(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Claudia Dávila. This sophisticated graphic memoir is an important and accessible testimony by Chikwanine, who at age five was kidnapped by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo and forced to be a child solider. The panels ably contrast Michel's happy early years, his horrific captivity, his escape, and the future time when his family members become political refugees. Excellent back matter includes action ideas. Websites.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) YA At fifteen, Elayne doesn't believe in mythical beasts. This opinion changes after she's called on to tame a reluctant but desperate unicorn and depose a tyrant in a magical land where friends and foes intermingle. Inspired by the famed Unicorn Tapestries, this vividly drawn fantasy explores the costs of individuality and inaction in the face of oppression.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) YA Runestone Saga series. With the ability to send their "Fetch" spirit-walking, cousins Sky and Kristin try to prevent their megalomaniacal grandfather from changing history and murdering millions. Their pursuit leads them through a Reformation-era witch hunt and ends at the Battle of Hastings. Humphreys' copious occult research and credible grappling with questions of temptation and power make this a strong horror-fantasy.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Runestone Saga series. Lacking the power to free his cousin from his Norwegian grandfather's spirit-stealing evil (The Fetch), Sky travels to Sartène to learn about spirit sending from the Corsican side of his family--but becomes embroiled in an ancient blood feud. Drawing on traditions of runestones, fetches, and werewolves, Humphreys creates a dark, deliciously occult tale blending time travel and horror.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) YA Runestone Saga series. Through the power of his grandfather's set of Norse runestones and the advice of his grandfather's ghostly "fetch," or double, Sky inhabits the body of Bjørn, his Viking berserker ancestor. This first volume of the Runestone Saga successfully combines a runic puzzle with horror, fantasy, betrayal, and gripping historical fiction. Humphreys commands a fantastically dark tone, creating a credibly occult feel.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2006

(4) 4-6 Country Insights series. By looking alternately at a city and a small town, each volume provides a glimpse of what homes, schools, jobs, and other aspects of life are like in these two European countries. The communities profiled are not the obvious ones--Arhus instead of Copenhagen, for instance--but the texts fall short of creating memorable portraits of the intriguing locations. Color photographs illustrate the books. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.