(3) 4-6 This action-packed and humorous sequel to Almost Super has the Bailey family in hiding after the supervillain Joneses have eliminated their superpowers. Banding together with family members and friend (formerly foe) Juanita, Rafter Bailey sets out to get their powers back. After his plan is sent into a tailspin, Bailey must figure out another way to save the day.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) 4-6 The Platypus Police Squad is on the case again in this third mystery set in animal-inhabited Kalamazoo City. When a mayoral candidate, Frank Pandini, is attacked by a boomerang, hardboiled platypus detective Rick Zengo is hired as the panda's bodyguard. Most of the fun lies in the old-fashioned crime-fighting tropes and silly gags. Black-and-white cartoons add to the charm.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) YA World War II series. In the midst of WWII, Army Air Corps gunner Theo McCallum has just learned his older brother Hank, a Naval sailor, has gone missing in the Pacific. Theo tries to be positive but struggles to stay focused as he flies over Europe fighting Nazis. The thrills and terrors of war are tempered with heart and humanity in the series' third book.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Cory Thomas. Kenny Wright, an African American sixth grader in a tough DC public school, takes a lot of flack for loving chess and his grandma. But his alter ego, Stainlezz Steel, keeps the streets safe from petty burglaries, rescues cats, and battles his archnemesis. Interspersed with comic panels, this funny and enlightening book will have wide appeal.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Graham Ross. Billy Sure has newfound celebrity after inventing the All Ball, a ball that can change into any type of sports ball. Fame comes with its risks and challenges, however, and while trying to maintain his business, Sure Things, Inc., Billy must also protect a secret about the All Ball. An enjoyable start to a funny new series accented with comics-style doodles.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Wings of Fire series. Peace has finally settled on the kingdom of Pyrrhia. The former "dragonets of destiny" have started an academy for young dragons like themselves. One promising student, Moonwatcher, begins to discover her own secret powers and must decide if she should use them when the academy is threatened. Devoted fans of the series will enjoy new characters in this sixth continuation.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) K-3 Monster Buddies series. Illustrated by Chiara Buccheri. Popular monsters made famous in movies and folklore are explored in these slim volumes perfect for young ones dying to learn about their favorite creepy characters. Facts include multicultural origins and variations (no sources are cited for such information) along with how to defeat these ghouls. Slick digital cartoons contribute to the friendly feel. There are four other fall 2014 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monster Buddies titles: I'm a Midnight Snacker!, I'm Fearsome and Furry!, I'll Haunt You!, and I'm Undead and Hungry!.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) K-3 Monster Buddies series. Illustrated by Mike Moran. Popular monsters made famous in movies and folklore are explored in these slim volumes perfect for young ones dying to learn about their favorite creepy characters. Facts include multicultural origins and variations (no sources are cited for such information) along with how to defeat these ghouls. Slick digital cartoons contribute to the friendly feel. There are four other fall 2014 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monster Buddies titles: I'm a Midnight Snacker!, I'm Fearsome and Furry!, I'll Haunt You!, and I'm Undead and Hungry!.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Three Thieves series. While he and the other men of the King's knights, known as the Dragons, follow clues to find three young thieves, Sir Drake reminisces about the fatal events that led to their present day. Black-and-white art among color signifies the flashback scenes, making the transitions easy to follow. The backstory will be satisfying to fans of this graphic novel series.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) YA Illustrated by Andrew Pinder. Through his diary entries, complete with black-and-white line doodles, teen vampire Nigel reveals that he's bored with running the coven. So when an ambitious vampire comes on the scene, Nigel is happy to let him take the reins--that is, until the new vampire's evil intentions come to light. Funny and lots of fun, younger teen readers will enjoy this series-ender.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) 1-3 DC Super Friends series. Illustrated by J. Bone. The city of Metropolis celebrates Superman's birthday with a museum and a parade, but jealous Lex Luthor tries to ruin the fun for everyone. Primary colors dominate the comic-style illustrations. The slight story line will be appreciated by readers new to comics, while confident readers will probably want more substantial fare. Visual discussion questions and writing prompts are appended. Glos.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Terry Denton. Author friends Andy and Terry (The 13-Story Treehouse) have expanded their treehouse with floors that include a robot-run ice cream shop, skate ramp with crocodile pit, and an antigravity chamber. The tale of how they met and these adventures become the stories in their next book. Humorous illustrations fill the pages. Fans will rejoice: a concluding blueprint shows plans for another thirteen floors.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 1-3 Tib & Tumtum series. Illustrated by Bannister. Tib's best friend is a dinosaur, which, as they should be extinct, doesn't sit well with his prehistoric clan. The truth is Tumtum makes a better friend than the mean kids in the tribe. How can Tib convince the others his dinosaur isn't dangerous? This second graphic novel's short comical panels are illustrated in vivid greens and blues, with pops of Tumtum's red.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Dog Chronicles series. Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery. After escaping a cruel owner, Alaskan sled dog Murphy finds a home with eleven-year-old Sally and her mother. Though he's emotionally scarred from past abuse, Murphy proves his bravery when he accompanies Sally on her lone search for gold. This charming dog's-eye-view adventure set in 1900 will please dog lovers and historical fiction fans alike. Appended historical background supplements the narrative. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) 4-6 Following Legends of Zita the Spacegirl, the third graphic novel opens with Zita's capture and punishment for her "crimes." But never fear: Zita is brave, clever, and has a loyal following. The art is colorful, detailed, and child-friendly. Readers of all ages can relate to the themes of friendship and loyalty while enjoying the fantasy of a far-out sci-fi adventure.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) K-3 Collected from the genre's top authors and illustrators comes eight funny short comics that explore the delights and pitfalls of recess. Readers will rejoice in seeing favorite characters such as Babymouse and Lunch Lady while making new friends in debut stories. Gray-scale illustrations are enhanced with pops of bright orange, keeping continuity while each artist's signature style shines through.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) YA In this satisfying trilogy conclusion (Insignia; Vortex), cadet Tom Raines and his friends discover power dynamics have shifted at the Pentagonal Spire, where they continue their Intrasolar Forces training. New regulations are not just frustrating but dangerous as well, and what follows are more of the high-tech thrills and action that fans of the series have come to expect.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(3) YA In 1900, sixteen-year-old Greenland Inuit girl Billy Bah sets out to rescue Lieutenant Peary, his ship stuck in the ice during a polar expedition. Though torn between cultures, having spent a year with Peary's family in America, Billy Bah ultimately feels she must risk her life to find him. A compelling tale with enthralling details of the stark, beautiful Greenland landscape. Historical notes. Timeline. Glos.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) K-3 Monster Buddies series. Illustrated by Chiara Buccheri. Popular monsters made famous in movies and folklore are explored in these slim volumes perfect for young ones dying to learn about their favorite creepy characters. Facts include multicultural origins and variations (no sources are cited for such information) along with how to defeat these ghouls. Slick digital cartoons contribute to the friendly feel. There are four other fall 2014 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monster Buddies titles: I'm a Midnight Snacker!, I'm Fearsome and Furry!, I'll Haunt You!, and I'm Undead and Hungry!.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) K-3 Monster Buddies series. Illustrated by Chiara Buccheri. Popular monsters made famous in movies and folklore are explored in these slim volumes perfect for young ones dying to learn about their favorite creepy characters. Facts include multicultural origins and variations (no sources are cited for such information) along with how to defeat these ghouls. Slick digital cartoons contribute to the friendly feel. There are four other fall 2014 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monster Buddies titles: I'm a Midnight Snacker!, I'm Fearsome and Furry!, I'll Haunt You!, and I'm Undead and Hungry!.

Reviewer: April Mazza