Nelson Mandela (Weston Woods) ©2012 by Kadir Nelson

Constitution USA with Peter Sagal. 2 DVDs. 4 hrs. Prod. by TPT National Prods. and Insignia Films. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2013. ISBN 978-1-60883-901-8. $29.99.

Gr 9 Up–Sagal, the find-humor-in-our-everyday-lives NPR host, broadly examines our Constitution in both historical and contemporary contexts in a manner that will transfix viewers. Metaphorically traversing the country on a red, white, and blue Harley-Davidson, his goal is to recount the perspective of the document’s development as well as to examine it in terms of today’s critical issues. “A More Perfect Union,” the first segment, describes the intriguing manner in which our federal system of government was determined and issues facing us today as a result of federal, state, and local control questions. “It’s a Free Country” studies the Bill of Rights, and the controversies surrounding those individual freedoms in today’s society are detailed. The Fourteenth Amendment, passed after the Civil War to guarantee equal protection for individuals and groups, and its subsequent landmark impact is the focus of “Created Equal.” Finally, Sagal leads a discussion about the vitality of this remarkable document from the perspective of the 21st-century social and political milieu in “Built to Last.” The nicely paced presentation uses a variety of presentation techniques, such as graphics and humor, to connect with today’s students. There’s also an effective balance of commentary from constitutional scholars as well as ordinary citizens impacted by this document. Several bonus sections add to its usefulness, particularly commentary by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Each chapter includes the scene selection option. English language subtitles and a Spanish language audio are optional. Both classroom teachers and media professionals will find this a popular addition to every school’s collection.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Nelson Mandela. DVD. 10 min. Weston Woods. 2013. ISBN 978-0-545-60947-0. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-60948-7: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-60949-4: $29.95.

Gr 1–4–Kadir Nelson’s evocative biography (HarperCollins, 2013) of Nelson Mandela receives stellar treatment in this exceptional DVD presentation. The author provides just enough information to introduce apartheid and Mandela’s role in changing the political landscape of South Africa, while involving, but not overwhelming, children. Viewers feel the loss of Mandela’s father and his sorrow as he leaves home to attend school. His rise as a political activist, the 27 years he spent in prison, and his eventual election to the leadership of his nation are all told clearly in crisp and expressive text. Throughout, Mandela is presented as a figure both heroic and human. This, too, is emphasized in Kadir Nelson’s exceptional paintings that glow with an inner warmth. The iconographic presentation allows the audience to truly appreciate both the careful details and the subtle power of the illustrations as actor Forest Whitaker’s rich voice reads the story with background music and crowd sound effects that draw viewers in. The DVD includes an interview with the author in which he talks about his artwork and relates his boyhood experience of attending a speech given by Mandela. This excellent presentation about an extraordinary world leader merits a place in all libraries serving children.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

Hero on a Bicycle. By Shirley Hughes. 3 CDs. 3:35 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7493-5. $54.97.

Gr 5–8–The first novel (Candlewick, 2013) by octogenarian Shirley Hughes, the award-winning picture book author and illustrator, is set in Italy in 1944. The story follows 13-year-old Paolo, his 16-year-old sister Costanza, and their mother. The family lives in the outskirts of Nazi-occupied Florence. Their father, an anti-Fascist, fled when the Nazi’s took control, leaving the family in a politically precarious position. Paolo’s nighttime forays into the city on his bicycle have brought his family into contact with the Partisans, the Italian resistance, who ask them “in a convincing manner, made more convincing because of the gun” to help them. Told in third-person narration, the story builds in tension, skillfully shifting between the perspectives of each main character as well as the many well-developed secondary characters who add depth and understanding to an age-old question this story seeks to answer: What motivates people’s actions in times of war? Simon Vance’s incomparable vocal style is a perfect fit for this intense and suspenseful work of historical fiction. With his strong and consistently paced narration, as well as subtle and skillful character voices, Vance’s performance is both nuanced and captivating. A website (www.heroonabicycle.co.uk) offers additional material to supplement lesson plans or deepen book discussions. For those interested in offering students more in-depth information about the time period, other supplemental sources would be required. Highly recommended for students who enjoyed John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (David Fickling Bks., 2007) and historical or WWII fiction.–Chani Craig. Converse Middle School. Palmer, MA 

Oblivion: The Gatekeepers, Book 5. By Anthony Horowitz. 17 cassettes or 17 CDs. 20:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2013. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-5787-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-5783-2. $108.75.

Gr 9 Up–The final book (2013) in Horowitz’s seriHes finds the fate of the world in the hands of five teenagers: Matt, Pedro, Scott, Jamie, and Scarlet. They are the Gatekeepers. At the end of Necropolis (2009, both Scholastic), after entering a special door, the teens are flung to different parts of the world. They emerge into a dangerous and horrific world 10 years in the future that is beset by evil, torture, murder, death, plagues, famine, and other catastrophes, and on the verge of destruction orchestrated by the evil Old Ones headed by Chaos. To defeat the Old Ones, the five Gatekeepers must be together for the final battle. Much of the story revolves around each Gatekeeper’s struggle to overcome obstacles and challenges to make their way to Oblivion, a frozen, desolate area of Antarctica where Chaos and the Old Ones are waiting. Horowitz’s story is fast-moving, intense, and unflinchingly graphic. Listeners new to the series will be able to follow this volume because past details are included. However, to fully grasp this tale’s scope and complexity, listeners should be familiar with the first four titles. Simon Prebbles’s reading masterfully conveys the terror of this dangerous dystopian world. His consistent portrayal of multiple characters and accents is excellent. This intense, suspense-filled conclusion will keep listeners riveted right up to the end.–Mary Olounye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Out of This Place. By Emma Cameron. 3 CDs. 3:19 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7497-3. $54.97.

Gr 9 Up–Three friends who want to leave high school and move on describe their anguish in Cameron’s novel written in verse (Candlewick, 2013). Luke, who tries to stay out of trouble at school, spends his time playing cricket, works at the local supermarket, and hangs out at the beach. While trying to figure out where he fits in, he applies for a scholarship and traineeship to get out of school. Bongo spends his time getting wasted to block the memories of his younger brother, Dylan, who was placed in a foster home due to their alcoholic and abusive stepdad and drug addict mother. He’s tired of being around addicts and misses his sibling, so he runs away from home. Casey has a very controlling father, and she’s not allowed to participate in any school activities or have a job. She wants to get away and have some freedom, so she leaves home without saying goodbye. Desperate to leave their lives behind, they all choose to get “out of this place.” They learn lessons along the way and go in directions they never imagined. The story is told from alternating points of view by narrators Candice Moll, Leonardo Nam, and David Atlas. Their expert Australian accents capture the emotions of the three Aussie teens desperately wanting to live life on their own terms.–Janet Weber, Tigard Public Library, OR

Shadow and Bone: Grisha Trilogy, Book 1. By Leigh Bardugo. 8 CDs. 8:55 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4805-2826-0. $49.97.

Gr 7 Up–Orphaned from the Border Wars, Alina was raised by strangers with her only friend, Mal. Drafted into the army of war-torn Rafka, the pair joins their regiment on a dangerous mission into the Fold, a place where darkness reigns and nobody survives the attacks of its native, nightmarish creatures. When the two friends are attacked, Alina inadvertently summons her dormant magical powers to save her regiment. She is ripped from everything she knows and sent to be trained as a Grisha in the court of the Darkling, the most powerful magic wielder. Cut off from contact with Mal, Alina has a hard time learning to use her power. When she discovers the Darkling’s plan to enslave her in order to destroy all who oppose him, she must figure out a way to stop him and find her way back to Mal. Will she learn to wield her power and save Rafka before it’s too late? Narrator Amanda Dolan masterfully brings Alina’s world of magic and monsters to life. Bardugo’s well-developed characters in this debut novel (Holt, 2012) are enhanced by the narrator’s unique voices and intonations. The transitions between action and suspense are incredible, and listeners will be totally engrossed. The twists throughout this unique plot are expertly handled by both author and narrator and keep listeners guessing. For fans of dark fantasy, adventure, suspense, and magic.–Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT

Twelve Kinds of Ice. By Ellen Bryan Obed. cassette or CD. 26 min. Recorded Books. 2013. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-6387-1, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-6386-4. $25.75.

Gr 2-5–How many kinds of ice are there during the winter? It starts with that faint crinkly sheen that breaks at a touch. Gradually, however, ice spreads over fields and ponds. It grows thicker as the cold seeps deep. Finally, it’s time for the family to set the boundaries, stomp the snow, spray the water, and create the ice rink that will be their entertainment center for hockey and skating until the same progression that began the ice reverses, and the world warms again. While the ice goes from a thin sheet to a frozen stream, the house becomes a warming area, a locker room, and a sports center. All activities revolve around the ice. Obed’s book (Houghton Harcourt, 2012) contains 20 very short chapters that skim beautifully over each type of ice and the activities that follow. The author evokes all the senses with carefully chosen spare text. Jessica Almasy reads the story in a youthful voice, drawing listeners in until they, too, are skimming smoothly across this annual magic of the winter season. An evocative, joyful celebration of winter.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

Recess. Performed by Justin Roberts. CD. 44:25 min. Prod. by Carpet Square Records. Dist. by Justinroberts.org. 2013. ISBN unavail. $15.

PreS–Gr 3–Classic rock, power pop, ska, and country musical styles are evident in these 12 original songs by Roberts. The Not Ready for Naptime Players join him in giving outstanding instrumental performances on guitar, bass, piano, strings, keyboards, trumpet, drums, and percussion. They also weave beautiful and intricate vocal harmonies, with some tracks sounding like the early Beatles or the Beach Boys. Winner of multiple Parents’ Choice Gold and NAPPA Gold awards, Roberts has created wonderful, catchy tunes. The students are anxious for “Recess” time. Listeners get the dog’s point of view in “Every Little Step.” In a faraway kingdom, everyone wears drab beige, sandalwood, and sage colors until “The Princess Wore Pink” and changed everything. One child anticipates with eagerness his weekly visit to “Otis” the elevator. And in “Check Me Out, I’m at the Checkout,” a kid pushes his own cart and makes messes throughout the grocery store. Among the other terrific numbers are “I’ll Be an Alien” (the extra-terrestrial kind), “Hopscotch,” “My Secret Robot,” “Looking for Trains,” “We Got Two” (twins), “School’s Out (Tall Buildings),” and “Red Bird” (a lovely lullaby with beautiful, poetic lyrics). This album stands head and shoulders above other recent pop albums for children.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX

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The following titles are reviewed in the September 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

DVD

Art Instruction

Learn and Draw with Mike Artell: Outer Space. DVD. 1:12 hrs. Video Specialties. 2013. ISBN unavail. $24.95.

Dance

Ally Cat the Ballet Cat. DVD. 60 min. Prod. by Arzura/Ytinifni Pictures. Dist. by Arzura. 2013. ISBN unavail. $16.75.

Early Childhood

Barney: Imagine with Barney. DVD. 76 min. Prod. by HIT Entertainment. Dist. by Lionsgate. 2013. ISBN unavail. $14.98.

David, the Gnome Collection. 4 DVDs. approx. 10:25 hrs. Prod. by BRB Internacional. Dist. by Oasis DVDs. 2013. ISBN unavail. $19.99.

Dogtanian and the Three Muskethounds. 4 DVDs. approx.. 10:25 hrs. Prod. by BRB Internacional. Dist. by Oasis DVDs. 2013. ISBN unavail. $19.99.

Sukey’s Circle! Vol. 3: Mini Shows. DVD. 33 min. Sukeymolloy.com. 2013. ISBN unavail. $15.99.

In-Service

Book SmARTS & Crafts: Crafts & Activities for Kids. DVD. approx. 3 hrs. Page Turner Adventures. 2013. ISBN unavail. $175.

Science

Meteor Strike (NOVA Series). DVD. 60 min. Prod. by Pioneer Films & TV Prods. and WGBH Educational Foundation. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2013. ISBN 978-1-60883-904-9. $24.99.

Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives. DVD. 17:22 min. Spoken Arts. 2013. ISBN 0-8045-8140-1. $50; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-4239-2: $29.95.

Social Studies

Brooklyn Castle. DVD. 1:42 hrs. with curriculum and resource guides. Prod. by Rescued Media. Dist. by First Run Features. 2012, 2013 release. ISBN unavail. $60.

Secrets of the Dead: Death on the Railroad. DVD. 60 min. Prod. by Tile Films Ltd. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2013. ISBN 978-1-60883-910-0. $24.99.

 Audio

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors’ websites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.

Language Arts

Aces Wild. By Erica S. Perl. 5 CDs. 5:21 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-384-39330-0. $30.

Accidental Love. By Gary Soto. 3 CDs. 3:30 hrs. AudioGO. 2013. ISBN 978-1-62450-506-0. $49.95.

Aliens in Disguise: The Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast. By Clete Barrett Smith. 5 CDs. 3:58 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-1915-8. $54.97.

The Beautiful and the Cursed: The Dispossessed, Book 1. By Page Morgan. 10 CDs. 12:33 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-385-36392-1. $55.

Below. By Meg McKinlay. 4 CDs. 4:10 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7487-4. $54.97.

Black Helicopters. By Blythe Woolston. 3 CDs. 3:25 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7488-1. $54.97.

Born to Fly. By Michael Ferrari. 4 CDs. 5 hrs. AudioGO. 2013. ISBN 978-1-62460-220-7. $49.95.

A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials. By Ann Rinaldi. 6 CDs. 7:06 hrs. AudioGO. 2013. ISBN 978-1-62460-153-8. $69.95.

Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Summer Vacation. By Tommy Greenwald. 4 CDs. 3:56 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4805-0492-9. $54.97.

Crescent: A Helium-3 Novel, Book 2. By Homer Hickam. 7 CDs.  8:41 hrs. Oasis Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-61375534-1.  $27.99.

The Cydonian Pyramid: The Klaatu Diskos, Book 2. By Pete Hautman. 8 CDs. 8:50 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7489-8. $49.97.

The Darkest Minds. By Alexandra Bracken. 12 CDs. 14:06 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-9156-7. $59.97.

Deep and Dark and Dangerous. By Mary Downing Hahn. 5 CDs. 6 hrs. AudioGO. 2013. ISBN 978-1-62460-218-4. $49.95.

Discovering Wes Moore. By Wes Moore. 4 CDs. 4:01 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-8041-2193-4. $30.

The Edge of Nowhere. By Elizabeth George. 10 CDs. 11:36 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4805-0530-8. $59.97.

Fairy Tales: Poems and Music for Children. Performed by Clive Owen, Kenneth Branagh, and others. CD. 50:27 min. Prod. by Orchid Classics. Dist. by Naxos. 2013. ISBN unavail. $17.99.

Far Far Away. By Tom McNeal. 9 CDs. 10:55 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-8041-8041-2154-5. $65.

Garden Princess. By Kristin Kladstrup. 5 CDs. 5:04 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7492-8. $54.97.

Ghost Time. By Courtney Eldridge. 11 CDs. 13:24 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-8300-5. $49.97.

Girl, Stolen. By April Henry. 5 CDs. 5:08 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7837-7. $69.97

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die. By April Henry. 5 CDs. 5:28 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-7784-4. $59.97.

The Glass Cafe: Or the Stripper and the State, How My Mother Started a War with the System that Made us Kind of Rich and a Little Bit Famous. By Gary Paulsen.CD. 1:02 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4588-1082-6. $39.97.

Imposter: A Variants Novel. By Susanne Winnacker. 7 CDs. 8:04 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-8041-2384-6. $50.

The Lives We Lost: Fallen World, Book 2. By Megan Crewe. 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 7:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2013. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4498-5385-3, CD: ISBN 978-1-4498-5386-0. $51.75.

Loki’s Wolves: The Blackwell Pages, Book 1. By K.L. Armstrong and M. A. Marr. 7 CDs. 7:30 hrs. Hachette Audio for AudioGO. 213. ISBN 978-1-4789-2585-X. $64.99.

A Matter of Days. By Amber Kizer. 7 CDs. 8:14 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-385-36820-9. $50.

Monument 14: Sky on Fire. By Emmy Laybourne. 5 CDs. 5:26 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-5562-0. $54.97.

Paper Valentine. By Brenda Yovanoff. 7 CDs. 9 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-8041-2197-2. $60.

Sentries. By Gary Paulsen. 3 CDs. 3:17 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4692-4125-8. $39.97.

Shadow Chaser: Son of Angels, Book 3. By Jerel Law. 5 CDs. 5:47 hrs. Oasis Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-61375-531-0. $22.99.

Silent Harmony: Fairmont Riding Academy—A Vivienne Taylor Horse Lover’s Mystery, Book 1. By Michele Scott. 5 CDs. 6:10 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4805-1977-0. $49.97.

Storm: Swipe, Book 3. By Evan Angler. 7 CDs. 8:35 hrs. hrs. Oasis Audio. 2013. ISBN: 978-1-61375-630-3. $27.99.

Theodore Boone: The Activist. By John Grisham. 5 CDs. 5:56 hrs. Penguin Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-61176-158-0. $19.95.

The Time Hackers. By Gary Paulsen. 2 CDs. 2:08 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4558-1072-7. $39.97.

Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stingray, Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic. By Emily Jenkins.2 cassettes or 2 CDs. 2:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2013. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4640-2134-3, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-2133-6. $25.75.

Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great. By Bob Shea. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2013. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-7193-7. CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-7192-0. $15.75; hardcover book: ISBN 978-1-4231-5952-9: $15.99.

Vote. By Gary Paulsen. 3 CDs. 2:42 hrs. Brilliance Audio. ISBN 978-1-4692-7842-1. $39.97.

Wreck-It Ralph Read-Along Storybook and CD. By Disney Book Group. CD. 10:21 min. with paperback book. Disney. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4231-6061-8. $6.99.

You Know What You Have to Do. By Bonnie Shimko. 5CDs. 5:12 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4805-1978-7. $49.97.

Music

American Playground. CD. 25:28 min. Putumayo Kids. 2013. ISBN unavail. $14.98.

Braver to Be Kind. Performed by Terry A La Berry. CD. 30:06 min. CDBaby.com. 2013. ISBN unavail. $11.98.

A Creepy Crawly Song Book. By Ny Hiawyn Oram. CD. 60 min. with hardcover book. Prod. by Threefold Records. Dist. by AV Café. 2012, 2013 release. ISBN 978-0-95715-970-9. $12.97.

Love, Cake & Monsters. Performed by Princess Katie & Racer Steve. CD. 42:45 min. CDBaby.com. 2013. ISBN unavail. $15.

Once Upon a Tune. Performed by Liz Buchanan. CD. 45 min. Prod. by Antelope Dance. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2013. ISBN unavail. $15.99.

Roller Coaster Ride with Miss Dylan. Performed by Dylan Glanzer. CD. 28 min. CDBaby.com. ISBN unavail. $15.

Social Studies

Kennedy’s Last Days. By Bill O’Reilly. 4 CDs: 4:30 hrs. Macmillan Audio. 2013. ISBN 978-1-4272-3516-9. $19.99.

Mr. Lincoln’s High-Tech War. By Thomas B. Allen and Roger MacBride Allen. 4 CDs. 4 hrs. AudioGO. 2013. ISBN 978-1-62460-216-0. $29.95.

Wild Boy: The Real Life of the Savage of Aveyron. By Mary Losure. 2 CDs. 2:05 hrs. Brilliance Audio. ISBN 978-1-4692-7501-7. $59.97.

LAFLEUR, Suzanne. Listening for Lucca. 240p. Random/Wendy Lamb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74299-3; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99088-5; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-98031-1. LC 2012030911.

Gr 5-8–Thirteen-year-old Siena moves from New York City to a Maine coastal town before the start of eighth grade. Unlike most teens, she doesn’t mind the change. Her strange visions make it difficult to establish close friendships, and she’s hoping a new school will allow her to shed her reputation as a weirdo. Like her parents, Siena also hopes the new environment will encourage her mute three-year-old brother to begin speaking again. Siena starts to uncover oddities about their new home: she sees and hears flashes from the past, and an old pen begins writing its own story. She becomes engrossed in discovering all she can about the house’s former inhabitants, a family living there during World War II. Although her weirdness doesn’t disappear, Siena is able to form friendships and even a budding romance as she continues to investigate the house’s secrets. Her ability to see, interact with, and even alter the past eventually provides her with the insight to help her brother regain his desire to speak. Although Siena’s propensity for strange visions has the potential to create a creepy, suspenseful mood, the plot, especially in the first half of the novel, is more deliberate than gripping. The introduction to World War II battlefield trauma lends an interesting historical aspect. Recommend this one to readers willing to stay with a slow beginning for a satisfying conclusion.–Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

O’BRIEN, Annemarie. Lara’s Gift. 208p. bibliog. glossary. Knopf. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-93174-0; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97105-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97548-5. LC 2012034070.

Gr 5-8–Lara Ivanova Bogdanova loves the borzoi, the dogs her father breeds on the Count’s estate in imperial Russia. Training and caring for the animals alongside her father, she dreams of following him as kennel steward. Then her baby brother is born, and she is devastated when her father determines that she will marry instead. But visions regarding the dogs still come to her despite her father’s demand that she stop them. She knows that Zar, the runt she saved from death despite her father’s disapproval, has an important part to play in hunting the wolves that plague the estate if only her father would give him a chance. The story develops beautifully from Lara’s saving Zar and moves swiftly through the conflicts between Lara and her father as well as the confrontations between Zar and the wolves. Lara bravely steps forward to fight for her dreams in an era in which women were seen as fit only to be wives and mothers, seamstresses and midwives. Birth and fight scenes are handled realistically and factually. The imagery creates a vivid sense of time and place. Compelling historical fiction, this is also a powerful story about the bond between dogs and humans, fathers and daughters. The author’s note explains how the story came to be written and which minor aspects of the time and place were adapted to fit it.–Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

SLOAN, Holly Goldberg. Counting by 7s. 384p. Dial. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3855-3. LC 2012004994.

Gr 5-8–Twelve-year-old Willow Chase lived with her adoptive parents in Bakersfield, California. There in the midst of the high desert, she grew a garden in her backyard, her sanctuary. She was excited about starting a new school, hoping this time she might fit in, might find a friend. Willow had been identified in preschool as highly gifted, most of the time causing confusion and feelings of ineptness in her teachers. Now at her new school she is accused of cheating because no one has ever finished the state proficiency test in just 17 minutes, let alone gotten a perfect score. Her reward is behavioral counseling with Dell Duke, an ineffectual counselor with organizational and social issues of his own. She does make a friend when Mai Nguyen brings her brother, Quang-ha, to his appointment, and their lives begin to intertwine when Willow’s parents are killed in an auto accident. For the second time in her life she is an orphan, forced to find a “new normal.” She is taken in temporarily by Mai’s mother, who must stay ahead of Social Services. While Willow sees herself as just an observer, trying to figure out the social norms of regular family life, she is actually a catalyst for change, bringing together unsuspecting people and changing their lives forever. The narration cleverly shifts among characters as the story evolves. Willow’s philosophical and intellectual observations contrast with Quang-ha’s typical teenage boy obsessions and the struggles of a Vietnamese family fighting to live above the poverty level. Willow’s story is one of renewal, and her journey of rebuilding the ties that unite people as a family will stay in readers’ hearts long after the last page.–Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

For all the latest reviews in this subject area and more, check out our new Book Verdict site! Book Verdict is fully accessible to all users, though certain content and functionality are only available to subscribers.To log in to your account, click here. To view the new subscription options, Get Started With Book Verdict ProToday.Don’t know if you have an account with us? It’s easy to check and verify your email, or create a new account.

The following titles are reviewed in the September 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Grades 5-8

ABDUL-JABBAR, Kareem & Raymond Obstfeld. Sasquatch in the Paint. Bk. 1. 265p. (Streetball Crew Series). Hyperion/Disney. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-7870-5. ebook available.

BRAUNER, Barbara & James Iver Mattson. The Glitter Trap. illus. by Abigail Halpin. 240p. (Oh My Godmother Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-6373-2. LC 2013930976.

BRENDLER, Carol. Radio Girl. 208p. Holiday House. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2861-8. ebook available. LC 2012045937.

CARLSON, Caroline. Magic Marks the Spot. Bk. 1. illus. by Dave Phillips. 344p. (The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates Series). HarperCollins/Harper. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219434-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219433-6.

CARLTON, Kat. Two Lies and a Spy. 256p. S & S. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8172-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8174-9.

CARTER, Rachel. This Strange and Familiar Place. Bk. 2. 264p. (So Close to You Series). HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208108-7. ebook available. LC 2012031814.

CATANEO, D. M. Eggplant Alley. 352p. Bunker Hill. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59373-146-5. LC 2013934778.

COOPER, Susan. Ghost Hawk. 328p. map. S & S/McElderry. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8141-1; ebook $11.76. ISBN 978-1-4424-8143-5. LC 2012039892.

ENGLE, Margarita. Mountain Dog. illus. by Olga Ivanov. 224p. Holt. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9516-6.

GANSWORTH, Eric. If I Ever Get Out of Here. 368p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-41730-3. LC 201202030553.

GEORGE, Jessica Day. Wednesdays in the Tower. 240p. Bloomsbury. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-645-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-61963-051-2. LC 2013000262.

GIFF, Patricia Reilly. Hunter Moran Hangs Out. 144p. Holiday House. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2859-5. ebook available.

GORMLEY, Beatrice. Friends of Liberty. 197p. Eerdmans. 2013. pap. $8. ISBN 978-0-8028-5418-6. LC 2012048444.

HARPER, Suzanne. A Mischief of Mermaids. Bk. 3. 288p. (The Unseen World of Poppy Malone Series). HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199613-9. ebook available. LC 2012046725.

HELDRING, Thatcher. The League. 240p. Delacorte. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74181-1; lib. ed. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99025-0; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98713-7. LC 2012035296.

JARVIS, Robin. Dark Waters of Hagwood. Bk. 2. 314p. (The Hagwood Trilogy). illus. Open Road. 2013. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4532-9920-3. ebook available.

KELLEY, Jane. The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya. 208p. Feiwel & Friends. Oct. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-250-02348-3.

KERRIN, Jessica Scott. A Narrow Escape. Bk. 2. illus. by Shelagh Armstrong. 136p. (Lobster Chronicles). Kids Can. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-642-9.

KORMAN, Gordon. The Hypnotists. Bk. 1. 232p. (The Hypnotists Series). Scholastic. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-50322-8. LC 2012040458.

KRISHNASWAMI, Uma. The Problem with Being Slightly Heroic. illus. by Abigail Halpin. 288p. S & S/Atheneum. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2328-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9591-3.

KURTZ, Jane. Anna Was Here. 288p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-056493-3. ebook available. LC 2010017857.

LENNON, Maria T. Confessions of a So-called Middle Child. 288p. HarperCollins/Harper. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212690-0. ebook available.

MCCAFFERTY, Megan. The (Totally Not) Guaranteed Guide to Popularity, Prettiness & Perfection. Bk. 1. 228p. (Jessica Darling’s It List Series). Little, Brown/Poppy. Sept. 2013. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-316-24499-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-24497-8.

MARTIN, Lisa & Valerie Martin. Anton and Cecil: Cats at Sea. illus. by Kelly Murphy. 256p. Algonquin. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-61620-246-0.

PIERPOINT, Eric. The Last Ride of Caleb O’Toole. 288p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. Sept. 2013. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-8171-6.

SACKETT, Frances. The Misadventures of the Magician’s Dog. 192p. Holiday House. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2869-4. ebook available. LC 2012041540.

SIMON, Seymour. The Impossible Shrinking Machine: And Other Cases. Bk. 1. 102p. ISBN 978-1-936503-05-6.

––––.Lightning Never Lies: And Other Cases. Bk. 2. 116p. ISBN 978-1-936503-10-0.

ea vol: illus. by Kevin O’Malley. (Einstein Anderson: Science Geek Series). diag. websites. StarWalk. 2013. pap. $6.99.

SNICKET, Lemony. “When Did You See Her Last?” Bk. 2. illus. by Seth. 277p. (All the Wrong Questions Series). Little, Brown. Oct. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12305-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-22503-8. LC 2012955921.

SONNENBLICK, Jordan. Are You Experienced? 304p. Feiwel & Friends. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-250-02564-7.

STRASSER, Todd. Fallout. 272p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5534-1. ebook available. LC 2012955123.

STROUD, Jonathan. The Screaming Staircase. Bk. 1. 384p. (Lockwood & Co. Series). Hyperion/Disney. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-6491-3. LC 2013000352.

THOMPSON, Mary G. Escape from the Pipe Men! 352p. Clarion. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-85905-7. LC 2012022615.

TRACY, Kristen. Too Cool for This School. 288p. Delacorte. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74070-8; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98962-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89984-3.

VERNICK, Shirley Reva. Remember Dippy. 162p. Cinco Puntos. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-935955-48-1; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-935955-58-0. ebook available. LC 2012043174.

VOORHEES, Coert. In Too Deep. 336p. Hyperion/Disney. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4035-1; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-8109-5. LC 2013002329.

WALLACE, Rich. Wicked Cruel. 208p. Knopf. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86748-4; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96748-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89800-6.

WHITNEY, Daisy. Starry Nights. 272p. Bloomsbury. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61963-133-5.

WOLF, Elisabeth. Lulu in La La Land. 272p. illus. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2013. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-8504-2. ebook available.

ZAHLER, Diane. Sleeping Beauty’s Daughters. 224p. HarperCollins/Harper. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200496-3.

BLAKE, Tamara. Slumber. 172p. Diversion. 2013. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-62-681102-7.

Gr 10 Up–When Ruby’s single mom becomes ill, the 17-year-old has to fill in at Happy Housekeepers in order to keep money coming in. She enters the house that she is assigned to clean in New York’s tony Hamptons and finds it trashed from a wild party. While cleaning, she meets handsome and flirtatious Tam and a host of other young people who are engaged in sexual exploits and indulging in alcohol and drugs. Violet, an ex-girlfriend of Tam’s, is jealous of Ruby and demands that she clean her room. Ruby, desperate for money, reluctantly does so, and in the process steals a necklace. She later confesses her crime to Tam, who has some bad news for her: the necklace will not come off and will only get tighter and tighter. Violet and the others in the house, including Tam, are fae or fairies. They are bored with their lives and enjoy watching humans suffer. The only way for Ruby to end the curse that Violet puts on her family is to perform a series of tasks. In the same vein as Nancy Werlin’s Extraordinary (Dial, 2010), this modern-day fairy tale’s accessible vocabulary and dialogue make it easy to read. The fairy characters are faintly reminiscent of the group of vampires in Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” books, but they use four letter words and seem less mature. Teen girls who are reluctant readers and enjoy watching shows such as True Blood will pick up this title.–Kathy Lyday, South Caldwell High School, NC

KNOWLES, Jo. Living with Jackie Chan. 384p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6280-6; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6716-0.

Gr 9 Up–Seventeen-year-old Josh expected to be hanging out with his friends and going to parties during his senior year, but all that changed after a one-night stand ended in an unexpected pregnancy. Afraid to face the girl whose life he believes he ruined, Josh moves in with his Jackie Chan-loving Uncle Larry and begins a new life at a new school. Yet no matter how hard he tries, he can’t escape his past. Overcome with guilt and regret, Josh concentrates on helping his uncle with his karate class. His growing friendship with his neighbor, Stella, forces Josh to face his past in an attempt to find forgiveness, especially from his own worst enemy: himself. In this companion to Jumping Off Swings (Candlewick, 2009), Knowles provides readers with an intimate look at Josh a year after the events of the first book. Tormented by his past actions, Josh is constantly at war with his feelings, denying himself any happiness as penance. As the emotional core of the book, Josh is a complex yet incredibly likable character with whom readers will empathize. Similarly, both Larry and Stella possess dynamic, well-developed personalities, making it easy to believe how crucial a role they play in Josh’s recovery. Divided into four parts, the compelling narrative offers an honest and frank look at teen pregnancy from the male’s perspective, and while the book could have been a depressing read in another author’s hands, Knowles succeeds in writing a character-driven story that is as uplifting as it is heartbreaking.–Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH

LAKE, Nick. Hostage Three. 368p. map. Bloomsbury. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61963-123-6; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61963-149-6.

Gr 8 Up–Amy Fields walks out of her A Level exams required for entrance into the Royal Academy; she is still grieving over her mother’s death and cares little about the future. Her rich father and new stepmother hope that sailing around the world will allow much-needed family bonding, but the idyllic trip ends when Somalian pirates seize their yacht and hold them for ransom. Tension is palpable as the frightened family and crew become pawns in the businesslike negotiations. Although carefully guarded with machine guns, the British teen observes a pecking order among her captors and befriends Farouz, the pirates’ handsome translator. They share memories of personal pain that include Amy’s mother’s suicide, the execution of Farouz’s parents, and the political imprisonment of his brother. Their stories are vivid and poignant, adding layers to a rich characterization, especially details of Somalian culture and mythology. Amy falls in love, understanding Farouz’s vow to use ransom money to free his brother, but is startled back to reality when he agrees to follow orders to shoot her on command. Circumstances become dire when she learns secrets about her father’s business that jeopardize their release, and rival pirates and the navy get involved. The author playfully tells Amy’s account of the rescue the way she hoped it would play out, and then again, as it actually happened. The narrative twist is brilliant, taking readers on an emotional ride to the very last page.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

SALERNI, Dianne K. The Caged Graves. 336p. Clarion. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-86853-0. LC 2012021008.

Gr 8 Up–It’s 1867, and 17-year-old Verity Boone is moving back to Pennsylvania after spending 15 years with relatives in Massachusetts. She’s anxious to reunite with her father and meet her fiancé, Nathaniel McClure, for the first time. Unfortunately, life in rural Catawissa isn’t what Verity expected and her homecoming is beginning to feel anything but welcoming. Her father is distant, and Verity and Nathaniel’s first meeting is awkward and uncomfortable. He doesn’t come across as romantic in person as he did in his letters. To make matters worse, he takes Verity on an impromptu walk that leads her to an unsettling sight–her mother’s grave enclosed in an ugly, iron cage. Disturbed and heartbroken, Verity is determined to find out why it was placed in unconsecrated grounds. Unfortunately, her father, Nathaniel, and the townsfolk (while quick to gossip about the Boones) aren’t talking. The only way to unravel the mystery is to read her mother’s diaries, which exposes Verity to unsettling truths about Catawissa and her family. Verity is a likable, feisty, and outspoken heroine. She often infuriates Nathaniel, whom she quickly discovers is worthy of her attentions. Salerni is a masterful storyteller who uses eloquent prose to craft a suspenseful historical mystery that is absolutely impossible to put down.–Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ

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The following titles are reviewed in the September 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Grades 9 & Up

BLAKE, Kendare. Antigoddess. Bk. 1. 336p. (The Goddess War Series). ebook available. Tor Teen. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-3443-5.

BLOUNT, Patty. TMI. 336p. Sourcebooks/Fire. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-7340-7.

CASELLA, Jody. Thin Space. 256p. S & S/Simon Pulse. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58270-435-7; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-58270-392-3.

COTUGNO, Katie. How to Love. 400p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221635-9. ebook available.

COUTTS, Alexandra. Tumble & Fall. 384p. Farrar. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-37861-5.

CRANE, Caprice. Confessions of a Hater. 288p. Feiwel & Friends. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-250-00846-6.

CUSICK, John M. Cherry Money Baby. 400p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5557-0. ebook available. LC 2013931460.

DASHNER, James. The Eye of Minds. 304p. Delacorte. Oct. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74139-2; lib. ed. $21.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99001-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98463-1.

DOLLER, Trish. Where the Stars Still Shine. 256p. Bloomsbury. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61963-144-1; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61963-145-8.

EMERSON, Kevin. The Dark Shore. Bk. 2. 470p. (The Atlanteans Series). HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206282-6. LC 2012029923.

FARMER, Nancy. The Lord of Opium. 432p. S & S/Atheneum/Richard Jackson Bks. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8254-8; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8256-2. LC 2012030418.

FRANKEL, Jordana. The Ward. 465p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209534-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209536-7. LC 2012051733.

FREDERICKS, Mariah. Season of the Witch. 256p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81277-8; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81278-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81279-2. LC 2012040028.

GLEASON, Colleen. The Clockwork Scarab. Bk. 1. 356p. (Stoker & Holmes Series). Chronicle. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-1070-7.

GREEN, Risa. Projection. 288p. SohoTeen. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61695-200-6.

HALBROOK, Kristin. Nobody but Us. 288p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212126-4; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212127-1. LC 2012011526.

HEMPHILL, Stephanie. Hideous Love: The Story of the Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein. 320p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-185331-9.

HOPKINS, Ellen. Smoke. 560p. S & S/McElderry. Sept. 2013. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8328-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2358-9. LC 2012038452.

HUTCHINSON, Shaun David. FML. 276p. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8318-7; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3287-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3288-8. LC 2012016007.

HUTCHISON, Dot. A Wounded Name. 320p. Carolrhoda Lab. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0887-6; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1618-5. LC 2012043424.

KLEIN, Lisa. Love Disguised. 320p. further reading. Bloomsbury. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-968-4.

KRUGER, Mark H. Overpowered. 432p. S & S. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3128-7. ebook available. LC 2012043190.

LAYBOURNE, Emmy. Sky on Fire. Bk. 2. 217p. (Monument 14 Series). Feiwel & Friends. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-312-56904-4. ebook available.

LEVITHAN, David. Two Boys Kissing. 200p. Knopf. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-93190-0; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97112-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97564-5. LC 2012047089.

LEVY, Debbie. Imperfect Spiral. 339p. Walker. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-3441-9; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-3442-6. LC 2012027329.

MACHALE, D. J. SYLO. 416p. (The SYLO Chronicles Series). Penguin/Razorbill. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-665-6.

MANCUSI, Mari. Scorched. 352p. Sourcebooks/Fire. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-8458-8.

MESROBIAN, Carrie. Sex & Violence. 304p. Carolrhoda Lab. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0597-4; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1619-2. LC 2012047181.

MILLER, Leah Rae. The Summer I Became a Nerd. 258p. Entangled Teen. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-62061-238-5; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-62061-239-2.

MOSER, Elise. Lily and Taylor. 192p. Groundwood/House of Anansi. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-334-6; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-335-3; ebook $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-336-0.

NORTH, Phoebe. Starglass. 448p. S & S. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5953-3. ebook available. LC 2012021171.

OSTROVSKI, Emil. The Paradox of Vertical Flight. 272p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-223852-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-223854-2.

PATEL, Sam A. Data Runner. 232p. Diversion. 2013. ebook $2.99. ISBN 978-1-62-681060-0.

POLSKY, Sara. This Is How I Find Her. 261p. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-7877-3.

SHARAFEDDINE, Fatima. The Servant. 160p. Groundwood/House of Anansi. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-307-0; ebook $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-309-4.

SMITH, Alexander Gordon. The Fury. 681p. Farrar. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-374-32495-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-32497-1. LC 2012032621.

SNOW, Carol. Bubble World. 352p. Holt. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9571-5.

STINE, R. L. A Midsummer Night’s Scream. 256p. Feiwel & Friends. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-250-02434-3.

TERRY, Teri. Fractured. Bk. 2. 336p. (Slated Trilogy). Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-16173-5. LC 2012044317.

THOMAS, Sherry. The Burning Sky. Bk. 1. 464p. (The Elemental Trilogy). HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Sept. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-220729-6. ebook available.

WENDIG, Chuck. Under the Empyrean Sky. Bk. 1. 368p. (The Heartland Trilogy). Skyscape. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-1720-9; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-6720-4.

WHITE, Kiersten. The Chaos of Stars. 288p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213592-6. ebook available.

BUTTERWORTH, Chris. See What a Seal Can Do. illus. by Kate Nelms. 32p. index. websites. Candlewick. 2013. RTE $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6574-6. LC 2012947729.

K-Gr 2–A curious gray seal peers out from the cover, seeming to invite readers into its underwater world. Once inside, the book begins and ends with seals napping on the rocks. This sedentary behavior, the only one visible to earth-bound humans, gives these sea mammals a “lazy” reputation. In fact, as the illustrations go on to show, the seal is anything but. Once below the ocean’s surface, the creature’s streamlined body and adaptive features (which are described and explained) make it a master predator. The poetic text is full of alliteration, onomatopoeia, and vocabulary that will delight readers. (“A flump is a flop and a jump both together.”) Sentences in smaller type act as captions and add further detail, as do the illustrations on the endpapers and the information on the verso of the title page. The beautifully colored, full-spread illustrations portray the seal’s transformation from awkward land dweller to sinuous and powerful denizen of the deep. The below-water scenes masterfully evoke the murky ocean habitat and the singular seal’s steep descent to the bottom. From the irresistible cover to the closing “super-swimming underwater wonder,” the book will encourage readers to dive right in and see what a seal can do.–Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI

GUIBERSON, Brenda Z. The Greatest Dinosaur Ever. illus. by Gennady Spirin. 32p. bibliog. websites. Holt. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9625-5.

Gr 1-4–This book poses the question, “Who was the greatest dinosaur that ever lived?” Each beautifully illustrated page declares “I, —-, was the greatest of them all!” The succinct text describes the superlative characteristic (biggest herbivore, stongest teeth, fastest runner) of the species and offers the gross, interesting, and informative facts that dinosaur-obsessed readers want to know. Each name includes a pronunciation guide (exactly what adult readers want). The text includes a mix of familiar and obscure species including “the first dinosaur to say I was a bird,” the best parent, and the longest spikes. Every full-spread illustration, in oil paint on paper, shows the dinosaur in its richly depicted habitat. Observant children will learn as much from the detailed, painterly images of groups of animals moving together, hunting prey, and adapting to new environments as they will from the text. The dreamy quality of the art keeps these giant predators from being too scary. Whether read aloud or pored over individually, this book is sure to please anyone who has ever wondered about dinosaurs.–Leila Sterman, Chappaqua Library, NY

PINKNEY, Jerry. The Tortoise & the Hare. illus. by author. 40p. Little, Brown. Oct. 2013. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-316-18356-7. LC 2012048426.

PreS-Gr 3–Following up on his superb rendition of The Lion & the Mouse (Little, Brown, 2009), Pinkney has created yet another stunning interpretation of a classic tale in this virtually wordless picture book. Endpapers establish the desert setting with a map of the course through the cacti and rocky region of the American Southwest. Tortoise and Hare, each sporting a bandana, are joined by their animal friends at the starting line for the famous race. Fox in his broad-brimmed hat gives them their marks, gets them set, and off they go as Hare bounds away, leaving Tortoise behind in a trail of dust. Pinkney uses watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel paintings to create vibrant characters that are in colorful contrast to the tans and natural browns of the desert. Long horizontal lines and Hare leaping off the page propel the story–and the race–ever forward. The limited text, used sparingly but extremely effectively, reinforces the theme of the story–that the journey is as important as the ultimate goal–and builds one word at a time: “slow,” “slow and,” “slow and steady” until finally the race is won to the cheers and high-fives of the supportive spectators. Pinkney takes care to show Tortoise overcoming challenges and Hare demonstrating good sportsmanship and healthy competition. An artist’s note explains the creative process and motivation for retelling the well-known tale. This spectacular success is certain to become a classic in its own right.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

For all the latest reviews in this subject area and more, check out our new Book Verdict site! Book Verdict is fully accessible to all users, though certain content and functionality are only available to subscribers.To log in to your account, click here. To view the new subscription options, Get Started With Book Verdict Pro Today.

Don’t know if you have an account with us? It’s easy to check and verify your email, or create a new account.

The following titles are reviewed in the September 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Preschool to Grade 4

ALOIAN, Molly. What Is Hearing? ISBN 978-0-7787-0970-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-0997-8. LC 2013004906.

––––.What Is Sight? ISBN 978-0-7787-0969-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-0996-1. LC 2013009067.

––––.What Is Smell? ISBN 978-0-7787-0971-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-0999-2. LC 2013009066.

––––.What Is Taste? ISBN 978-0-7787-0967-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-0972-5. LC 2013007631.

––––.What Is Touch? ISBN 978-0-7787-0968-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-0991-6.

ea vol: 24p. (Senses Close-Up Series). diag. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Crabtree. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; pap. $7.95.

BARRETT, Judi. Grandpa’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Cookbook. illus. by Ron Barrett. 64p. ebook available. index. photos. S & S/Atheneum. 2013. Spiral $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4475-1. LC 2012045731.

BARRY, Holly M. Helen Keller’s Best Friend Belle. illus. by Jennifer Thermes. 32p. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-3198-3.

BROCKET, Jane. 1 Cookie, 2 Chairs, 3 Pears: Numbers Everywhere. 32p. (Jane Brocket’s Clever Concepts Series). Millbrook. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60. ISBN 978-1-4677-0232-4; ebook $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1702-1. LC 2012049689.

BROOKS, Susie. Get Into Art People: Discover Great Art and Create Your Own! illus. by author. 32p. diag. glossary. index. photos. reprods. Kingfisher. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7534-7059-6.

DEMI. The Fantastic Adventures of Krishna. illus. by author. 44p. Wisdom Tales. 2013. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-937786-05-2.

FRANCINE, Gabriella with Solara Vayanian. Let’s Make a Difference: We Can Help Orangutans. (Save Coins for Causes).32p. photos. websites. Big Blue Marble. Oct. 2013. Tr $15. ISBN 978-1-938504-00-6. LC 2013930091.

GILANI, Fawzia. Snow White: An Islamic Tale. illus. by Shireen Adams. 44p. (Islamic Fairy Tales Series). glossary. The Islamic Foundation. 2013. Tr $14. ISBN 978-0-86037-526-5.

HARRIS, Robie H. What’s in There?: All About Before You Were Born. illus. by Nadine Bernard Westcott. 40p. (Let’s Talk About You and Me Series). Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3630-2. LC 2008025455.

HUBER, Raymond. Flight of the Honey Bee. illus. by Brian Lovelock. 32p. index. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6760-3. LC 2013931462.

KOHUTH, Jane. Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree. illus. by Elizabeth Sayles. 48p. (Step into Reading Series). photos. websites. Random. Sept. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81255-6; lib. ed. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97115-0; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97579-9; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98113-5. LC 2012034585.

KULLING, Monica. Making Contact!: Marconi Goes Wireless. illus. by Richard Rudnicki. 32p. (Great Idea Series). Tundra. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-378-0. ebook available. LC 2012947610.

LEVINE, Sara. Bone by Bone: Comparing Animal Skeletons. illus. by T.S Spookytooth. 32p. further reading. glossary. websites. Millbrook. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60. ISBN 978-0-7613-8464-9. ebook available. LC 2012048894.

LUNDE, Darrin. Hello, Mama Wallaroo. illus. by Patricia J. Wynne. 28p. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-796-7; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-797-4; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-605-0. LC 2012024436.

O’CONNELL, Jennifer. The Eye of the Whale: A Rescue Story. illus. by author. 32p. Tilbury. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-88448-335-9. LC 2012031165.

PRELUTSKY, Jack. The Silver Moon: Lullabies and Cradle Songs. illus. by Jui Ishida. 48p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201467-2. LC 2012038097.

QUATTLEBAUM, Mary. Jo MacDonald Hiked in the Woods. illus. by Laura J. Bryant. 32p. further reading. websites. Dawn. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-334-5; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-335-2. LC 2013009249.

ROCKWELL, Anne. Hey, Charleston!: The True Story of the Jenkins Orphanage Band. illus. by Colin Bootman. 32p. bibliog. Carolrhoda. Nov. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5565-6; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8843-2. LC 2010001525.

RUSCH, Elizabeth. Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World. illus. by Oliver Dominguez. 40p. bibliog. diag. further reading. notes. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5855-7. LC 2012954334.

RUSCH, Elizabeth. Volcano Rising. illus. by Susan Swan. 32p. bibliog. diag. further reading. glossary. websites. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-408-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-409-8; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-616-6. LC 2012000793.

THOMSON, Sarah L. Ancient Animals: Terror Bird. illus. by Andrew Plant. 32p. further reading. websites. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $12.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-398-5; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-399-2; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-610-4. LC 2012029366.

TONER, Jacqueline B. with Claire A. B. Freeland. What to Do When It’s Not Fair: A Kid’s Guide to Handling Envy and Jealousy. illus. by David Thompson. 96p. diag. Magination. Sept. 2013. pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1341-2. LC 2013005781.

WINTER, Jonah. JFK. illus. by AG Ford. 32p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. Nov. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-176807-1.

FREEDMAN, Russell. Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain. 96p. bibliog. index. notes. photos. reprods. Clarion. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-90378-1.

Gr 5-8–For the 30 years it was in operation, from 1910-1940, Angel Island Immigration Station served as the first step for hundreds of thousands of people seeking a new home and a new life in the United States. It was a bleak, unwelcoming introduction to the new land, and for many immigrants, primarily those from China, it was also a detention center. Many Chinese were held there for weeks or months at a time while they endured lengthy interviews and invasive medical exams in order to prove that they could enter the U.S. Freedman’s inimitable style and approach to nonfiction writing shines in this accessible, thoughtful history of Angel Island and its legacy in the American immigration narrative. Detailed descriptions of the island, the actual building, the events that took place there, and the people who passed through its doors are sprinkled with the emotional poems, quotes, and other writings that were discovered covering the walls of the areas where the detainees were housed. These words provide not only a unique perspective of the immigrants, but also a context for what was happening in the broader world, specifically the racist, xenophobic attitudes encountered by many new arrivals. Complemented by photographs, artwork, and primary sources, Freedman’s writing offers up a strong, engaging introduction to the subject of a more diverse immigrant population and the obstacles that were put in its way. Equally evocative and informative, this is an excellent choice for middle school libraries.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

GREENBERG, Jan & Sandra Jordan. The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius. 56p. bibliog. notes. photos. reprods. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Oct. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-810-1. LC 2012047601.

Gr 5-8–Ohr was a homegrown genius and the greatest artist potter on Earth, or so he claimed, and while dismissed by many as a self-promoting eccentric (he was that), much of what he declared about himself is recognized as true today. His pottery, notably inventive in its shapes, textures, and glazes, became more experimental and free-flowing in form after 1894, when fire destroyed his kiln. While clearly distinct, Ohr’s art was not outsider; he subscribed to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, and for a short time worked with Joseph Meyer furnishing pottery for the women of The Ladies’ Decorative Arts League in New Orleans. But Ohr was quirky, flamboyant, and a Biloxi, Mississippi, tourist attraction; he had a bushy handlebar mustache that he could wrap around his ears, and he was often difficult. The authors do an excellent job describing this larger-than-life character through quotes and plentiful color photos of his pottery, or “mud babies” as he referred to his creations. Of particular interest are the archival sepia photos, including the two large, double-page images depicting the artist in his barnlike studio with piles and piles of his work–and several children–about, that open and close the book. A one-page guide on “How to Look at a Pot” examines a decorative piece with reference to texture, color, form, line, and expression. Extensive source notes round out this nicely designed, fascinating introduction to the master craftsman and art pottery.–Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

LEWIS, Catherine. Thrice Told Tales: Three Mice Full of Writing Advice. illus. by Joost Swarte. 144p. appendix. diag. glossary. index. S & S/Atheneum. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5784-3. ebook available. LC 2012010644.

Gr 8 Up–Lewis offers a witty and whimsical guide for burgeoning scribes that includes definitions of common literary terms as well as writing advice. With a page or two devoted to each, elements such as intertextuality, farce, foreshadowing, and leitmotif are explained using the nursery rhyme about three blind mice. The author has created a background story for the mice and developed distinct personalities for each one as she uses their tale to define the selected literary elements. Concepts are succinctly summarized at the end of each page. Playful black-and-white illustrations of the mice in action add visual interest. Other writing advice includes topics such as how to build suspense, how and when to incorporate sentimentality, and how to effectively include potentially distracting content such as sex or expletives. Explanations are interesting and clever, turning formerly lackluster definitions of literary terms into entertainment. Useful for readers who want to hone their writing skills as well as creative-writing classes.–Ragan O’Malley, Saint Ann’s School, Brooklyn, NY

MARKLE, Sandra. The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees: A Scientific Mystery. 48p. diag. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. websites. Millbrook. Oct. 2013. RTE $29.27. ISBN 978-1-4677-0592-9; ebook $21.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1700-7. LC 2012046913.

Gr 4-8–The worker bee and its vital role in the life cycle of the honeybee are interwoven with the threat that Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) poses to bees, plants, and humans in straightforward language on honey-colored paper, illustrated with full-color photographs on every page. Commercial colonies of bees are trucked around the country to pollinate almonds, blueberries, apples, citrus fruit, and pumpkins in a yearly cycle that does not include the winter rest that wild bees take. But because these honeybees can mix with wild populations, the threat of CCD is not confined to commercial bee colonies. The work of scientists examining such possible causes as virus, fungus, mites, and pesticides and possible remedies is described. The glossary and index provide good definitions of terms relating to both honeybees and CCD. The author has included a half page of interesting factoids about honeybees as well as suggestions for how to help them locally and organizations involved in “Global Rescue Efforts.” An excellent first purchase for reports as well as for general interest.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA

MONTGOMERY, Sy. The Tapir Scientist. photos by Nic Bishop. 80p. (Scientists in the Field Series). bibliog. chart. index. map. websites. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-81548-0. LC 2012018678.

Gr 5-10–In this addition to the series, readers join Pati Medici and her team in their quest to study tapirs in the world’s largest wetland, the Pantanal Wetlands of Brazil. Although its appearance may lead some to suppose that the tapir falls somewhere near elephants or hippopotami in the family tree, this flexible-snouted, hoof-toed tropical creature is most closely related to rhinoceroses and horses. Medici has dubbed the tapir “the gardener of the forest” for its critical role in maintaining foliage by ingesting fruits and excreting the seeds elsewhere, but little else is known about this vanishing species. By observing and trapping the animals to outfit them with radio collars or microchips and collect samples including blood and ticks from infestations, Medici’s team hopes to better understand their lifestyles to enhance conservation efforts. Although in-text pronunciation guides are included for some Portuguese names and select scientific terminology is explained, no glossary is provided, and many of the exotic birds discussed are not shown. Following each chapter are several pages of related information with text and photographs placed on top of a marbled background with shadows that can make the text difficult to read in some places. A list of several websites and YouTube videos is included, and the index differentiates between text and photographic references. Bishop’s captivating photographs, paired with Montgomery’s narrative, not only call attention to a lesser-known endangered species, but also expose readers to the working conditions, obstacles, and emotions experienced by passionate scientists in the field.–Meaghan Darling, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

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The following titles are reviewed in the September 2013 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Grade 5 & Up

BEDELL, J. M. So, You Want to Be a Chef?: How to Get Started in the World of Culinary Arts. 224p. (Be What You Want Series). bibliog. chron. glossary. illus. websites. S & S/Aladdin/Beyond Words. Oct. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-58270-437-1; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-58270-436-4.

CAWTHORNE, Nigel. Notorious Tyrants. 128p. (Great People in History Series). chron. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Rosen. 2013. lib. ed. $34.60. ISBN 978-1-4777-0406-6. ebook available. LC 2012032497.

CLIFFORD, Mary Louise. Drummer Boy of Company C: Coming of Age in the Civil War. 158p. bibliog. chron. index. map. notes. photos. reprods. Cypress Communications. Sept. 2013. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-0-9636412-8-1. LC 2013938235.

DINGLE, Adrian. How to Make a Universe with 92 Ingredients: An Electrifying Guide to the Elements. 96p. chart. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Owlkids. Oct. 2013. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-77147-008-7. LC 2013930988.

FRENZ, Florida. How to Be Human: Diary of an Autistic Girl. illus. by author. 40p. Creston Books. Sept. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-939547-01-9.

GLASSBOURG, Michael. Learn to Speak Film: A Guide to Creating, Promoting & Screening Your Movies. illus. by Jeff Kulak. 96p. index. Owlkids. 2013. Tr $22.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-84-5; pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-85-2. LC 2012954724.

GOLDMAN, Judy. Whiskers, Tails & Wings: Animal Folktales from Mexico. illus. by Fabricio VandenBroeck. 64p. bibliog. glossary. index. map. notes. websites. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-372-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-617-3. LC 2012024636.

GUTMAN, Dan. My Weird Writing Tips. illus. by Jim Paillot. 160p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209107-9; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209106-2. LC 2012029985.

HUEY, Lois Miner. Ick! Yuck! Eew!: Our Gross American History. 48p. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Millbrook. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $29.27. ISBN 978-0-7613-9091-6; ebook $21.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1710-6. LC 2013004386.

KUIPER,Kathleen, ed. The Life and Times of William Shakespeare. 108p. ISBN 978-1-61530-926-9. LC 2012019293.

––––.The Tragedies of William Shakespeare. 88p. ISBN 978-1-61530-927-6. LC 2012021217.

ea vol: (Shakespeare: His Work and World Series). bibliog. chron. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. Britannica. 2013. lib. ed. $32.90.

MCCLAFFERTY, Carla Killough. Fourth Down and Inches: Concussions and Football’s Make-or-Break Moment. 96p. bibliog. diag. further reading. index. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Carolrhoda. Sept. 2013. lib. ed. $20.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1067-1; ebook $15.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1665-9. LC 2013004192.

MACLEOD, Elizabeth & Frieda Wishinsky. A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People and Inventions That Changed the World. illus. by Qin Leng. 124p. chron. index. map. Kids Can. 2013. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-775-4.

MARTIN, Lesley Schwartz. Make the Grade: Everything You Need to Study Better, Stress Less, and Succeed in School. 144p. chart. diag. index. Zest. 2013. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-936976-38-6. LC 2012943317.

MEYER, Terry Teague. How Inflation Affects You. ISBN 978-1-4488-8341-7. LC 2012018537.

PORTERFIELD, Jason. How a Recession Affects You. ISBN 978-1-4488-8345-5. LC 2012018784.

STRAZZABOSCO, John. How Spending and Saving Affect You. ISBN 978-1-4488-8344-8. LC 2012017552.

ea vol: 80p. (Your Economic Future Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Rosen. 2013. lib. ed. $33.25. ebook available.

MILLER, Ron. Recentering the Universe: The Radical Theories of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton. 88p. bibliog. diag. further reading. glossary. index. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Twenty-First Century. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $31.93. ISBN 978-0-7613-5885-5; ebook $23.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1662-8. LC 2012047665.

MORPURGO, Michael & Clare Morpurgo. Where My Wellies Take Me…: A Childhood Scrapbook with Poems and Pictures. illus. by Olivia Lomenech Gill. 97p. index. Candlewick/Templar. 2013. RTE $29.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6629-3. LC 2012954328.

NAZARIO, Sonia. Enrique’s Journey: The True Story of a Boy Determined to Reunite with His Mother. 288p. map. Delacorte. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74327-3; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99104-2; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-98315-2. LC 2012038328.

O’KANE, Bernard. The Civilization of the Islamic World. 232p. (The Illustrated History of the Ancient World Series). bibliog. diag. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Rosen. 2013. lib. ed. $53.25. ISBN 978-1-4488-8503-9. LC 2012032340.

PERKINS, Mitali, ed. Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices. 144p. Candlewick. Sept. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5866-3. ebook available. LC 2012955218.

PRINGLE, Laurence. Scorpions! illus. by Meryl Henderson. 32p. (Strange and Wonderful Series). diag. further reading. map. websites. Boyds Mills. Oct. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-473-0. LC 2013931088.

REYNOLDS, Luke, ed. Break These Rules: 35 YA Authors On Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself. 212p. Chicago Review Press. Sept. 2013. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-61374-784-1.

RHATIGAN, Joe. Ouch!: The Weird & Wild Ways Your Body Deals with Agonizing Aches, Ferocious Fevers, Lousy Lumps, Crummy Colds, Bothersome Bites, Breaks, Bruises & Burns & Makes Them Feel Better! illus. by Anthony Owsley. 80p. chart. diag. glossary. index. photos. reprods. Charlesbridge/Imagine! 2013. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-62354-005-0. LC 2012048462.

SHECTER, Vicky Alvear. Anubis Speaks! illus. by Antoine Revoy. 128p. (Secrets of the Ancient Gods Series). bibliog. glossary. index. Boyds Mills. Oct. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-995-7.

STEWART, Melissa & Allen Young. No Monkeys, No Chocolate. illus. by Nicole Wong. 32p. Charlesbridge. 2013. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-287-2. LC 2012000789.

SWANSON, James L. “The President Has Been Shot!”: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy. 288p. bibliog. diag. further reading. index. map. notes. photos. reprods. Scholastic. Oct. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-545-49007-8; ebook $18.99. ISBN 978-0-545-49654-4. LC 2012041167.

WALKER, Niki. Why Do We Fight?: Conflict, War, and Peace. 80p. chron. index. map. notes. Owlkids. Sept. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-86-9. LC 2013930981.

WITTENSTEIN, Vicki Oransky. For the Good of Mankind?: The Shameful History of Human Medical Experimentation. 96p. bibliog. further reading. index. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Twenty-First Century. Oct. 2013. lib. ed. $35.93. ISBN 978-1-4677-0659-9; ebook $26.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-1661-1. LC 2012043413.

 HENKES, Kevin. Penny and Her Marble. illus. by author. 48p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Mar. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208203-9; PLB $14.89. ISBN 978-0-06-208204-6. LC 2012000708.
PreS-Gr 2–In the latest installment in the series, the young mouse is pushing her doll’s stroller down the block when she spies a marble on her neighbor’s lawn. After furtively looking around, Penny drops it in her pocket and races home. At first she delights in her new treasure, enjoying how smooth it feels between her fingers and how fast it rolls across the floor, but then she is overcome with guilt for taking something that doesn’t belong to her. Henkes’s nuanced watercolor and ink illustrations capture the shame-filled mouse hiding behind curtains. As she continues to worry, she loses her appetite: “The oranges in the bowl looked like big orange marbles. The peas on her plate looked like little green marbles.” After a dream-filled night, Penny decides to put the marble back where she found it. When confronted by Mrs. Goodwin, Penny’s “cheeks were hot. She could not speak,” but her kind neighbor reassures her that she put the marble on the grass hoping someone would pick it up. Readers will empathize with Penny and her conflicted emotions. The short sentences with plenty of repetition and superb pacing make this title perfect for beginning readers. A treasure.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

 MESHON, Aaron. Take Me Out to the Yakyu. illus. by author. 40p. glossary. S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4177-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4178-1. LC 2011050907.
K-Gr 2–A young boy compares and contrasts the game of baseball as it is played and enjoyed by fans in the United States and in Japan. He has the good fortune of experiencing the action in both countries. “My American pop pop takes me to watch baseball at the stadium./My Japanese ji ji takes me to watch yakyu at the dome.” Everything from transportation to and from the ballpark to snacks, souvenirs, and the appropriate cheers is included, as well as differences in the actual play. A glossary of both baseball and “Other Fun Words” is appended, as is an informative author’s note outlining other differences. The bright and cheerful acrylic illustrations feature shades of blue for the U. S. and reds for Japan, making it easy to distinguish between the two. The pages are nicely designed with clean lines and no clutter. A lively and enjoyable read for baseball fans, and a great choice for those compare-and-contrast lessons.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

 ROSENTHAL, Amy Krouse. Exclamation Mark. illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. 56p. Scholastic. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-43679-3.
Gr 1-5–Through a perfect pairing of clever design and tongue-in-cheek humor, Rosenthal and Lichtenheld effectively demonstrate the function of the exclamation mark (as well as the period and question mark) in this tale about a depressed punctuation mark that just doesn’t fit in. On an unadorned backdrop of lined paper, several periods and one exclamation mark are lined up in a row. Clearly, he stands out in a crowd. Like Elmer in David McKee’s classic tale, the exclamation mark struggles with his difference and tries to blend in. When the downcast punctuation meets a question mark who overwhelms him with inquiries, our hero finally finds his voice and tells the other to “Stop!” From there, he builds his confidence in making declarative statements and leaves the group “to make his mark.” Rosenthal shines in her play on words (“It was like he broke free from a life sentence”). Lichtenheld’s minimalist style is deceivingly simple; a curlicue or crumpled line, combined with an amazingly impressive circle with eyes and a mouth, is all that’s needed to convey emotion when the exclamation mark is “confused, flummoxed, and deflated.” This fun-to-read tale will find a ready home in language-arts lessons, reminding burgeoning elementary-age writers which punctuation personality belongs in which type of sentence–without the tedium that accompanies traditional grammar lessons. This one is a must-have!!!–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, Farmington Hills, MI

 SCHMID, Paul. Perfectly Percy. illus. by author. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180436-6. LC 2011030447.
PreS-K–Percy is a porcupine with a problem. He loves balloons, but when he plays with them, they meet an unfortunate end. Big sister Pearl offers a creative, albeit “not very practical,” solution of sticking marshmallows onto his quills. Determined to find a better way, Percy “thought things all day. He thought thoughts through the night.” Inspiration strikes at breakfast, and the following page shows the prickly fellow sporting a cereal bowl on his head as he happily runs along with his favorite toy. The simple sentences are invitingly conversational in tone (“What’s a little porcupine to do?”). Schmid’s winsome charcoal and pastel illustrations show a charming, roly-poly character with dots for eyes and a tiny dash for a mouth. Percy’s features droop when he looks at his “trezr” chest full of deflated balloons, but a proud smile appears when he comes up with his own idea. A good choice for toddler storytimes.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

 WELLS, Rosemary. Time-Out for Sophie. illus. by author. 32p. Viking. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-78511-7. LC 2012015263.
PreS–When Mama gives her young mouse a bowl of macaroni and cheese, the toddler tosses it on the floor. Sophie repeats the behavior with a second serving, earning a time-out. Then, while “helping” Daddy with the laundry, she throws the basket of folded clothing on the floor twice for another time-out. But when she grabs the glasses off Granny’s nose, the elderly mouse stops reading to Sophie and takes a time-out for herself with her eyes closed. Sophie gets the message, returns the spectacles, and is rewarded with a cozy read on the sofa. The last page shows her in the bathtub, creating more mischief, in typical toddler fashion. As in her “Max and Ruby” (Viking) and “Yoko” (Hyperion) books, Wells’s signature artwork is vivid and pleasingly simple, and the characters are endearing. Reminiscent of Noisy Nora (Dial, 1973), this is a charming addition.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

 WRIGHT, Joanna. Bunnies on Ice. illus. by author. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-404-2. LC 2012001187.
PreS-Gr 1–This budding champion (a white snow bunny) loves to ice skate so much that she patiently waits for perfect conditions.  When the other bunnies are doing summer things, she is planning what she will do when the snow falls. She proceeds to wait through the fall as she dresses her scarecrow with a pair of skates. Then when the snow arrives and the conditions seem right, she heads for the ice with her family as her support team. She boasts about all the maneuvers she hasn’t quite perfected yet, all while proclaiming her champion status. After a rigorous workout of not-so-perfect figure eights and leaps, she rewards herself with après skate indulgences, including hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a warm bath. After her busy day, this little bunny goes to bed, ready to try again tomorrow. Wright has created a charming and determined character. The youngster’s fortitude and enthusiasm are admirable even if she isn’t as accomplished as she makes out to be. The dark-outlined illustrations are painted in soft hues. This sweet story about a bunny who is determined to follow her dream is a great addition.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

 DEFELICE, Cynthia. Nelly May Has Her Say. illus. by Henry Cole. 32p. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Mar. 2013.RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-39899-6. LC 2011018484.
PreS-Gr 3–Nelly May Nimble lives in a tiny house with her parents and her 12 brothers and sisters. One day she announces that it’s time to earn her own keep, so she ventures off to the hilltop home of Lord Ignasius Pinkwinkle to hire out her services. Lord Pinkwinkle agrees with one condition; the master of the house has special names for things, and Nelly must use those names when she speaks to him. At first, Nelly obliges, addressing Lord Pinkwinkle as “Most Excellent of All Masters,” and using his silly monikers, such as “long-legged limberjohns” for trousers and a “flaming pop-and-sizzle” for his fireplace. But when Lord Pinkwinkle’s “fur-faced fluffenbarker’s wigger-wagger” catches fire, Nelly has to wake him and announce the fire before the house burns down. Can she remember all those silly names before a catastrophe happens? Cole’s illustrations juxtapose Nelly’s homestead in the “Bottoms” and Lord Pinkwinkle’s “roof-topped castleorum” with deft humor and a folk styling that is sure to appeal to young readers. Nelly is spirited and clever, most surely not just another “fuzzy-dust-and-fooder” that his “Most Excellent Master” thinks she is. With one smart heroine and witty wordplay, this book, which is based on the English folktale “Master of All Masters,” will delight.–Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools

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The following titles are reviewed in the February print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Fiction

ATINUKE . The No. 1 Car Spotter and the Firebird. illus. by Warwick Johnson Cadwell. 96p. Kane/Miller. 2012.pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-61067-052-4. LC 2010943436.

BAR-EL, Dan. Not Your Typical Dragon. illus. by Tim Bowers. 40p. Viking. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01402-6.

BEISER, Tim. Miss Mousie’s Blind Date. illus. by Rachel Berman. 24p. Tundra. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-251-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-77049-363-6. LC 2011938763.

BOUDREAU, Hélène. I Dare You Not to Yawn . illus. by Serge Bloch. 32p. Candlewick. Mar. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5070-4.

BRANFORD, Anna. Violet Mackerel’s Remarkable Recovery. Bk. 2. illus. by Elanna Allen. 128p. (Violet Mackerel Series). S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3588-9; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3589-6; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3590-2. LC 2011023703.

BREEN, Steve. Pug & Doug. illus. by author. 32p. Dial. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3521-7.

BROUWER, Sigmund. Justine McKeen, Pooper Scooper . Bk. 3. illus. by Dave Whamond. 64p. (Orca Echos Series). Orca. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-931-5; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-1-45980-317-6. LC 2011942591.

CLARK, Leslie Ann. Peepsqueak Wants a Friend! illus. by author. 32p. HarperCollins/Harper. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207804-9.

CLAYTON, Dallas. An Awesome Book of Love! illus. by author. 56p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211666-6.

COCCA-LEFFLER, Maryann. A Vacation for Pooch. illus. by author. 32p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9106-9.

COFFELT, Nancy. Uh-Oh, Baby! illus. by Scott Nash. 40p. S & S/Aladdin. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9149-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-7166-5. LC 2010029299.

CORBETT, Susannah. One Cool Cat! illus. by David Roberts. 32p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4052-3035-3.

COVELL, David. Rat and Roach Rock On! illus. by author. 40p. Viking. Feb. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01410-1. LC 2012015577.

DESMOND, Jenni. Red Cat Blue Cat. illus. by author. 40p. Blue Apple. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60905-248-5.

DOBBINS, Jan. A Farmer’s Life for Me. illus. by Laura Huliska-Beith. 24p. score. w/CD. Barefoot. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84686-790-3. LC 2012014538.

DON, Lari, retel. Never Trust a Tiger: A Story from Korea. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-84686-776-7.
–––– . The Tortoise’s Gift: A Story from Zambia. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-1-84686-774-3. LC 2011032859.
ea vol: illus. by Melanie Williamson. 48p. (Animal Stories). Barefoot. 2012. pap. $7.99.

EMPSON, Jo. Rabbityness. illus. by author. 32p. Child’s Play. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84643-492-1.

HANNA, Virginie. Shelby the Flying Snail. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Amandine Piu. 32p.Auzou. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-1946-3.

HANSEN, Justin Larocca. Monster Hunter. illus. by author. 32p. Sky Pony. 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-61608-968-9.LC 2012015602.

HANSON, Warren. It’s Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones! illus. by Tricia Tusa. 32p. S & S/Beach Lane. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-1229-3; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3621-3.

HARLEY, Bill. Lost and Found. illus. by Adam Gustavson. 40p. Peachtree. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-628-4. LC 2011020972.

HARRINGTON, Janice N. Busy-Busy Little Chick. 32p. glossary. Farrar. Feb. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-374-34746-8. LC 2012004871.

HIMMELMAN, John. Katie and the Puppy Next Door. illus. by author. 32p. Holt. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9484-8. LC 2012006323.

HOBAN, Russell. Rosie’s Magic Horse. illus. by Quentin Blake. 40p. Candlewick. Feb. 2013. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6400-8.

HOWARD, Martin. Germs!: An Epic Tale on a Tiny Scale! illus. by Colin Stimpson. 32p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-84365-119-2.

IS THAT YOU, WOLF? illus. by Steve Cox. 22p. Barron’s. 2012. BD $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7641-6560-3. LC 2012931805.

JONES, Allan. The Ice Gate of Spyre. Bk. 2. illus. by Gary Chalk. 160p. (Six Crowns Series).HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200633-2; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209842-9. LC 2012022888.

JORDAN, Mary Ellen. Lazy Daisy, Cranky Frankie. illus. by Andrew Weldon. 24p. Albert Whitman. Mar. 2013.Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-4400-6.

JUDGE, Lita. Red Hat. illus. by author. 40p. S & S/Atheneum. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4232-0; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4233-7. LC 2012002600.

KAPLAN, Michael B. Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It. illus. by Stéphane Jorisch. 32p. Dial. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3858-4. LC 2012014367.

KIMURA, Ken. 999 Frogs. tr. from Japanese. illus. by Yasunari Murakami. 48p. NorthSouth. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4108-6.

KIRK, David. Oh So Tiny Bunny. illus. by author. 40p. Feiwel & Friends. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01688-1.

KOOLEN, Maayken & Nickie Theunissen. The Kidnapping of Mona Lisa. tr. from Dutch. illus. by authors. 14p. Clavis. 2012. BD $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-139-9.

KRAUSE, Ute. Nick and the Nasty Knight. tr. from German by author. illus. by author. 32p. NorthSouth. 2012.Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4091-1.

LALLEMAND, Orianne. The Wolf Who Didn’t Want to Walk Anymore. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Eleonore Thuillier. 32p. Auzou. 2012. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-2149-7.

LANGE, Willem. The White-Footed Mouse. illus. by Bert Dodson. 32p. Bunker Hill. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59373-109-0.

LANGREUTER, Jutta. There’s No One I Love Like You. tr. from German by Rebecca Morrison. illus. by Stephanie Dahle. 32p. NorthSouth. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4126-0.

LARSEN, Andrew. Bye, Bye, Butterflies! illus. by Jacqueline Hudon-Verrelli. 32p. diags. maps. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2012. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-220-7. LC 20129011290.

LATIMER, Alex. Penguin’s Hidden Talent. illus. by author. 32p. Peachtree. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-629-1. LC 2011020996.

LODGE, Jo. Come and Play, Mr Croc: A Flap and Pop-Up Book. illus. by author. 18p. Trafalgar Square. 2012.Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-340-93118-9.

LUNDE, Stein Erik. My Father’s Arms Are a Boat. tr. from Norwegian by Kari Dickson. illus. by Oyvind Torseter. 32p. Enchanted Lion. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-124-7.

LYNN, Sarah. 1-2-3 Va-Va-Vroom!: A Counting Book. illus. by Daniel Griffo. 32p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6162-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6163-0. LC 2011036696.

MACCARONE, Grace. The Three Bears ABC: An Alphabet Book. illus. by Hollie Hibbert. 32p. Albert Whitman.Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-7823-0.

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. Nora’s Chicks. illus. by Kathryn Brown. 40p. Candlewick. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4753-7. LC 2012942387.

MAIER, Inger M. Ben’s Flying Flowers. illus. by Maria Bogade. 32p. Magination. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1132-6; Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1133-3. LC 2011040290.

MANUSHKIN, Fran. Big Brothers Are the Best. ISBN 978-1-4048-7137-3. LC 2011029604.
–––– . Big Sisters Are the Best. ISBN 978-1-4048-7138-0. LC 2011029605.
ea vol: illus. by Kirsten Richards. 24p. (Siblings Are the Best Series). Picture Window. 2012. PLB $21.32.

MARTIN, David. Peep and Ducky. illus. by David Walker. 32p. Candlewick. Feb. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5039-1. LC 2012942391.

MARTIN, Don, Magy Martin, & Paige Krabill. They Call Me Fat Zoe: Helping Children and Families Overcome Obesity. illus. by Kathy Voerg. 48p. (A Let’s Talk Book Series). New Horizon Pr. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-88282-377-5. LC 2011928852.

MASSINI, Sarah. Trixie Ten. illus. by author. 32p. Holt. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9520-3. LC 2012011487.

MIYANISHI, Tatsuya. Mr. Reaper. tr. from Japanese. illus. by author. 32p. Vertical. 2012. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-935654-28-5.

MORA, Pat. The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe. illus. by Steve Johnson. 40p. Knopf. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86838-2; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96838-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81706-3. LC 2011040784.

MULLARKEY, Lisa. TJ Zaps the Freeze Out: Stopping the Silent Treatment. Bk. 3. ISBN 978-1-61641-907-3.
–––– . TJ Zaps the New Kid: Stopping a Social Bully. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-1-61641-905-9.
–––– . TJ Zaps the One-Upper: Stopping One-Upping and Cell Phone Bullying. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-61641-906-6.
ea vol: illus. by Gary LaCoste. 80p. (TJ Trapper, Bully Zapper Series). further reading. glossary. websites. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2012. PLB $27.07.

PEDERSEN, Laura. Unplugged: Ella Gets Her Family Back. illus. by Penny Weber. 32p. Tilbury. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-88448-337-3. LC 2012024397.

REIDY, Jean. All Through My Town. illus. by Leo Timmers. 32p. Bloomsbury. Mar. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-785-7; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-1-61963-029-1.

REYNOLDS, Aaron. Pirates vs. Cowboys. illus. by David Barneda. 40p. Knopf. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85874-1.

RIVARD, Émilie. Really and Truly. tr. from French by Sarah Quinn. illus. by Anne-Claire Delisle. 24p. Owlkids.2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-926973-40-1. LC 2011943507.

ROBERT, Na’ima B. Going to Mecca. illus. by Valentina Cavallini. 28p. glossary. Frances Lincoln. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-153-1.

SCANLON, Liz Garton. Happy Birthday, Bunny! illus. by Stephanie Graegin. 32p. S & S/Beach Lane. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0287-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4553-6. LC 2011018590.

SHERMAN, Caroline. A Dog’s Life. illus. by Donald Wu. 24p. Amazon. 2012. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6200-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6201-9. LC 2011048165.

SIMON, Norma. All Kinds of Friends. illus. by Cherie Zamazing. 32p. Albert Whitman. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-0283-9. LC 2012017376.

SINGER, Marilyn. Tallulah’s Toe Shoes. illus. by Alexandra Boiger. 48p. Clarion. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-48223-1.

SLEGERS, Liesbet. Fall Leaves. ISBN 978-1-60537-122-1.
–––– . Winter Snow. ISBN 978-1-60537-123-8.
ea vol: tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 12p. Clavis. 2012. BD $5.95.

SLEGERS, Liesbet. Happy Easter! tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. Clavis. 2012. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-114-6.

SMYTHE, Theresa. Chester’s Colorful Easter Eggs. illus. by author. 24p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Feb. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9326-1.

SNYDER, Laurel. The Longest Night: A Passover Story. illus. by Catia Chien. 40p. glossary. Random/Schwartz and Wade. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86942-6; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96942-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98781-6. LC 2011011009.

SPECK, Katie. Maybelle and the Haunted Cupcake. illus. by Paul Rátz de Tagyos. 64p. Holt. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9468-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4299-6399-2.

SPRINGSTUBB, Tricia. Phoebe & Digger. illus. by Jeff Newman. 32p. Candlewick. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5281-4. LC 2012942614.

STOEKE, Janet Morgan. Letting Go. illus. by author. 32p. (The Loopy Coop Hens Series). Dial. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3768-6.

THOMPSON, Lauren. Polar Bear Morning. illus. by Stephen Savage. 32p. Scholastic. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-69885-6.

TOLMAN, Marije & Ronald Tolman. The Island. tr. from Dutch. illus. by authors. 32p. Lemniscaat. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-9359-5419-4.

TRENC, Milan. Another Night at the Museum. illus. by author. 32p. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Mar. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8948-6. LC 2011043473.

TRICE, Linda. Kenya’s Song. illus. by Pamela Johnson. 32p. Charlesbridge. Feb. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-846-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-847-6; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-589-3. LC 2012000787.

VAN GENECHTEN, Guido. Little Snowman Stan: Can’t We Share? tr. from Dutch. illus. by author. 30p. Clavis. 2012. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60537-121-4.

WATSON, Tom. Stick Dog: A Really Good Story with Kind of Bad Drawings. illus. by author. 192p.HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211078-7; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211079-4. LC 2012019093.

YUNGER, Joshua. Hippo and Monkey. illus. by author. 48p. Bunker Hill. 2012. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-59373-107-6.

Nonfiction

ALBER, Merryl. And the Tide Comes In…: Exploring a Georgia Salt Marsh . illus. by Joyce Mihran Turley. 32p. diags. maps. Taylor Trade. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9817700-5-5.

AZIZI, Sara, retel. The Knight, the Princess and the Magic Rock: A Classic Persian Tale. illus. by Alireza Sadeghiam. 32p. Wisdom Tales. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-937786-01-4.

BELLISARIO, Gina. Let’s Meet a Firefighter. illus. by Ed Myer. ISBN 978-0-7613-9025-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0802-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-1046-6. LC 2012022479.
–––– . Let’s Meet a Librarian. illus. by Ed Myer. ISBN 978-0-7613-9027-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0803-6; ISBN 978-1-4677-1047-3. LC 2012022460.
–––– . Let’s Meet a Police Officer. illus. by Cale Atkinson. ISBN 978-0-7613-9024-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0804-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-1048-0. LC 2012010393.

HEOS, Bridget. Let’s Meet a Construction Worker. illus. by Mike Moran. ISBN 978-0-7613-9023-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-0799-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-1043-5. LC 2012019101.
–––– . Let’s Meet a Teacher. illus. by Kyle Poling. ISBN 978-0-7613-9026-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0805-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-1050-3. LC 2012022481.
ea vol: 24p. (Cloverleaf Books-Community Helpers Series). further reading. glossary. index. websites. Millbrook. Feb. 2013. PLB $23.93; pap. $6.95; ebook $17.95.

BRAUNSTEIN, Leslie. I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog. illus. by Joshua S. Brunet. 28p. discography. w/CD.Imagine/A Peter Yarrow Bk. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-936140-37-4.

BURLEIGH, Robert. Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer. illus. by Raúl Colón. 32p. bibliog. further reading. glossary. websites. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5819-2; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-81107.

CLAY, Kathryn. Farm Dogs. ISBN 978-1-4296-8651-8. LC 2011049861.
–––– . Goats. ISBN 978-1-4296-8649-5. LC 2011049978.
ea vol: 24p. (Farm Animals Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Capstone/Pebble Bks.2012. PLB $24.65.

DE CAPUA, Sarah. Serving on a Jury. ISBN 978-0-531-26042-5. LC 2012000628.
–––– . Voting. ISBN 978-0-531-26043-2. LC 2012000628.
ea vol: 48p. (A True Book Series). bibliog. chron. glossary. index. photos. websites. Children’s Press. 2012. PLB $29.

DE LA BÉDOYÈRE, Camilla. Great White Shark. ISBN 978-1-60992-370-9.
–––– . Hammerhead Shark. PLB $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60992-371-6.
ea vol: 24p. (Discover Sharks Series). photos. glossary. QEB. 2012. PLB $25.65.

FERRER, J. J. The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games: Stoopball, Jacks, String Games, Coin Flipping, Line Baseball, Jump Rope, and More. 192p. illus. index. Imagine. Feb. 2013. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-936140-74-9. LC 2012015052.

FRANKEL, Erin. Dare! Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-57542-399-9. LC 2012006159.
–––– . Tough! Bk. 3. ISBN 978-1-57542-400-2. LC 2012006160.
–––– . Weird! Bk. 1. ISBN 978-1-57542-398-2. LC 2012006157.
ea vol: illus. by Paula Heaphy. 48p. (The Weird Series). Free Spirit. 2012. RTE $15.99.

GOSMAN, Gillian. I Have an Ear Infection. ISBN 978-1-4488-7413-2. LC 2011051401.
–––– . I Have Chicken Pox. ISBN 978-1-4488-7411-8. LC 2011049712.
–––– . I Have Pinkeye. ISBN 978-1-4488-7410-1. LC 2011049574.
–––– . I Have Strep Throat. ISBN 978-1-4488-7412-5. LC 2011050677.
ea vol: 24p. (Get Well Soon! Series). diags. photos. glossary. index. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012.PLB $22.60.

GRIMM, THE BROTHERS. Snow White and Rose Red: A Pop-Up Fairytale. illus. by Rachel Cloyne. 18p. Tango.2012. BD $19.99. ISBN 978-1-85707-881-7.

HARRIS, Trudy. The Royal Treasure Measure. illus. by Ivica Stevanovic. 32p. (Math Is Fun! Series). Millbrook.2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6806-9. LC 2011045862.

HUGHES, Langston. Lullaby (For a Black Mother) . illus. by Sean Qualls. 32p. further reading. photos.Houghton Harcourt. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-36265-6.

KRULL, Kathleen. Louisa May’s Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little Women. illus. by Carlyn Beccia. 48p. bibliog. further reading. maps. websites. Walker. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-9668-4. LC 2012016633.

KVATUM, Lia. Saving Yasha: The Incredible True Story of an Adopted Moon Bear. 32p. further reading. maps. websites. National Geographic . 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-1051-5; PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-1076-8.

LATHROP, Tom. The Misadventures of Don Quixote. illus. by Jack Davis. 32p. LinguaText. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-942566-58-1.

LEWIS, J. Patrick. World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You’ve Never Heard Of. illus. by Anna Raff. 40p. Candlewick. Mar. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5402-3. LC 2012942612.

MACAULAY, David with Sheila Keenan. Jet Plane: How It Works. illus. by David Macaulay. 32p. Roaring Brook/David Macaulay Studio. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-764-7; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-767-8. LC 2011962160.

MORSE, Benjamin. The Oldest Bedtime Story Ever. Bk. 1. illus. by author. 80p. (The Bible Beautiful Series). further reading. notes. Orson. 2012. Tr $30. ISBN 978-0-9858135-0-5.

MOULD, Chris. Fangs ‘n’ Fire: Ten Dragon Tales . illus. by author. 96p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4449-0616-5.

NOVESKY, Amy. Imogen: The Mother of Modernism and Three Boys. illus. by Lisa Congdon. 32p. further reading. photos. websites. Cameron. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-937359-32-4.

PRELUTSKY, Jack. Stardines Swim High Across the Sky: and Other Poems. illus. by Carin Berger. 40p.HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201464-1; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-201465-8. LC 2011025993.

ROSEN, Michael. Bananas in My Ears: A Collection of Silly Nonsense Stories, Poems, Riddles & Rhymes. illus. by Quentin Blake. 96p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6248-6.

SAYRE, April Pulley. Here Come the Humpbacks! illus. by Jamie Hogan. 40p. Charlesbridge. Feb. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-405-0; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-406-7; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-586-2. LC 2012000785.

SHANNON, George. Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? illus. by Julie Paschkis. 32p. Holt. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9197-7. LC 2012010162.

STONE, Tanya Lee. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell. illus. by Marjorie Priceman. 40p. bibliog. photos. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. Feb. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9048-2. LC 2011043528.

YIM, Natasha. Sacajawea of the Shoshone. illus. by Albert Nguyen. 32p. (Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Real Princesses Series). bibliog. chron. maps. photos. reprods. Goosebottom. 2012. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-9845098-6-7. LC 2011941875.