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Plan A

Plan A

Deb Caletti

2023, Labyrinth Road/Penguin

404 pages

Grades 9-Up

Realistic Fiction

At sixteen Ivy is pretty content with her life in Paris, Texas. She has an adorable boyfriend, a group of great friends, a supportive family, and a job that seems to appreciate her at the local drug store. It all threatens to come crashing down with a little line on a pregnancy test and becomes all too public when the test falls out of her backpack in the middle of class. Pretty soon the whole school--and then the whole town knows Ivy's predicament and they all have strong feelings. The situation is that much more complicated because Ivy's boyfriend is not the father of the unborn fetus. That honor goes to a bad altercation that Ivy would rather forget. Boyfriend Lorenzo knows the whole story and is willing to take responsibility for whatever direction Ivy choses. When she, with her mother's blessing, decide that an abortion would be the best course of action, they must travel to Ivy's grandmother's town in Oregon since the procedure is illegal in Texas. Lorenza volunteers to drive and what follows is an interesting road trip filled with various folks, landmarks, and stories. Meanwhile, the situation back home intensifies and even from long distance Ivy is feeling social pressure to change her course. Will she go through with the procedure? And how will it all affect her future?

Printz winner Caletti is not afraid to shy away from hot-button topics. This time she takes on the woman's right for an abortion and explores the journey for a teenager who is violated and then persecuted when the town finds out that she is pregnant and choosing to terminate. Ivy is reading the book Tess of the D'urbervilles and the author draws connections to Tess's plight in this modern setting. Much of the plot is the road trip and Ivy listening to various points of view about her situation from both sides of the fence. I liked the road trip enough, but found the book a bit "talky" for my taste and agenda driven. I think that the topic is important, but would have appreciated something else to happen within the story. You have to really be looking for a pregnancy/abortion book to pick this up. We hear many different women's stories along the way, which showcases the history of the struggle women have had with sexuality and male dominance, which will appeal to young feminists. Music plays a big part of the story, yet much of the music leaned on to annunciate feelings come from the world of Mom or Grandma. I think young readers would appreciate some of Ivy's music and maybe to include some songs from this century. A playlist at the end would also have been a nice addition. Not my favorite of Caletti's, but well written, timely and with something important to say.

Ellray Jakes is a Rock Star

Ellray Jakes is a Rock Star
Sally Warner
Viking, 2011
116 pages
Grades 2-5
Realistic Fiction

Ellray Jakes series #2

As the shortest kid in his third grade class, Ellray Jakes feels that he needs to prove himself. One of his classmates is rich and another has a Dad with a new red ATV with flame details. All Ellray can say about his Dad is that he is a geologist and teaches about rocks at a college. Borrrrrring--or is it? Since Dad is away at a conference, Ellray has a great idea. He borrow some of Dad's special crystals from his study to bring to school to show the class. That will impress everybody, right? Ellray's plan seems to work. The class is duly impressed with the sparkly stones and crystals. It all goes wrong when after school kids ask to hold the precious stone and Ellray finds himself giving Dad's collection away. Once back home, Ellray rearranges Dad's study so he won't notice. Back early from the conference, Dad notices pretty much right away. What should Ellray do? Lying might get someone else in trouble, but telling the truth will be embarrassing and jeopardize his new found popularity. Ellray pushes forward in the most sincere way possible, even if it's hard, proving that some things are more important than popularity.

The second in the Ellray Jakes series, this title works alone with no prior knowledge of the first. Ellray is a sincere and likable third grader who kids will identify with. I, personally, related to being the shortest kid in the class and though I didn't give away my father's rock collection, I made other bad choices in order to be seen. In the end Ellray confesses his wrong doing and makes the matter right, even though it's hard. This transitional chapter book will appeal to reluctant readers and is also appropriate for advanced younger ones. Warner includes gentle humor and captures the tribulations of elementary school accurately. Plentiful black and white illustrations, contributed by Jamie Harper, will help encourage readers along and decode the plot. Even though Ellray must do something difficult, all's well that ends well and kids are encouraged to try other volumes in the series. Perfect for Valentines Day, the action takes place during this particular week, yet this doesn't overwhelm the plot, making it appropriate for all year long. A fun school story with some underlying realistic conflict. 

Mabuhay!

Mabuhay!

Zachary Sterling

Graphix/Scholastic, 2023

235 pages

Grades 3-7

Graphic Novel

JJ and Althea struggle with fitting in at their Oregon middle school. Their immigrant Filipino parents force them to work at their embarrassing family food truck and just don't "get it". Mom and Dad share stupid stories from the old country, cautionary tales of lazy children gone bad, as well as evil spirits. A weird estranged uncle shows up right around the time the siblings get identical nightmares. Could there be a connection? Family secrets are eventually revealed and JJ and Althea find out that their mother is a superhero, equipped with powers to fight evil demons. Most shocking of all, they were also blessed with similar powers. The family teams up with Mom's distant guardians and they must all ban together to fight evil. The young people discover that their family is not as nerdy and boring as they thought as they engage in a classic battle of good versus evil. Finally, peace is restored and it's back to business as usual. The family is catering an end of school year party for the cool kids.  Will JJ and Althea make any social connections or are they doomed to be outsiders forever?

Own voices storyteller and illustrator, Sterling, pens a story of immigrant kids learning to embrace their culture and find their superpowers both literally and figuraly. Readers will learn a bit about Filipino culture--and a lot about empathy. Rick Riordan has allowed for world cultures to be explored and celebrated by young readers, helping this story to find a natural audience. Stories, memories from the past, and nightmares are set in a slightly different format to cue kids that we are leaving present reality. The full color illustrations are cleverly drawn and panels are easy to follow. Beyond the mythology, this is at its core a story about confidence, friendship, and fitting in. Middle school social dilemmas are expertly captured and young readers will find much to relate to. Not exactly a graphic memoir, which continues to be the rage, but more of a superhero/action/fantasy with underlying truths that is sure to appeal to the target audience. An easily digestible read with some quality content.

What Happened to Rachel Riley?

What Happened to Rachel Riley?

Claire Swinarski

HarperCollins, 2023

343 pages

Grades 6-8

Realistic Fiction

Eighth grade is bad enough, but extra worse for Anna. She has just moved from Chicago to Madison Wisconsin and has started at new school where she knows no one. Her new neighborhood is too quiet and she is lonely without the snoring of her big sister at night. As much as Anna seems to have it bad, Rachel Riley seems to have it worse. Rachel sits alone at lunch and the school ignores her. She seems okay to Anna, so what led to the social stigma? A budding podcaster, Anna decides to research Rachel's social stigma as an audition piece to be accepted to an elite podcasting camp. The problem is, no one will talk to her about Rachel. It seems that Rachel set a barn on fire the night before the seventh grade spring fling, but that seems so out of character. Even more confusing, Anna finds pictures of Rachel hugging some of the popular girls who used to be her friends. What in the world happened? Slowly as the school year progresses the truth is uncovered and the penny drops. Anna gets to the bottoms of last spring's events and tries to set the matter straight. Is she brave enough to take a stand?

Swinarski explores the complexities of middle school social life, while also exploring important topics such as sexual harassment, gender dynamics, and bullying, all within the context of a friendship story. Young readers will be enthralled with the mystery and will keep turning pages to get to the bottom of what really happened to Rachel. Organized unconventionally, the plot is revealed through podcast excerpts, interviews, emails, and texts. Though Anna is the featured narrator and we experience the story through her eyes, we also learn plot points through the correspondence of others. Beyond the main themes of the novel, the author also encourages readers to do the right thing, stand up for the underdog, and to find their voice. Both boys and girls need to embrace the importance of consent and this is a valuable read for both genders. The target audience is late middle school, making the story in my opinion a bit too advanced for elementary school. The cover makes it look more juvenile than what it is. This is an important addition to the middle school cannon that is entertaining, readable and still has a lot to say.

Lunar New Year Love Story

Lunar New Year Love Story
Gene Luen Yang
Leuyen Pham, Illustrator
FirstSecond, 2024
345 pages

Val loves Valentine's Day. Every year as February 14th rolls around her imaginary friend, a little cherubic cupid, appears and the two make valentine's together to distribute to Val's friends, single Dad, and departed mother in heaven. The tradition continues up to Val's freshmen year in high school, when the ritual backfires, forcing Val to realize that maybe Valentine's Day is stupid. Out of the blue Dad's estranged mother arrives back in her life and drags her to church, where Val comes face to face with Saint Valentine, who looks gloomy and completely different from lovable cupid. Now replacing cupid, Saint Valentine visits Val when she's sad and lonely and strikes a bargain. Val has one year to find love or sacrifice her heart to the creepy ghost-saint. It looks like Val might win when she meets handsome and confident Les, who gets her involved in lion dancing. It is here that she reconnects with classmate Jae, who has troubles of his own. As time progresses Val learns more about her mother and secrets are revealed. She can only find peace and keep Saint Valentine at bay when she is dancing inside the lion suit. The only person who understands is Jae, but he keeps her at arms length. Will Val fall in love by the year's end or is she doomed to live out her life alone?

Printz winning graphic novelist, Yang, takes the back seat in illustration to tell a teen love story with layers. He is a great artist and I would be skeptical about anyone taking over the illustration, except for Pham, who is one of the best in the field. The two are a dream-team and the words and pictures work together seamlessly to convey this heartfelt tale. More than a love story, this story takes place within the framework of the American-Asian experience, using Valentine's Day and the Lunar New Year as anchors. More than teen love, family issues, forgiveness, trust, and healing are all explored. All the characters, teens and adults alike, are both fabulous and flawed and certainly well developed. The full color illustrations are expertly penned and Phan is intentional with color, helping us to understand Val's depression and the appearance of the ghost of Saint Valentine. There is a full page visual at the end that uses color to bring the story to a satisfying climax. My only complaint is the inclusion of a shushing librarian, which is, much like Jersey jokes, low hanging fruit and unkind to the book's potential cheerleaders. A little bonus at the end by the author's notes offers an update on the characters with a little plot twist on the final page that made me cry. So far, my favorite book of the year!

Ghost Book

Ghost Book
Remi Lai
Holt, 2023
313 pages
Grades 3-7
Graphic Novel

July Chen does not have an easy life. She is often overlooked by her friends and teachers and--even more disturbing--can see ghosts. Her single father says that ghosts aren't real and July's abilities are impossible. Now it is ghost month and the Hungry Ghosts are allowed out to devour other ghosts and it is then that she saves the ghost boy from getting eaten. The two become friends and July discovers that William is not really a ghost at all but something hovering between life and death. Further investigation reveals that they have a connection from the time of July's birth and mistakes were made. The only way to make William a real boy is for July to die. Is there any other way to make the impossible happen and to save them both? Meanwhile, family secrets are revealed and more supernatural beings are introduced. Will July be able to save both William, herself, and her relationship with her father?

Seeped in Chinese culture and legend, this new graphic novel by a wonderful creator is a work of art. Kids who like their stories somewhat spooky and atmospheric will be the natural audience, but fans of Rick Riordan and his many spin offs will also find much to enjoy. Shy readers will relate to July felling often overlooked and applaud her finding her voice, having the courage to help her new friend and fight for their survival. The illustrations are in full color and enhance the plot. Lai skillfully makes clear who is human and who is a ghost and readers will not be confused, even with William's transformation. Although of a serious nature and gently scary, the creator manages to infuse humor into the proceedings, making for an enjoyable and entertaining read and softening the scare factor. Age appropriate, unique, and a lot of fun--with some surprises along the way.

Best Books: the 2023

This was a crowded year for great books, especially in middle grade, which is my main area of focus. Highlights of the year included my first ever ALA Youth Media Awards banquet. It was wonderful to be part of the scene that I have observed from the wings for my entire career. Unfortunately, that experience was probably a "one and done", but regardless, my enthusiasm for the field will never flag! Here are my favorite titles of this past eventful year:

Picture Books:

An American Story written by Kwame Alexander & Illustrated by Dare Colter

The illustrations are breathtaking and help to communicate the narrative in a powerful way. Written as a way to explain the horrors of slavery in a school setting, the book is disturbing and geared towards an older audience than traditional picture books.

The Skull by Jon Klassen

Super weird, this Tyrolean folktale could only be shared through the capable hands and imagination of Jon Klassen. Also not for a young audience due to the disturbing nature of the story, but I loved it!

Do You Remember? by Sydney Smith

Beautiful storytelling and illustrations convey yet another sad tale that will help kids process their emotions in times of upheaval and change.

In Every Life by Marla Frazee

I think that Frazee is my favorite living illustrator (along with the Fan brothers). In this new book the text is irrelevant because they take a back seat to the gorgeous pictures.

Middle Grade:

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary Schmidt

This is the only book this year that made me cry. I felt very invested in the characters, setting, and community. One thing about Gary Schmidt: the man can write!

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day

Nonfiction that reads like fiction. Yes, I'm an art lover, but this book delves in further with historical information, exciting heists, and quirky real-life characters. Even the most educated art historians will learn something--and be entertained along the way.

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri

An unusual setting, quirky characters, life and death adventures, hilarious scenarios, and excellent storytelling made this new title by a former Newbery winner one of my favorites of the year.

Graphic Novels:

A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

The story starts out hilarious and embarrassing--and stays that way, bringing us all back to our youth and our various first times as the author recounts his european adventures as a tween. Santat had me at the playlist!

Mexikid by Pedro Martin

Martin did a great job at creating a book that in some ways I completely identified with, and in some ways completely didn't, discovering a cultural experience that though specific, felt universal. There is a scene taking place in Mexico that is so crazy I will remember it forever. I love to be surprised! 

Teen:

True disclosure: I read less teen books this year and actually read more adult books than ever before (gasp!). Reason being: my kids are finally leaving their teen years and I think that I need a break from teenagers. I plan to try to get into the genre a bit more regularly in 2024.

Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin

A holocaust book based on actual people, this riveting story traces two childhood friends now fighting for survival in two different unbelievable situations--and then finding each other again. An excellent piece of research and storytelling.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Boulley takes her world of Printz winner The Firekeepers Daughter and explores the story of the next generation with a new mystery and further eye-opening injustices against indigenous Americans and women in general.

The Probability of Everything

The Probability of Everything

Sarah Everett

Harper Collins, 2023

326 pages

Grades 5-7
Realistic Fiction

Kemi is enjoying a typical Sunday morning breakfast with her family when something crazy happens. They discover that a giant asteroid will hit the earth in a mere matter of days. Kemi, a probability expert, learns that AMPLUS-68 has an 84.7% chance of hitting Earth, which are not good odds. Mom & Dad leave Kemi and her toddler sister with a neighbor until their aunt picks them up and whisks them to her house so the whole family can wait out the end of the world together. Safe within the confines of her family, Kemi undertakes a project to put together a time capsule of everything that is important to all of her family members. She hopes to bury it in order for any future civilizations to have a record of them and their lives. As the days tick by we learn about what is important to individuals in Kemi's family, but something seems off. Finally, it is the last day of the world and the worst happens--only it is not exactly as the reader was led to believe and in some ways the truth is much worse.

This is a great book that has affected many young readers to the point that I felt compelled to read it myself. I love the premise and Everett had me at the first page. I also love an unreliable narrator and once I started to see the cracks in Kemi's story and suspected that there was more there, I started turning pages quickly to get to the reveal. The book is a tearjerker and will appeal to kids who love sad problem novels, of which my library has many. Everett packs an emotional punch, while bringing current social issues into sharp focus and making them personal. Readers will learn what it is like to walk in someone else's uncomfortable shoes, all while being challenged to ask themselves how they would handle the end of the world. The author does a great job developing her characters and I appreciate that Kemi is interested in math and statistics. Readers will feel like a part of this family and genuinely care about what happens to them. Hand it to middle grade kids that love an emotional tale that pulls at the heartstrings, yet offers substance over fluff.

The Blood Years

The Blood Years
Elana K. Arnold
Harper Collins, 2023
390 pages
Grades 9-Up
Historical Fiction

Frederike (Rieke) is a Jewish teenager growing up in late 1930's Romania. As Hitler rises to power in Germany, antisemitism in her home city increases by the day, making going to school and her grandfather keeping his business impossible. The Soviets invade and take control, which is both a blessing and a curse. When the Nazi's eventually kick out the Soviets and absorb Romania into their empire, life gets even harder, as families are taken away and all human rights are stripped. Meanwhile, life continues for Rieke and her older sister Astra. Having had to fend for themselves when their father left the family and their mother fell into a deep depression, their lives have been centered around dance and each other. Everything changes as Astra falls in love with a philandering doctor and becomes a crazy person. As her personal life shifts, so does Rieke's existence, as it becomes increasingly difficult to find food, stay warm and simply survive. A deadly disease and move deportations threaten her small family unit. Will they survive this terrible war? And what will become of whoever is left when the communists take over yet again?

