This Dark Endeavor: the Apprenticeship Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel
Printz Honor winner Kenneth Oppel brings us this picture of a mad scientist in the making in his prequel to Frankenstein. Part of a planned series (the second book is due in Aug. 2012), this is the gothic tale of the Frankenstein twins, Konrad and Victor. The twins are already interested in alchemy, having been forbidden by thier father to practice or even read about it due to past problems. However when Konrad is stricken with a mysterious illness and no doctor can help, it is up to Victor, his best friend Henry, and his cousin Elizabeth to save him. Their quest leads them on quite a series of dark adventures. Excellent reading!