Mamba Point by Kurtis Scaletta Ages 9-13 288 pages Knopf July 2010 Hardcover     When Linus’s father’s job transfers him to Liberia to work at the UN Embassy, Linus looks at the adventure as an opportunity to re-invent himself. Big brother Larry is also looking for a way to start over, but he decides to do it by changing his name to Law, short for Lawrence - his given name. Law also discovers that the age restrictions in Liberia for a young man his age are different from the restrictions in the states, so he begins to feel a greater freedom to dabble in smoking, bars and rough-housing friends. Linus begins his reinvention by trying to be more courageous and less timid. The announcement of the move sent Linus’s world spinning for a while, and counselors suggested that his parents not give him any more changes than he can bear. When Linus discovers that he has an unusual gift with animals, he decides not to share that news with his parents. His new friend Matt and his advisor Charlie, who is a street vendor, help him to deal with new ideas and new discoveries. Author Scaletta introduces the reader to a new culture and presents a mystery that will leave kids wanting more. This is a delightful novel for upper elementary to middle school, especially for reluctant readers.     web reviews   Joyce Rice/2010 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)