Cabinet of Earths / Anne Nesbet / 260 pages

This debut children's book by Nesbet takes place in Paris so right off the bat you are happy to be experiencing the great city vicariously.  The main character, 12 year old Maya, moves with her family because her scientist father receives a fellowship from the Philosophical Chemistry Society.  Maya is typical in many ways, she has an adorable, charismatic 5 year old brother, a mother who is recuperating from a bout with chemotherapy, and she is missing her California home, friends and pet dog.  Readers get to experience what is is like to be thrust into a different culture.  It turns out that Maya is not typical in some ways-she has powers over a mysterious Cabinet of Earths, an evil immortal who literally sucks the luck, charm & personality out of children to make the addictive anbar so craved by the beautiful people, and must bring all of her stubbornness into play to save her brother.  Maya wrestles with a lot of issues and grows as a character.  I think it's a good story for grades 5-7.