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The Bundle at Blackthorpe Heath, written/illus. by Mark Copeland, (Houghton Mifflin Co., 2006), 224p, Ages 8-12.
Come along a follow an extraordinary circus of humans and insects (people-size) as they travel through the British countryside entertaining, solving mysteries, exposing conspiracies, and preventing a bundle (English slang for fight) between two rival circuses. Twelve-year-old Art and his pet ladybug Rufus, Daisy (bareback beetle rider), and Jasper, a stick insect from Australia discover a dastardly plot involving two circus agents bent on destroying their circus. The insects are delightful with humanlike speech and feelings. The clever illustrations are based on an exhibition of insect circus pictures from Mayfair. The closing section contains instructions for training ants, bees, bombardiers, fleas, flies, glowworms, ladybugs, slugs, snails, wasps, woodlice, and worms.

Closed for the Season, written by Mary Downing Hahn, (Clarion Books, 2009), 192p, Ages 12+.
In this contemporary thriller, thirteen-year-old Logan Forbes and his family move into an old rundown house in rural Virginia, only to discover that a murder had recently taken place there. Together with an inquisitive neighbor boy, Arthur, they begin a dangerous investigation to uncover the killer and locate stolen money that was hidden by the dead woman. Their sleuthing leads to an old amusement park, the Magic Forest, closed for years and overgrown with Kudzu vines, where they confront the killer. From the highest level of society to the lowest, the boys encounter intimidating people, quirky characters, puzzling inconsistencies, and dangerous felons. For Logan and Arthur this is a season for solving mysteries, growing wiser, and forming lasting friendships.

Golden & Grey: The Nightmares That Ghosts Have, written by Louise Arnold, (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006), 192p, Ages 9-12.
Tom Golden would have been a normal eleven-year-old, except that his best friend is a ghost. Grey Arthur's job, as an invisible friend, is to supply Tom with forgotten lunches and pens for class, and to keep bullies away. In this sequel to "Golden & Grey: An Unremarkable Boy and a Rather Remarkable Ghost", Grey starts a school for ghosts who are looking to begin new careers as companions to human children. Along with an assorted group of endearing and quirky ghosts, Tom and Grey must solve the mystery of why ghosts all over the world are disappearing at the hand of the Collector.

The Hound of the Baskervilles, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, illus. by Pam Smy, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 176p, Ages 14+.
Taken from the original version published from 1901 to 1902, this edition is particularly appealing, due to the striking illustrations throughout. The famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is hired to investigate a murder, a diabolical curse surrounding the Baskerville family, and threats to the Baskerville heir, Sir Henry. Holmes and his trusted friend, Dr. Watson, investigate several suspicious characters as well as the legend of a murderous hound that roams the moors. Nightly sounds of a woman wailing, secretive servants, peculiar neighbors, an escaped killer, a quicksand marsh, and the howl of a legendary hound combine with the bleakness of the moors and the lizards of the bogs to make this novel a page-turner. No believer in the supernatural, Holmes believes that the answers lie with the natural world. Along with its suspenseful climax, this mystery has become a classic for more than a hundred years.

The Man With the Red Bag, written by Eve Bunting, (Joanna Cotler Books, 2007), 208p, Ages 9-12.
On spring break twelve-year-old Kevin Saunders decides to accompany his grandmother on a bus tour to Wyoming and South Dakota. Months after 9/11, Kevin is particularly suspicious of fellow tour member Charles Stavros, who is extremely protective of his red duffle bag. Convinced that this stranger is not a typical tourist interested in seeing the Great Salt Lake, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone National Park, aspiring mystery writer Kevin keeps a journal of Mr. Stavros' strange appearance, mannerisms, and bandaged hand. With Geneva, another bus traveler, Kevin sets up surveillance, as both believe that Stavros plans to bomb Mt. Rushmore. When they finally realize that Stavros is not a terrorist, both are surprised to learn of the patriotic reason for his trip. Filled with memorable places and themes of jumping to conclusions and judging others, this story may present opportunities to discuss subjects of patriotism, panic, and racial profiling.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, written by Trenton Lee Stewart, illus. by Diana Sudyka, (Little, Brown & Co., 2008), 448p, Ages 9-12.
A year has passed, and the children from The Mysterious Benedict Society meet for a reunion. However, an international scavenger hunt and adventure, designed by Mr. Benedict, turns into danger for Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance. Upon learning of Mr. Benedict's kidnapping by his twin brother, Ledroptha Curtain, the children turn the adventure into a "perilous journey" to rescue Mr. Benedict. Uncovering hidden clues and riddles that Mr. Benedict left before his abduction, they travel on a cargo ship to Portugal, across Europe, and onto a mysterious island before being captured. With their various strengths, talents, and courage, the children not only rescue Mr. Benedict, but also become more understanding of each other, and their unusual friendship is further strengthened.

The Raven League: Sherlock Holmes Is Missing, written by Alexander Simmons/William McCay, (Sleuth, 2006), 192p, Ages 9+.
Kicked out of the Baker Street Irregulars, a gang of urchins from the shabby East End of Victorian England, Archie Wiggins and three friends form the Raven League. They manage to uncover two murders, rescue the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, and foil a plot to kill Queen Victoria. A great introduction to Sherlock Holmes for kids who are not familiar with the famous detective.

The Raven League: Buffalo Bill Wanted!, written by Alex Simmons/Bill McCay, (Razorbill, 2007), 208p, Ages 9+.
Continuing their exploits from "The Raven League: Sherlock Holmes Is Missing", Wiggins, Owens, Dooby, and Jenny meet Buffalo Bill Cody, when his Wild West show performs in London during the reign of Queen Victoria. Little do they realize that they are about to become involved in a dangerous human trafficking operation. This time, their famous detective friend Sherlock Holmes isn't around to help. With clever detective work at the exhibition grounds and waterfront alleys, they seek to prove Buffalo Bill's innocence and capture powerful villains.

Scat, written by Carl Hiaasen, (Alflred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2009), 304p, Ages 11+.
In an attempt to reunite an endangered Panther kitten with its mother, two kids, a renegade environmentalist, a feared biology teacher, and a class bully work together to save the animal and thwart an illegal oil-drilling operation in a Florida swamp. When their hated teacher, Mrs. Bunny Starch, disappears on a field trip to the Black Vile Swamp, the chief suspect is a local delinquent, Smoke. The police and headmaster accept a sketchy note from Bunny explaining a "family emergency", but Nick and Marta believe that foul play is involved. Teaming up with a cunning, eccentric millionaire, they solve the mystery and help an endangered animal find its home. Engaging plot twists, colorful characters, and an unusual setting make this a great page-turner.

Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars: The Fall of the Amazing Walendas, written by Tracy Mack/Michael Citrin, (Orchard Books, 2006), 192p, Ages 9-12.
For children not familiar with the world famous British detective, Sherlock Holmes, this is book one in a series of detective stories surrounding the Baker Street Irregulars, a group of orphaned streetwise urchins, who assist Mr. Holmes in solving mysteries. The Irregulars were Holmes' eyes and ears in the underworld of Victorian England. Optimistic Wiggins and compassionate Ozzie, along with their orphan friends and a gypsy girl, help Holmes probe the death of a circus troupe's tightrope walker and search for a missing jewel-encrusted book belonging to the Prince of Wales. The story is told by an unidentified source, and clues are spaced throughout the story as to the identity. This fun and action-packed mystery will please adults, even though it is written for children as an introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes. The illustrations are excellent. Endpapers include a Cast of Characters, a Slang Glossary, instructions on Cockney Rhyming Slang, sections on "The Science of Deduction" from The Adventures of the Blue Carbuncle, and the Art of Disguise, Victorian Carriages, Coaches and Carts, and a preview of the next adventure.

The Wright 3, written by Blue Balliett, illus. by Brett Helquist, (Scholastic Press, 2006), 272p,
Ages 9-12.
The two sleuths from "Chasing Vermeer" are back, this time with a friend to solve a mystery surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House in Chicago. Calder, Petra, and Tommy are sixth grade students at the University School in Hyde Park which also owns the Robie House. When the deteriorating house is slated for renovation and ultimately destruction (cut up into pieces and sent to museums) the three detectives must piece together a puzzle, overcome opposition, and decipher the landmark's secrets. With strange sounds coming from the house, shadows behind the art-glass windows, and a moving roof, the restoration turns into a search for hidden treasure, and coded messages left behind by Frank Lloyd Wright. Kids will even learn a little about history and a famous architect.