 |
Winter
2001 Children's Book Sense 76 Picks
Here are the 76
most noteworthy new and recent children's books, as compiled from hundreds
of recommendations by independent booksellers across America. One bookseller's
quote has been chosen to represent each of these top vote-getters.
|
|
 Dinosaurs
of Waterhouse Hawkins, The
by Kerley,
Barbara, illustrated by Brian Selznick
(Ages 4 - 8, Scholastic, $16.95, 0439114942) "This stunning picture book
reveals the amazing true story of an unknown figure in the history of dinosaur
research. A brilliant, fascinating book!" - Dana and Marianne Harper,
Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX
 Olivia
Saves the Circus
by Falconer, Ian
(Ages 4 - 8, Atheneum, $16.00, 068982954X) "I love this even more than last
year's Book Sense Illustrated Children's Book
of the Year winner, Olivia. Her irrepressible character is so perfectly
portrayed." - Rose Joseph, Magic Tree Bookstore, Oak Park, IL
 You
Read to Me & I'll Read to You
by Schulman, Janet
(Ages 4 - 8, Knopf, $34.95, 0375810838)
"What a joy! A true treasure that not only includes No Kiss for Mother but also Flat Stanley with the original illustrations by Tomi Ungerer. So many great stories and a tremendous value to boot!" - Amy Nina Baum, Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN
 Fine,
Fine School, A
by Creech, Sharon, illustrated by Harry Bliss
(Ages 4 - 8, HarperCollins, $15.95, 006027736X)
"A proud principal thinks his school is so fine, it should be open every day! Until Tillie visits his office and tells him that other kinds of learning no longer occur. A delightful, funny cautionary tale." - Karen Miller, Anderson's, Naperville, IL
 Because
of Winn Dixie
by DiCamillo, Kate
(Ages 9 - 12, Candlewick, $5.99, 0763616052) "India Opal is one of the strongest,
most sensitive and sensible heroines since Scout, in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Kate DiCamillo's first novel is a marvel. Not to be missed!" - Collette
Morgan, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN
 Fair
Weather
by Peck, Richard
(Teens, Dial, $16.99, 0803725167)
"Once again Peck takes us back in time. This time it is to the summer of 1893 to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Rosie Beckett and her family are invited to Chicago by her Aunt Euterpe but she wasn't prepared for the uproar this would bring to her life. Another great story from an outstanding author." - Dyana Ely, Little Professor Book Co., Fort Wayne, IN
 Water
Hole, The
by Base, Graeme
(Ages 4 - 8, Abrams, $18.95, 0810945681)
"Here is a treasure of a book to come back to again and again. With each reading, I find more details in these stunning illustrations which surprise and delight in this story of a disappearing water hole. This multi-layered creation combines counting and hidden pictures, geography and zoology, an important environmental lesson, and exquisitely detailed art." - Mari Enoch, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA
 Stand
Tall, Molly Lou Melon
by Lovell, Patty, illustrated by David Catrow
(Ages 4 - 8, Putnam, $14.99, 0399234160)
"A sweet storybook saved from being too sweet by the funny illustrations. The important message: Be true to yourself and proud of yourself." - Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL
 Dial-A-Ghost
by Ibbotson,
Eva, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
(Ages 9 - 12, Dutton, $15.99, 0525466932) "This is for the many kids, big
and little, who love to read about ghosts. A magically funny fantasy about ghosts
trying to find the right home. What a cool book!" - Sylvia Beringer,
Harry W. Schwartz Booksellers, Milwaukee, WI
- Watch out for our interview with Eva Ibbotson, coming soon!
 Fairy
Houses
by Kane,
Tracy
(Ages 4 - 8, Great White Dog Press, $15.95, 0970810458) "The colorful pictures
and the magic of the fairies had my daughter entranced, but what makes this
a winner is the fact that kids immediately want to go outside and build their
own fairy house. What?!? Play outside in this day and age? Aren't we skipping
the whole video game step? It was great. We went outside, got dirty, and built
the best fairy house ever." - Shawna Elder, Iowa Book, Iowa City, IA
 Animal
Antics (Now I'm Reading Series, Level 1: Short Vowel Sounds)
by Gaydos, Mara, illustrated by B. B. Sams
(Toddler - Preschool, innovative KIDS, $14.99, 1584760737)
"Perfect first readers, from the packaging to the great illustrations. The progressive organization of the phonetic skills is perfect for those starting to read." - Nancy Tebeau, Not Just For Kids Bookstore, Wake Forest, NC
 Farmer
Will
by Cowen-Fletcher, Jane
(Toddler - Preschool, Candlewick, $14.99, 0763609889)
"A little boy wants to be a farmer, so when he steps outside, he becomes Farmer Will and his stuffed animals come to life. A wonderful story to remind us of the joy and energy in a child's imagination." - Yvonne Kaiser, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE
It's Okay to Be Different
by Parr, Todd
(Toddler - Preschool, "Little, Brown, $14.95, 0316666033)
"Featuring his trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes, Parr cleverly delivers an important message." - Sue Griepentrog, Little Read Book, Wauwatosa, WI
Kiss Good Night
by Hest, Amy, illustrated by Anita Jeram
(Toddler - Preschool, Candlewick, $15.99, 0763607800) "This is a sweet children's
story about a little bear who isn't ready to go to sleep until Mrs. Bear gives
him many goodnight kisses! Anita Jeram is the illustrator of everyone's favorite,
Guess How Much I Love You. I predict this will turn into a favorite bedtime
story for preschoolers." - Mary-Ann Frischkorn, The Learned Owl Book
Shop, Hudson, OH
 Sheila
Rae's Peppermint Stick
by Henkes, Kevin
(Toddler - Preschool, HarperCollins, $6.95, 0060294515) "This is the first
of five holiday board books by Henkes featuring Sheila Rae, Owen, Wemberly, Julius
and Lilly. It is as sweet as peppermint candy, and not sticky at all!"
- Deb Woolsey, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI
 Sit,
Truman!
by Harper,
Dan, illustrated by Cara and Barry Moser
(Toddler - Preschool, Harcourt, $16.00, 0152026169) "You can almost feel
the drool as you sit down to read this one! The illustrations are wonderful
and the simple text make it a great read-aloud for the younger ones in the family."
- Kim Soyka, Book House at Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY
 Honk
the Moose
by Strong, Phil, illustrated by Kurt Wiese
(Ages 4 - 8, Trellis Publishers, $18.95, 1930650361)
"A wonderfully funny story about a small town in northern Minnesota. Beautiful vintage illustrations add charming character to the book. This is sure to delight readers of all ages!" - Beth Plattner, Fishing With Your Mind, Walker, MN
 Mouse
and His Child, The
by Hoban, Russell, illustrated by David Small
(Ages 9 - 12, Scholastic, $16.95, 0439098262)
"An enchanting tale about a clockwork toy's quest to become self-winding. Hoban delights in the juxtaposition of supreme silliness and philosophical ideas of zenlike beauty and simplicity. A most entertaining and soul-satisfying book." - Jean Matthews, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT
 Owl
Who Was Afraid of the Dark, The
by Tomlinson, Jill, illustrated by Paul Howard
(Ages 4 - 8, Candlewick, $15.99, 0763615625)
"A young barn owl does not like the dark, but meets several people who help him discover the night's wonder. Howard's soft, lush illustrations are comforting, and parents and children alike will enjoy this reissue of a classic 1968 book." - Tami Edwards, The Children's Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA
Book Most Likely to Fill the Harry Potter Void This Fall
 Spellfall
by Roberts, Katherine
(Ages 9 - 12, Chicken House/Scholastic, $15.95, 0439296536) "What a book!
This encompasses everything a diehard fantasy fan (or Harry lover) is looking
for: a strong lead character, spirits, magic, spells, an evil villain, faithful
sidekicks, and action galore. Once again, a British writer transports her readers
to another world with her vivid imagery and stellar command of language! We were
worried about what a year without Harry would mean to our young readers, but I
believe Spellfall will fill that vacancy." - Kathleen Caldwell,
Readers' Books, Sonoma, CA
Two For a Winter's Day
 Blizzard
Year: Timmy's Almanac of Seasons
by Ehrlich, Gretel
(Ages 9 - 12, Hyperion, $5.99, 0786812451)
"Just reissued in paper, this is a beautifully written story of life on a Wyoming ranch as told by Timmy, who takes in stride all that nature offers and copes with grace and good humor." - Sue Carita, Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Frost, Robert, illustrated by Susan Jeffers
(Ages 4 - 8, Dutton, $15.99, 0525467343)
"Combine one of America's best loved poems with one of its favorite illustrators, and you have a surefire bestseller. This updated classic, in a new gift edition, will appeal to both children and adults." - Betty Bennett, Bennett Books, Wyckoff, NJ
Brian Selznick
 Houdini
Box, The
by Selznick, Brian
(Ages 4 - 8, Aladdin, $4.99, 0689844514)
"Selznick's fantastical illustrations breathe life into the characters and images in a variety of settings, drawing the reader's imagination deep into the text of the story. We are big, big fans of his work!!" - Susan Kent, Treehouse Readers, Kingwood, TX
 Boy
of a Thousand Faces, The
by Selznick, Brian
(Ages 9 - 12, HarperTrophy, $5.95, 0064410803)
David Small
 Eulalie
and the Hopping Head
by Small, David
(Ages 4 - 8, Sunburst, $5.99, 0374422028)
"Ah, David Small. The Caldecott-winning illustrator has a fantastically weird sense of humor, and it certainly shines through here." - Kara Luger, Chinook Bookshop, Colorado Springs, CO
 Journey,
The
by Stewart, Sarah, illustrated by David Small
(Ages 4 - 8, "Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $16.00, 0374339058)
"Through the entries in her diary, we discover the joy and wonder of Hannah, an Amish girl seeing big city life in Chicago for the first time. Small's alternating illustrations of Chicago and Amish life wonderfully reflect Hannah's thoughts and feelings. Every Stewart/Small picture book has been a joy to read and recommend and this one is no exception!" - Joanne Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA
A Favorite Series for Ages 4-8 Back in Print
 Tim
in Danger
by Ardizzone, Edward
(Ages 4 - 8, HarperCollins, $15.95, 0688176755)
"A grand adventure series written by Edward Ardizzone between 1936 and 1977. Brave little Tim sets out to sea, having one triumphant adventure after another. The illustrations are fresh and fine, and the writing is simple and fun." - Elizabeth Bluemle, The Flying Pig, Charlotte, VT
 Tim
and Ginger
by Ardizzone, Edward
(Ages 4 - 8, HarperCollins, $15.95, 0688176763)
 Tim's
Friend Towser
by Ardizzone,
Edward
(Ages 4 - 8, HarperCollins, $15.95, 0688076771)
 Antonella
and Her Santa Claus
by Augustin, Barbara, illustrated by Gerhard Lahr
(Ages 4 - 8, Kane/Miller, $14.95, 1929132131)
"What a great Christmas book; it really brought tears to our eyes. The spirit of Christmas lives in this book. Hopefully, after reading this book, everyone will get that spirit of giving." - Kelly Peroni, High Sierra Books, Portola, CA
 Aunt
Claire's Yellow Beehive Hair
by Blumenthal, Deborah, illustrated by Mary Grandpre
(Ages 4 - 8, Dial, $15.99, 0803725094)
"A wonderful introduction to family history and getting to know those who preceded us. Another verification that human beings are marvelously unique individuals." - Janice Card, BYU Bookstore, Provo, UT
 Awful
Ogre's Awful Day
by Prelutsky,
Jack, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
(Ages 4 - 8, Greenwillow, $15.95, 0688077781) "I loved this book of great
read-aloud poems featuring a truly awful main character, an ogre so awful that
he has a skunk living in his nose! So get out your weasel grease (the really
smelly kind) and prepare yourself for a funny book; a real one of a kind!"
- Vincent Desjardins, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA
Buddha in the Garden
by Bouchard, David, illustrated by Zhong-Yang Huang
(Ages 4 - 8, Raincoast, $19.95, 1551924528)
"A beautiful and simple tale of a young orphan in a Buddhist temple and how he finds enlightenment. The story is heartwarming and magical. One of the best of the year." - Lynn Dixon, Cook Inlet Book Company, Anchorage, AK
 Just
the Two of Us
by Smith, Will, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
(Ages 4 - 8, Scholastic, $16.95, 0439087929)
"This is such a positive book about a father-and-son relationship." - Michele Lewis, Afro American Book Stop, New Orleans, LA
 "Let's
Get a Pup!"" Said Kate
by Graham, Bob
(Ages 4 - 8, Candlewick, $14.99, 0763614521)
"Kate and her parents pick out an exuberant pup named 'Dave' at the Rescue Center, but they must go back to also adopt 'Rosy' who is old and calm. A poetic story with delightful pictures that add humor and charm." - Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA
 Mice
and Beans
by Ryan, Pam Munoz, illustrated by Joe Cepeda
(Ages 4 - 8, Scholastic, $15.95, 0439183030)
"This brightly illustrated picture book is a joyful celebration of food and family. Rosa Maria has a big heart, 'and when there's room in the heart, there's room in the house, except for a mouse.' This book is a perfect read aloud for ages 4-8." - Carolyn Harrington, Great Horned Owl Bookstore, Louisville, CO
 Mother
Mother I Feel Sick, Send for the Doctor Quick Quick Quick
by Charlip, Remy and Burton Supree, illustrated by Remy Charlip
(Ages 4 - 8, Tricycle Press, $16.95, 1582460434)
"This hilarious and unusual book just begs to be read aloud! Adults will enjoy it as much as children will, with its striking silhouette art against vintage wallpaper backgrounds. Try it; you'll feel better!" - Harvada Elisberg, Children's Bookshop, Appleton, WI
 Peef
and His Best Friend
by Hegg, Tom, illustrated by Warren Hanson
(Ages 4 - 8, Waldman House, $15.95, 0931674492)
"Everyone should have a Peef in their life." - Becky Smith, Town Crier Bookstore, Emporia, KS
 Pete
Seeger's Abiyoyo Returns
by Seeger, Pete and Paul DuBois Jacobs, illustrated by Michael Hays
(Ages 4 - 8, Simon & Schuster, $17.00, 0689832710)
"The Abiyoyo is magically brought back to help the community build a dam so there will be water in the summer for irrigation. Pete's message is that communities that share good food and song accept differences and make everyone welcome. What a sweet tale." - Marian Fleischman, Sedalia Book & Toy, Sedalia, MO
Tin Forest, The
by Ward, Helen, illustrated by Wayne Anderson
(Ages 4 - 8, Dutton, $15.99, 0525467874) "This is a very, very special picture
book: warm and sweet, simple enough to be read to a 3-year-old, yet wondrous enough
to be loved by adults, too. It gave me that 'most magnificent book I've seen in
years' chill up and down my spine." - Merrilee Wilkerson, BookPeople,
Austin, TX
 Tub-Boo-Boo
by Palatini, Margie, illustrated by Glin Dibley
(Ages 4 - 8, Simon & Schuster, $16.00, 0689823940)
"While taking a bath, Henry tries to stop a drip with his big toe and gets stuck in the tub. Everyone who comes to the rescue makes a tub-boo-boo and becomes stuck, too! Henry's big sister, Lucy, comes to the rescue." - Lorilee Buzby, Califon Book Shop, Califon, NJ
Trouble on the Tracks
by Mallat, Kathy
(Ages 4 - 8, Walker, $15.95, 0802787711)
"This is an adorable book about a mischievous cat named Trouble whose mission in life is to upset a young boy's carefully crafted toy train world. My little girl requests this book daily!" - Cathy Zehms, Little Professor Book Center, Green Bay, WI
 Warlord's
Beads, The
by Pileard, Virginia, illustrated by Nicolas Debon
(Ages 4 - 8, Pelican, $14.95, 1565548639)
"Kids will say, 'Aha-I know!' to this puzzle in a story, with terrific illustrations. How do Chuan and his father count the warlord's treasure and protect the father from suspicion of theft?" - Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA
Yoko's Paper Cranes
by Wells, Rosemary
(Ages 4 - 8, Hyperion, $15.99, 0786807377)
"That adorable cat Yoko is back. Wells combines stunning illustrations (collages made with origami paper, goldleaf, and paint) with a story about love for a grandmother far away. Each page is strikingly beautiful in color, design and simplicity. This is one of my favorites of the season." - Beth Puffer, Bank Street Books, New York, NY
 Giggler
Treatment, The
by Doyle, Roddy
(Ages 9 - 12, Scholastic, $3.99, 0439163005) "This book has the kind of gross
nonsense humor that children and adults can really giggle about."
- Joyce Smith, University Bookstore, Laramie, WY
Rover Saves Christmas
by Doyle, Roddy
(Ages 4 - 8, Arthur Levine/Scholastic, $14.95, 0439305306)
"Rudolph has the flu, so Santa asks Rover to pull the sleigh. Bad geography, dueling commercials, a wise-cracking dog, and a smart aleck narrator manage to pull off a zany Christmas read-aloud." - Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI
Two Favorites from Recent Years for Ages 9-12
 Belle
Prater's Boy
by White, Ruth
(Ages 9 - 12, Yearling, $5.50, 0440413729)
"This Newbery Honor Book is both touching and hilarious. The story revolves around Woodrow, an introspective, clever and a fully developed character whom you are always rooting for. The best part of the book is the surprise ending!" - Courtney Martell, Skylight Books, Los Angeles, CA
Van
Gogh Café, The
by Rylant, Cynthia
(Ages 9 - 12, Apple, $4.99, 0590907174)
"A beautiful chapter book appropriate for about 4th grade and up, and for dreamers of all ages. 10-year-old Clara and her father Marc run the Van Gogh Café in Flowers, Kansas. Magic things happen there in a series of short interconnected stories. The Star is one of the most moving children's stories I've ever read. Not to be missed." - Ellen Skagerberg, Copperfield's, Sebastopol, CA
The Bellown Mystery Series
 Secrets
of Belltown, The
by Murphy, T. M.
(Ages 9 - 12, J. N. Townsend Publishing, $9.95, 1880158345)
"The Belltown books are great favorites of ours. They're on the order of The Hardy Boys or The Three Investigators. The sleuth is a high school kid, Orville Jacques, who's always finding reasons to investigate long-unsolved cases. He's always hoping to get together with a girl and routinely bumbles the approach. But he's sharper than many of the other local characters, and out-gumshoes 'em every time. The stories have made readers of many reluctant 8 to12 year-olds." - Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins Bookstore, Falmouth, MA
Secrets of Cranberry Beach, The
by Murphy, T. M.
(Ages 9 - 12, J. N. Townsend Publishing, $9.95, 1880158361)
Secrets of Cain's Castle, The
by Murphy, T. M.
(Ages 9 - 12, J. N. Townsend Publishing, $9.95, 1880158388)
Secrets of Pilgrim Pond, The
by Murphy, T. M.
(Ages 9 - 12, J. N. Townsend Publishing, $9.95, 1880158396)
Secrets of Code Z
by Murphy, T. M.
(Ages 9 - 12, J. N. Townsend Publishing, $9.95, 1880158337)
The Buccaneers
Wreckers, The
by Lawrence, Iain
(Ages 9 - 12, LaurelLeaf, $4.99, 0440415454)
"Lawrence has written these three tales about life at sea in the early 1800s. We meet pirates and unsavory sailors and learn about ships and sailing. But most important of all, the reader becomes part of a swashbuckling adventure. For those pirate and adventure lovers fourth grade and up." - The Staff at Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI
 Smugglers,
The
by Lawrence, Iain
(Ages 9 - 12, Yearling, $4.99, 0440415969)
Buccaneers,
The
by Lawrence,
Iain
(Ages 9 - 12, Delacorte, $15.95, 0385327366)
Amazing
Maurice and His Educated Rodents
by Pratchett,
Terry
(Ages 9 - 12, Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins, $15.95, 0060012331) "I
ventured into this book timidly; I don't read a lot of fiction for this age
level. I shouldn't have worried. Pratchett has combined the essential ingredients
(great story, great characters, humor, suspense) and crafted a marvelous book."
- Carrie Elizabeth, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA
Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart
by Williams, Vera B.
(Ages 9 - 12, Greenwillow, $15.95, 0060294604)
"Poetry seems to be taking center stage in children's books these days, and this touching story of two sisters deftly weaves together the story of two girls and the heartbreak and joy they go through as they see their family through some very hard times." - Sarah Parker, Scott's Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, WA
 Blister
by Shreve, Susan
(Ages 9 - 12, Arthur Levine/Scholastic, $15.95, 0439193133)
"I ached in recognition at some of the things Blister does in this book to try to keep her family together. Anyone who has ever done the wrong thing for the right reasons will appreciate her wry humor and real life idiosyncrasies. An enormously appealing, marvelously crafted story." - Alex Pippard, BookPeople, Austin, TX
Catherine Certitude
by Modiano, Patrick, illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempe
(Ages 9 - 12, Godine, $17.95, 087923959X)
"This book about a young Parisian girl is sublime! It embraces reality and paradox with a touching elegance that brought a smile to my heart. The illustrations are perfect for the book: in tone, color palette, and composition." - Dawn Martin, University Book Store, Seattle, WA
 Dovey
Coe
by Dowell, Frances O'Roark
(Ages 9 - 12, Aladdin, $4.99, 0689846673)
"High-spirited and independent Dovey Coe isn't afraid to speak her mind. Everyone in town knows she doesn't like rich, conceited Parnell Caraway, who has been hanging around her older sister. When he is found dead and Dovey is nearby, she is accused of the murder. Dovey will definitely remind you of that other great southern heroine. A must read!" - Martie Amador, Education Express, San Rafael, CA
Flipped
by Van Draanen, Wendelin
(Ages 9 - 12, Knopf, $14.95, 0375811745)
"In a change of pace from her Sammy Keyes mysteries, Van Draanen tells the story of two young people at a crossroads in their lives." - Tracy Wynne, Cover to Cover Booksellers, San Francisco, CA
 Heverly
by Yagher, Kevin
(Ages 9 - 12, Seastar, $15.95, 1587170620) "Not since The Dark Crystal
have I seen such attention placed in an original fantasy for children. The
detail and work that Yagher put into making this book lifted my spirit. The truth
of life he portrays in his story brought tears to my eyes. So few stories provoke
such emotion that I feel I need to share them; this is one of those books."
- Jennifer Seymour, Stacey's Bookstore, Cupertino, CA
Homeless Bird
by Wheelan, Gloria
(Ages 9 - 12, HarperTrophy, $5.95, 0064408191)
"A young girl in India with a talent for needlework is married, widowed a few days later, and then abandoned by her in-laws. Her determination to make a future for herself wins out over despair at being left in a strange city. A strong, courageous heroine who knows how to follow her heart." - Erin Ostrander, Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA
Kidchat: Questions to Fuel Young Minds and Mouths
by Nicholaus, Bret and Paul Lowrie
(Ages 9 - 12, Questmarc, $8.95, 0963425161)
"This is a great book for both parents and teachers, full of thought-provoking questions that will start a good dialog between adult and child." - Rita Moran, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, ME
 Lady
of Ten Thousand Names, The: Goddess Stories from Many Cultures
by Muten, Burleigh, illustrated by Helen Cann
(Ages 9 - 12, Barefoot, $19.99, 1841480487)
"Beautiful illustrations and wonderful stories about goddesses who are wise, strong, and powerful. It's the perfect gift for the goddess in every young girl." - Suzanne Coopersmith, R. J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT
Lord of the Nutcracker Men
by Lawrence, Iain
(Ages 9 - 12, Delacorte, $15.95, 0385729243)
"A British father goes to war in France and writes letters back to his son describing his days in the trenches. Most of the time the letters are upbeat but some reflect the true horror of war. Johnny replays the battles in his backyard. Wonderful use of language; a great discussion starter." - Scott Meyer, Merritt Bookstores, Millbrook & Red Hook, NY
 Monsters
of Morley Manor, The: A Madcap Adventure
by Coville, Bruce
(Ages 9 - 12, Harcourt, $16.00, 0152163824)
"How can anyone put down a book when the first sentence is 'If Sarah hadn't put the monkey in the bathtub, we might never have had to help the monsters get big.' A wonderful adventure with determined, clever aliens and a spunky brother and sister team who possess great courage, loyalty, and humor." - Janis Irvine, The Book Bin, Northbrook, IL
 Moonshiner's
Gold
by Erickson, John R.
(Ages 9 - 12, Viking, $15.99, 0670035025) "From the author of the popular
Hank the Cowdog series, here is an excellent novel set in the Texas Panhandle
that brings to life a time when the opening of the last frontier fostered self-reliance
in young people." - Jan Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT
My Kingdom for a Horse: An Anthology of Poems about Horses
by Schwartz, Betty Ann, illustrated by Alix Berenzy
(Ages 9 - 12, Holt, $17.95, 0805062122)
"Luminous images and evocative words summon up our love for horses for kids of all ages." - Anna Moscicki, Two Ocean Books, Dubois, WY
 Belle
Teal
by Martin,
Ann M.
(Teens, Scholastic, $15.95, 0439098238) "You will love Belle, her mom,
and Gran. This family of women knows how to raise a young one to stand
up for what's right, so Belle knows exactly how to be gracious and kind when
her all-white 5th grade class is integrated." - Mary Ellen Kavanaugh,
My Sisters' Words, Syracuse, NY
 Born
Blue
by Nolan, Han
(Teens, Harcourt, $17.00, 0152019162)
"Janie's strength has always been her powerful voice and music. They have sustained her throughout all of her childhood when she was abandoned, kidnapped, and finally left to fend for herself. Nolan has created this strong female character to help us realize that our strengths can be what save us and those we love." - Kathy Taber, Kids Ink Children's Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN
 Daniel's
Walk
by Spooner, Michael
(Teens, Holt, $16.95, 0805067507)
"Excellent historic adventure of the West and a young man's coming-of-age." - Heather Fierst, The Book Bag, Valparaiso, IN
Echo
by Block, Francesca Lia
(Teens, Joanna Cotler/HarperCollins, $14.95, 0060281278)
"Echo feels overlooked by her dying artist father, but when he leaves her a box of his paints, she uses them to see as he did. In what may be her finest book, Block uses colorful magic and simple, striking prose to explore the inner emotions of a girl struggling to find her way in life." - Joe Beine, Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO
Perks of Being a Wallflower, The
by Chbosky, Stephen
(Teens, Simon & Schuster, $12.00, 0671027344) "This book was recently banned
by a New England school. I found it to be one of the most eye-opening books I
have read in a long time. Honest and sweet, the narrator of this book is a 15-year
old who is writing down his daily experiences in the form of letters he is sending
to a 'friend'. Changing the names to protect the innocent, he chronicles the lives
of his friends & family. Does the book depict sexual situations? Yes. Do drugs
play a large role? Yes. Is this an important book for parents, teachers, and kids
to read and discuss? YES!!!" - Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op Storrs, CT
 True
Believer
by Wolff,
Virginia Euwer
(Teens, Atheneum, $17.00, 0689828276) "A sequel to Make Lemonade
and just as good. Verna LaVaugh is a most appealing and strong character, but
not without her flaws. Kids will easily relate to her and her struggles. This
is a terrific read." - Carol Stoltz, Concord Bookshop, Concord, MA
|
|
Top