(3) K-3 Illustrated by Joanie Stone. Power (1794-1871) was a self-taught naturalist who had to fight to be recognized for her discoveries about sea life. The Parisian dressmaker moved to Sicily after her 1818 marriage; inspired by the island's natural beauty, Power was drawn to study marine creatures. Designing "one of the world's first aquariums built for scientific study," she was able to observe living animals; her study of the paper nautilus resolved an age-old scientific mystery about its shell. This compelling picture-book biography of a trailblazing woman scientist is enhanced by period-setting illustrations featuring blues, greens, and beachy browns. Griffith concludes with more about "Jeanne's Life and Legacy," the paper nautilus, "Marine Biology and Conservation," a note about historical research, and a bibliography.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) YA This second entry (Front Lines) in an alternate-history series in which women serve as soldiers during WWII finds medic Frangie, soldier Rio, and spy Rainy in 1943 Sicily. Faced with sexism, racism, and anti-Semitism in addition to war's brutal realities, the young women fight to survive and to attain social equity. Evocative, emotional storytelling will engross action fans and history buffs alike. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA Translated by Anthea Bell. Rosa (Arcadia Awakens; Arcadia Burns) and Alessandro are the heads of their Sicilian Mafia families. But when they are framed for a judge's murder and almost kidnapped, they must uncover an ancient plot and the secret of their shapeshifting powers to stay alive. Multiple twists and turns bring the supernatural-thriller trilogy's many elements together in a satisfyingly tense climax.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA Translated by Anthea Bell. Now the head of a Sicilian shape-shifting Mafia family, eighteen-year-old Rosa (Arcadia Awakens) has to contend with rivals who want to kill or manipulate her. And dating the head of her family's rival clan doesn't make things easier. A shrewd narrator and a focus on entertaining action and romance help balance out the more emotional undercurrents of secrecy and violence.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA Translated by Anthea Bell. Seventeen-year-old New Yorker Rosa moves to Sicily to start over. When she falls for the heir of a rival Mob family, she learns that the Mafia is hiding stranger and deadlier secrets than just organized crime. In this supernatural romance, Rosa's dark and damaged voice aptly navigates the troubled waters of love and family where everyone has a secret agenda.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA Coventry reimagines the life of Princess Joan, daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II and sister of Richard the Lion-Hearted. Vibrant writing makes Joan emotionally real and accessible. The detailed descriptions replete with historical tidbits include things the audience will find fascinating: clothing and playthings as well as politics.

Reviewer: Thom Barthelmess

(2) YA Three years, three months, three days: that's how long playboy Don Giovanni agrees to forgo bathing, in his pact with the devil. Napoli sets her story in twelfth-century Sicily; against the backdrop of natural disasters (a tidal wave and earthquake resulting from Mount Etna's eruption), Don Giovanni's personal disasters grow increasingly, intriguingly complex. The tale coalesces into a first-rate survival story.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2010

(3) K-3 Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Clear prose and a pared-down plot make this picture book retelling of one of Shakespeare's last plays--the story of a jealousy-crazed king--easy to follow for young audiences. Coville's incorporation of quotes from the play helps retain the flavor of the original language. Jewel-tone paintings tinged with golden hues reflect the light and shadows of the story.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute