Willa Bean to the Rescue! by Cecilia Galante -- ADVISABLE

Galante, Cecilia, Willa Bean to the Rescue! (Little Wings #5), illustrated by Kristi Valiant. 104 pgs. Random House Books, 2013. Content: G.

In the fifth book in the Little Wings series, young cupid Willa Bean is having a tough day. School's out, and there's nobody to play with. Even her mom doesn't have time for her. So when Willa's dad offers to let her tag along on his latest matchmaking mission, she jumps at the chance. Not only will she get to see what grownup cupids do for work, but she'll also get to see Earth. But when she spies a human kid who's being bullied, she isn't sure she can follow the one rule her dad gave her: no interfering.

With her wayward hair, contagious enthusiasm, and boundless empathy, Willa Bean makes a wonderful heroine. The fact that she's a cupid adds even more to her charm. The unusual bullying lesson -- that sometimes bullies attack because they lack confidence -- should strike home with young students, and may lead to some very heartfelt and informative discussions. While this is the fifth in the series, it stands alone fairly well, with just a little confusion at the beginning.

EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn.

The Agora Trilogy: The Canticle of Whispers by David Whitley - OPTIONAL

Whitley, David.  The Agora Trilogy: The Canticle of Whispers.  Roaring Book Press (Macmillan), 2013.  $17.99. 387 pages.  Language – G.  Sexual Content – G.  Violence – PG.  In the concluding chapter of the trilogy (The Midnight Charter, 2009 and The Children of the Lost, 2011), Mark has been separated from his friend Lily and is a fugitive hiding because he stole something from the Director.  The something is actually a person, Cherubina Snutworth, the wife of the Director.  Previously he found her as a prisoner in the tower and helped her escape.  Cherubina is not so grateful now.  She is sick of hiding and joins a rebel group.  Meanwhile Lily is found by two members of the Choir in underground tunnels and caverns.  The two Choir members require information from Lily before they will give her food.  They have never been above the ground and have questions about everything.  So does Lily.  Her questions lead her to the Oracle and a truth that could change everything in Giseth, Agora, and the Canticle.  The story is world-building and original, but one main story thread is very reminiscent of City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau.  Readers of the series will be pleased that ends are tied up and romances successful.  This book is definitely a part of a trilogy and would not make sense without reading the previous books.  Purchase only if the first two books of the series are popular at your library. MS/HS – OPTIONAL.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS. 

Thrice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris - ADVISABLE

Ferris, Jean Thrice Upon a Marigold: A Royal Kidnapping Caper, 250 p. Harcourt, 2013.  $17.  Content: G (danger, but nothing explicit or violent).  

Christian and Marogold are supposed to live happily ever after.  But, when their new baby girl Princess Poppy is kidnapped, they will have to look for help from unexpected allies – the children of their greatest enemies.  Ferris continues her series about the Zandelphia-Beaurivage in a fun, but dangerous way as we follow the royal couple into their future.  

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

S.W.I.T.C.H.: Spider Stampeded by Ali Sparks-ADVISABLE

Sparkes, Ali, S.W.I.T.C.H.: Spider Stampede. Ill. by Ross Collins. DarbyCreek, 20

Josh and Danny are typical 8-year-old twins. They are as different as can be. Their neighbor, Miss Potts is a crazy old scientist. When the twin’s dog wanders is into Miss Potts’ yard, the boys must rescue him. They accidentally get sprayed with S.W.I.T.C.H. and find themselves living life as spider, which leaves them constantly running from danger.

The characters are likable and fun to read about. The plot is entertaining and does a great job of holding the reader’s interest.  Boys and reluctant readers who enjoy adventure will like this fun tale. EL (2-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

The Golden Door by Emily Rodda-ESSENTIAL

Rodda, Emily, The Golden Door. Scholastic Press, 2012. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G.  Rue and his brothers live in Weld. Weld is an island that is surrounded by walls. Every night, Skimmers fly over the walls and search for food (humans, goats, or other meat). The Warden of Weld is tired of his citizens being eaten. So, he calls for able men to volunteer to find and stop  the source of the Skimmers. Rye’s oldest brothers volunteer togo, but don’t come back. Rye’s dreams lead him to believe that his brothers are alive, but are in danger. Although Rye is only 16, he decides that he want to help. How can he leave his mom? How can he help?

Although the supporting cast is a little flat, the main character is well-drawn, likable, and relatable. The adventurous action of this book will appeal to boys and girls alike. Readers who have like Emily Rodda’s other books or who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and books with riddles will have a hard time putting this book down. EL (4-6), MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Dark Passage by Ridley Pearson-ADVISABLE

Pearson, Ridley, Dark Passage. Disney Hyperion, 2013. Pgs. 437. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

When the Kingdom Keepers discover a secret journal on the ship, Disney Dreams, they realize that it contains a map to some buried treasure. The treasure, however, won’t be found without a lot of danger first. Maleficent and the Evil Queen are also on the same quest and are trying to assemble the parts of the puzzle found in the journal. Can the Kingdom Keepers decipher and discover the truth of each piece before the villains do?

This fast-paced mystery adventure will appeal to fans everywhere. The characters are likable and entertaining. The plot is well-written and engaging. Readers who have read the other Kingdom Keepers books and enjoy action fantasy with treasure hunting will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public  Library.

Arkeepers #2: Angeliks by W.J. Madsen-ADVISABLE

Madsen, W.J., Arkeepers #2: Angeliks. Little M Books, 2012. Pgs. 206. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G


In their newest adventure, Inspector Moustachio (aka Jake), his sister, Alexa are from a long line of Angelik ancestry. They and their two pets, Rex and Sandy, have been sent through a magic mirror to try and find some missing cows. Their suspects include a bungling farmhand named Bob Billy Bob, a girl with a tiara-wearing, Pig Latin-speaking pig, who is jealous of the cows’ owners, and some treacherous ranchers. To make matters worse, Mrs. Smythe, the thief from the first book, has escaped prison and her and her boss, Baron von Snodgrass are still after Jake’s magnifying glass. Can Jake and Alexa solve the mystery and make it home?

This humorous mystery has all the elements of a great fantasy. All of the characters are well-developed, funny and likable, whether good or evil. The plot is well-written and holds the reader’s interest while still keeping the air of mystery. Readers who like fantasy, mystery, humor, and adventure will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.