Victoria has always known what the future would hold: she will become Queen of England upon her Uncle’s death. As a future ruler, one would assume that Victoria would have some control over her life. That is not the case. Her mother is very controlling restricting her daughter’s access to court and forcing Sir John’s strict guidelines upon her. Her mother and Sir John will stop at nothing to gain power including finding Victoria a husband. Will Victoria be able to choose her own husband and rule England as she sees fit? Discover how Victoria became one of England’s greatest rulers.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

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World War II has just erupted in Paris, and Odette is Jewish. Her father has just left to fight with the French forces. Soon, her mother is secretly fighting to help other Jews and Odette is sent away to the country to live safely. Her foster family teaches her to be Catholic, to hide her true identity. Will she ever be able to go back to her Jewish faith? Will her family survive the war? Will she see her father again? This book is based on the real Odette and written in free-verse poetry. It is beautifully written and very moving. Odette’s story is sure to capture any reader’s attention.

Reviewed by Maeve C., University City Regional

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Around the World in Eighty Days was a very popular novel in the nineteenth century that inspired many to make the adventure themselves. In this graphic novel, three people risk much in their willingness to achieve this goal. Thomas Stevens traveled the world by bicycle. Nellie Bly was the first woman to travel the world without a chaperone--a very big deal at the time. She raced time in order to complete her journey using different forms of transportation. Finally, Captain Joshua Slocum set sail upon his boat, the Spray. He braved pirates and many other obstacles. Direct quotes from these adventurers’ journals give the graphic novel a splash of personality. With great illustrations and stories full of adventure, this book is bound to keep you reading!

Reviewed by Maeve C., University City Regional

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Jack Gantos, a 12 year old boy, finds himself grounded for the summer only to be let out of the house to do chores for elderly, arthritic Ms. Volker, the medical examiner of the town. The collection of unique, odd characters from Hell`s Angels to his best friend Bunny, the undertaker`s daughter draw you into the unpredictable and twisted plot. The author uses mystery, adventure, witty humor, and history throughout the book keeping the reader engrossed in the story. As you read along, ancient and modern history facts are woven into events, giving a feel for a small town in the 1960`s. Readers will see why this won the 2012 Newbery Medal and the Scott O`Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

Reviewed by Gay L., Independence Regional

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This is the Ophelia that Shakespeare wishes he had written. Author Lisa Klein has penned the story of Hamlet from Ophelia’s point of view. True to Shakespeare’s original plot, this book gives insight into the inner thoughts and motives of Ophelia, one of literature’s least understood female characters, as the tragedy in Denmark unfolds around her. Readers will discover the depth of Ophelia’s love for Hamlet, the “truth” behind their madness, and the reason for Ophelia’s tragic and iconic demise. No knowledge of Hamlet is necessary to get swept up by Klein’s beautifully written and heart-wrenching story that finally gives a voice to the fair Ophelia.

Reviewed by Tracy P., Independence Regional

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In 1776 Samuel, a thirteen year old on a Pennsylvania colonial homestead with his mother and father, returns from hunting bear to find most of the people in his settlement killed by British soldiers and Iroquois Indians and his parents missing. After he buries the dead, Samuel’s abilities as a skilled woodsman help him track his captured parents, as he runs through the dense frontier woods. This short, fast paced, riveting adventure reveals brave and generous characters along his journey, as well. The vivid, brutal images of war and the simple, straight-forward wording will attract middle to high school readers. The historical notes interspersed within the narrative make for a good educational read. It received the Parent`s Choice Award in 2010.

Reviewed by Gay L., Independence Regional

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Cleopatra Selene is the only daughter of Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius. She has only known luxury. When her parents end their lives, she and her two brothers are taken as prisoners to Rome. There they have limited protection in the house of Octavianus. While there Cleopatra Selene dreams and plans for the day she can return to Egypt to rule. However her plans are impacted by her relationships with two young men, Marcellus and Juba. When Cleopatra Selene’s plans are discovered will she be able to accept her fate? Following the story, the author has included a section on what really happened to Cleopatra Selene and the other historical characters in the book.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

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Finley Jayne is anything but an average girl. Born with inhuman strength and other unnatural abilities, there is a dark side to her personality that makes her incredibly dangerous. It isn`t until Finely meets a group of other “special” teens that she feels like she finally fits in somewhere. She joins the league of Griffin King and his friends, who not only help Finley harness the darkness inside of her, but also go on a mission to stop “The Machinist”- a villain wreaking havoc on the city of London with life-like automatons. “The Girl in the Steel Corset” takes you into a futuristic Victorian London, where humans and robots co-exist. It is a unique blend of steampunk, romance, mystery, and sci-fi.

Reviewed by Kiersten T., University City Regional

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Do you remember when you were five years old? Emma has no memory of life before her mother’s murder in 1994. The only thing she remembers is her mom saying “Emma, you must live.” Nine years later, she is living a quiet life with the Hutu old woman who saved her Tutsi life. They understand each other’s moods and don’t need to talk. Emma feels like she is between not truly living, and not quite dead. Her nightmares get worse on the anniversary of the massacres, just like a boy in town who wanders around haunted during that time. They forge a fragile relationship over time and meet an old man who hopes to help them get past those nightmares that keep them from truly living.

Reviewed by Linda K., North County Regional

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Jill is a talented fencer. But then she loses a match placing her fourth in a national fencing tournament. Disappointed and unmotivated, Jill accompanies her family to the Bahamas for a vacation. While taking a walk along the beach, Jill discovers a piece of an old rapier. At that moment, Jill can't comprehend how much power this antique actually holds. During a boat tour, a storm hits tossing Jill overboard. She's pulled out of the water by a pirate and soon realizes she's traveled back in time. Jill must become part of the pirate crew or be held a prisoner. Will Jill ever find a way back home? Carrie Vaughn has written an excellent time travel adventure that will transport you to the days when pirates ruled the seas.

Reviewed by Carrie M., Myers Park Branch

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