(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. Each of the book's nine chapters features three case studies about newsworthy nature-related events broadly grouped into topics such as water, physics, space, and future discoveries. Two of them are true, one isn't, and readers are encouraged to use reason to figure out the fake. The brightly colored pages include photographs and diagrams, as well as suggestions to stimulate discussion. Answers are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Lisa Weber. In a quirky (if gimmicky) presentation, the events of Abraham Lincoln's life are explained to him in the second person. The central conceit is that Lincoln's success was dictated by the important decisions he made in his life and career, several of which are outlined in multiple-choice format throughout the narrative. An unconventional and humorous way to approach biography. Reading list, timeline, websites.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. In the authors' dynamically designed follow-up to their science-focused title Two Truths and a Lie: It's Alive!, nine chapters tell three intriguing stories about historical or recent events, places, and people. Section-ending summaries challenge readers to determine which one is fake (answers are appended). Sidebars extend the critical thinking for readers, and a "Research Guide" encourages appropriate use of resources. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Museum Mysteries series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. These museum-set mysteries involve the disappearance of paleontologists and dinosaur fossils (Mom) and Sally Ride's space suit (Space). The diverse cast (including an African American computer geek with two moms and a headscarf-wearing Somali American who loves astronomy) is superficially developed, but the fast-paced plots will appeal to mystery fans. Full-color illustrations, discussion questions, and writing prompts are included. Timeline. Glos. Review covers the following Museum Mysteries titles: The Case of the Missing Mom and The Case of the Stolen Space Suit.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 Museum Mysteries series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. These museum-set mysteries involve the disappearance of paleontologists and dinosaur fossils (Mom) and Sally Ride's space suit (Space). The diverse cast (including an African American computer geek with two moms and a headscarf-wearing Somali American who loves astronomy) is superficially developed, but the fast-paced plots will appeal to mystery fans. Full-color illustrations, discussion questions, and writing prompts are included. Timeline. Glos. Review covers the following Museum Mysteries titles: The Case of the Missing Mom and The Case of the Stolen Space Suit.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Museum Mysteries series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. While their parents work at the Capitol City museums, best friends Amal, Raining, Wilson, and Clementine use their connections, special access to exhibits, and brainpower to solve mysteries connected to the American history (Soldier's Ghost) and art (Counterfeit Painting) museums. This smart mystery series is full of suspense. Discussion questions, writing prompts, and additional information are included. Glos. Review covers the following Museum Mysteries titles: The Case of the Counterfeit Painting and The Case of the Soldier's Ghost.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(3) 4-6 Museum Mysteries series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. While their parents work at the Capitol City museums, best friends Amal, Raining, Wilson, and Clementine use their connections, special access to exhibits, and brainpower to solve mysteries connected to the American history (Soldier's Ghost) and art (Counterfeit Painting) museums. This smart mystery series is full of suspense. Discussion questions, writing prompts, and additional information are included. Glos. Review covers the following Museum Mysteries titles: The Case of the Counterfeit Painting and The Case of the Soldier's Ghost.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(4) 1-3 Key Hunters series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. Cleo and Evan suspect their new, not-so-nice librarian is up to no good and find themselves in a magical library beneath their school. In a quest to find their former, beloved librarian, the kids are sucked into magical books--a Victorian mystery and a spy thriller--where they are charged with helping solve crimes. Occasional black-and-white cartoons illustrate the rather predictable action. Review covers the following Key Hunters titles: The Mysterious Moonstone and The Spy's Secret.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) 1-3 Key Hunters series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. Cleo and Evan suspect their new, not-so-nice librarian is up to no good and find themselves in a magical library beneath their school. In a quest to find their former, beloved librarian, the kids are sucked into magical books--a Victorian mystery and a spy thriller--where they are charged with helping solve crimes. Occasional black-and-white cartoons illustrate the rather predictable action. Review covers the following Key Hunters titles: The Mysterious Moonstone and The Spy's Secret.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) 4-6 Hocus Pocus Hotel series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. The Abracadabra Hotel continues to provide Charlie and Ty with mystery and danger. In Wizard, the boys begin searching for their missing friend Brack the magician; then Ty disappears, too. Charlie finds both of them in Prisoners, and that discovery leads to more strange happenings. The undemanding texts lack subtlety and character development, but these breezy, fast-paced serial mysteries are diverting nonetheless. Review covers these Hocus Pocus Hotel titles: The Prisoners of the Thirteenth Floor and The Wizard and the Wormhole.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 Hocus Pocus Hotel series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. The Abracadabra Hotel continues to provide Charlie and Ty with mystery and danger. In Wizard, the boys begin searching for their missing friend Brack the magician; then Ty disappears, too. Charlie finds both of them in Prisoners, and that discovery leads to more strange happenings. The undemanding texts lack subtlety and character development, but these breezy, fast-paced serial mysteries are diverting nonetheless. Review covers these Hocus Pocus Hotel titles: The Prisoners of the Thirteenth Floor and The Wizard and the Wormhole.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 Sisters Eight series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. After months of living at home alone, the Huit octuplets discover their missing father is in a snow globe; they must use their special powers to get into the globe and rescue him, as well as their mother. Conveniently, they know just what to do to accomplish this crazy feat. Whimsical spot art captures the humor of the predictable installment.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. When tough guy Tyler tells nerdy Charlie to meet him after school in an alley, Charlie assumes the worst. But it turns out Ty needs Charlie's help--mysterious things have been happening at a hotel for retired magicians where Ty lives with his parents. Charlie's photographic memory and Ty's inside knowledge lead the two on this enjoyable romp through mirrored hallways and spooky basements.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(4) 4-6 Sisters Eight series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. The Huit octuplets are anxious when Rebecca receives her magical powers. Her super strength and ability to shoot fire from her fingertips prove disastrous, and her sisters sequester her. On her own, and apropos of nothing, Rebecca solves some family mysteries. As usual, draggy patches slow the action, but series fans may enjoy the story.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. A hag, troll, wizard, and orphan are told to slay an ogre who holds a princess captive. Turns out the princess is with the ogre by choice: she wants him to change her into a bird so she needn't marry a foolish prince. Ibbotson's playful humor, pungent turns of phrase, and sturdy friendliness toward her child heroes suffuse the fantasy.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2011

(4) 4-6 Sisters Eight series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. In their sixth book, the eight sisters travel to France for a family wedding and learn some surprising facts about their relatives. Worrywart Petal discovers her ability to read minds. The prologue provides a brief recap of the first five books, and while the premise of octuplets with magic powers is engaging, like the previous books, the story is ultimately disappointing.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(4) 4-6 Sisters Eight series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. "The Eights," as the Huit octuplets are known, still live alone after the mysterious disappearance of their parents. In these volumes, it's Georgia's and Jackie's turn to discover their special powers (invisibility and super speed, respectively), gifts they use to defeat an evil substitute teacher and principal. The stories, though entertaining, continue to feel like brief, unresolved episodes. Review covers these Sisters Eight titles: Georgia's Greatness and Jackie's Jokes.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 4-6 Sisters Eight series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. "The Eights," as the Huit octuplets are known, still live alone after the mysterious disappearance of their parents. In these volumes, it's Georgia's and Jackie's turn to discover their special powers (invisibility and super speed, respectively), gifts they use to defeat an evil substitute teacher and principal. The stories, though entertaining, continue to feel like brief, unresolved episodes. Review covers these Sisters Eight titles: Georgia's Greatness and Jackie's Jokes.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 4-6 Sisters Eight series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. The aptly named Huit octuplets live alone (with their eight cats) after their parents disappear. The seven-year-old sisters discover they each have a secret power that will help find their folks. Unfortunately, only one girl per book makes her discovery, and readers may not have the patience to get all the way through the projected series. Occasional black-and-white spot art has some style. Review covers these Sisters Eight titles: Annie's Adventures and Durinda's Dangers.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 4-6 Sisters Eight series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. The aptly named Huit octuplets live alone (with their eight cats) after their parents disappear. The seven-year-old sisters discover they each have a secret power that will help find their folks. Unfortunately, only one girl per book makes her discovery, and readers may not have the patience to get all the way through the projected series. Occasional black-and-white spot art has some style. Review covers these Sisters Eight titles: Annie's Adventures and Durinda's Dangers.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin