A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole. By Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano. CD. 1:17 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-8041-2181-1. $15.
Gr 5-7–Gravity, quasars, the formation of black holes, and the meaning of event horizon are just some of the ideas covered in the impressive scope of this book (Charlesbridge, 2012). DeCristofano does a commendable job of introducing concepts that are difficult to visualize and making them accessible by providing examples with which students can identify. For example, the type of snow used in snowballs helps describe density of matter and whirlpools are used to explain the pull of black holes. Many scientists and their work are introduced including Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Grote Reber, a pioneer of the radio telescope. Ideas like a black hole being lumpy or smooth depending on the collapsing star it comes from and the concept of “spaghettification,” the stretching out of objects, will intrigue students. The author’s conversational tone and infusion of humor will hook listeners. Maxell Glick, Tara Sands, and Everette Plen provide well-paced narration; Plen makes occasional comic quips. There’s a four-page glossary at the end that provides succinct definitions. Make sure to have the book available so listeners can peruse the illustrations, diagrams, charts, and photos.–C. A. Fehmel,St. LouisCounty Library, MO

PreS-K–Star of PBS Television’s Monkey Monkey Music, Meredith LeVande performs 15 of her original songs, most of which are in various rock musical styles, except for one bluegrass and one gentle pop tune. The goal of her music video, which is in a style similar to those of Laurie Berkner, is to get kids moving and learning. LeVande performs on guitar with a light, airy voice against various painted backgrounds with a group of multiethnic children dancing to her tunes. Each track includes some simple animation, and a monkey blows a horn to introduce each song. “Hello” and “Goodbye” open and close the production. “What Are the Odds?” has children counting by odd numbers. “In the Garden” looks at the colors of fruits and vegetables. “This Way, That Way” features opposites such as up/down, open/shut, etc. “Frogs Eat Butterflies” introduces food chains, and “Who’s a Knockin’?” has fun with knock knock jokes. The set of the 1950s themed “Turn Your Body Around” has a checkered floor, jukebox, poodle skirts, and miniature “Fonzies.” The rest of the songs include “Air Guitar,” “Circle,” “Bubbles,” “Shake It Loud,” “Wheels,” “Silly Animal Friends,” and “Willow Tree in the Wind.” The teacher’s guide, printed inside the DVD case, has ideas for using the songs. This fun production is sure to get young viewers moving and shaking!–Beverly Wrigglesworth,San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3–This ocean-themed album, set in a submarine, travels the seven seas discovering musical treasures. Drew Holloway and Jack Forman welcome drummer Korum Bishoff, a new band member, on their ninth album, a rip-roaring, high energy mix of rock, hip-hop, funk, Latin, sea shanty, folk, and pop musical styles. With outstanding vocal and instrumental performances on guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, viola, cello, trombone, trumpet, flugelhorn, Wurly, and drums, the band begins with the rousing, rhythm powered “Tambourine Submarine.” Then a drum-playing fish demonstrates every kind of music on his drum set in “Fish Sticks.” They discover a coral reef that is actually a “Choral Reef” that makes beautiful music. “Shrimp” has size issues, but realizes there are perks to being short. A “Seahorse” is the deep sea cowboy’s mount as he ropes shrimp and patrols the mangroves. The other songs include “The Deep End” (of the swimming pool), “Beach Ball,” “Compass Rose,” “Tattoo Me,” “The Seven Cs” (all the crew’s names begin with that letter), “Seagull,” “Up Periscope,” “Walkie Talkies,” “Making Waves,” and “Stranded” (when a best friend moves away). With zippy, quirky lyrics and superb musicianship, Recess Monkey continues to be a cut above other kindie bands.–Beverly Wrigglesworth,San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 5-8–Black’s tale (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013) of friendship and the trials of growing up is set against the backdrop of a spooky ghost story. Zach Barlow loves to make things up. He and his friends Poppy and Alice spend every afternoon concocting new adventures for their dolls and action figures. However, Zach’s recently returned father is less than thrilled about his son spending his time playing with dolls instead of taking part in more age-appropriate activities, such as basketball. When he commits a drastic act to force Zach to give up his play-acting, it precipitates a series of events that send Zach, Poppy, andAliceon a midnight quest to lay to rest the soul of a murdered girl, a soul that now inhabits a bone china doll.  Along the way, the trio uncovers secrets about the past and one another, and discovers that they are capable of more than they ever realized. Nick Podehl expertly voices the three friends as well as the unforgettable characters Tin-Shoe Joe and the pink-haired librarian, Miss Katherine. Black has written an adventurous ghost tale that fans of Mary Downing Hahn and Peg Kehret and devotees of the author’s previous novels will love.–Michaela Schied, formerly,Indian River Middle School,Philadelphia,NY

Gr 5 Up–Sheinkin’s stellar nonfiction account (Flash Point, 2012) captures the science, technology, logistics, and politics of the race to build the first atomic bomb. The book gives listeners a holistic perspective, highlighting the fact that the story of the bomb, while a technological miracle of the time, is at its core, an intricate tale of daring individuals whose actions affected families, friends, communities, and nations. The story begins at the end, with the capture of American spy Harry Gold in Philadelphia. From Gold’s seizure, Sheinken takes a retrospective look at events from the discovery of nuclear fusion to the deployment and the aftermath of the uranium and plutonium bombs in Hiroshimaand Nagasaki, Japan. Gold, a chemist, in his role as Communist sympathizer and Soviet courier, is the thread that weaves this fascinating book together as it follows the trail of scientists, Nazi resisters, Soviet and American spies, workers, military commanders, and political leaders across the globe. The author’s narrative is as gripping as that of nonfiction masters such as Jim Murphy and Russell Freedman. Roy Samuelson’s clear diction and measured delivery complements the subject matter, offering students the opportunity to absorb sometimes complex material without pause. This award-winning, meticulously sourced book deserves a spot in every library.–Lisa Taylor, Ocean County Library, NJ

PreS-Gr 1–Singer/songwriter Nina Stone hits all the right notes with her second album. Her voice is strong and clear, and each song is delightful, whether it is putting a new spin on the alphabet, touting the joys of the hula hoop, or providing instructions on how to wash your hands. Songs based on the books How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight by Jane Yolen and Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. will have children clamoring for the stories, as will the song “Wild Things” which is inspired by Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. With most of the numbers running about three minutes, they will work best in story times or programs that feature a music or singing element. The unique concept of this album makes it a must-have for every collection.–Veronica De Fazio,Plainfield Public Library District,IL

Wild Kratts: Rainforest Rescue. DVD. 55min. Prod. by Wild Kratts/9 Story Entertainment. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2013. ISBN 978-1-60883-865-3. $9.99.

Gr 1-4–Brothers Martin and Chris Kratt continue their series with two new episodes—“Rainforest Stew” and “Shadow: The Black Jaguar”—that take place inCentral America. In addition to talking about the rainforest’s diversity of plants, animals, and insects, the brothers briefly explain how the creatures can be interdependent. They share details about animals such as the harpy eagle which is the strongest of the birds of prey, and the tapir, which goes into the water to get away from predators. Each episode is bookended by the brothers giving an overview and showing live footage of the animals in their natural environment. The inclusion of more live-action footage of some of the exotic animals such as jaguars and leopards would have been an added treat. The middle sections are hokey animated adventures where teen apprentices download information to the Kratt’s Creature Power Suits. In these suits, the brothers demonstrate some animal talents while rescuing creatures from a chef/poacher and an evil mastermind. These bad guys are not scary, and children will find that they are easily foiled. The Kratts always bring solid information and a great deal of enthusiasm to their programs. A good combination of education and enjoyment.–C.A. Fehmel,St. LouisCounty Library,MO

 Gr 10 Up–It’s the summer of 1981 and 19-year-old Ry Burke, along with his mother and younger sister, are preparing to leave the failing family farm in Kraus’s thriller (Delacorte, 2013). It has been nine years since Ry’s abusive father was sent to prison after committing horrific acts, culminating with a 16-hour chase through the forest in pursuit of his son. Ry survived the ordeal with the help of three toys turned imaginary friends: a teddy bear called Mr. Furrington, a bendy figure of Jesus Christ, and a frightening piece of folk art dubbed Scowler. Back in the present, an approaching meteor shower will have unimaginable consequences for the family, and Ry will once again call upon his protectors as his father returns to exact his revenge. Listeners are treated to a stellar performance by Kirby Heyborne, whose pacing is impressive. He has an incredible ability to convey so much about a character through his choice of voice: the rough speech of Marvin with his cringe-inducing unmelodious humming; the high-pitched and appropriately clichéd British accent for Mr. Furrington; the soft, gentle tone of Jesus Christ; and the garbled nonsensical sounds of Scowler. In the end, what truly stands out is his nuanced portrayal of Ry, whose deteriorating mental state is at the heart of this harrowing, disturbing, and yet completely absorbing story.–Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up –Oliver’s final novel (HarperCollins, 2013) in the “Delirium” trilogy uses alternating chapters—Lenaand Hana—to run parallel story lines between opposite worlds until the two literally collide in a brilliantly crafted ending. In 21 days, Hana,Lena’s childhood best friend, is to marry Fred Hargrove, a secretive, sadistic man whose political platform to restore order got him elected mayor. Hana harbors a dark secret of deceit and betrayal. Three days have passed sinceLena, Julian, and a renegade band of Invalids escaped the regulators (and certain death) and returned to the Wilds, which is no longer a safe haven since Hargrove’s election. The unexpected reappearance of Alex, whoLenanever stopped loving, muddles her feelings for Julian in this complicated love triangle. Determined in their quest to change the future, they join the Resistance. Sarah Drew’s narration is fantastic, vividly capturing every human emotion: venomous hatred, whooping joy, flattened resignation, gut-wrenching loss, and wistful love. This harrowing tale of love in all its forms—especially the love of freedom of choice, be it right or wrong—is a riveting page-turner. Oliver saved the best for last–Cheryl Preisendorfer,Twinsburg City Schools,OH

Gr 9 Up–Dylan is a husky high school junior with a craving for burgers, a penchant for retro T-shirts, and a dream of owning a ’69 Mustang and pursuing a career in journalism. But a lack of respect at school and a run-in with a corpse in a dumpster lead him to determine that what he really needs is mojo. When he hears about a missing girl from an elite high school across town, he sees the perfect opportunity to track her down and gain some notoriety. His pseudo-detective gig leads him to an organization called Gangland where he becomes involved with upper-crust society and a way of life he had previously never even dreamed of. Serious themes such as anti-bullying and gay rights are skillfully woven into the story with edgy humor. Jessie Bernstein’s narration of Tharp’s story (Knopf, 2013) is stellar, and his amusing and distinct character voices add to the tale’s humor. Wildly careening plot twists, fabulous characters, and madcap antics all add up to some serious mojo. Alcohol and drug use, swearing, lesbian relationships, strippers, and more combine to make this choice most appropriate for high school students.–Lisa Hubler, CharlesF.BrushHigh School, Lyndhurst, OH