HATTER MADIGAN: GHOST IN THE H.A.T.B.O.X., by Frank Beddor

The story: Hatter Madigan always figured he'd grow up, graduate, and become a spy in Wonderland--it's what he's always wanted. But things aren't what he expected when he starts at the academy: he's living in his brother's shadow; his friends are great, except when they're not; weirdest of all, he keeps seeing things (and people) who shouldn't be there. Something sinister is going on here, but when you're on perpetual detention, it's hard to save the world!

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes (being orphaned, social class rivalries, bullying) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: I thought this was very good at the end, but it seemed to take a long time to get going. The world building was confusing--probably because I haven't read the Looking Glass Wars series--but you can't count on everyone who picks up this story to have read that one. Sci-fi fans will hopefully be able to get past the top hats used as weaponry and come to enjoy Hatter as a character.