Superman: Camelot Falls

Title
Superman: Camelot Falls

Library Link

Superman.
Camelot falls. [book 2] : The weight of the world / Kurt Busiek, writer ;
Carlos Pacheco,Jesús Merino art ; comicraft letters Alex Sinclair, Lee
Loughridge ; Pete Pantazis, colors ; Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe
Shuster
Busiek,
Kurt.

10 Second Review
Superman encounters another alien who was orphaned like him.
However, while caring parents discovered Clark, immoral scientists find this alien.

Good art and a good story involving time travel and alternative realities will appeal to fans.
A few unintroduced characters but should still be good for new readers.

Notes
Parasite plays a surprising role

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
Superman Camelot Falls 1
Superman Camelot Falls 2

The Compound

Title
The Compound

Library Link

The
compound / S.A. Bodeen
Bodeen,
S. A. (Stephanie A.), 1965-

10 Second Review
A young boy and his sisters find themselves in an expensive underground bunker after their world has been destroyed in a nuclear assault.

An interesting idea but some may find the story and characters lack depth.
The story presents some thought provoking concepts however the writing style isn't strong enough to support them.
Despite its flaws, some readers will find the concepts engaging.

Notes
Might be a good choice for reluctant readers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Ms Marvel: Ascension

Title
Ms Marvel: Ascension

Library Link

Ascension / writer, Brian Reed ; artists, Marcos Marz, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Mark
Robinson
Reed,
Brian, 1971-

10 Second Review
Contains three unrelated stories. The first features Spiderman, the second is a pirate adventure with a strange mutant and the third takes place before Ms. Marvel gained her powers.

First story = fluff
Second = Average
Third = A good story involving Carol Danver's spy activities.
It is especially good for a series that is generally weak and contains above average art.

Notes
See the first meeting of Tony Stark and Carol Danvers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

The Westing Game

Title
The Westing Game

Library Link

The
Westing game / by Ellen Raskin
Raskin,
Ellen.
New York : Dutton, c1978.
1st ed.

10 Second Review
Several strangers find themselves trapped inside an apartment building with a bomber, a bookie and a murderer.
Meanwhile, they must figure out the strange clues left in an eccentric millionaire's will.

A clever and fun read, this book has held up well despite its age.
The large cast might overwhelm younger readers but most will enjoy trying to piece together the various clues.

Notes
Newbery Award Winner

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Ms Marvel Monster Smash

Title
Ms Marvel Monster Smash

Library Link

Monster
smash / writer, Brian Reed ; pencils, Aaron Lopresti with Greg Tocchini ;
inks, Matt Ryan with Roland Paris ; colors, Chris Sotomayor ; letters, Dave
Sharpe
Reed,
Brian, 1971-

10 Second Review
Phillips Masters is causing trouble down in Chile which leads to cat-fights and Ms Marvel discovering the source of those voices she's been hearing.

Better then average art but weak story.
This team (Ms. Marvel, Wonder Man, Sleepwalker, Machine Man and Agent Sum) never really clicks although Machine Man does have some funny moments.

Notes
Some interesting facets to Agent Sum are revealed.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those new to Marvel comics might be confused.

Reading Order
Occurs before Secret Invasion

Book of Love

Title
Book of Love

Library Link
Maria Shaw's book of love : horoscopes, palmistry, numbers, candles, gemstones & colors
Shaw, Maria, 1963-

10 Second Review
The author of this book, Maria Shaw, is a professional astrologer that provides compatibility charts, and love life tips involving the use of candles, gemstones, palmistry and other techniques.

Should be good fun for those interested in these techniques.

Notes
The bulk of this book (almost half) is devoted to astrology.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Fantastic Four Lost Adventures

Title
Fantastic Four Lost Adventures

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Public Library
Marvel Comics, 2009, by Stan Lee

10 Second Review
Several stories written by Stan Lee to include two different versions of the same story. Scripts and preliminary drawings are includes as well.

Typical writing and art from the 60's and 70's which may appeal to younger readers and fans of that era.

Notes
Includes one fairly modern story entitled 'Worlds End'

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

The Other Side

Title
The Other Side

Library Link

The
other side : a teen's guide to ghost hunting and the paranormal / by Marley
Gibson, Patrick Burns, Dave Schrader
Gibson,
Marley.

10 Second Review
A serious examination of paranormal activities that includes common terms, equipment and practices.
Designed to help teens initiate their own investigations.

Topics include what type of clothing to wear (nothing reflective), specific information about electronic devices, hexes and protective prayers.

Notes
Includes warnings about 'extreme ghost hunting'

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Superman: Redemption

Title
Superman: Redemption

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Neighborhood Library
DC Comics, 2008, by Kurt Busiek

10 Second Review
This book contains three stories. First, Superman is mistaken for an angel while later he confronts a faith-based superhero. In the final story, the Man of Steel has a not-so-nice dream.

The religious themed stories may make some readers uncomfortable while others may be glad to see the issue addressed.

Notes
See how Superman dreams of dealing with Lex.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be ok for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Catching Fire

Title
Catching Fire

Library Link

Catching
fire / by Suzanne Collins
Collins,
Suzanne.
Waterville, Me. : Thorndike Press, 2009.

10 Second Review
Katniss finds herself back at home living the easy life.
Well, not really.
She caused quite the stir in 'Hunger Games' and powerful forces conspire to make her an example.

A sequel stronger then the original book, this book has so much action and conflict you may need to rest after reading it.

The only bad thing about this novel is that the next book isn't due until 2010.

Notes
Should have wide appeal; from adults to boys to Twilight fans.

Learning CurveLow: If read in order

Reading Order
Hunger Games
Catching Fire