The Crooked Sixpence (The Uncommoners #1)

In this first book in the Uncommoners series, a portal inside a suitcase whisks Ivy Sparrow and her older brother, Seb, to the underground city of Ludinor. There, the siblings have two days to unravel their grandmother's secret past and find a powerful "uncommon" object to save their parents, who are being held hostage by the nefarious Dirge. Everyday household goods get a whimsical overhaul in this fantastical world beneath the streets of London--colanders filter the air, paper clips serve as handcuffs, and a toilet brush is a formidable weapon--but kindness, friendship and loyalty still reign supreme. Bell, a British bookseller making her children's book debut, has created a formidable, kindhearted, and keenly observant heroine in Ivy. After she saves a dented, "back-to-fronted"-talking bicycle bell named Scratch, it becomes an important ally, just one of many delightfully odd characters in a hodgepodge world that includes the walking dead, political intrigue, and grotesque physical punishment for misdeeds. Bell's multifaceted plot comes together cohesively, creating a solid base for her series. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary. (Jan.)

Gr 4-6--Debut author Bell introduces Ivy Sparrow, 11, and her older brother, Seb. The children are staying with their grandmother, who is rushed to the hospital after a fall. Within hours, events start to spiral out of control, with kidnappings, death threats, creepy figures, and a race against time to solve an old mystery. Ivy and Seb are swept into a world of adventure, magic, and intrigue. As the story progresses, they discover that their grandmother is from a secret underground world called Lundinor, under the city of London. The city is filled with magical people and common objects used in uncommon ways. The characters are well-rounded and likable. The language is rich and detailed and helps illuminate the setting. Students will dive right into this journey and not want to come up for air. The illustrations add to the dark and scary tone. VERDICT Fans of classic fantasy with a dash of horror will enjoy this new series starter.--Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY