(4) YA Twelve-year-old Nettie Roberts lives in the lap of luxury and has never questioned her circumstances. Then her beloved tutor disappears and Nettie uncovers a cache of dark family secrets, including ties to human trafficking. Gavin's flair for action promises a gripping read, but the mystery soon descends into melodrama and Nettie, saved by convenient helpers, remains unempowered until an abrupt ending.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Allan Eitzen. This book describes the swift change in the idyllic life of a young Muslim boy in Bulgaria when the government forces his family to Christianize their names. While the simple language and dramatic illustrations will generate empathy, the situation is not given enough context to make it truly involving; the book's theme seems constrained by the limitations of the picture book form.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(4) YA Illustrated with color photos, this textbook-like volume is organized by country, with sections on geography and people and detailed descriptions of each nation's history. A map and flag chapter is followed by a time line and an "Encyclopedia" section on people, minority groups, important cities, and more. Though it will date quickly, the book will be useful for serious students needing research materials. Ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt