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“Paranormal gets a twist in this entertaining start to a new series about Kali, who alternates between being a normal 16-year-old one day and a superhero the next. It helps that her father is busy in his own work and doesn’t notice her bloodied clothes or late-night absences, during which she tries to save her town from the threat of hellhounds, dragons, basilisks, and manticores. Kali is a worthy character to follow: sarcastic and self-sufficient, but also self-deprecating. After she saves a snobby cheerleader by transferring a deadly chupacabra to her own body, she finds herself linked to and caring for Zev, who communicates with her as a voice in her head. The cheerleader wants to return the favor and save Kali next, leading to an unlikely partnership that turns to friendship. Add evil villains, a mystery surrounding Kali’s parentage, a friend who claims to be a little psychic, and some plot twists, and this will leave readers eagerly waiting for the sequel.” Grades 7-10. --Cindy Dobrez, Booklist 

**Librarian Note: This is a great crossover book for Darren Shan fans. The main character is tough, smart and completely believable. There is a twist though (no spoilers) so readers will certainly be in the edge of the seats. For those who adore a solid female role model, an exciting adventure read and a book that breaks out of the dystopian genre, this is an excellent read!

Being Frank by Donna W. Earnhardt

”Meet Frank. He is frank. And being frank, Frank likes to frankly tell everyone exactly what he thinks. “Your freckles remind me of the Big Dipper.” “Your singing is kind of shrieky.” When that gets him sent home from school, he displays the same frankness to his mother: “You wouldn’t get so many wrinkles if you didn’t glare at me like that.” Pretty soon Frank is lonely enough to alphabetize his bug collection. Enter Grandpa Ernest, who has mastered the ability to be earnest—it’s sort of like being frank, but nicer. When encountered with a ridiculous hat topped with flowers, Grandpa compliments the flower in the middle. “I talked about the good things on her hat instead of the not-so-good things,” he explains. This is a lesson-to-be-learned book if ever there was one, but Earnhardt is so, well, frank about it that kids will laugh right along with Frank’s every miscue. Meanwhile, Castellani’s bright, glossy, retro-styled Photoshop illustrations pop with frantic energy. For kids who need to know that honesty isn’t always the best policy. Grades K-2”  --Daniel Kraus, Booklist