Historical Fiction is making a comeback and it feels like holocaust books are on the rise. This new story by an accomplished author brings something new to the table: the holocaust experience in Romania. Through reading this story, I learned about the political culture of the time and the back and forth of the controlling governments. The story, based on the author's own grandmother's experiences, is gripping. What Rieke and her family goes through and what they resort to for survival is eye-opening. Arnold, as always, tells the story in a way that is both beautifully written and fully compelling and well paced. I love that there is truth behind the tale. My favorite part is the actual family pictures at the end of the volume and my only complaint is that I would like to have been told more about these real-life figures after the war. Some truly disturbing events take place within the pages of this volume, including extreme violence and rape, and it is not suitable for younger teens. Human rights are important, especially in our world right now, and the timing for this book is perfect. Let's hope that many young people read it and are compelled to be kind and speak for the voiceless.

The Hobbit: or, There and Back Again

The Hobbit: or, There and Back Again

J.R.R Tolkien

George Allen & Unwin, 1937 (original publication)

320 pages

Grades 4-Adult

Fantasy/Adventure/Classic

Bilbo Baggins is surprised one day by a knock at his door only to be greeted by a party of dwarfs, expecting refreshment, and a wizard named Gandalf. The dwarfs are in need of a thief to help them retrieve their family treasure from an evil dragon and Gandalf thought that the quiet home-body was just the ticket. Naturally Bilbo resists, but something deep in his nature decides to go the adventure. Positive events happen along the way of this important quest, such as new friendships and being entertained by kind elves. Unfortunately, grave danger also awaits in the form of nasty trolls, wolves, giant spiders, and-finally-the dragon himself. Through it all Bilbo gains a new sense of confidence, as well as a sword and a magical possession that gets him out of many scrapes. The action reaches a crescendo as all of the creatures encountered throughout the tale come together in a battle of good verses evil. Who will come out the victor and will any of our friends parish? Most of all, will Bilbo ever return to the safety of his Hobbit hole?

The days are cold, we are stuck inside and it's time to revisit a classic. Before there was Harry Potter there was Bilbo Baggins, who sets the stage for many works of fantasy in the years to come. Although not strictly a children's novel, it is a tale that smart kids who want a challenge can safely dive into and enjoy. I find this book just the right size and it moves along quickly. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a bit more hardcore and too much for kids. It practically broke me when I read it as a young adult. Bilbo's adventures will excite even the homiest homebody and encourage all of us to step out of our comfort zone and find adventure. Besides taking chances, Tolkien explores themes of loyalty, brains over brawn, and courage, while warning the reader of the traps of greed. There are plenty of magical creatures and characters and the plot move along quickly. It is written as if in days of old when dragons roamed the earth, which may put off today's readers. I find the writing style helpful to place me firmly in Middle Earth and I felt fully absorbed in this magical world of old. A readable classic, give this title to kids who need something more advanced, but aren't ready for adult themes.

Chinese Menu

Chinese Menu

Grace Lin

Little Brown, 2023

288 pages

Grades 3-6

Short Stories

The history of Chinese food is explored in this heavily illustrated book, organized like a menu in a Chinese restaurant. Section headings divide the origin stories into groups labeled Tea, Appetizers, Soup, Side Orders, Chef's Specials and Dessert. An introduction, timeline and map set the scene and Lin expertly explains the difference between food in China and American-Chinese food as found in American restaurants. She also delves into several origin stories about chopstick and explains the proper way of using them with helpful diagrams. All of the stories are introduced by the author and tell the place and time period of the tale. The volume ends with an author's note, explaining why Chinese food in America is considered "cheap" with a brief history of the Chinese experience in America, as well as her inspiration and process in writing the book, a family recipe, extensive endnotes, bibliography and index.

Award winning children's author, Grace Lin, has created a truly original book based on her culture as a first generation American raised by Taiwanese parents. Her love of Chinese food (both what her mother authentically made at home and that ordered at an Americanized Chinese restaurant) comes through in her words. Meticulously researched and noted, Lin did her homework and offers entertaining, yet authentic, tales behind some of our most favorite foods--and others yet to be explored. The extemporary writing is highlighted by Lin's wonderful illustrations. Looser and simpler drawings accompany the stories, while striking and colorful illustrations (featuring the author's daughter) introduce the sections. I was expecting more recipes, but this is not a cookbook, as I soon found out. Including a single family recipe (Scallion Pancakes) is enough and readers can find more if they are so inspired in other sources. One thing is for sure, after reading this book you will crave Chinese food and your mouth is sure to water! Lin ties-in the current hostilities towards Chinese-Americans since the COVID outbreak and touches on the difficult history of the Chinese in America. Readers will learn plenty about food, Chinese culture, and folklore, all while being highly entertained. A great choice for a family read-aloud or independent reading.

Hope in the Valley

Hope in the Valley

Mitali Perkins

FSG, 2023

297 pages

Grades 5-8

Realistic/Historical Fiction

Pandita's plans for a quiet summer are shattered when her bossy older sisters convince her widowed father to send her to theater camp. She is naturally shy and though she likes to sing, she is uncomfortable doing it publicly. Pandita would rather visit her elderly friend at the nursing home and hang out on the porch of the abandoned house across the street, remembering her deceased mother and writing her letters. The worst happens when the property is slated to be sold to developers and all of her mother's hidden letters disappear in the demolition of the house. Hope arrives in the form of a new friend at theater camp, reuniting with an old friend who moved on with a different bestie, and joining the preservation committee to fight change. Plans to save the property don't go as planned, but Pandita sees that change is not always a bad thing and maybe it is time to let go of some of the past to make way for the future. Meanwhile, Dad is bringing a new lady around. Are Pandita and her sisters ready to share their father with a new love?

Perkins' latest offering harkens back to the California of her youth, as the Silicon Valley transitions from farms to housing and tech. The place is well developed, but readers might not fully pick up on the time period. We know it's in the past because the kids don't have cell phones, but that is really the only major distinction. I enjoyed the battle for preservation, having experienced a bit of that myself. Pandita learns that progress is not always a bad thing, but it must be mindful and better the present. I also appreciated the transformative experience of theater camp. Through theater and participating in The Sound of Music, Pandita gains confidence, friends, and finds her voice. This is a book about standing up for what is right, finding your people, and learning to see the world through the eyes of others. Our hero grows up quite a bit within the summer of this novel and gains clarity, maturity, and empathy. A splashy town meeting scene at the end of the novel will get readers cheering and leave them feeling satisfied and happy. Tying the past to the future, Pandita finds her place within the history of her California community and makes her mark, while alerting the world to it's important past. Though not a book for everyone, thoughtful young readers will enjoy this novel and speed through it handily.

Project F

Project F
Jeanne DuPrau
Random House, 2023
210 pages
Grades 3-7
Dystopian/Science Fiction

Set in Earth's distant future, folks now live only with clean energy and all fossil fuels are against the law. Keith is sent by electric train (the only allowed mode of transportation outside of bicycles) to fetch his recently orphaned six-year-old cousin. On the train he meets an interesting scientist, who departs at a seemingly unhabituated outpost and leaves his suitcase behind. Keith becomes interested in Malcolm's mysterious project and longs to find out more. On the return trip with Lulu in tow, Keith gets off at the outpost under the guise of returning the case, but is actually craving a good look-around to see what this project is all about. He and Lulu stumble onto the scientists and they appear to be trying to fly. Could Malcolm and his team have invented a flying machine? It would appear to be so, but how is it getting power? Keith returns home, but Project F continues to haunt his thoughts. Could he get involved in revealing this incredible invention to the world? Would he be able to fly himself? What exactly is the fuel on which the machine runs? And, most importantly, should he tell the secret of Project F to his parents? Lulu has similar qualms and they are making her physically ill. Read this quickly paced adventure to see how it all pans out!

One of the tightest books for young people ever written is DuPrau's The City of Ember. This new stand alone title is not as good as that first novel, but is certainly original and an entertaining read. Kids will identify with Keith's curious spirit and agree with his decisions to further investigate and do anything to try to fly, even though we all see it as a bad idea. Lulu provides the conscience for the book and is a sympathetic counter-point to her daring cousin. The writing is clear and tight. The plot is linear and does not get bogged down with bonus storylines. DuPrau offers a cautionary tale for our current environmental concerns and shows a future where the worst has already happened. That said, the folks in DuPrau's future are calmer and more peaceful with a better quality of life without the constant noise of technology. Other lessons include the importance of honesty and doing the right thing. Malcolm is clearly the greedy villain of the story and gets his comeuppance by the book's end. Keith learns lessons, Lulu clears her guilty and all ends as it should, which will please the target audience. More dystopian than science fiction, it will scratch the itch of readers looking for futuristic imaginative tales.