Out of this world. - Review - book review

Girls' Life, Oct, 2000 by Kim Childress

Supernatural tales sure to have you sleeping with the lights on

Nightmare Hour

by R.L. Stine

HarperCollins, $9.95

Pumpkins, werewolves, witches... nothing new, but you've never read anything like this. Munch some alien candy, stare down a ghost, and endure a horrific hospital stay. If short and scary creeps you out, these 10 tales of terror won't disappoint.

Midnight Magic

By Avi

Scholastic, $15.95

In 1491, magicians are put to death, so Fabrizio is terrified when he is summoned to see the king. But there's a haunting under the royal rooftops, and the king wants it dealt with--secretly. Fabrizio will do whatever it takes to protect the princess--even if it means fighting an evil spirit.

Jade Green

by Phyllis Naylor

Atheneum, $16

Orphaned and with only one place to go, Judith follows Uncle Geoffrey's orders, giving up her green dresses and trinkets. Yet, she can't let go of the frame from her mother. But any green object brings back the ghost of Jade Green. So that explains the freaky stuff going on around her...

The Darkling

by Charles Butler

McElderry, $16

The tree outside Petra's window makes strange shadows on her ceiling. This "darkling" has always haunted Petra's nights, but her simple sing-song spell kept her fears at bay. When Mr. Century dies, the darkling invades Petra's home. Somehow, Mr. Century is linked to Petra. If she doesn't break away, the darkling will fill her head with someone else's memories. In this eerie romance-thriller, twists and turns keep you guessing 'til the end.

Among the Hidden

by Margaret Haddix

Simon & Schuster, $16

It's population control gone crazy in this tale where extra siblings are put to death. Luke is shocked when he spots a third child in a house where two boys live. Like Luke, Jen is forced to hide. But when they meet other "shadow children" via the Internet, they rally for their rights.

The Boxes

by William Sleator

Dutton, $15.99

Uncle Marco warns Annie about opening the boxes. But she does. One holds a clicking crab-like creature. The other contains a ticking clock. When their powers are revealed, Annie knows she's in big trouble.

DRESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Play gourmet this Thanksgiving and holidays season. You could become your family's master chef.

To Every Season by Jane Breskin Zalben Simon & Schuster, $1p.95

* How 'bout some cranberry-orange relish and chestnut stuffing to go with that turkey? This book is filled with fantastic feasts for holidays throughout the year.

Knead It, Punch It, Bake It! by Judith and Evan Jones

Houghton Mifflin, $16

* If you're up far some serious baking, nothing beats the taste and smell of fresh-baked bread. Get a step-by-step lesson in bread making, and turn out such treats as pear, bubble, sourdough as cheese bread. For popovers, pizza, muffins and mare, try one of the recipes or use the ideas to create your own. Yum!

The Clueless Vegetarian by Evelyn Raab

Firefly, $12.95

* There are more ways than one to go veggie, and this book gets to the tofu of the matter with incredible recipes for soups, casseroles and desserts. Go ahead-- slip some meatless cuisine into your regime.