Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact

Gr 4—7—Darwen Arkwright has moved from England to Atlanta, GA, to live with his career-driven aunt after his parents die in a car crash. He is a typical 11-year-old boy, nervous about starting at a new school and struggling to deal with all the other big changes in his life. He soon discovers that he has a unique gift—he is a "mirrocculist," one who can see through mirrors, and he can travel through them to the world that he sees. He makes friends with Alexandra, who is smart-mouthed but also smart, and Rich, whose mother recently died from cancer and whose frightening appearance masks a boy with unique interests. Although Darwen is initially reluctant to tell his new friends about the world on the other side of the mirror, soon they are drawn into the battle to keep evil from coming through it and destroying all they hold dear. An exciting read from beginning to end, the book has a lot of heart. It will leave readers wanting more; indeed, it would seem that a sequel is a foregone and happy conclusion.—Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD