Visibility

Neufeld, S. (2008). Visibility. Portland: Bowler Hat Comics. ISBN: 0980141907

· Plot Summary
Natalie Irving is the normal daughter of Jadyn Irving, a woman who has the ability to become invisible at will, and whose reputation has led her to being hated on a worldwide scale. Natalie's father sues for custody, but does not try to see her after he realizes she is normal, and her bodyguard (Peter) is Natalie's only mainstay. When Jadyn and the son of family friends both go missing, it is up to Natalie to track them down. Aided by Peter, and straightforward police officer Carmichael, Natalie will discover the truth about her mother's underworld associations.

· Critical Evaluation
A fantastic novel that contains not only the intricacies of a character caught in a web of her mother's making, but also the complex reality of her own existence. Recommended for tweens thirteen and older, because of content, and the sheer length of the text. Natalie's mission to aid her mother makes this an absorbing reader, and becomes even more interesting when Natalie finally begins to attain invisibility as well.

· Reader’s Annotation
Great choice for readers interested in intrigue, and those that often choose comic books or graphic novels. Illustrations are of the graphic novel variety, and edgy. Natalie is a great role model, especially for girls that have come from troubled families.

· Information about the author
Coming from a home-schooled background, Sarah Neufeld is fluent in Japanese, and lived there for several years. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon and enjoys tea, manga, hiking, and traveling.

· Genre
Novel, Science Fiction, Graphic Novel

· Booktalking Ideas
Heroes and villains in tween literature.
Cult fiction as reflection of modern society.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8-9/Ages 13-14

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
When I first picked this book up, I thought it was going to be a graphic novel of considerable proportions. Instead, it turned out to be 300 pages of well-developed character growth, with a positive role model for tween girls. Jadyn is the sort of character you love to hate, the reasons simply change.

Midnight Magic

Avi. (1999). Midnight Magic. New York: Scholastic Signature.

· Plot Summary
The Kingdom of Pergamontio is in peril from unseen forces, and its Princess Teresina is at the heart of the mystery. Magus the Magician has already been told not to practice his sorcery, but is brought into the court in order to determine the reason behind a series of hauntings that have the Princess terrified. Bringing with him his trusted servent, Fabrizio, Mangus must use all his skills of reason to find out the truth. Without the help of Fabrizio, however, all may be lost.

· Critical Evaluation
Suspense at its best, a hard book to put down. The banter between Mangus and Fabrizio is first calibre, the and the Princess convincingly naive even as she tries to secure the kingdom from the evil Count Scarazoni who wishes to force her into marriage, and claim the throne for himself. Some tweens may figure out the identity of the scullery boy early on, particularly since the Prince of Pergamontio is said to be missing or dead, but this does not detract from the gem that is this novel.

· Reader’s Annotation
A rich book, full of detail, and with absolutely superb dialogue. It is hard to imagine a tween that would not find some point of interest in these pages.

· Information about the Author
Avi is an author of several genres, including historical fiction, animal stories, sports fiction, and documentaries. He has authored almost forty novels, and received the Christopher Medal, a Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, and a Newberry Medal. He was a librarian before becoming an author and lives in Denver, CO.

· Genre
Mystery

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8-Ages 11-13

· Booktalk Ideas
Magic tricks and illusion.
Renaissaince Italy and politics of the era.

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
When I was in my undergraduate program at UCSB, I took a course on Renaissance Italy. It was one of my favorite classes, and I enjoy this setting in novels. It's rare to find it used for literature outside of the adult genres, so I was excited when I found this book in a used shop.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Konigsburg, E.L. (1967). From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 1416949755

· Plot Summary
Claudia Kincaid is the oldest of the Kincaid children, and is not only thoroughly bored with her life, but also tired of being taken for granted by her family. In the interest of making her parents take notice, thereby thwarting the injustice that has become a daily part of her existence, she has decided to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. After careful planning, she decides to take her brother Jamie along, and the two venture forth intent on adventure. But living in a museum, while better than trying to struggle in the woods, is still no easy thing for two children. Forced to schedule everything they do in order not to be caught by the museum guards, the pair must also learn to conserve their money and other resources. Using the daytime hours to learn about the various exhibits in the museum, the two are drawn into the mystery of an angel statue, and are determined to find out if it truly is the work of the famous Michelangelo. When they believe enough time has passed for Claudia's point to have been made, she convinces Jamie to try one more adventure. They two embark for the home of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the widow that sold the statue in an auction for a mere $225.00. At her residence they confess what they have been up to, and Mrs. Frankweiler allows them just one hour to seek the information they want before sending them home. Convinced that the angel is a Michelangelo piece, Claudia is amazed, and Mrs. Frankweiler states she will leave the letter of proof to the children in her will. Little do they know that their newly adopted grandmother has had their actual grandfather (Saxonberg) as her lawyer for over four decades, and that in a series of letters addressed to him, Mrs. Frankweiler makes certain her wishes are carried out.

· Critical Evaluation
A humorous look at the often mundane issues that will cause children to need an escape, and a good introduction to the mystery genre. Literary questions and suggested activities relevant to the novel are included at the end. The relationship between Claudia and Jamie shows a marked creativity, with just the right amount of sibling squabbling and support seen throughout.

· Reader’s Annotation
Suitable for early tweens, and easily read in just one or two sittings. A classic of the category, and recommended start for possible suspense fans.

· Information about the author
Elaine Lobl Konigsburg was born in New York, but grew up in Pennsylvania. She was valedictorian of her class, and received a degree in chemistry. She married her husband while in graduate school, and the pair moved to Florida where Konigsburg worked as a school teacher. After the birth of their three children, the family moved back to Elaine's home state of New York, where she began her literary career.

· Genre
Mystery
Suspense

· Curriculum Ties
Art

· Booktalking Ideas
Michelangelo and his influence on Renaissance art.
Metropolitan Museum of Art and its place in New York history.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-7/Ages 10-11

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I read this book when I was fifth grade, but did not remember anything about it, and my daughter did not read the edition I bought her a year ago. I found it on her shelves, and decided to refresh my memory, because I did recall that I had enjoyed it myself.