(4) 4-6 Translated by Tara Chace. His body now infused with the metal luridium, code-breaker William (William Wenton and the Impossible Puzzle) begins to suffer from uncontrollable seizures. He returns to the Institute for Post-Human Research for answers but finds only threatening secrets. The adventure's breakneck pace should appeal to reluctant readers, but it leaves little time for pondering some of the thorny technological and moral issues in this Norwegian series.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 Translated by Tara Chace. William Wenton, a genius puzzle-solver, breaks the family rule of keeping a low profile and solves a museum exhibit called the Impossible Puzzle, which lands him in a secret boarding school full of equally (well, not quite) gifted kids. This Norwegian-import series-starter isn't a standout example of the gifted-boarding-school premise, and readers interested in ciphers and codes may wish for more examples.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Cool Industrial Arts series. These three installments each provide five progressively challenging handicraft projects involving robust materials (leather, metal, and wood) and STEAM competencies. While the products vary in terms of usefulness and desirability, amateurs can learn basic DIY skills as they follow the clear instructions with accompanying close-up photographs. Includes tips, techniques, and images of tools. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Checkerboard Library: Cool Industrial Arts titles: Cool Leatherworking Projects, Cool Metalworking Projects, and Cool Woodworking Projects.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 First Book of Ore series. A rescue attempt gone wrong drops snobby outcast Phoebe Plumm and her tech-savvy servant, Micah, into a hidden world of living metal ravaged by The Foundry, an unethical corporation from their own world that has monopolized metal production. While young steampunk fans may be enchanted by the all-metal ecosystem, the clunky slang and flat characterization give the trilogy-starter less general appeal.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) K-3 Exploring Materials series. Each book introduces a specific material using simple, kid-friendly questions that provide information such as where the material comes from and how it is used. At times the text can be repetitive ("Chalk is soft rock" and "Chalk comes from rock") or could benefit from further explanation, but the short sentences and clear photographs are ideal for beginning readers. Glos., ind. Review covers these Exploring Materials titles: Metal, Plastic, and Rock.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner