“A stranger comes to town” is a classic theme in literature, and it’s shaded in Almond’s suspenseful tale with the arrival of a troubled boy and a golem — a Catholic golem, no less — in an English village. Atmospheric setting and rich imagery texture this resonant story of danger and faith. Review 7/06. (Middle School, High School

In a precise eighteenth-century voice, young slave/laboratory experiment Octavian tells of his bizarre life growing up in a household of rational philosophers on the eve of the American Revolution. Brilliant in its sustained complexity; exhilarating in its form; searing in its portrayal of human hypocrisy, this is an alternative narrative of our national mythology that simultaneously appalls and enthralls. Review 9/06. (High School)

In De Mari’s unique and vividly evoked post-apocalyptic fantasy world, elves are persecuted and dragons are nearly extinct. The last dragon, the last elf, and the child of the human couple who saved them fight for hope in a new era, proving the redemptive power of love and sacrifice in this heart-pounding — and heartbreaking — epic. Review 11/06. (Intermediate)

Recent high school grad Colin, devastated by his latest romantic breakup, hits the road with his best friend Hassan (“Hassan Harbish. Sunni Muslim. Not a terrorist”). Exceedingly smart and funny, this novel charts a singular coming-of-age road trip that is at once a satire of and tribute to its many celebrated predecessors. Review 9/06. (High School)

When Dewey joins her mathematician father in Los Alamos in 1943, she finds a community that respects her scientific mind but cannot protect her from hurt. Klages compellingly partners the historic drama of the Manhattan Project with the coming of age of an intelligent young girl. Review 11/06. (Intermediate, Middle School)

In this Romeo and Juliet story set in modern-day Harlem, Damien is a semi-sheltered, college-bound model citizen, while street-strong Junice is fighting to keep her family intact after her mother is sent to prison. The fierce emotions of young love are dramatically conveyed in this lyrical, instantly approachable verse novel. Review 11/06. (High School)

In alternate-universe London, power-hungry magician Nathaniel, principled commoner Kitty, and enslaved spirit Bartimaeus all resist a corrupt government in overlapping (and occasionally opposing) struggles. Humor, philosophy, and explosive action are masterfully interwoven, and the thrilling, inventive climax provides a stunning end to this intricately plotted, emotionally rich trilogy. Review 3/06. (Middle School, High School)

Eugenides (The Thief; The Queen of Attolia) is now the reluctant King of Attolia, striving to overcome his subjects’ hatred and his own aversion to the position. An action-packed plot and an irresistible hero, equal parts vulnerable lover and calculating conqueror, combine for a suspenseful, psychologically mesmerizing fantasy. Review 3/06. (Middle School, High School)

Set in a small town in Nazi Germany, Zusak’s sweeping yet intimate novel is narrated with startling, wrenching compassion by Death itself. Exquisitely written and memorably populated, Zusak’s poignant tribute to words and