Time Snatchers

Gr 5–8—Caleb has been a time snatcher for almost as long as he can remember. Working for Timeless Treasures, the 13-year-old and his snatch partner, Abbie (his oldest friend and potential girlfriend material), pilfer priceless historical artifacts for the company's rich clients. But with the time snatchers' abusive guardian, "Uncle," growing more volatile by the day, Caleb longs for the normalcy of a loving family. One breathless escape after another keeps the first half of the book interesting, but the plot thins out noticeably once the boy jeopardizes everything to save Zach (a five-year-old with an irritating habit of calling Caleb "Caylid") during a crucial mission. His rationale for helping the younger boy is hazy from the start, and his attitude toward Zach is far too adult to be believed. Additionally, the confusing ending leaves far too many questions unanswered. Fans of the "39 Clues" series (Scholastic) may enjoy the action sequences, but the uneven plotting will turn off reluctant readers.—Sam Bloom, Groesbeck Branch Library, Cincinnati, OH