The Ultra Violets

Gr 5–7—While on a sleepover at a supersecret lab, four second-grade friends are accidentally splashed with an experimental chemical. At the time, it doesn't seem too important. But, four years later, when the girls reunite in middle school, the "heliotropium" exposure is producing astonishing changes. Iris has developed purple hair and the corresponding ability to affect colors around her. Scarlet has gained phenomenal dancing talents, and Cheri has extraordinary math powers and can communicate with animals. Only Opal seems to have been left out-and she's increasingly bitter about it. The other girls assure her that they are all still "besties," but then Opal mistakenly assumes that Cheri is using superskills to steal the boy whom she wants. Opal breaks with the group just as her own terrifying storm-creating powers manifest. Meanwhile, SyncCity is being invaded by weird human-animal mutants, and the source seems to be experimental beauty lab BeauTek in the shuttered Mall of No Returns. Opal arranges a class field trip to BeauTek, where she assumes control of the mutant forces. Can the remaining Ultra Violets rescue their friend from the dark side in time to save the city? Readers may be attracted to the anime-style illustrations, flashy cover art, and purple-inked text, but the episodic plot is often a challenge to follow, especially as the author frequently breaks page in mid-action to insert side comments. Many plot threads are left unresolved, indicating a planned sequel. The self-consciously "girlie" dialogue is replete with text-message acronyms and cutesy pop-culture references. There is room in the superhero pantheon for an all-girl team, but the Ultra Violets spend more time licking lollipops and humiliating cafeteria bullies than seeking justice.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL