New Young Reader Titles

Keats' cousin Henry is always scheming and taking risks. Keats doesn't always agree but somehow finds himself going along. When Henry's dangerous biking leads them both to lose their bikes in deep water, Keats finds a help wanted ad which will help them pay for new bikes. The jobs are at the creepy Hallway House, and involve weeding a garden, finding light bulbs, sweeping the garage and lastly, conquering a shark-headed zombie. Really? The jobs are not quite what they seem; can Keats and Henry prevail? Read this fun chapter book and find out. Perfect for those beginning readers stepping up to chapter books. Ages 6 -9. (Random House, $4.99/$4.49) Reviewed by Debbie

At 12, Ethan is a top soccer player, a game that is played in a mechanical suit. Then two strangers come to try to recruit Ethan into an underground movement to defeat the aliens (who took over the world 50 years ago) by fighting them in an insect-like suit. Ethan doesn't believe until his soccer coach comes after him. He is worried about his sister becoming part of the collective alien brain, and wonders if his parents could be normal. A rousing sci-fi adventure for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Debbie

Join the twins in a new adventure as they have been separated, leaving Sophie with ever-weakening Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel as she hopes to find an immortal to teach her Earth Magic. Where will Sophie find this teacher? And will it surprise her to discover him in the most ordinary of places? As the end is near, Josh has chosen a side; he will not stand with his sister, Sophie, or with the Alchemyst, Nicholas Flamel, but instead chooses to fight alongside Dee. Sophie must find her twin before the battle begins or everything will be lost. The author's knowledge of mythology and folklore proves him to be a master of the fantasy, science fiction, and horror that spreads throughout this bestselling juvenile series. While waiting for the sixth and final book, The Enchantress, due Summer 2012, be sure you read the series from the beginning, starting with The Alchemyst. Books 1-4 are in paperback. Ages 10 and up. Reviewed by Carol

Know a young cryptozoologist, or a monster know-it-all? Well, this informative pop-up book is perfect for the fantasy and mythology minded. Chock-full of information – from Eastern and Western dragons, to Dracula, and how to defend yourself against werewolves, to modern monsters (Bigfoot, el chubicapra) we encounter all the time – this colorful pop-up is sure to surprise a know-it-all with something they didn't know! Ages 5 and up. Reviewed by Trish