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Fall
2002 Children's Book Sense 76
Unique and provocative selections from a great diversity of voices...all personally recommended by the independent booksellers of America.
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Top Ten Vote-Getters |
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 The
Thief Lord
by Cornelia
Funke
"Angels, dragons, and winged lions watch over Venice as six children sneak
into houses for goods to steal and sell. On the run from a wicked aunt and uncle,
they discover the magical powers of an old carousel and what people will do
for eternal youth. Full of mischief, adventure, heroes, and magic, this is one
of those books that will be read and loved by people of all ages!" -
Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op, Storrs, CT
 Mercedes
and the Chocolate Pilot: A True Story of the Berlin Airlift and the Candy the
Dropped from the Sky
by Margot
Theis Raven; illustrated by Gijsbert
van Frankenhuyzen
"A very touching story. It shows that even in the toughest times, there
are those who display great acts of kindness. You will be left with a great
sense of hopefulness." - Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton,
MA
 Weslandia
by Paul
Fleischman; illustrated by Kevin
Hawkes
"An innovative story about a young boy who, shunned by his peers, taps into
his own creativity. In the process, he establishes a new food crop, language,
and, in the end, a new civilization. Very highly recommended." - Joseph
Lappie, Danner's Books, Muncie, IN
The
Tree
by Dana
Lyons; illustrated by David
Danioth
"The illustrations are beautiful, the text is simple, and the message clear:
It is our place to protect our natural resources. This book is very beautiful
and moving." - Julie Heidtman, Page One, Albuquerque, NM
 Stand
Tall
by Joan
Bauer
"Bauer tells the story of a boy nicknamed 'Tree' due to his unusual height
while still in 8th grade. He constantly feels awkward and alienated from his peers.
When a massive flood threatens to wipe-out the town, Tree rises to the occasion
and finally finds his place among friends and family." - Rebecca Mullin,
Kids Ink Children's Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN
 Stowaway
by Karen
Hesse
"Finally in paperback, here's a riveting adventure on the high seas based
on the actual diaries of Nick Young, an extra passenger on Captain Cook's ship.
A great introduction to an amazing man and an amazing time period. It should have
been a Newbery Award contender!" - Barb Bassett, Red Balloon Bookshop,
St. Paul, MN
The
Pictures of Hollis Woods
by Patricia
Reilly Giff
"Twelve-year old Hollis Wood is an artistic, determined foster kid. She paints
a picture of her troubled past and current struggle to find a family rich with
feeling, life and characters. Giff's ability to draw the reader into her tender
writing never failed to thrill me, both as a bookseller and a reader."
- Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA
The
Tiger Rising
by Kate
DiCamillo
"DiCamillo has a way of getting under the skin of her characters in just
a few well-chosen words. The Tiger Rising brings the reader into a magical
story of loss and discovered love and friendship. I'm so glad I came upon this
author early on in her career so I can read every new book of hers as they come
off the press." - Fred Powell, Main Street Books, Frostburg, MD
 Crispin:
The Cross of Lead
by Avi
"Avi has done it again! He has created a story of interest to a wide range
of ages. We are taken to Medieval England, and through the eyes of a serf, we
see the effects of the plague, the social order of the day, and a political
change for equality. Not to worry; the story is full of intrigue and excitement!"
- Jen Butler-Brown, Grass Roots Books & Music, Corvallis, OR
 Of
Beetles and Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard
by Mawi
Asgedom
"Asgedom gives eloquent voice to his Ethiopian family and their new life
in America. Living in poverty and confronting racism, he still looks for and
finds beauty in other people. An inspiring true story." - Linda Ramsdell,
The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT
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