Though forbidden to do so, fourteen-year-old Maya sneaks out every day in her kayak to the nearby kelp beds to observe a family of sea otters. But Maya soon discovers that the otters--and her family--are in danger from poachers. It's a predictable read, but fast-paced seafaring action and tense plotting will satisfy the hi-lo set.

JONES, Kari . Out of Season . 111p. ISBN 978-1-4598-0097-7 ; ISBN 978-1-4598-0096-0 . LC 2011943723. ea vol: (Orca Currents Series). Orca . 2012. PLB $16.95; pap. $9.95. Gr 5-8 Two lighthearted hi/lo tales. In the first book, Angus has a crush on Ella and tells her that he is a mentalist. When her sketchbook goes missing, she enlists him and his best friend to help solve the crime. High jinks ensue along the way as the trio tries to track down the notebook. Out of Season focuses on Maya, a 14-year-old kayaker who loves sea otters. She sneaks out of her house every morning before school to watch them. Soon, she discovers that poachers are killing the otters, putting her life and her family's livelihood in danger. Both tales are suspenseful and filled with red herrings. Lindsay Klemas, JM Rapport School for Career Development, Bronx, NY