Under Siege!: Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksburg by Andrea Warren

The Siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War is told from the perspectives of three children who witnessed the event from both sides of the conflict. The information is based on interviews and articles by these children and includes details of the siege, including the escape of the residents of Vicksburg from their homes to nearby caves in order to avoid the bombardment of the city by the Union Army. 12-year-old Frederick Grant’s story is also told as he accompanied his father, General Grant, through numerous campaigns and battles and lived in the camps with the soldiers. This excellent volume provides not only well-researched historical information but a spellbinding story as well. Primary sources, photographs, illustrations, and maps are used throughout. A bibliography and index are included.

Smoke by Mavis Jukes

12-year-old Colton and his mother move from Idaho to California, away from his beloved grandfather and his frequently absent, rodeo-champion father. His mother is hoping to start a new life and just when Colton is getting a handle on this change, his cat, Smoke, disappears. When Colt goes looking for his cat one night, he finds himself possibly stalked by a cougar and barricades himself in a supposedly haunted cabin, leaving the adults in his life to wonder where he is. His disappearance brings his father to search for him, along with Colt’s friends and neighbors, and helps Colt to come to an appreciation of all that he has. This is a sweet story about dealing with loss, change, and family. The characters are varied and well-developed and will ring true to the book’s intended audience.

The Seven Keys of Balabad by Paul Haven

12-year-old Oliver, who is living in Balabad with his reporter father and art-historian mother, misses New York. His friends Zee and Mr. Haji are the only things that make living in Balabad tolerable. But things become more interesting when a priceless carpet is stolen from a mosque and Mr. Haji is kidnapped. Oliver and Zee try to unravel the mystery and decipher the connections between Mr. Haji, the carpet, and Zee. The story jumps around a bit from character to character and place to place. But all of the threads of the story come together in the end like a well-woven carpet. Balabad is a fictional country with a rich culture and the characters and settings are well-developed. A perfect book for both adventure and mystery lovers.

Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton

When Jane’s sister dies from complications resulting from anorexia, it sends Jane’s family into a tailspin. Her parents separate and Jane must find the strength to endure her grief. She does this with the help of an unusual babysitter, a puppy, a camera, and a new friend. This is a powerful look at the effects of anorexia on a family and the characters are authentic. The ending is somewhat disappointing, but readers will be drawn into Jane’s story as she tries to find peace in a difficult situation.

Flora's Dare by Ysabeau S. Wilce

In this sequel to Flora Segunda, the heroine is determined to learn Gramatica so that she can expand her ability to do magick. She is side-tracked by a sea-monster who is destroying the city, her best friend who has been possessed by a pair of magic boots, her sister who has gone AWOL, and her newly sober father who has become a stern taskmaster. Flora is spunky with a self-deprecating wit and the world she lives in challenges stereotypical gender roles. The action is fast-paced, though occasionally a little confusing. Also confusing, at times, is the fantastical vocabulary. This story will be enjoyed most by those who have read the first book.

Dandelion Fire by N.D. Wilson

Henry York, after learning that his adoptive parents are coming to get him, once again ventures into the magical cupboards to try and find where he came from. Meanwhile, his cousin Henrietta and the rest of the family end up scattered in different parts of the world from which Henry and his uncle came, fighting against an evil witch who is determined to take control of the world. This second installment of the series is once again full of the magic and adventure that characterized the first one. The first part of the book, while Henry is still in our world, drags a bit. But once he enters his world, the story picks up and is hard to put down. The story alternates between Henry, Henrietta, and the rest of the family and may be a bit confusing to readers who have not read the first book of the series. Though the satisfying ending feels like the end of the series, fans will be happy to know that there is still one more novel to come before the trilogy is complete.

Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli

14-year-0ld Cologero lives with his uncles and cousin in 1899 Louisiana. The immigrants from Sicily own and operate a produce store and try to get along with all of the townspeople, no matter what their race. However, the town is racially divided and the Sicilians find that they belong with neither the whites nor the blacks. Racial tensions mount as their business grows and the whites become more distrustful until a wandering goat causes violence to erupt. The story highlights the anti-immigration sentiments that were prevalent in Louisiana at the time. Napoli gives readers a look at everyday life during this period while also shining a light on deep-rooted prejudices and Cologero is a likable character who explores the racial tensions while trying to figure out where he belongs. The tragic climax will stick with readers long after the book is finished.