(4) 4-6 Relentlessly bullied for his geeky reputation, scientific genius Fisher Bas has problems in middle school. Desperate for relief, Fisher secretly clones himself overnight and sends "Two" in his place--and he's much more popular. Trouble begins when evil Dr. X kidnaps Two for the cloning formula. The book contains some arguably muddled messages about bullying, but the suspenseful high-tech exploits are diverting.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) PS Illustrated by Alison Edgson. "Just one more!" repeats Little Brown Bunny after every bedtime story. Determined to make storytime last all night, he consults friends and writes his own "super-long one." Rest finally comes to the excited bunny as he falls asleep before the first word is read. Illustrations employ warm, inviting colors and irresistible fuzzy critters in this gentle story that might inspire budding authors.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 In a medieval-flavored colossal city that moves around on wheels, Cymbril is a slave girl. When the city's master buys a Fey boy, Cymbril befriends him and pieces together her own history as they plot their escape. The fairy boy is a bit too all-knowing for true credibility, but this otherwise thoughtful and well-paced story is rich with mystery and magic.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) YA In this Worldshaker sequel, the city-ship's former slaves have overthrown the ruling class. Col (the old captain's grandson) and the girl Riff (a rebel leader) survived the uprising, but the vengeful atmosphere allows no place for friendship (forget romance) between the two. Tense battles rage between rival factions and external imperial powers. Clandestine moments, unexpected twists, and some new faces spice up this steampunk adventure.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno. Matt Rambeau never expected a robot for a brother, but this kind of thing happens when your dad is a brilliant computer scientist. His family fights about the surprise addition, only coming together when spies try to nab the bot. Matt's goofy narration has appeal, but a villainous subplot and easy resolution drown out the greater theme of what truly makes a family.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) YA Soul Seekers series. Time can stand still for Daire, whose sixteenth birthday brings gruesome visions. Concerned about psychosis, her mother reluctantly sends Daire to her grandmother for healing. Good/evil twins, heady romance, and ample teen angst spice this fantasy spun from southwest Native American mythology. Daire's unfolding quest and unresolved relationship with the presumably good twin will leave readers itching for sequels.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 Resisters series. Twelve-year-old Ethan Blackwood (The Resisters) is a young showoff with some potential to lead his fellow resisters in a futuristic, alien-controlled Earth. He flouts the community's rules, then ropes his comrades into a dangerous, unapproved operation to recruit new resisters. The thin plot and bland adult characters are drawbacks, but video-game-quality action keeps the story in high gear for adventure lovers.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 Amos Daragon series. Translated by Y. Maudet. Amos Daragon (The Mask Wearer) returns; here a young queen uses voodoo to send Amos on a quest to Braha, the City of the Dead. As before, Amos's brilliance (rarely in evidence but often mentioned) unravels cunning plots and restores balance to the world. The stiff translation and lack of much character complexity are drawbacks, but fantasy-adventure fans may not mind.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 4-6 As the daughter of the sultan's advisor, Zardi (short for Scheherazade) has an easy life in Arribitha. When the sultan turns on Zardi's family, she and her best friend search for freedom, answers, and protection. The mix of magic and legend deftly brings djinnis and Captain Sinbad to vibrant life. Strong characters and balanced mystery/discovery leave ample room for further adventures.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 4-6 Chronicles of Egg series. Egbert and his loathsome family live on a pirate-infested island. When his father discovers a legendary treasure map, the whole family faces deadly encounters with pirates and the influential Roger Pembroke. By chance, Egbert avoids disappearing with his family only to be doggedly pursued by Pembroke. Romance, humor, adventure, and the high seas figure prominently in this strong series opener.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 Following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, Goldenrod Moram plans to meticulously map her hometown. In the woods near her home, she discovers a strange woman, a quest for an elusive blue rose, the ghost of Meriwether Lewis, and a band of hoodlums (mostly her classmates). Although the plot treads predictable paths, quirky characters keep the story lively and engaging.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Sam Nielson. Ambitious Lockley Puffin yearns to soar gracefully--a radical idea for a puffin. Lockley's adventurous spirit pits him, along with his sidekicks--a pontificating walrus and an (improbably) Arctic-tolerant hummingbird--against an absurdly tyrannical owl king and leads to a quest for his colony's freedom. Whimsical characters and daring exploits balance the political drama. Pompous dialogue and factual errors disrupt the narrative.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 Last Dragon Chronicles series. Extensive backstory begins this sometimes disjointed series ender. Oft-mentioned Agawin finally arrives, weaving together David, Zanna, Alexa, Lucy, and the Pennykettle dragons' stories. The leaps in time can be dizzying, and the ending (which questions the entire tale's reality) is only somewhat convincing. Despite some plot holes here and there, series fans will appreciate the closure.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) K-3 This mock-serious book, purportly a missing monster-expert's unfinished field guide, introduces various monsters (they're everywhere) and advises readers how to survive meeting one (run away). The heavily illustrated presentation includes lots of flaps, tabs, and die-cut pages. The busy pages and tiny type are frustrating; not a necessary purchase, but monster fans will probably eat this up.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 4-6 Poisons of Caux series. Illustrated by Andrea Offermann. In this trilogy ender, Ivy Manx's scattered allies regroup to unseat the corrupt Director (Ivy's father) and restore peace to Caux. Ivy's ragtag army of birds and scarecrows pits itself against poison, shifting alliances, and prophecy in this richly described fantasy. The plot's brief fragments of action weave together in a dense and rewarding narrative.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) 4-6 Ravens plucked out Peter Nimble's eyes before the infant was rescued at sea. Blind and orphaned, the boy grew into a miserable life of thievery. When he steals a set of magical eyes, however, Peter is set on a hopeful course to heroism and home. Daring adventures, vivid characters, and a particularly droll narrator bring this inventive story to life.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) YA Reimagining the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, Barrett gives new life to Ariadne as a lonely priestess with a disfigured and disabled brother: a wholly human Minotaur. Using a rich historical framework, the story alters events and characters enough to build fiction from mythology. Complex characters and relationships guide the plot to the preordained but still satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) YA Book of Tormod series. Tormod (A Templar's Apprentice), aspiring Knight Templar in medieval Scotland, has powerful visions that wear on him. Searching for a Templar healer, he meets Aine, a gifted comforter, and their perilous adventures fuel the plot. Tormod's perpetual exhaustion (routinely conveyed via churning guts) grows tiresome in its description. The fantasy's loosely historical setting and mystical/religious themes add some depth to the action.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) K-3 Rescue Vehicles series. This series briefly explores the history and function of rescue vehicles. The texts describe the vehicles' most basic features and what it takes to operate them. Eye-catching photos (some mismatched, like an unexplained helicopter in Rescue Boats) could use more detailed captions; basic diagrams with parts labeled would also have been helpful. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Rescue Vehicles titles: Ambulances, Fire Trucks, Helicopters, and Rescue Boats.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) K-3 Rescue Vehicles series. This series briefly explores the history and function of rescue vehicles. The texts describe the vehicles' most basic features and what it takes to operate them. Eye-catching photos (some mismatched, like an unexplained helicopter in Rescue Boats) could use more detailed captions; basic diagrams with parts labeled would also have been helpful. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Rescue Vehicles titles: Ambulances, Fire Trucks, Helicopters, and Rescue Boats.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem