Milo and Jazz Mysteries: The Case of the Stinky Socks
© 2009 by Amy Wummer.

Mysteries provide a perfect entree for exploring a wide variety of critical thinking skills. With their emphasis on clear observation, logical thinking, and well-drawn conclusions, mysteries support many Common Core State Standards (CCSS). They also lend themselves to an array of interesting writing assignments, an important component of the CCSS and one on which many states are placing particular emphasis.

This month’s column features some of our favorite mysteries, along with ideas for expanding the learning possibilities presented by each title and/or series. Employing the Common Core State Standards doesn’t mean that learning can’t be fun. Kids love mysteries, so why not use them to teach new skills in thinking, researching, and writing? We guarantee that these titles will spark student interest.

Elementary School

A to Z Mysteries, Books D-G (The Deadly Dungeon, The Empty Envelope, The Falcon’s Feathers, The Goose’s Gold). Written by Ron Roy. Narrated by David Pittu. 3 CDs. 3:25 hrs. Listening Library. 2005. ISBN 978-0-3072-0735-7. $30. K-Gr 3
From A to Z, these beginning chapter book mysteries maintain a comfortable format with each audiobook combining three or four stories from the series. Each “case” title is a letter of the alphabet and continuity is nicely incorporated with Pittu narrating them all. His conversational and friendly voice fits the pacing as Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose band together to solve each case. Listeners will be asking for all the letters of the alphabet.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

Instructional Extension: Connecting the theme or subject of a story to research can strengthen both the listening experience and learning. For example, to discover more about the birds in The Falcon’s Feathers, use the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All about Birds website (www.allaboutbirds.org). Enter the search term “falcon” to find information about the peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, and prairie falcon.

Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues. Written by Donald Sobol. Narrated by Greg Steinbruner. 2 CDs. 1:18 hrs. Recorded Books. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4281-7221-0. $25.75. Gr 3-5

This title, one in the classic series about 10-year-old detective Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown, features ten new cases for the Idaville mystery solver. Encyclopedia, his police chief dad, and his group of friends follow the trail of each case to its satisfying end. The familiar format of presenting clues for listeners to put together gives opportunities for thinking and problem solving. Steinbruner’s pacing is comfortable, highlighting the simple sentences and pausing before each solution to build suspense,

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.9 Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters.

Instructional Extension: The University of North Carolina’s excellent Learn NC website (www.learningnc.org/lp/pages/3031) offers several activities to enliven lesson plans for the first book in this series, Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective. The rubric for a good mystery story and the Mystery Worksheet are adaptable to any book in the series and provide a jumping-off point for writing projects.

The Great Cake Mystery: Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Case: A Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Book for Young Readers. Written by Alexander McCall Smith. Narrated by Adjoa Andoh. CD. 1 hr. Listening Library. 2012. ISBN 978-0-4490-1142-3. $15. K-Gr 3

Intrepid female detective, Precious Ramotswe, is introduced here as a child, solving her first case. Andoh’s excellent narration presents the lilt, cadence, and authenticity of Botswana culture. Adult fans of the well-known #1 Ladies Detective Agency will be listening along to find out how Precious came to become a world-famous detective. Sure to provide fun for family and classroom audiences.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.2 Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths, from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

Instructional Extension: Classroom discussion and research about Botswana could follow listening to this mystery. Facts and information about the country can be found in many online encyclopedias, books, and the Botswana embassy website (www.botswanaembassy.org) where the country’s history, a video gallery, and visitor attractions are included. Students may choose one topic to share with the class to highlight any study about Africa.

Milo and Jazz Mysteries: The Case of the Stinky Socks. Written by Lewis B. Montgomery. Narrated by Chantale Hosein and Vinnie Penna. CD. 48 min. Live Oak Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4301-1199-3. $15.95. K-Gr 3

Milo has just received his Dash Marlow Super Sleuth kit when he discovers his first mystery. Working, somewhat reluctantly, with new neighbor Jazz, these two young detectives set out to determine who stole Jazz’s brother’s lucky socks from his high school locker. The pair use their critical thinking skills to find the socks before the big baseball game. Penna and Hosein’s performances are appropriately young and their pacing heightens the tension and excitement of this first mystery in Montgomery’s series.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy. RL.2.1 Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

Instructional Extension: Dash Marlow instructs his followers to use these “Super Sleuthing Skills: Observe, Think Logically, Draw Conclusions.” A fun writing project can be built around any one of the “Milo and Jazz Mysteries” by using flow maps to organize the sequence of events with the goal of producing a summary of the story that includes at least three details from the book to answer the questions posed in the standard.

Middle/High School

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity. Written by Mac Barnett. Narrated by Arte Johnson. 3 CDs. 2:55 hrs. Listening Library. 2010. ISBN 978-0-3077-1042-0. $30. Gr 4-6

When 12-year-old Steve Brixton, a fan of Bailey Brothers detective novels, is mistaken for a real detective, he must elude librarians, police, and the mysterious Mr. E as he seeks a missing quilt containing coded information. Arte Johnson gives Steve’s predicament a matter-of-fact, almost sardonic tone, with methodical pacing and understatement that provides listeners with laugh-out-loud enjoyment of this wholly improbable story. Fans will also enjoy the other titles in this series, The Ghostwriter Secret and It Happened on a Train, also available from Listening Library.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7 Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.

Instructional Extension: Visit this go-to website that provides thorough information and multiple ideas for classroom extensions as well as descriptions of mystery series, novels, and picture books: Carol Hurst Children’s Literature—Mysteries in the Classroom Fiction, Non-Fiction and Activities for Pre-School through Ninth Grade (www.carolhurst.com/subjects/mysteries.html).

Pair the following two titles for an interesting comparison of Victorian and contemporary girl sleuths:

The Case of the Missing Marquess, an Enola Holms Mystery. Written by Nancy Springer. Narrated by Katherine Kellgren. 4 CDs. 4:31 hrs. Recorded Books. 2006. ISBN 978-1-4193-8985-6. $51.75. Gr 5-8

Smart and resourceful, 14-year-old Enola is determined to avoid the finishing school her older brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock, have selected for her when her mother suddenly vanishes. Setting off for London on a bicycle, Enola stumbles upon another missing person’s case—a young marquess who seems to have been kidnapped. Kellgren delves into this adventure with her customary gusto and superb pacing, providing a host of excellent 19th-century character voices. Lucky for listeners, this is just the beginning of a long series, all narrated by the incomparable Kellgren.

The London Eye Mystery. Written by Siobhan Dowd. Narrated by Paul Checquer. AudioGo. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4056-5462-3. $25. Gr 6-10

Ted’s cousin Salim comes to visit from Manchester before moving to New York with his mother, and Salim’s only wish is to ride the London Eye, the massive wheel erected to mark the new millennium. Ted (whose brain is “wired differently”) and his older sister Kat watch Salim board the Eye and are stunned when he doesn’t get off. What follows is an intricate, intriguing, and thrilling race against time as Ted uses his keen observation skills to find his cousin. Checquer’s measured pacing accurately portrays Ted’s personality and reinforces the family conflicts, and his variety of British accents provides context for American listeners.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.3 Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact.

Instructional Extension: After listening to this mystery, students may be interested to learn more about “Interesting Things You Never Knew about The London Eye” by visiting http://ow.ly/gHXMI. The LondonNet site (http://ow.ly/GHXEM) not only includes facts, but also provides links to other London attractions such as the Tower of London. This is a good place to start a class project investigating London’s most important historical places.

The Red Blazer Girls: The Ring of Rocamadour. Written by Michael D. Beil. Narrated by Tai Alexandra Ricci. 6 CDs. 7 hrs. Listening Library. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-7960-8. $50. Gr 4-6

Three friends attending the all-girls Catholic school, St. Veronica’s, become embroiled in a mystery of major proportions when they try to help a strange older woman who lives next to the church. A precious artifact has gone missing and the girls must use their best math and language skills to discover its whereabouts and expose the villain. Ricci personifies the voices of the young sleuths and creates believable voices for the supporting characters. Listeners may want to follow along with or refer to the print edition to see the graphs, charts, and other puzzles that serve as clues. Three more mysteries featuring these girl detectives provide additional fun.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

Instructional Extension: Girl detectives are an interesting group, from the classic Nancy Drew to Harriet the Spy to the young women in the previous two examples. Students can prepare a chart to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between girl and boy detectives in their methods of solving cases, leading to an interesting writing project.

Sharon Grover is Head of Youth Services at the Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI. Lizette (Liz) Hannegan was a school librarian and the district library supervisor for the Arlington (VA) Public Schools before her retirement. They are co-authors of Listening to Learn (ALA Editions, 2011).

Tales of the Heart

BURKS, James. Bird & Squirrel on the Run! illus. by author. Scholastic/Graphix. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-545-31283-7.
Gr 2-6–Stalked by a ferocious feline, two critters with polar-opposite personalities–carefree Bird and scared-of-everything Squirrel–flee together south toward safety, and their hair-raising, humor-filled, save-each-other’s-skin adventures gradually transform an uneasy alliance into deep-felt friendship. Burks’s graphic novel sparkles with crisp color artwork, quip-cracking dialogue, and plenty of heart.

BUZZEO, Toni. One Cool Friend. illus. by David Small. Dial. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3413-5.
PreS-Gr 3–A “very proper” tuxedo-wearing boy discovers a kindred spirit at the penguin display at the aquarium, pops the critter into his backpack, and goes about making Magellan feel at home, all under the large-size nose of his seemingly oblivious father. A hoot, with perfect comic interplay between the wryly straight-faced storytelling and supple-lined artwork.

CRUMMEL, Susan Stevens & Dorothy Donohue. City Dog, Country Dog. illus. by Dorothy Donohue. Marshall Cavendish. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-2-223-42222-7; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5538-7.
K-Gr 4–After meeting at art school in France, best pals Henri T. Lapooch and Vincent van Dog must surmount discordant personalities and preferences to find common ground. Filled with clever references to the canine characters’ true-life inspirations (Toulouse-Lautrec and van Gogh), this Aesop-based story blithely blends upbeat text, vibrant collage artwork, and a resounding moral (“Vive la difference!”). Audio version available from Spoken Arts Media.

DICAMILLO, Kate & Alison McGhee. Bink & Gollie. illus. by Tony Fucile. Candlewick. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3266-3; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5954-7.
Gr 1-3–Two girls–one tiny, tousled, and puckish; the other tall, tidy, and coolly self-possessed; both delightfully quirky and headstrong–embark on three hilarious adventures that showcase their differences while celebrating the special bond they share. Droll dialogue, splattered-with-color cartoons, and perfect comic timing add up to a whole lot of fun. The zany escapades continue in Bink & Gollie, Two for One (Candlewick, 2012). DVD and audio version available from Weston Woods.

ESBAUM, Jill. Tom’s Tweet. illus. by Dan Santat. Knopf. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85171-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95171-8; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98472-3.
K-Gr 2–Coming across a fallen-out-of-the-nest baby bird, a scruffy stray cat exclaims, “Hello, breakfast,” but “Dadburn it!,” the quivering tot is just too skinny to consume, and “Consarn it!,” too helpless to leave on its own. In this riotous read-aloud, rousing rhymes and rambunctious caricature-style cartoons describe how Tom goes from chompers-ready predator to tweety-cuddling chum.

GORBACHEV, Valeri. How to Be Friends with a Dragon. illus. by author. Albert Whitman. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-3432-8.
PreS-Gr 2–Simon loves everything about dragons, and while listening to his older sister expound upon the basics of befriending these beasts (from “be nice” to wear your seatbelt if he takes you flying), the boy envisions imagination-soaring interactions with a smiling green-scaled companion. Engaging narrative and airy artwork gracefully balance realism with fantasy, humor with gentle affection.

GREY, Mini. The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon. illus. by author. Knopf. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-375-83691-6.
Gr 1-4–The nursery-rhyme twosome runs away to 1920s New York City, where they find fame as vaudeville stars, turn to crime after going broke, and are tragically separated after an unsuccessful heist. However, true love withstands the vagaries of fate, resulting in a joyful reunion years later. Colorful collages and snappy narrative shine with playful details and invigorating élan.

HOWE, James. Otter and Odder: A Love Story. illus. by Chris Raschka. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $14. ISBN 978-0-7636-4174-0.
Gr 1-3–Gazing into the “round, sweet, glistening eyes” of his soon-to-be dinner, Otter finds himself falling for his food source, Myrtle the fish. Can this star-crossed, cross-species couple overcome wagging tongues and innate predator-prey instincts to find their happy-ever-after ending? The lyrical narrative and childlike artwork convey wise truths about following one’s heart and cherishing love.

KOSTECKI-SHAW, Jenny Sue. Same, Same but Different. illus. by author. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8946-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4668-1116-4.
K-Gr 2–When pen pals Elliot and Kailash begin to exchange drawings and letters, they discover that even though they live in two different countries–America and India–they have much in common. Jewel-toned mixed-media illustrations dynamically depict details of both worlds, encouraging readers to identify aspects unique to each culture while appreciating the universality of shared interests and affection.

LANGSTAFF, John, retel. Frog Went A-Courtin’. illus by Feodor Rojankovsky. Harcourt. 1955. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-15-230214-6; pap. $7. ISBN 978-0-15-633900-1.
PreS-Gr 4–An amphibian dandy gallantly woos the lovely Mistress Mouse, wedding preparations are made, and the couple celebrates with animal and insect guests until a pouncing cat brings an end to the festivities and prompts an early honeymoon departure. This sprightly retelling of a folk song harmonizes toe-tapping couplets with spellbinding homespun artwork. Audio version available from Weston Woods.

LEAR, Edward. The Owl and the Pussycat. illus. by Jan Brett. Putnam. 1991. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-21925-2; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-698-11367-1.
PreS-Gr 4–Lear’s whimsical poem about two seemingly mismatched lovers unfurls against a lush-hued, lavishly imagined Caribbean setting. Mingling detailed realism with fanciful charm, the sun-shimmering paintings depict the tender courtship between dashing fowl and dainty feline aboard their “pea-green boat,” while another romance–a tale of two tropical fish separated and reunited–plays out beneath the ocean’s surface.

MILLER, Bobbi, retel. Miss Sally Ann and the Panther. illus. by Megan Lloyd. Holiday House. 2012. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1833-6.
K-Gr 3–When the feted American folk heroine meets a mean-as-tarnation varmint in the woods, a tree-felling, gorge-clawing, Milky Way-curdling brawl ensues, a “conbobberation” that lasts until both combatants prove their mettle, smile at one another, and become “great and glorious friends.” A rip-roaring tall tale with tongue-tingling language and bold-as-brass artwork.

PINKWATER, Daniel. Bear in Love. illus. by Will Hillenbrand. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4569-4.
PreS–Someone has been leaving tasty treats for Bear, causing him to sing jubilant songs and to leave his own sweet offerings. Kindness adds to kindness until the two finally meet–it’s a shy bunny–to share their mutual enthusiasm for food, music, and one another. This charmer soars with scrumptious storytelling and sweet-as-pie paintings.

RICHARDSON, Justin & Peter Parnell. And Tango Makes Three. illus. by Henry Cole. S & S. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-6898-7845-9; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2410-4.
PreS-Gr 3–Two male penguins forge an enduring bond, construct a nest, and start a family by caring for an abandoned egg. Set in New York City’s Central Park Zoo and based on a true story, this tale pairs enchanting sherbet-hued watercolors and fine-tuned text to speak volumes about the importance of tolerance and the power of love.

RUNTON, Andy. Bright Lights and Starry Nights. illus. by author. (Owly & Wormy Series). S & S/Atheneum. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5775-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5439-2.
K-Gr 3–Two unlikely besties embark on a star-gazing camping trip marked by mishaps that test their verve and their nerve before finally catching sight of an awe-inspiring vista and winning a few new pals. Starring an amiable round-eyed owl and a spunky comma-shaped worm, this wordless sequel to Friends All Aflutter! (Atheneum, 2011) conveys events and emotions with ebullient drenched-in-dusky-hues cartoons and pictograph thought bubbles.

SAUER, Tammi. Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever or Snack Time? illus. by Michael Slack. Houghton Harcourt. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-85285-0.
PreS-Gr 2–Nugget and Fang are boon companions until Nugget swims off to school and is taught that minnows can’t be buddies with sharks (as per the food chain). They part ways, but when Nugget’s life is endangered, faithful Fang gets the chance to prove his affection. Tongue-in-gill text and buoyant deep-water-hued cartoons send a heartfelt message about friendship.

STEAD, Philip C. A Home for Bird. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-711-1.
PreS-Gr 4–While out foraging for “interesting things,” a toad instead finds a friend (an illustration shows the wooden-looking bird falling off a cuckoo clock on a passing-by pickup). Worried that his pal’s stony silence is symptomatic of homesickness, Vernon takes Bird on a daring quest to locate his abode. Deadpan text and effervescent artwork relate a smile-inducing tale of altruism and empathy. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

STEIG, William. Amos & Boris. illus. by author. Farrar. 1971. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30227-6; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-312-53566-7.
K-Gr 5–While sailing the high seas, a venturesome mouse falls overboard and is rescued by an affable whale. Despite vast disparities in size and stomping grounds, the two mammals forge a friendship that resurfaces years later when Boris ends up in dire need of Amos’s assistance. Lighthearted watercolors and an eloquent narrative create a wise, witty, and wonder-filled tale.

WEEKS, Sarah. Woof: A Love Story. illus. by Holly Berry. HarperCollins/Laura Geringer. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-025007-2.
K-Gr 2–Smitten by a pretty white cat with sparkling green eyes, a dog tries to articulate his feelings to her, but his “woofs” and “grrrs” only send her scampering up a tree…until he digs up a “shiny brass [trom]bone,” trumpets his emotions with passionate gusto, and wins her heart. A read-aloud romp with breezy rhymes and exuberant collage artwork.

WILLEMS, Mo. City Dog, Country Frog. illus. by Jon J. Muth. Hyperion/Disney. 2010. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-0300-4.
PreS-Gr 2–On a glorious spring day, a tail-wagging pooch meets a smiling amphibian and amity blossoms. Through the seasons, City Dog returns to frolic and reminisce with his pal. When winter’s visit finds Country Frog no longer there, spring’s return brings the comfort of remembrance and a new companion. Spare text and touched-with-light watercolors create an uplifting ode to friendship.

Easy Readers, Endearing Friendships

BELL, Cece. Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5475-7.
K-Gr 2–When the evening doesn’t go as planned, single-minded Rabbit overreacts, but logical Robot remains unruffled and demonstrates how to roll with the punches, until he runs out of steam and Rabbit comes to the rescue. Funny situations, nuts-and-bolts visual high jinx, and a satisfying meeting-of-minds resolution leave readers rolling with laughter.

HOWE, James. Houndsley and Catina: Plink and Plunk. illus. by Marie-Louise Gay. Candlewick. 2009. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3385-1; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6640-8.
K-Gr 2–Though best friends, a floppy-eared dog and snowy-furred cat have dissimilar interests–he likes canoeing while she likes bicycling. After a few frustrating outings, they discover that they must help one another overcome fears in order to share these favorite pastimes. Part of a charmingly illustrated and invitingly told series featuring two winsome characters.

LOBEL, Arnold. Frog and Toad Are Friends. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 1970. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-023957-2; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-444020-2; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197410-6.
K-Gr 3–Frog is outgoing and spontaneous while Toad is more staid and set in his ways, but these companions share a tried-and-true friendship filled with heartwarming empathy and a genuine appreciation for one another’s foibles and fortitudes. The first in a series of grin-making adventures, told with accessible language, packed-with-personality artwork, and everlasting child appeal. Audio version available from HarperFestival.

WEEKS, Sarah. Mac and Cheese and the Perfect Plan. illus. by Jane Manning. HarperCollins. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-117082-9; pap. $3.99. ISBN 987-0-06-117084-3.
K-Gr 2–In this second adventure about two feline friends, happy-go-lucky Mac is determined to get curmudgeonly Cheese out of the alley and off to the seashore, but when Cheese’s hemming and hawing causes them to miss the bus, he grudgingly finds a way to placate Mac and make some fun. Rhyme-filled text and comical artwork shine with humor and affection.

WILLEMS, Mo. Let’s Go for a Drive! illus. by author. (Elephant and Piggie Series). Hyperion. 2012. RTE $8.99. ISBN 978-142316482-1.
K-Gr 2–Meticulous-minded Gerald the elephant formulates a plan for the perfect road trip, sending ever-peppy Piggie scrambling to gather supplies. When one small detail (they don’t have a car) derails the undertaking—as well as Gerald–Piggie cheerfully comes up with a new plan. Kinetic cartoons, zesty text, and an unforgettable friendship combine in this laugh-out-loud addition to a never-miss series.

True Tales

BUCKLEY, Carol. Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends. photos by author. Putnam. 2009. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25443-7.
K-Gr 5–After years in the entertainment industry, Tarra retired to Tennessee’s Elephant Sanctuary but never paired off with a pachyderm pal like the other inhabitants. Surprisingly, the role of BFF was filled by a feisty stray dog. Crystal-clear photos and straightforward text describe how the two unlikely but devoted companions romp and play, communicate, and look after one another.

HATKOFF, Isabella, Craig Hatkoff, & Paula Kahumbu. Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. photos by Peter Greste. Scholastic. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-82973-1.
K-Gr 5–Stranded on a coral reef by a 2004 tsunami, a baby hippopotamus was rescued, transported to an animal sanctuary in Kenya, and placed in an enclosure occupied by a 130-year-old tortoise. The long-lasting bond that ensued has amazed scientists and inspired many. Engaging close-up images and compelling text relate events with clarity and an emphasis on hope. The story continues in Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship (Scholastic, 2007).

JURMAIN, Susan Tripp. Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud. illus. by Larry Day. Dutton. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47903-1.
Gr 2-5–As different as “pickles and ice cream,” tall, shy Thomas and short, loquacious John were the best of friends, working together to shape their newly born nation, until a passionate disagreement about presidential powers caused a political and personal rift that only time–and true affection–could overcome. Vivacious text and witty pencil-and-watercolor artwork blend historical detail with winning humor. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

LARSON, Kirby & Mary Nethery. Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. illus. by Jean Cassels. Walker. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-9754-4; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-9755-1.
K-Gr 3–Left homeless by the devastating storm, a dog and a cat–dubbed Bobbi and Bob Cat for their bobbed tails–wandered the streets of New Orleans for months, surviving only by sticking together, until they were finally rescued by animal shelter volunteers. Simple narrative and soft-toned realistic paintings tell a stirring tale of companionship. DVD available from Nutmeg Media.

THIMMESH, Catherine. Friends. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-39010-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-76921-9.
K-Gr 2–Strikingly photographed instances of remarkable animal amity–an elderly orangutan cuddling with a cat, a lion cub and piglet snuggled up and snoozing, a polar bear romping with a sled dog–are paired with simple rhyming verses that elucidate the wonders of friendship (prose paragraphs provide background information). This audience-grabber will inspire discussion along with “oohs” and “awws.”

Photo montage: Background from the first Clifford book;
Norman Bridwell by Rich White.

Imagine walking down a street. Exhausted after a workout. Heading toward your car. A dog suddenly appears a quarter of a block ahead. But not just any dog. This one is 66 feet long and 44 feet high.

That’s what happened to me.

That briefest flash of time between seeing Clifford and realizing that I was looking at a parade balloon was magical and delicious. As editor of the Clifford books from 1984 to 2009, I’ve had many magical moments with the big red dog.

I’ve read most of the Clifford books dozens of times. I’ve read some of them hundreds of times. I’ve read them as an editor to prepare them for publication, as a mother to entertain my daughter, and as a Sunday school teacher to spark conversations about pro-social behavior.

The Clifford books are about kindness and good works. They are about making mistakes and being forgiven for them. They are about unconditional love. And they are funny. I still crack up whenever I turn to the page in Clifford the Big Red Dog where a sheepish Clifford holds a car in his mouth, and the text reads: “He runs after cars. He catches some of them.” The artwork is expressive, poignant, and endearing.

So how big is Clifford? Very big. More than 126 million Clifford books are in print in 13 languages. And an animated Clifford TV series is in its 12th season on PBS Kids. This month marks the 50th anniversary of the first Clifford book, Clifford the Big Red Dog.

And February 15 is the 85th birthday of Clifford’s creator, Norman Bridwell. Kind, modest, and easy-going, Norman, both author and illustrator, is as lovable as his pup. He lives with his wife of 54 years, Norma—that’s right, Norma—in Massachusetts, on Martha’s Vineyard, in a 120-year-old farmhouse. The doors and shutters are painted red in honor of Clifford. Norman and Norma have two grown children (Emily Elizabeth, who appears in the Clifford books, and Tim, who appears in The Witch Next Door) and three grandchildren.

Earlier this year, I spoke to Norman about his remarkable career, his knack for creating pitch-perfect humor for young children, and what makes Clifford (and his creator) tick.

Dog days: Bridwell and his daughter,
Emily Elizabeth, circa 1964.

How would you describe Clifford?
He’s a loving dog. He’s very loyal to Emily. And she’s loyal to him. He tries to do the right thing. He has good intentions, but his size makes him clumsy, so he causes damage. And then he’s forgiven. All children would like that—to be forgiven for the mistakes they make.

Do you see any of your own characteristics in him?
You know, people have said, “Clifford is a lot like you,” but I’m not really that good. I’m not really that nice.

Well, I would disagree with you, Norman. I worked with you for, like, 25 years and I think you are that nice!
That’s kind of you to say. I don’t like to hurt people. I do my best to avoid that. No matter which side you’re on, I’m on it. I really feel I don’t really deserve this. If there’s such a thing as success being handed out to people because they are good and deserving, I don’t really deserve it. I’ve just been very fortunate.

Do you identify with Clifford’s awkwardness when he gets into trouble for being too big?
Well, I was… I am pretty clumsy. I’m constantly bumping into things. Or I toss something, and I think it’s going to land on a chair, but it slides off the other side.

I think I’m going to do something clever, and it winds up a disaster. I guess I am like Clifford that way. I was terrible at sports. I was the last one chosen to be on any team. I have many unfond memories of being forced to go out on the basketball court during gym class and trying to shoot a basket and embarrassing everybody.

How did you come to create Clifford?
Clifford began as an art sample to show editors. I was hoping I could get a job as an illustrator. I did about 10 paintings. One was of a little girl standing under the chin of a big red dog and holding out her hand to see if it was still raining. I was rejected everywhere I went. One editor, Susan Hirschman, said that my work was too plain. She said, “You may have to write a story, and then if they buy the story, you could do the art. She pointed to the sample of the girl and the dog and said, “Maybe that’s a story.”

In about three days, I tried to think of all the things that would happen if you had a giant dog. I made him a little bigger than in the sample, and my wife, Norma, named him Clifford after an imaginary playmate she had when she was a child.

I made a dummy, and Norma made a cover for it. I took it to a publisher, where it went into a slush pile. Lilian Moore saw it and knew it wouldn’t be taken by that publisher, but she also knew that Scholastic was starting to publish original paperbacks for its book clubs. Beatrice de Regniers accepted it.

What did you get paid for the book?
I got $1,000 for the book and I think $750 to do the art.

The original price of the book was 35 cents. How long did it take you to earn out your advance?
Two years.

Three days is a very short time to write a book. Is it easy for you to write?
The first one was easy. The others got more difficult. The second Pbook I did was called Zany Zoo. It wasn’t a Clifford book.

How did the second Clifford book come about?
I said to Beatrice, “Would you like to see another one?” And she said, “Yes, if you have an idea, bring it to me, but I’m not going to just take anything.”

I wrote Clifford Gets a Job, and it did well, so I said to Beatrice, “Maybe I should try another one.”

And she said, “Well, you know, we’re not running a Norman Bridwell book club.” She said, “You can try some more, but don’t count on my taking them.”

The Clifford books did surprisingly well. One day Beatrice called me up and said, “You know, we’ve changed our minds. We do want to do a Norman Bridwell book club.”

She said again, “Don’t expect everything to be accepted,” and she stuck to that.

Do you remember any titles that she rejected?
You know, it’s been a long time now. They weren’t very memorable… Clifford trying to clean up, trying to protect the environment. That was too preachy. She didn’t like that.

I said to her one time, “Maybe I should be putting a message in these books,” and she said, “You’re not a message person. You just entertain them.” So I did as I was told and just tried to make kids laugh.

What’s your process?
When I have an idea, I sketch it out in thumbnail sketches—just the action from page to page. When I have the drawings done, I think of the words that go with them. As you know, the words don’t exactly match the picture, which, I think, is funny to the children. The words don’t just describe what is going on, but the kids can figure it out.

What is your studio like?
Cluttered. It’s filled with Clifford products Scholastic has given me [such as plush toys, puzzles, games, clothing, and stationery]. I have a desk and a telephone. With an 11-by-14-inch pad and a pencil, I’m in business. I had a studio built kind of late in life, around 12 years ago. I thought I’d jinx myself if I built one before.

How did your kids respond to Clifford while they were growing up?
It was just something that Dad did. It wasn’t anything really special. They had other books that they liked much more than Clifford. In fact, on the Internet, my son says his favorite children’s books were by Dr. Seuss. My daughter didn’t realize Clifford was popular until she went to college. I’d given her a Clifford reading rug that she put in her dorm room. The other girls saw it and said, “Oh! Clifford!” When my daughter asked, “How do you know about him?” they said, “Everybody reads Clifford!”

