W.I.T.C.H. Book 7: The Light of Meridian

The Light of Meridian by, Julie Komorn. ISBN-10: 0-7868-1796-8

Sandwiched between fourteen pages of a graphic novel lies the heart of the story that is The Light of Meridian. The W.I.T.C.H. series, which originated as an Italian comic book created by Elisabetta Gnone, has since become a series of comic books, chapter books, and an animated television show. The series focuses on five girls who live seemingly ordinary lives in a town called Heatherford. However, they are secretly the Guardians of the Veil and are responsible for protecting Earth form evil creatures that could enter through one of twelve portals from the dark world of Metamoor. The girls suffer with classic teenage fashion and boy problems, which helps make the characters easy to relate to. Each girl has two basic personality traits and almost all of their actions and dialogue could be predicted by these two traits. Will, the leader of the group struggles with feelings about the boy she likes, Matt; Taranee goes on a date with Nigel, the boy she likes, and Cornelia deals with dreams about her unknown soul mate and memories of her old best friend-turned-enemy, Elyon. Cornelia, who sets off for the other world of Meridian in hopes of saving Elyon, happens to meet the boy of her dreams and learns that he is the leader of a rebel movement set on destroying the evil Prince Phobos, who is Elyon's brother. Far more of the book is filled with descriptions of boy dramas than with the fantasy parts of the story or the major battle that gets fought between Phobos' army and the rebels. The battle takes place without much violence-- it is definitely geared towards a female audience. Nonetheless, the story moved quickly, the action was exciting, and the friendships felt real. The story does not come to a true ending, but leaves readers hanging so that they will want to read the eighth book in the W.I.T.C.H. series, Out of the Dark. This book follows the current trend in modern fantasy books like the Percy Jackson or Alcatraz Smedry series of taking modern, normal kids, giving them special powers, and still having them behave like modern, normal kids. Ultimately, this is a girly book that will appeal to fans of the Candy Apple series.

Scerets of Dripping Fang Book One: The Onts

The Onts by, Dan Greenburg. ISBN-13: 978-0152054571

With the worst allergies and stinkiest feet ever known, Cheyenne and Wally Shluffmuffin should have been glad that Hedy and Dagmar Mandible chose to bring them home from the orphanage. But Wally, ever the pessimist, sensed trouble-- even though dinner consisted of Belgian chocolate cake, chocolate dinner mints, and double-chocolate sundaes. Besides, their new home was smack in the middle of a creepy place called Dripping Fang Forest. The two women seemed nice enough, but their strange rules led Wally to explore the forbidden cellar-- only to discover that some secrets really are better left unknown. Cheyenne and Wally will have to try to escape with their lives. Even if they can get past the evil Mandible sisters, how will they be able to survive the countless horrors lurking deep within the Dripping Fang Forest.

This is a quick read, a light read, a perfect book for reluctant readers. It will appeal to tweens who appreciate the Edgar and Ellen series by, Charles Ogden. The plot is loaded with disgusting twists and turns and some seriously bizarre villains. The main characters aren't that well developed, but character development isn't really what this book is about. It is the first book in a series that follows a familiar formula: add together a set of siblings, something spooky, something gross, something chasing after them, and a cliffhanger. Do this a few times and suddenly we have a series of high interest, easy to read chapter books that will get reluctant boys to pick up a book and read.

Lucy the Diamond Fairy

Lucy the Diamond Fairy by, Daisy Meadows. ISBN-13: 978-0439935340

Though the Rainbow Magic series is probably best suited to a second or third grade reading level, the subject matter of the stories appeals to younger tweens who are often found crowding around this section in the library. Lucy the Diamond Fairy, which is one of the seven Jewel Fairy stories from the Rainbow Magic collection has a plot that is about as complex as the reading level it was created for. The cover art, though cartoon, contains rainbows and sparkles and an outfit that screams teen fashion.

Our heroines, Kristy and Rachel, are summoned by the glowing of the lockets presented to them by the King and Queen of the fairies. They travel, using the magic of fairy dust, to Fairyland to help the fairies. Though Kristy and Rachel have already saved many of the magic jewels that were stolen from the Fairy Queen's crown, the magic diamond is still missing-- and without it the fairies have lost their ability to fly! Kristy and Rachel must find where the evil Jack Frost has hidden the diamond and get it back to the King and Queen of the Fairies.

The story is light, easy to follow, and perfectly suited to younger readers. Simple black and white cartoon sketches are dispersed throughout the book. It is a bit too basic for the majority of tweens, but this is a really good series for female English language learners. The themes follow along similar lines as the popular books for tweens, but it is done at a level that will encourage understanding.

Beck and the Great Berry Battle

Beck and the Great Berry Battle by, Laura Driscoll. ISBN-10: 0-736423737

Disney, more than just about any corporation ever, knows what kids like. This story, of the Disney Fairies series, is one of a multitude of Disney Fairies products that include books, music, clothing, jewelry, toys, school supplies, movies, and a website. The stories take place in and around Pixie Hollow, the secret heart of Never Land. Though we are most familiar with the second star on the right from Peter Pan, he is not a character in the series, which centers around various fairies and animals that live in or nearby the Home Tree. In this story Beck, one of the best animal-talent fairies in Pixie Hollow, is challenged to find a way to end a berry battle that has erupted between the hummingbirds and the chipmunks due to a misunderstanding over a lost nest. The fairies can barely go outside for fear of getting hit with berries! As tension in the forest builds to a fervor, the animals encounter a terrible, though slightly contrived, danger that could only be safely navigated if the two sides would call a truce and work together. Will they be able to do it?

The story is light, easy to read, and has no real depth. It has a nice message about getting along with others, which adds value to the story in a very typically Disney sort of way. Beyond that, it's a fairy book with scattered color illustrations in that very classic Disney style that appeals to young girls. The reason there are over 40 Disney fairy books is because young tween girls still love fairies. This book bridges the genres of animal books with fairy books to create a book that has a lot of appeal to tween girls.

Eragon

Eragon by, Christopher Paolini. ISBN-13: 978-0375826689

Filled with rich descriptions and fascinating characters, this thick story is begging to be read. The plot moves slowly, building gradually to an intensely epic saga fashioned after The Lord of the Rings trilogy by, J.R. Tolken. The author, a 15 year old who felt disappointed in the modern fantasy novel, set off to create a masterpiece and eight years later he is working on the fourth and final book in the Eragon series.

The book begins in the town of Caravall, a small village near the Spine, an ominous mountain range where a teenage boy named Eragon finds a mysterious, blue stone. Eragon cares for the stone, which is actually a dragon's egg, and eventually from the egg hatches the dragon, Saphira. The two must flee the village after evil servants for King Galbritox named the Ra'zac come to find and take Saphira's egg. Eragon and Saphira are accompanied by Brom, a storyteller from the village who eventually reveals himself to be one of the famous dragon riders. Brom teaches Eragon many skills to begin his training as a dragon rider. Eragon will need to use these skills and many new ones if he will be able to battle all of the challenges he faces. He will fight alongside elves, dwarves and the Varden rebels to bring peace to the land of Alagaesia.

This book follows along a number of traditional patterns-- from the classic fantasy pattern to the orphan who wonders about his parents. The major theme is similar to the Star Wars epic saga, a small band of constantly roving rebels attempts to take down the evil empire. All of the big reveals in the story seem related to the titular theme of the series-- The Inheritance Cycle. Ultimately, the complex and intricately woven story contains rich plot development, exciting battles, spine-tingling adventure, and believable characters, which combine together to make this saga one that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Children of the Lamp Book Five: The Eye of the Forest

The Eye of the Forest by, P.B. Kerr. ISBN-13: 978-0439932158

John and Phillipa Gaunt are drawn into yet another exciting adventure in this, the fifth book in the Children of the Lamp series entitled, The Eye of the Forest. They face carnivorous plants, headhunters, twelve-foot long centipedes, and some familiar villains as they work their magic to try to save the world yet again. This time the djinn twins have flown to the depths of the Peruvian Amazon with their Uncle Nimrod, Zadie, and Mr. Vodyannoy to meet up with Sicky, a local guide and his chef, Muddy, so that they can find their way to an ancient lost city. Hopefully there, they will be able to stop an ancient prophecy regarding a set of twins and a great tragedy. Unfortunately for the reader, we are never actually told what the great prophecy foretells.

This book is filled with scientific explanations that sometimes lend credibility to Kerr's discussions-- such as an explanation of the way hot air rises in circular currents. At other times, however, like when she uses concepts about radioactive isotopes to bring us to our story's climax, the logic feels a bit forced. With a series focused on magic characters, she should lean a bit less heavily on advanced scientific theory. While the rich descriptions of the Incan life or landscape were historically interesting, this feels like the least magic-based book of magic ever written. The Eye of the Forest has shifted directions from the rest of the series and Kerr fans might be disappointed with this change. The unfinished ending leaves Kerr with a great set-up for the next book, where she will hopefully return to the magic-driven format which has been so successful in the first four books.

The Ranger's Apprentice Book One: The Ruins of Gorlan

The Ruins of Gorlan by, John Flanagan. ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240663-2

With the arrival of the Choosing Day, Will had to accept that his dreams of entering Battleschool would never come true. As disappointed as he was, Will couldn't help but realize that he didn't want to go to Battleschool for himself, but instead, to make his father proud. Will, who knew nothing of his father beyond that he was a hero, imagined that his father would have wanted him to be a brave knight. But Sir Rodney, who was head of Battleschool, would not have him, and Will was left with the dreary prospect of spending his life as a farmer. The mysterious Ranger Halt, handed the Baron a note regarding Will's future-- if only Will were able to see it. Will, who was adept at climbing walls and sneaking around, felt that he must break into the Baron's tower to learn what was on that paper.

So begins a night that will change Will's future forever. The next morning he will have a new path, with new challenges and discoveries. Readers will hang onto Will's adventures as he grows into a person that would have made his father proud. Filled with enormous wild boar, bear-like mind controlled Wargals, and the dreadful Kalkara-- evil beasts that will paralyze you with fear if you look into their eyes, the land of Araluen is a dangerous place for Will to accomplish his dreams. Though the plot is slow to reach a climax, Flanagan does an excellent job of providing a rich description of his characters and the types of lives they lead. Readers will be lured into this book that contains realistic characters who are going through the classic tween dramas of growing up. They will relate to Will wishing for his growth spurt or his feelings after a first kiss. Will is the type of hero that will make every parent proud; he is down-to-Earth, reliable, and courageous. Readers who have enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia by, C.S. Lewis will appreciate this new series.

Alcatraz Versus The Scrivener's Bones

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones by, Brandon Sanderson. ISBN-13: 978-0-439-92553-2

This, the second book in the Alcatraz series, is written in a smarmy, smart-alecky, tone that makes you want to smack the book closed and then keep on reading. Alcatrez Smedry is an unlikely hero. In fact, he will be the first to tell you that he is NOT a hero. Like many heroes (we can decide later if he really is one or not) he has a special talent- Alcatraz Smedry can break things. He is one of the best at breaking things that the world has even known-- whether that be this world, the Hushlands, or the Free Kingdoms. Mind you, the world you know is not at all as you have been taught in school. There's actually nine continents, but the other two are being kept hidden from you from all of the evil librarians who are controlling the information and thereby controlling the world. Alcatraz writes his story so that you can finally know the truth about this-- and to prove that he really isn't a hero at all.

Still, somehow our unhero manages to break a giant glass dragon plane, tour the ancient Library of Alexandria, and escape from undead librarians with flaming eyes who will suck out your soul. There's also some bunnies with bazookas. It's just another book in the Alcatraz series written by Brandon Sanderson. These books are hilarious, high action, fast-paced, intelligent, and well-written. If the librarians knew he were writing these books about their underhanded plots at world domination, well, they'd probably still have to buy this fabulous series for their collection!

The Spiderwick Chronlicles Book 1: The Field Guide

The Field Guide by, Tony DiTerlizzi. ISBN-13: 978-0689859366

After their father left the family, the Graces moves to the Spiderwick Estate-- a creepy and dilapidated old house that had once been home to their Aunt Lucinda. Mallory, who is thirteen, and her twin brothers, Jared and Simon are not very excited about the change from New York to this Victorian home in the middle of nowhere. Jared, who is thought to be the trouble-maker in the family because of one fight he got in at school after their dad left, hears a strange sound in the walls, and thinking it is a squirrel, he and his siblings set off to find it. What they find instead is a strange nest containing strung up cockroaches, army men with no hands and feet, a doll's head, and Mallory's silver fencing medal! This begins a set of adventures that will lead the children to a secret room with even greater mysteries than it's location.

This book begins the Spiderwick series, a fanciful and magical set of books that will lure readers into the world of fairies, boggarts, and more. DiTerlizzi uses the first book to introduce readers to the characters and their personalities, passions, and problems. He does so by creating characters that are easy to relate to-- these siblings have problems and they argue with each other, but they are there for each other in the end. It is a short book-- a quick read that is really just bait to get readers hooked on the series. DiTerlizzi is slow to come to the full action with this story, but the ending leaves readers hanging on the edge of their seats, ready for the real action to begin...This book will appeal to readers who enjoy the Land of Elyon series by, Patrick Carman.

The Wizards of Waverly Place

Greenwald, T. (2010). The Wizards of Waverly Place. Hollywood: Disney Channel

This bilingual wizard family has a big problem. Justin has a pimple the size of a mountain-- and it's right in the middle of his forehead. His sister, Alex, tried to make it go away, but accidentally animated it and now this giant talking zit might destroy his chance to go to the junior prom with Miranda, the new goth girl at his school. The giant talking pimple convinces Justin that it would make a great wingman at the junior prom. The plan backfires, however, when the pimple decides to antagonize people at the prom and everybody thinks it's Justin talking.

The premise of the show is one that combines the desire for tweens to be transported to another reality, while at the same time providing material that is easy for them to relate to. Tweens already know how disastrous a giant pimple can be, but enjoy imagining that they could use magic to deal with the situation. The main characters are a family, which portrays a wealth of situations that viewers are familiar with. Selena Gomez, who plays the sister, is one of Disney's new tween sensations. From the very catchy theme song, to the classic tween humor, this is a relatively decent show. While there aren't any characters who provide strong role models for viewers, this is a good, clean show that does at least seem to steer viewers toward behaving in ways that they can be proud of.

Suddenly Supernatural Book One: School Spirit

Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit by, Elizabeth Cody. ISBN-13: 978-0316066839

Seventh grade is a frightening experience for most kids, but for Kat, it's positively ghastly. Or, to be more accurate, it's positively ghostly. You see, on her thirteenth birthday Kat has begun to see spirits. All Kat wants is to be happy and normal-- to have people like Shoshanna Longbarrow and her satellite girls start to talk to her. Instead, the only people who seem to want to talk to her are dead! Luckily, Kat becomes friends with Jac, the new girl who is always dragging around her giant cello case. Jac reminds Kat that people are often more than they seem to be-- living or dead!. These two friends battle seventh grade dramatics and mayhem while solving a spooky mystery regarding a spirit trapped in their school's library.

The characters in this story are fabulous. Cody perfectly portrays the insecurities and frustrations of middle school through the eyes of a delightful girl who just wants to fit in-- a theme most tweens can relate to. Kat can't help but wish that her fabulous, incense burning, hippie, vegetarian, seance-holding medium mother could be just a little more normal. While Cody exaggerates the eccentricities of Kat's mother, she also clearly depicts her as the type of mom that any kid would be lucky to have-- providing readers with the message that normal isn't necessarily better. This story has the perfect mix of morality, mystery, magic, and middle-school mayhem. Kids who enjoy watching "The Wizards of Waverly Place" should turn off the tube and pick up this book! It's got a similar theme with characters who are less theatrical, easier to relate to, and better role models.

Tales of the Frog Princess Book 7: Dragon Kiss

Dragon Kiss by, E.D. Baker. ISBN-13: 978-1599903484

Audun has found the princess of his dreams and is ready for his happily ever after, but unfortunately life is not that easy. Audun is a dragon and while his dearly beloved can turn into a dragon, she's actually a human with magic powers. Dragons are supposed to mate with dragons, and humans are supposed to mate with humans. In an effort to win the right to woo Millie, Audun must embark on a quest that will bring him across dry, sandy deserts, verdant green mountains, crisp, arctic icy lands, and to the depths of the sea to face tasks that might determine the fate for all of these kingdoms.

This charming fairy tale is wonderful for so many reasons. Our lovestruck hero is wonderfully endearing dragon, who, due to a very human way of looking at the world, is a character who is easy for readers to relate to. He struggles with family, relationships, moral dilemmas, personal expectations, and does so while always holding himself to the highest standard of behavior. Although he is a dragon, he is the type of hero we want to see the world trying to emulate. (Minus the part about him breathing poison on his enemies, I guess...)

E.D. Baker has created a delightful fairy tale series for older readers. This, the seventh book in the Tales of a Frog Princess books, is as enchanting as the first-- and, most likely, the next one will be. Fans of the Inkheart series will undoubtedly enjoy Dragon Kiss.

Syren

Syren by, Angie Sage. ISBN-10:0060882107

Seventh son of the seventh son, Septimus Heap has a powerful destiny. In this, the fifth book in the series, Septimus gets trapped on an island with Jenna and Beetle while they wait for their dragon, Spit Fyre to recover from a lightning injury. Septimus discovers that the island is inhabited by Syrah Syara, a 500 year-old apprentice who is controlled by a dangerous spirit named Syren. The story has many subplots that tie together nicely to create a grand adventure that is every bit as excellent as the rest of the series.

Dragonsdale

Dragonsdale by, Salamanda Drake. ISBN-13: 978-0439871730

This heartwarming story is a bit of a cross between the new fantasy dragon stories with the classic girl loves horses story. Except the horses are dragons. They live in fireproof stalls, get saddled and groomed, and fly through various obstacle courses with their riders. The story features a dragon riding school run by Huw, a gruff man whose wife died after falling of her dragon. Consequently, he has forbidden his daughter, and our hero, Clara, from ever riding a dragon. She cleans the muck from the stalls and takes time for her favorite dragon, Skydancer. Skydancer is a wild, untamed dragon who seems to love Clara as much as she loves him. Clara also must deal with the Lord Torin's horrible daughter Hortense, whose spiteful ways seems to cause much of the book's action. Hortense uses whips to beat the dragons, which the author has used to take her stand against animal cruelty.

The story is light, the characters are girly, and the relationships between people are a major focus of the story. The plot moves slowly and doesn't really do more than scratch the surface of the fantasy genre. While there are a variety of mythical creatures, they are all portrayed as parallel to other, more familiar ones. Drake claims to be 16 years old, and it shows in the depth of her story. It is a delightful book, but don't expect anything more than that.

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief by, Rick Riordon. ISBN-13: 978-0786838653

There are many books that become overnight smash sensations, but this one really deserves the fame. Riordon has crafted an ingenious book, carefully melding together the world of the Greek gods with that of 21st century youth. The result is a marvel that educates and entertains readers who will have a difficult time putting down this book. Our hero, Percy Jackson, is a boy who suffers from ADHD and dyslexia. His best friend, Grover, turns out to be a satyr while Percy discovers that his own father was actually a Greek god. This, and a giant minotaur that attacked Percy, Grover, and his mother, lead Percy to Camp Half-Blood where Percy will discover his destiny. The action-packed adventure is exciting and intelligent. The characters are well-developed and slide gracefully between the world of the mundane and heroic battles with mythical creatures. Percy, who is granted a quest to find the magical lightning bolt belonging to Zeus, will travel from Olympus to the Underworld in an attempt to divert a massive battle from erupting between the gods and goddesses themselves. This, the first book in the Percy Jackson series is an unbelievably amazing story that begins an epic series that will be known for generations. Fans of Harry Potter will be enthralled with this magical delight!

Dragon Rider

Dragon Rider by, Cornelia Funke. ISBN-13: 978-0439456951

The dragons can sense the arrival of humans into their fair valley, but only Firedrake is brave and strong enough to make the journey to search for a new resting place... a place known only in legends as the Rim of Heaven. Firedrake is accompanied by a hungry brownie named Sorrel, a boy named Ben who he meets along the way, and a homunculus named Twigleg with a dark secret. Together they must strive to find the hidden liar of the dragons, nestled in the Rim of Heaven, before they are discovered by the evil Nettlebrand-- an enormous gold dragon-eating dragon-like creature who rules the water. Our heroes are facing great obstacles, but along the way they will discover their place in the world.

This delightful story is a joy to read. It is exciting and full of adventure, but it also contains rich characters that are fun to follow. Mystical creatures and humans work together and create strong bonds between them. The characters are honest and trustworthy heroes that live according to their strong consciences. Of all of the multitude of dragon books available right now, this is one of best. Readers who enjoy Dragon Slippers will appreciate this wonderful story. Cornelia Funke is a gifted and talented writer and all of her books are worth a good read!

Falling In

Falling In by, Frances O'Roark Dowell ISBN-13: 978-1416950325

Isabelle Bean is an unlikely heroine. Friendless and eccentric, she questions reality in a way that drives everyone around her absolutely crazy. One fateful day, Isabelle, who was distracted by a strange buzzing sound under her school, was sent to the principal's office. There, she falls down a magic hole, which leads Isabelle into a fairy tale world that feels much more like home than the world Isabelle had always known. The children Isabelle meets in this new land are escaping to secret camps in order to hide from the evil Witch of the Woods, but Isabelle finds the idea of witches exciting and desperately wants to meet one. Isabelle befriends a girl named Hen and tricks her into accompanying Isabelle to the witch's house. Isabelle, who has always known how it feels to be different, learns that even wicked witches are not always what they seem. Isabelle may be an outsider in both worlds, but she learns a lot about growing into the kind of person she was always meant to be. This enchanting story offers children a chance for philosophical speculation as Isabelle lures readers into the journey of her own personal growth. She speaks directly to readers, which helps them to relate to Isabelle's evolution from misfit to heroine. Isabelle demonstrates how challenging it is to balance one's sense of creative freedom with the need to be socially accepted. Falling In is a fairy tale about growing up.

Artemis Fowl, Book 1

Artemis Fowl by, Eoin Colfer ISBN-13: 978-0786817078

This delightful story hosts a bizarre mix of fascinating characters that will amuse and intrigue readers from beginning to end. Artemis Fowl is the twelve year old child genius of a wealthy family about to lose their (dubiously earned) fortune. With his father missing and his mother barely able to function, Artemis decides it is his responsibility to put the family back on top. He decides to follow his father's example and find lucrative means to do so. Which leads him to tricking a fairy into giving up her magical book, translating the book to learn the secrets of fairy technology, and kidnapping a fairy in order to ransom her for gold. The fairy Artemis kidnaps, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit of the fairy police force, is a cunning and likable character who will give this tween mastermind a bit more trouble than he had expected. Fairy technology, which far surpasses that of humans, is responsible for the creation of countless devices that will intrigue and enrapture many gadget-oriented readers. The story, which alternates between the perspectives of various characters, draws readers in to each character's unique drama and dilemmas. The characters include Artemis and his seemingly invincible bodyguard, Butler, as well as trolls, fairies, satyrs, and dwarfs. Colfer, who is already a well loved children's author in England, will gain many American fans with this witty and unusual story. This series would be an excellent choice for readers who enjoyed the Spiderwick Chronicles, but are looking for books with a bit more depth.