Perchance to Dream

Lisa Mantchev
New York: Feiwel & Friends, June 2010
Grades 9 and up
(Reviewed from galley)

Creative, eloquent, and full of charm and wit, the second installment in Lisa Mantchev's Theatre Illuminata series is just as enthralling as the first. Picking up where Eyes Like Stars left off, Bertie departs from the theater as the illustrious Mistress of Revels on a quest to find her father and save her beloved pirate, Nate, from the Sea Goddess. Joined again by Ariel and her host of troublesome (but delightful) faeries, Bertie will find herself on another haphazard adventure, this time unexpectedly fighting for both the men she loves. Mantchev once again impresses with an array of literary allusions that are sure to convert a few teens to the banner of English class, and manage to wow the rest with a truly unique fantasy world. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, but newcomers to the series should definitely start with book one to avoid confusion.

Return to Sender

Julia Alvarez
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009
318 p. (Grades 4-7)

When a family of migrant workers from Mexico move to Vermont to help out on the Paquette's farm, eleven-year-old Tyler doesn't know what to make of the situation: Without the extra help, his family will have to sell everything; but, the Cruz family is in the United States illegally. Dual narratives told by Tyler and Mari (Mr. Cruz's eldest daughter) authentically capture the misunderstandings and prejudices surrounding the illegal immigrant experience through the lens of youthful innocence. The choice to narrate Tyler's story in third person and Mari's through a series of first-person letters is an odd one, but it succeeds in illustrating the singular experience of each. As their friendship grows, readers, too, will breach the barrier between cultures and see illegal immigrants as people rather than problems. While the novel's agenda may seem annoyingly ever-present to older teens and adults, middle readers will be drawn in by the story of friendship and come away with a lesson in empathy, as well.

When You Reach Me

Rebecca Stead
New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2009
197 p. (Grades 4-8)

It's New York City in the 1970's and Miranda is in the sixth grade: her mother is practicing fervently to appear on "The $20,000 Pyramid" and her best friend Sal was punched in the face by another boy and won't speak to her anymore. While it at first appears to be another coming-of-age tale, Miranda's story evolves into much more as she discovers notes from a mysterious stranger who claims he is there to "save your friend's life, and my own." Her authentic voice and likability will draw readers in as they try to solve her intriguing dilemma. While the question of time travel and parallel dimensions might be a bit lofty for some younger readers, the story of friendship, loss, and growing up will be enjoyed by all. Well deserving of the 2010 Newberry Medal, Stead's homage to A Wrinkle in Time will delight readers and, better still, encourage them to question their realities.

Hamlet and the Tales of Sniggery Woods

Maggie Kneen
New York: Henry Holt, 2009
76 p. (Gr. K-3)

Young Hamlet is a pig who doesn't just love food, he "adores" it. Readers of this anthropomorphic tale follow Hamlet as he channels his love of gardening and cooking into running an inherited family restaurant, opening a cooking school, and throwing parties for the king. His keen wit and ability to make the best of any situation encourage readers to meet challenges and stick to their goals. Kneen's charming storyline and beautifully detailed illustrations offer a perfect transition for young readers ready to move beyond traditional picture books.

The Hungry Ghosts

Julius Lester
New York: Dial, 2009
40 p. (Grades Pre K-2)

Living next to a cemetery can be frightening business. In this charming and magical tale, however, young Malcolm David braves the "Darkness and Fear" of "Brother and Sister Night" to discover why ghosts makes such appalling noises. With the help of his "ringring bird" and a host of food-ghosts left behind in his no-longer-messy room, he helps his new supernatural friends and beholds the beauty of what ghosts really look like. The colorfully detailed illustrations by Geraldo Valerio add splendor and an element of magical realism to what might otherwise be just another ghost story with a twist. Perfect for Halloween, but enjoyable any time of year, children will delight in this light tale of ghosts who can be admired rather than feared.

Erika-San

Allen Say
New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2009
32 p. (Grades K-2)

As a child, Erika fell in love with a picture of a Japanese teahouse and decided that she would live there one day. With the turn of a page, Erika is grown and on her way to realizing that dream. Readers follow her wandering journey as she reconciles her childhood imaginings with the realities of modern-day Japan, eventually finding her home there. Say's luminous, detailed illustrations capture the beauty of Erika's "old Japan," while the text introduces readers to the traditional Japanese culture that she embraces with gusto. Whether it is read aloud or independently, children will be delightfully transported by this light but satisfying tale of discovery.