No Castles Here by A.C.E. Bauer Ages 9-12 288 pages Random House October 2007 Hardcover     Augie Boretski lives in the drug-infested neighborhood of Camden, New Jersey. Across the bridge, he can see Philadelphia and the tall spires that make him dream of castles. On one of his secret journeys across the bridge, Augie discovers a bookstore, a bookstore owner, and a book that will change the direction of his life. Augie’s mom believes that education will take him out of Camden and its many problems. She always makes sure that Augie is in school, but she is unaware of the bullies that wait for him there, especially Dwaine and Fox Tooth. Everyday Augie must face the bullies, and every day the bullies look for another reason to hassle Augie. Some days they look for money, some days his lunch, and other days whatever makes Augie different. When Augie’s mother enrolls him in the Big Brother program, Augie once again becomes a target for bullying. Alternate chapters reveal the daily events in Augie’s life and the events occurring in the life of the princess in the book that Augie brought home from the bookstore. When an ice storm threatens to close down Augie’s school, Augie decides this cause is worth fighting for. He will need all the resources at hand, including a few unexpected ones, to save his neighborhood school. This is a first novel for author Bauer, and it is an exceptional presentation. Middle-school boys, the toughest reading students, will enjoy this story and the characters Augie, Dwaine and Fox Tooth. The characterization of bullying is well done, as is the presentation of the Big Brother program and its address to stereotypes.     web reviews   Joyce Rice/2008 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)