Canton Public Library

The false prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen is not for readers who like predictable stories with stereotypical characters. Action, a plot laced with surprising twists and turns, and magnificent, engaging characters await the reader who picks up this book that they will then not be able to put down. Civil war threatens Carthya after the entire royal family has been murdered. Connor, a nobleman, devises a cunning plan to gain power and save his country from ruin. Four orphans who resemble the king's youngest son, long thought to be dead, are stolen and forced to compete for the role of impersonating Jaron. One is murdered by Connor almost immediately to instill terror and unconditional obedience. But Sage, the narrator of this tale, is stubborn, rebellious, and impetuous. He continually challenges and infuriates Connor, while at the same time becoming the leading candidate in this deadly race. Sage is deceptive, ingenious and soon crafts a plan of his own. Be prepared to stay up well past your bedtime in order to find out what happens next in this superb blend of suspense, mystery, action,  and valor. Let us hope book two in this triology is not long in coming.

Iceberg, right ahead!: the tragedy of the Titanic by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson is a wonderful resource for the latest information regarding the Titanic. On April 14, 2012 one century will have passed since this tragic maritime disaster occurred and many books have been published and events are planned to commemorate it. Seventy-three years separate the sinking of the vessel and the dramatic 1985 discovery of the wreck by Robert Ballard. McPherson fills in this time frame with actual stories about the victims, survivors, rescuers, reporters, investigators, and many others showing  the far-reaching effects this tragedy has had on society as a whole. We learn about the politics and intrigue still surrounding the disaster - including what modern science can reveal about what really happened to the ship and who was at fault. It truly seems to be a never-ending story that continues to captivate people. Two pages at the end of the book guide the reader to resources for more information, including books, websites, DVDs, and free educational downloads.

Cold cereal by Adam Rex — If you are a cereal lover as I am, you may never be able to eat it again with impunity after reading this book. However, this zany, fast-paced, hilarious fantasy adventure by Rex is totally worth it. Scott Doe has the ability to see magical creatures that no one else can, but doesn't really realize it. Emily and Erno are super smart twins involved in an nefarious experiment, but do not know it. Goodco Cereal Company is capturing magical beings and draining the "glamour" from them to use as an addictive additive to their products, but consumers haven't a clue. A bigfoot butler, a snarky leprechaun, and a rabbit-headed man are some of the lucky few creatures who have managed to escape Goodco's ever-expanding power. Kids and creatures unite in an attempt to thwart Goodco's evil agenda, but the odds are definitely against them. A massive explosion at the end leaves the reader dangling. It was rather awful really to be left with so many questions about characters you had come to love. Then I re-read the reviews and, fear not, sequels are planned that will continue this fantastic, satiric, spell-binding story.

The book of wonders by Jasmine Richards is an exciting fantasy based loosely on the Arabian nights. When thirteen-year-old Zardi's sister and father are captured by the evil, saddistic sultan, Zardi knows the time has come for her to flee the realm and seek help in overthrowing this tyrant.  Otherwise her sister will suffer the same horrific fate as countless other teenage girls.  Along with Rhidan, who is her best friend, and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the notorious Captain Sinbad, Zardi embarks on a perilous quest in search of the lost magic of Arribitha. Only with the power of this force is there any hope of restoring peace and harmony to her homeland. Be ready to enter a realm full of jinn, fantastic creatures, enchanting characters, breathtaking adventures, and Arabian mythology as you delve into The Book of Wonders.