The Boneshaker

Gr 5—8—It's 1913 in Arcane, Missouri, and all Natalie Minks has to worry about is learning to ride the Chesterlane Eidolon her father rebuilt for her—a bicycle so unique that it thwarts her every attempt to even stay on it. Natalie loves bicycles and other machines because she understands them. But then Dr. Limberleg's Nostrum Fair and Technological Medicine Show sets up in Arcane with its miraculous cures and automata that seemingly don't have a key to wind and can run forever. Natalie is convinced that there's something sinister behind the miracles and machines at the medicine show, and the strange visions she begins having about the town's history reinforce her fears. With so many of the townspeople using Dr. Limberleg's ginger root cure, it is left to Natalie to discover the truth about the doctor and to save the town. Erin Moon solidly performs Kate Milford's excellent steampunk tale (Clarion Books, 2010) of early 20th century small-town America. Her youthful voice is believable as the spirited and determined Natalie, and she gives unique voices to many of the other well-drawn characters. This rich tale of good versus evil and finding inner strength will stay with listeners long after the climactic showdown.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL