploration of faith.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis