Night School

January 1, 2011

Twins Rayne and Sunshine McDonald have already undergone their transformations into vampires when they discover their family secret. Not only are they full-blooded faeries whose parents fled Tir na nOg, Sunshine is now the heir apparent to the Court of Light. Seeking to avoid an involuntary return to fairyland, the sisters find a hiding place at Riverdale Academy, a school for vampire slayers. As they attempt to hide their true natures, the twins also discover deadly secrets within the academy itself. The latest addition to Mancusi's popular urban fantasy series (Bad Blood; Girls That Growl) delivers an action-packed story with appealing characters, dark humor, and a new spin on both the worlds of the undead and the fae. VERDICT Though primarily targeted to a YA audience, this novel will appeal to adult fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as the Harry Potter series and the "Twilight" novels.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2011

PreS-K-Thumby, the smallest duckling on the team, is starting in his first opening-day baseball game for the Webbies. The story begins at the top of the ninth, with the opposing team at bat. The artwork is stronger than the text. Morrison provides painterly renditions of the action and draws some scenes with a unique perspective to show how it feels to be a rookie at the plate waiting for the pitch or a novice fielder hoping to catch a ball to make the third out. Readers will sense Thumby's anxiety as he is often portrayed with his thumb in his mouth. Humorous batting tips are sprinkled throughout. New players will enjoy the traditional happy ending with the bons mots on the final page.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.