The Shadow City

Gr 4–7—The second installment of this series continues the momentum of The Emerald Tablet as the four child elementalists and the Ghost Boy work together to channel their powers and save Gabe's uncle and mother from the evil shadow dimension, Arcadia. Their efforts are dogged by the terrifying creatures hunting them on behalf of the Eternal Dawn, the apocalyptic cult bent on merging the shadow city with the real San Francisco to a destructive end. When one of the elementalists is possessed by cult leader Jonathan Thorne, his behavior turns treacherous and Thorne's bloodthirsty plans are revealed. Jolley provides thrilling entertainment as his child heroes deal with problems young readers may recognize, such as the emotional aftermath of a death in the family. The importance of books, teamwork, and perseverance is stressed, but amid the seriousness of the children's quest is a continuous stream of lighthearted, appropriate humor that is sure to bring a smile to any reader's face.