Mix the magic of Harry Potter with a taste of Oliver Twist, and you'll have some notion of the yarn that awaits young readers with this book. Two orphaned brothers arrive in Venice, attempting to escape from the nasty couple who want to adopt them. They're sheltered by a band of young urchins and their fearless leader, "The Thief Lord". Filled with memorable characters and a galloping plot, this book will have kids under the covers with a flashlight, racing to the end. (Scholastic, $6.99)