Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love

Title
Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love

Library Link
Cinderella. From Fabletown with love / Chris Roberson, writer ; Shawn McManus, artist ; Lee Loughridge, colorist ; Todd Klein, letterer. Roberson, Chris. New York : Vertigo, 2010.

10 Second Review
This book is a spin-off of the excellent series 'Fables' were fairy tale characters are alive and well and living in our modern world. 
While Cinderella may appear to be a simple shoe-store owner, she is actually Fabletown's top spy.
Her mission?  Discover who is smuggling magically items into the mundane world.

This is a fun story but it lacks the complexity of the 'Fables' story-line.
While this may turn off some fans, this makes the book more accessible to new readers.

Notes
An old friend of Cindy's makes a guest appearance.

Learning Curve:
Good for new readers

Heart of the Samurai

Title
Heart of the Samurai

Library Link
Heart of a samurai : based on the true story of Nakahama Manjiro / by Margi Preus. Preus, Margi.
New York : Amulet Books, c2010.

10 Second Review
This novel follows the story of a young Japanese boy that is stranded on a tiny island with little food or water.  He is rescued by a passing whaling ship and is later adopted by the ship's captain. 
Back in the United States, he learns to deal with prejudice and the strange lifestyle of the 'blue-eyed devils'.

This book is based on a true story and provides an interesting perspective from the isolated nation of Nippon (Japan).  This is a good book which should appeal to boys and reluctant readers.

Notes
At this time, the Japanese will imprison or execute any citizen that is 'exposed' to Western ideas.

Treasury of the lost litter box

Title

Treasury of the lost litter box : a Get Fuzzy treasury

Library Link
Treasury of the lost litter box : a Get Fuzzy treasury / by Darby Conley.
Conley, Darby. Kansas City, Mo. : Andrews McMeel Pub., c2010.

10 Second Review
This is a collection the newspaper comic, Get Fuzzy.
Genuinely funny, the strip follows the adventures of pet owner Rob, his loyal dog Satchel and the evil cat Bucky.

It may take new readers a few pages to catch on.

Notes
Includes special appearance by 'Pearls before Swine'.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Title

Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Library Link
Ultimate avengers / [writer, Mark Millar ; penciler, Carlos Pacheco ; inkers, Dexter Vines & Danny Miki with Allen Martinez, Victor Olazaba & Tom Palmer ; colorist, Justin Ponsor ; letterer, VC's Cory Petit
Millar, Mark.

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. This book picks up after the events of Ultimatum. Nick Fury has been fired and Captain America has gone rogue. Tony Stark's big brother lends a hand as well as a kinder, gentler Hulk.

This is an interesting story that provides a new take on Red Skulls origin.
However, it seems mundane compared with the pre-Ultimatum story-line.

Notes
War Machine plays rough.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to the series might be confused.

The Musicians Daughter

Title
The Musicians Daughter

Library Link
The musician's daughter / Susanne Dunlap. Dunlap, Susanne Emily. New York : Bloomsbury, c2009.
1st U.S. ed.

10 Second Review
Set in the 18th century, this novel is about a young girl who wakes up on Christmas to discover her father has been murdered.  Without her father, the families future looks bleak.
She must struggle to find a way to support her family while secretly searching for clues of her fathers death.
And his valuable, missing violin.

A good read that offers some interesting insights into a different time period.
Mainly a mystery with a bit a romance.

Notes
Should appeal to girls looking for something new.

Learning Curve
Low: A good choice for new readers.