Novel about a teen caught in WWII-era web of lies is a real winner

Judy Blundell has published dozens of books for young readers, but "What I Saw and How I Lied" (Scholastic, $16.99) is the first novel she has published under her real name.

Blundell's dark-edged novel of a young teenager caught in a World War II-era web of lies won this year's National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Before this, Blundell was best-known for her "Star Wars" novelizations, written under the pen name Jude Watson.

Here's a closer look at Blundell's book, plus the four other finalists for that award:

• Fifteen-year-old Evie is thrilled when her stepfather, Joe Spooner, returns home safely from World War II. But things go haywire when a handsome young man named Peter Coleridge suddenly appears.

Peter, who was a member of Joe's company in postwar Austria, seems to have some kind of unexplained hold on Joe. In an unsuccessful effort to escape from Peter's attentions, Joe persuades Evie and her gorgeous mother, Bev, to head to Florida for an unplanned holiday.

Peter, however, tracks them down and gradually insinuates himself into their social circle. Inexorably, Evie falls in love with him. Just as inexorably, tragedy strikes, forcing Evie to choose between her first love and her family in a decision that will change her life forever.

In the book, the sultry temperatures of off-season Florida reflect the sensual heat of Blundell's story, from the intensity of Evie's crush on Peter to the igneous pack of lies she must unravel. With its tale of romance gone wrong, "What I Saw and How I Lied" will most appeal to teenage girls. But the book's roots in a historical event -- the looting of Jewish valuables by American soldiers in Austria -- should also spark interest among male readers. (Ages 12 up.)

• Promised freedom upon the death of her mistress, 13-year-old Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth, instead become the property of a cruel family loyal to King George. Desperate to gain the freedom she had been promised, Isabel becomes a spy for Gen. George Washington's rebel troops, but discovers that freedom for slaves isn't at the top of anyone's agenda in the Revolutionary War.

In "Chains" (Simon & Schuster, $16.99), author Laurie Halse Anderson offers readers a brilliantly researched story that blends the Colonists' fight for freedom from Great Britain with the battle of a slave to be set free. Isabel, a feisty, intelligent girl, will capture readers' hearts in her unceasing efforts to win freedom for herself and her handicapped sister. (Ages 12 up.)

• "The Underneath" (Atheneum, $16.99) by Kathi Appelt is a beautifully written but gut-wrenching book about an abused dog who befriends three cats. There's much more to it than that, of course, as Appelt spins a tale that includes a gin-swilling recluse, watchful trees and a shape-shifting snake who has lain dormant for a thousand years.

With engaging illustrations by Caldecott Medalist David Small, "The Underneath" would seem to be a perfect story for middle-grade readers. Don't be fooled; despite Appelt's lyrical writing and heart-catching characterizations, this book's dark tone and disturbing events are best suited for teens, and even adults. (Ages 12 up).

• Frankie Landau-Banks, a student at an exclusive boarding school, loves her boyfriend. But she hates the fact that the secret society of which he is a member excludes girls. In "The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks" (Hyperion, $16.99), author E. Lockhart tells what happens when Frankie -- under a male alias -- takes over the leadership of the secret society.

Lockhart's book is a delightful stew of realism, romance and humor that will pull readers in from the first page and not let them go until they finish the book. Frankie is a captivating heroine, and teen readers will readily identify with her as she tries to decide between her desire to be Matthew's girlfriend and her urge to prove to him that she's more than a pretty face. (Ages 12 up.)

• Sutter Keely is a party animal, someone who "embraces the weird." If you want someone to start the party by jumping -- clothed -- into the pool, Sutter's your man.

But as author Tim Tharp shows in "The Spectacular Now" (Knopf, $16.99), there's more to Sutter than meets the eye. For one thing, there's his decision to date Aimee, a plain girl who's more substance than beauty. Then there's his decision to finally track down his absentee dad. Things don't always work out for Sutter. Still, as Sutter would say, the party must go on.

Tharp skillfully portrays a charming young man's alcohol-saturated efforts to live in the moment. Readers will want to hang out with Sutter even as they want to get him to shape up and face the world without booze. (Ages 14 up.)