The original Clifford books were black and red, measured eight-by-six inches, and had a landscape orientation. In the ’80s, the books were reformatted to a full-color, eight-by-eight format. Would you talk about that?
I guess the original books didn’t show up well in bookstores. When Dick Krinsley joined Scholastic, he converted the books to eight by eight so they could be displayed on a rack.

It amazes me that some people have said, “You know, I liked the early art better.”

Some artists object to changes in a book’s original design or format. But you were very cooperative.
If I thought my work was beautiful or very artistic, I might feel differently, but I feel that the purpose of my drawings is to get the point of the story across. So I am perfectly willing to have somebody else’s advice on color and format.

What was it like to grow up in Kokomo, Indiana?
It was quiet. It gave me plenty of time to think. I walked to school in the morning, I walked home from school at night, and, all that time, I was making up stories in my mind. Imaginary people. Imaginary places. And then in the evening I’d sit down and draw pictures to go with the stories I thought of during those walks.

I was a very gangly, skinny kid. My nicknames were Muscles because I had none—I was just a skeleton with skin—and Ovaltine, which is a chocolate drink that kids were supposed to drink to make them gain weight.

So you have always been a visual storyteller, even as a child.
Drawing was the only thing I was really interested in. My father would bring paper home from the factory. They were order forms that were plain on the back. I would draw all kinds of characters and adventures. I wasn’t really good at anything else. My high school shop teacher took the tools away from me after about three weeks. He said, “You’re going to hurt yourself! Go get some paper and sit over there and draw.” I did, and I was very grateful for the chance to do that.

Did you go to art school in Indiana?
Yes, I did. I went to art school for four years, but it didn’t prepare me for the real world of commercial art. I had to learn that when I got to New York.

Why did you move to New York CIty right after you graduated?
I couldn’t find any work in Indiana, but I had friends who were going to Cooper Union. They said, “Better to be out of work in New York than out of work here. Come along.” So I went along and wrapped packages at Macy’s for a while. I worked for a lettering studio and then for a necktie fabric-designing firm. And then finally, I got work making cartoons for filmstrips and slides.

What kinds of cartoons were they?
They were for sales meetings and promotions. A writer would write a script and the cartoonists would try to add humorous situations. We did work for Arrow Shirts, American Standard Plumbing, and Maxwell House Coffee—all sorts of products. The hardest part was convincing the salesmen that what we were drawing was going to be funny. They usually didn’t get the jokes.

Working on those cartoons must have been good training for a future picture book author and illustrator.
I had a lot of fun trying to inject humor into a very dry script. It was good practice.

Nobody ever said, “Hey, that’s good,” or “Thank you.” You just did it. It went out the door. You never heard anything about it. But when I did the books, children began writing to me. I thought, “This is great. Somebody noticed.” Kids let you know if they like something.

The Clifford books have humor young children can enjoy and can understand. It’s very hard to write humor for that age group. What’s the secret of your success?
I read one time about a silent film comedian whose name I can’t recall now, but he was very popular. He was a very funny guy, and then somebody told him how good he was, and he got to thinking about it. And when he started thinking about what he was doing, he ruined it. Instead of acting upon his natural instincts, he began planning, and things fell apart.

Do you have a favorite Clifford book?
I always liked Clifford and the Grouchy Neighbors. A lot of children have neighbors who complain, “Don’t come into on my yard! Don’t step on my lawn!”

I thought that could happen to Clifford. The characters look like my mother’s neighbors back in Indiana, but the fact is, they were very nice, considerate neighbors. I hope they never noticed that the grouchy neighbors look like them.

Grace Maccarone is Holiday House’s executive editor.

Illustration by Aurélia Fronty from
I Have the Right to Be a Child (Serres), Groundwood.

Stories connect people who live in different places, during different times, or who have different interests. Books tell stories in words, pictures, or both all the world over.

The titles on the 2013 Outstanding International Books List will remind readers that heroism can look different in different places, but that its essence is the same regardless of where you live. These stories show us that being different is sometimes painful but may be a cause for celebration; that looking closely at the past helps children understand their current lives a bit better. These books also remind us that laughter is potent around the world. Readers will find books from France, India, Norway, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, and more.

All of the titles originated or were first published in a country other than the United States and were subsequently published or distributed in the U.S. These books not only represent the best in children’s literature from around the globe, but also introduce American readers to other perspectives. Their originality and appeal, and the quality of the presentations make them outstanding choices for most collections.

Kindergarten–Grade 2

COAT, Janik. Hippopposites. illus. by author. Abrams/Appleseed. BD $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0151-1. France.
Each spread introduces both predictable and surprising contrasting concepts with a hint of humor as a hippo is the focus; an unexpected tactile experience is also added. Bold colors and shapes bring fresh thinking about the world of opposites.

DALY, Niki. The Herd Boy. illus. by author. Eerdmans. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-8028-5417-9. UK.
Muted shades of green and brown with occasional oranges and reds reflect the South African world of young Malusi, the good shepherd who takes his grandfather’s herd of goats from the kraal to pasture, protecting them while dreaming of one day becoming president of his country.

DAVIES, Nicola. Just Ducks! illus. by Salvatore Rubbino. Candlewick. RTE $15.95 ISBN 978-0-7636-5936-3. UK.
“Quack-quuuack” begins this story of a young girl’s daylong observations of mallard ducks–with information points about them juxtaposed throughout fluid mixed-media illustrations–until she imagines the next morning’s cacophony of quacking.

DUBUC, Marianne. Animal Masquerade. illus. by author. Kids Can. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-782-2. Canada.
More than three dozen animals accept an invitation to a masquerade party. As each guest arrives, they are portrayed individually in their cleverly designed costumes, which suggest the next arrival. Childlike illustrations will have readers guessing who will show up next.

GRAHAM, Bob. A Bus Called Heaven. illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5893-9. Australia.
Young Stella discovers an abandoned bus with a sign that says “Heaven” and with the help of neighbors transforms it into a vibrant community center. Droll watercolor and ink illustrations enlarge the celebration of diversity and neighborliness.

HOVLAND, Henrik. John Jensen Feels Different. tr. from Norwegian by Don Dartlett. illus. by Torill Kove. Eerdmans. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-8028-5399-8. Norway.
John Jensen is not sure why he feels out of place, perhaps because he is an alligator in a world of humans, but his elephant doctor helps him celebrate his differences. Told with a light touch and expressive illustrations, this book might help readers rethink dissimilarities.

KRISHNASWAMI, Uma. Out of the Way! Out of the Way! illus. by Uma Krishnaswamy. Groundwood. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-130-4. India.
The lively text chronicles the changes over the years as a village path becomes a busy city road. In the middle of the path a tiny sapling grows into a giant tree that nurtures the people who gather under it. The colorful folk art captures the diversity of life in India.

MACLEAR, Kyo. Virginia Wolf. illus. by Isabelle Arsenault. Kids Can. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-649-8. Canada.
When Virginia is feeling particularly glum and wolfish, her sister Vanessa resorts to painting the imaginative garden Virginia describes as Bloomsberry. Digitally assembled art conveys the emotional swings and love the girls feel toward each other; loosely inspired by the lives of writer Virginia Woolf and her sister, Vanessa Bell.

MACKINTOSH, David. The Frank Show. illus. by author. Abrams. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0393-5. UK.
Grandpa Frank is uninteresting to his grandson, until Frank becomes the center of attention at a school show-and-tell telling tales of leading an army and his tattoo. Frank and his grandson are alternately depicted in gray and colorful images, to signal distance and acceptance.

MILLARD, Glenda. Isabella’s Garden. illus. by Rebecca Cool. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6016-1. Australia.
Explore the seasonal growth cycle of a garden with lyrical language, rhythm, and rhyme in a cadence reminiscent of “This Is the House That Jack Built.” Each page is energized with mixed-media folk art in bright colors and a touch of Picasso-like children’s faces.

ROGERS, Gregory. The Hero of Little Street. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-59643-729-6. Australia.
A young boy dodges some bullies by entering the National Art Gallery. When a dog escapes from inside a van Eyck painting, the boy follows the pup into the 17th century through another canvas. Their adventure is told in lively, wordless cartoon style.

SCOTT, Nathan Kumar, retel. The Great Race. illus. by Jagdish Chitara. Tara Books. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-9-3803-4015-9. India.
This Indonesian trickster tale of an overly confident mouse deer who challenges fellow jungle creatures to a race has highly stylized illustrations and a surprise but satisfying ending. The back matter provides information and photographs explaining the traditional art from the state of Gujarat in India.

SERRES, Alain. I Have the Right to Be a Child. tr. from French by Helen Mixter. illus. by Aurélia Fronty. Groundwood. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-5549-8149-6. France.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child’s code of rights for children is explored in stunning naïf acrylic illustrations and easy-to-read text. The child narrator’s voice, clear and straightforward, brings this important document to life for the youngest reader.

SIF, Birgitta. Oliver. illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7636-6247-9. UK.
Oliver, a bespectacled loner, is happy playing alone or with his puppets. Quirky illustrations in muted browns and greens, with a mouse and future buddy, Olivia, hidden in most spreads, invite multiple readings.

TOLMAN, Marije & Ronald Tolman. The Island. illus. by authors. Lemniscaat. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-9359-5419-4. Netherlands.
Luminescent wordless spreads depict a questing bear setting out, swimming from one extravagant island to another, meeting and traveling with a variety of animal friends until finally finding a violin-playing soul mate.

Grades 3–5

HARTNETT, Sonya. Sadie and Ratz. illus. by Ann James. Candlewick. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5315-6. Australia.
Young Hannah calls one of her hands Sadie and the other Ratz. Brief chapters and black line drawings reveal Hannah and her hands’ mischief, especially when they behave badly with her brother. The unexpected conclusion is humorous and satisfying.

I SAW A PEACOCK WITH A FIERY TALE. illus. by Ramsingh Urveti. Tara Books. Tr $18.50. ISBN 978-9-38034-014-2. India.
A 17th-century English poem is given new life with multiple meanings through brilliant illustrations and graphic design. Die cuts on each page carry viewers forward and encourage predictions as black-and-white textured drawings offer different perspectives that engage readers.

IBBOTSON, Eva. One Dog and His Boy. Scholastic. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-35196-6. UK.
In this riveting survival adventure, a boy, his beloved dog, and an endearing cast of homeless animals journey across England to find safe homes. The exciting tale is full of slapstick humor, hair-raising chases, and a satisfying conclusion.

LAIRD, Elizabeth, retel. Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings. illus. by Shirin Adl. Frances Lincoln. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-253-8. UK.
A retelling of the classic 10th-century epic poem written over a period of 30 years by the poet Ferdowsi, with its legendary heroes, kings, warriors, demons, and princesses, is made accessible to children in this beautifully designed and illustrated book.

LANTHIER, Jennifer. The Stamp Collector. illus. by François Thisdale. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-218-4. Canada.
Inspired by two Chinese writers, a young prisoner and a guard transcend their circumstances and form a friendship. Inspired by foreign stamps on letters received by the prisoner, they hope for freedom and discover the strength of their stories.

MCKAY, Hilary. Lulu and the Duck in the Park. illus. by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-4808-0. UK.
Lulu sneaks an abandoned duck egg into class knowing her teacher has a strict rule against animals. When the egg begins to hatch, Lulu worries about the consequences. This is a gentle school story generously illustrated, adding to the drama and humor.

MORPURGO, Michael. Shadow. Feiwel & Friends. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-60659-6. UK.
A man and his mother escape the Taliban in Afghanistan and seek asylum in England but are arrested. While awaiting deportation, Aman’s friend Matt, Matt’s grandfather, and a courageous spaniel, Shadow, work together to rescue them. This story provides hope for civilians entangled in the complexities and horrors of war.

ROSEN, Michael. Bananas in My Ears: A Collection of Nonsense Stories, Poems, Riddles, and Rhymes. illus. by Quentin Blake. Candlewick. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7636-6248-6. UK.
Hilarious bits of nonsense about siblings Nat and Anna are divided into sections: Breakfast, Seaside, Doctor, and Bedtime and enhanced by comical illustrations. Children will enjoy getting to know the author and illustrator, both former British Children’s Laureates.

THEMERSON, Stefan. The Table that Ran Away to the Woods. tr. from Polish. illus. by Franciszka Themerson. Tate. Tr $10.95. ISBN 978-1-84976-057-7. Poland.
Textured images complement the rhymed and fluidly placed verse about a writing table that escapes and returns to the woods where it takes root. A note explains the historical background of the fable, originally written in Polish and published in Paris.

VAN LEEUWEN, Joke. Eep! tr. from Dutch by Bill Nagelkerke. illus. by author. Gecko. pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-877579-07-3. Netherlands.
A birdwatcher and his wife raise an abandoned child who has wings instead of arms. When the bird-child flies off without saying good-bye, the couple search for her and meet other people who have been touched by this unusual creature. Black-and-white drawings add to the book’s charm.

VOAKE, Steve. Hooey Higgins and the Shark. illus. by Emma Dodson. Candlewick. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5782-6. UK.
What better way to earn money than to capture a shark using ketchup. Or display the world’s biggest sea urchin masquerading as a World War II mine. Hilarious happenings augmented with exaggerated drawings seem to be the realm of Hooey and his best friend, Twig.

Grades 6–8

ABIRACHED, Zeina. A Game for Swallows: To Die, to Leave, to Return. tr. from French by Edward Gauvin. illus. by author. Lerner/Graphic Universe. PLB $29.27. ISBN 978-0-7613-8568-4. France.
Set in an apartment foyer during the civil war in Lebanon, this story follows Zeini and her brother, who are supported by their neighbors, while they wait for their parents to return home. The black-and-white graphic setting subtly explores the universal effect of conflict, especially on children.

CHADDA, Sarwat. Savage Fortress. Scholastic/Arthur Levine. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-38516-9. UK.
When Londoner Ash and his younger sister vacation in India, a powerful, magical gold arrowhead causes them to become involved with demons battling to take over the world. This action-packed adventure novel is woven together with rich Hindu mythology and ancient history.

DE GRAAF, Anne. Son of a Gun. tr from Dutch. Eerdmans. pap. $8. ISBN 978-0-8028-5406-3. Netherlands.
In alternating voices, siblings Nopi and Lucky tell their harrowing stories of abduction and enslavement as child soldiers in Liberia’s civil war. Supported by back matter including artwork and writings of former child soldiers, this fast-paced novel holds fast to children’s point of view.

DOYLE, Roddy. Greyhound of a Girl. Abrams/Amulet. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4197-0168-9. UK.
This unusual ghost story involves four generations of women in one family who come together to take a dramatic midnight journey into their past. The distinctive writing with its lilt of Irish dialogue lends authenticity to this haunting family story.

ELLIS, Deborah. My Name Is Parvana. Groundwood. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-297-4. Canada.
In the last book from “The Breadwinner” series, Parvana, now 15, is helping in a school for girls in Afghanistan. Her fate is revealed as she is imprisoned and interrogated at a Coalition military base. This compelling story provides insight into personal loss during conflicts.

GLEITZMAN, Morris. Now. Holt. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-9378-0. Australia.
Felix, now 80, is caring for his granddaughter Zelda. She, coping with abandonment and bullying, and he, trying to come to terms with his past, must together face a modern holocaust. A satisfying conclusion to Felix’s story started in Once and continued in Then (though this title stands alone).

SERRANO, Francisco. La Malinche: The Princess Who Helped Cortés Conquer the Aztec Empire. tr. from Spanish by Susan Ouriou. illus. by Pablo Serrano. Groundwood. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-111-3. Canada.
Hernán Cortés gained an advantage during his conquest of the Aztecs when an indigenous slave woman became his translator and ally. What is known of this controversial woman who played a pivotal role is presented in brief chapters with culturally reflective illustrations.

TANAKA, Shelley. Nobody Knows. photos by Hirokazu Kore-eda & Kawauchi Rinko. Groundwood. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-140-3. Canada.
Twelve-year-old Akira must care for his three siblings after they are abandoned by their mother. Invisible to the people around them, forced to exist on the edge of society, they have only one another to turn to for support and hope when tragedy strikes. Illustrated with stills from the film.

Grades 9–12

ELLIS, Deborah. Kids of Kabul: Living Bravely Through a Never-Ending War., Groundwood. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-181-6. Canada.
This informational book includes interviews and photos of Afghan youth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, a country continually at war. The stories told to the author show how these people have survived with courage and hope even when living with violence and oppression.

MASTER, Irfan. A Beautiful Lie. Albert Whitman. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-0597-7. UK.
Set against the backdrop of the partition of India in 1947, 13-year-old Bilal lies to his dying father, an ardent supporter of a united India, about the impending separation. In spite of the time’s violence, Bilal’s affection for his father and his supportive community are uplifting.

WEIN, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. Hyperion/Disney. RTE $ 16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5219-4. UK.
War and espionage, friendship and loyalty are explored in this story of Julie, fighting for her life after being captured by the Nazis, and Maddie, trying to find and save her. Their final meeting tests the verisimilitude and depth of trust and loyalty and love.

Members of the 2013 USBBY Outstanding International Books Committee: Maria Salvadore (Chair), Washington, DC; Marilyn Carpenter, Spokane, WA; Peg Ciszek, Northbrook, IL; Brenda L. Dales, Oxford, OH: Margaret Pyterek, Glenview, IL; Robin L. Smith, Nashville, TN; Martha Walke, South Strafford, VT; Caroline Ward, Cos Cob, CT; Deborah Wooten, Knoxville.