two for tweens

The twins Kasey and Kelly are back in DOUBLE TROUBLE 2: APRIL FOOL'S SURPRISE by Abby Klein with illustrations by John McKinley (Scholastic 2012). As April Fool's Day approaches, the girls plan the tricks they will play on their parents and their friends at school. Short chapters with plenty of humor make this an ideal read for readers who are just feeling confident with chapter books. <124>




Another second book in a series is THE LEGEND OF DIAMOND LIL, A JJ TULLY MYSTERY by Doreen Cronin with illustrations by Kevin Cornell (Balzer and Bray 2012). JJ is a former rescue dog who lives on a farm with his owner. He is in charge of taking care of the chickens, of preventing predators from harming his charges. Into the neighborhood comes Diamond Lil, the most lustrous and beautiful dog JJ has ever seen. However, there is something a little strange about Lil. There is also something "off" in the henhouse. Can JJ solve the mystery? Will Lil be a help or a hindrance? <125>

The return of Mickey Rangel

Fellow Texan, Rene Saldana, created this series featuring Mickey Rangel, boy detective, a couple of years ago. THE LEMON TREE CAPER (Pinata/Arte Publico 2011) gives readers another mystery to solve along with Mickey. Mickey's mouth is watering as his unairconditioned school bus passes Tina's lemonade stand on the way home. Before he can make it to her stand to quench his thirst, though, he hears a blood-curdling scream from his neighbor's house. There he discovers TWO mysteries. One he is able to solve quickly. The other one: who stole Senorita Andrade's lemons straight from her tree, might take some time and maybe assistance from his ghost sidekick or whoever it is who leaves him notes with clues and hints. Mickey is a welcome addition to the sleuths of children's literature. This book is in English; flip it over, and the text is in Spanish as well.
<669>

Evernight Lives On: Balthazar

Skye Tierney has returned home from Evernight followings its destruction in the battle between the vampires and the wraiths. In BALTHAZAR (HarperTeen, March 2012), Claudia Gray continues the stories from Evernight Academy. When Skye's life is threatened by Redgrave, a cruel master vampire, Balthazar comes to her rescue. It seems as though Skye possesses powers that are seductively attractive to Redgrave and his followers. Balthazar has a score to settle with Redgrave, the vampire who turned him centuries ago. And perhaps, Balthazar will finally allow someone to grow close to him? <652>