Spring/Summer 2002 Children's Book Sense 76

May 01, 2002

1. IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE: A Book About the World’s People, by David J. Smith; illus. by Shelagh Armstrong (Kids Can Press, $15.95, 1550747797) For all ages, 9 and up! "This book is so cool! If the world consisted of 100 people in one small village, how many of those people would have computers? Have enough to eat? Be able to read? Smith makes global issues accessible to all. Perfect to introduce children to the world around them, especially at this time."—Nikki Mutch, UConn Coop, Storrs, CT

2. LOSER, by Jerry Spinelli (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060001933; May) Ages 9-12. "This was riveting from the very first page. This book is written for teens, but I HIGHLY recommend this to any parent, and especially one who has a son. It had me laughing and crying. This book cuts to the core of what it is like to be a thoughtful and sensitive young man in our sometimes cruel and confusing world. This is one of the best books I have read in years."—Tom Montan, Copperfield’s Books, Sebastopol, CA Also a HarperAudio (0060087943)

3. THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE, by Rodman Philbrick (Scholastic, $4.99 paper, 0439087597) Ages 9-12. "A chilling and inspiring story about a future world where writing a book can be a crime."—Leigh Winterbottom, Verbatim Bookstore, Vail, CA Also a Listening Library Audio (0807261823)

4. DARBY, by Jonathon Scott Fuqua (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763614173) Teens. "This story of racism in a small Southern town is powerful and beautifully written. Little Darby is unforgettable and an inspiration to all. I highly recommend this book!"—Linda Johnson, Books at Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC

5. BUD, NOT BUDDY, by Christopher Paul Curtis (Yearling, $5.99 paper, 0440413281) Ages 9-12. "The Newbery Medal Winner for 2000, now out in paperback. Young Bud goes in search of his missing father and a better life, following clues left in a suitcase."—Tracy Hardin, Auntie’s Bookstore, Spokane, WA Also a Listening Library Audio (0553526758)

6. A STORY FOR BEAR, by Dennis Haseley; illus. by Jim LaMarche (Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16, 0152002391) Ages 4-8. "I have dreams about this fantastic, beautiful, wonderful book. It’s the most enchanting affirmation of reading aloud that I have seen in a while. Tell everyone!"—Lois Proctor, The Bookseller, Ardmore OK

7. STELLA, FAIRY OF THE FOREST, by Marie-Louise Gay (Groundwood, $15.95, 0888994486) Ages 4-8. "Stella and little brother Sam return in this fantastic new adventure. Sam has never seen a fairy, so he and Stella set off for the forest in search of some, and learn many things along the way. This is a great choice for story time; it’s one you won’t mind reading over and over."—Mary Kooyman, Scott’s Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

8. GOBBLE, QUACK, MOON, by Matthew Gollub; illus. by Judy Love (Tortuga Press, $18.95 w/CD; 1889910201) Ages 4-8. "Utterly fantastic. As a doting auntie, I can’t wait to share it with my little niece. The music makes it even more fun. A great book for the little kid in everyone."—Lynn Farquhar, The Tattered Cover, Denver, CO

9. JOURNEY TO THE RIVER SEA, by Eva Ibbotson; illus. by Kevin Hawkes (Dutton, $17.99, 0525467394) Ages 9-12. "Here is the stuff of a great story: An inheritance, bratty twin cousins, an aunt recreating English life while living on the Amazon, and a wonderful boy hiding in the jungle. Ibbotson again shows her storytelling mastery, and Hawkes’ old-fashioned pen-and-ink illustrations add to the charm. A great yarn."—Dara La Porte, Politics & Prose, Washington, DC

10. WISH, CHANGE, FRIEND, by Ian Whybrow; illus. by Tiphanie Beeke (Margaret McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, $16, 0689849303) Ages 4-8. "I adore this book and think it’s a gem. Little Pig is an endearing character, and his discovery of the power of words and the joys of friendship are charmingly presented. The book is a natural for wonderful discussions with youngsters."
—Betsey Detwiler, Buttonwood Books & Toys, Cohasset, MA

THE BEE-MAN OF ORN, by Frank Stockton; illus. by Maurice Sendak (HarperCollins, $15.95, 0060297298; coming in June) Ages 4-8. "Written at the turn of the century, and then illustrated by Sendak in 1964, one of my very favorite books is being reissued again! It’s about the classic argument of nature vs. nurture, and nature wins."—Judy Hamel, The Children’s Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA

DAVID AND THE PHOENIX, by Edward Ormondroyd (Purple House, $8 paper, 1930900015) Ages 9-12. "Rescued from oblivion by fans from the ‘50s, David and the Phoenix has landed, and it is sure to delight readers who discover this charming fantasy. David discovers a phoenix in his backyard, and brings him all the cookies. In exchange, David enjoys marvelous adventures as he rides astride the huge bird. A perfect classroom read-aloud and parent-child book club pick."—Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

THE ORDINARY PRINCESS, by M.M. Kaye (Viking, $5.99 paper, 0142300853) Ages 9-12. "Written with an old-fashioned English feel and illustrated with charming line drawings, this is not your common fairy tale. Kaye has created a thoroughly enjoyable story about a most unusual girl, a Princess Amy who manages to grow up quite happily and to show us how wonderful it can be to just be yourself. Now back in print, this is one of the best fairy tales that I have come across!"—Jen Butler-Brown, Grass Roots Books & Music, Corvallis, OR

MRS. MIKE, by Benedict & Nancy Freedman (Berkley, $13, 0425183238) "I read this when I was a teen, and it remains as sweet today as it was then. It’s a true story of a 16-year-old girl who marries a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. Luckily for them, they love each other deeply, because it sustains them through a harsh, difficult life in the Great North."—Kimberly Hughes, Village Bookstore, Menomonee Falls, WI

THE SEARCH FOR JOYFUL, by Benedict & Nancy Freedmen (Berkley, $21.95, 0425183335) "What a pleasant surprise to find that a sequel was being published to my favorite girlhood novel, Mrs. Mike, which I first read over 40 years ago as a young adolescent! This is a totally engrossing account of the life of the daughter of the Indian maiden Oh-Be-Joyful, her becoming a Canadian nurse during WWII, and her subsequent adventures. A perfect love and adventure story!"—Marilyn Sieb, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI

FAIRY TALES, told by Berlie Doherty; illus. by Jane Ray (Candlewick, $19.99, 0763609978) Ages 9-12. "Gorgeous illustrations illuminate these tales. A lovely volume to add to anyone’s library, and especially for a child’s first fairy tale treasury."—Luanne Kreutzer, St. Helens Book Shop, St. Helens, OR

LITTLE LIT: Strange Stories for Strange Kids, edited by Art Spiegelman & Francoise Mouly (Joanna Cotler Books/ HarperCollins, $19.95, 0060286261) Ages 4-8 ... but really fun for all! "Maurice Sendak, Jules Feiffer, and a story by David Sedaris illustrated by Ian Falconer — do I really need to say anymore? This book is so much fun. A giant picture book for the comic book lover and for the all the strange little kiddies out there who love it when the ordinary gets turned inside out and becomes extraordinary!"—Jill Bailey, Book People, Austin, TX

READING MAGIC, by Mem Fox (Harvest Books, $12, 0156010763) "What’s the best way to guarantee reading success for your child? Mem Fox has the answer and it is so simple, it is often overlooked. She offers insight into the possibilities open to all parents wanting to give their child a leg-up in the world of reading."—Marilyn Smith, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY

STORIES AND POEMS FOR EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, selected by Harold Bloom (Scribner, $27.50, 0684868733) "What a wonderful dipping-into book for children and adults. From Aesop to Whitman, all of us can find something here that restores light to our world. A great gift, too."—Sally Stipp, The Book Bag, Valparaiso, IN

WE WERE THERE, TOO: Young People in U.S. History, by Philip Hoose (Farrar, $26, 0374382522) Ages 9-12. "You can open this book on any page and read a compelling tale from the entire history of this nation. We as a people, and especially kids, need to know these stories."—Chris Bowe, Longfellow Books, Portland, ME

See also the Top Ten.

DO LIKE A DUCK DOES, by Judy Hindley; illus. by Ivan Bates (Candlewick, $14.99, 0763616680) "Here’s a preschool gem with tricky words that step across the page with a Sousa-like cadence, delighting children and adults alike. This is a rollicking gem of a story in itself, but with Bate’s illustrations, it’s irresistible! We rate this one a 5-star favorite of the spring season."—Karen Gaston, Butterfly Books, DePere, WI

DUCK ON A BIKE, by David Shannon (Blue Sky/Scholastic, $15.95, 0439050235) "’That’s the silliest thing’ and ‘Oh what a show off’ say the barn animals in this beautifully illustrated, terrific read-aloud book."—Melissa Mytinger, Cody’s Books, Berkeley, CA

FIX-IT, by David McPhail (Dutton, $6.99, 0525468498) Board book. "When the TV won’t work, Emma demands it be fixed. Cranky young Emma has to be entertained while waiting, first with a balloon, then with a song, and finally with a book. By the time papa discovers that the TV is unplugged, Emma is too deep into the book to care about the TV anymore!"—Linda Hillegass, Lee Booksellers, Lincoln, NE

I LOVE MY LITTLE STORYBOOK, by Anita Jeram (Candlewick, $12.99, 0763616982) "You know a book that makes you laugh out loud is a winner. A sweet, but never saccharine, story celebrating the joy and magic of reading and books, with Jeram’s trademark adorable bunnies are the cutest fairies ever to inhabit a picture book! "—Kathleen Carey, The Little Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

TEN IN THE BED, by David Ellwand (Handprint Books, $9.95, 1929766491) "A lovely large-format board book, using photographs of well-loved teddy bears to depict ‘10 in the bed, and one rolls over’ verse."—Carol Dunn, Northwind Book & Fiber, Spooner, WI (See also Ellwand’s new Clap Your Hands.)

See also the Top Ten.

AUDREY AND BARBARA, by Janet Lawson (Atheneum, $13.95, 0689838964; May) "While Audrey seeks adventure, her cat, Barbara seeks naps. As this imaginative duo prepare for their journey to India in a sailboat made from the bathtub, they discover their friendship is essential to any adventure. A charming picture book."—Colleen Shipman Vollaro, Book Rack & Children’s Pages, Essex Junction, VT

CHELSEA & THE NEW PUPPY, by Loren Spiotta-DiMare; illus. by Kara Lee (Town Book Press, $14, 1892657031) "A touching story about how a pet’s feelings can be hurt when a new one comes along. It’s also a nice way to explain to a child about a new baby in the family."—Connie Shelton, The Book Shelf, Angel Fire, NM

THE FROGS WORE RED SUSPENDERS, by Jack Prelutsky; illus. by Petra Mathers (Greenwillow, $16.95, 0688167195) "This book is one of those wonderful serendipitous marriages of word and picture. Prelutsky’s funny, light verse begs to be read out loud, and Mather’s illustrations bring an added joy to the experience."—Michael Coy, M. Coy Books, Seattle, WA Also a HarperAudio, read by Prelutsky (0060012447)

GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK, by Doreen Cronin; illus. by Betsy Lewin (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689845065; May) "Cronin and Lewin have done it again! A clever and hysterical text paired with perfect, expressively hilarious illustrations. Readers will gladly welcome back these ‘clever critters’ and revel in their escapades as they follow their duck!"—Ellen Mager, Booktenders Children’s Bookstore, Doylestown, PA

LITTLE PIG FIGWORT CAN’T GET TO SLEEP, by Henrietta Branford; illus. by Claudio Munoz (Clarion, $14, 0618159681) "Glance at the cover and you’ll be laughing and identifying with this humorous porcine who cannot sleep. Turning this way and that, in one comic pose after another, Figwort imagines exhausting adventures, hoping he’ll tire and sleep. Enjoy."—Jan Clymer, Toadstool Bookshop, Keene, NH

MOLLY AND THE MAGIC DRESS, by William Norwich; illus. by M. Scott Miller (Doubleday, $16.95, 0385327455) "Eloise move over! Spunky Molly can be anybody in her magic dress. Enter a homeless woman who becomes a queen, a ritzy wedding, and fun for all!"—Sue Carita, Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

MY FRIEND RABBIT, by Eric Rohmann (Roaring Brook Press, $15.95, 0761315357; May) "I smiled, then giggled and laughed out loud at this creative picture book from talented Eric Rohmann. As each boldly illustrated page unfolds, you follow rabbit on a hilarious adventure. Kids will shout ‘read it again, read it again!’"—Jonatha Foli, Copperfield’s Books, Sebastopol, CA

SLOW LORIS, by Alexis Deacon (Kane/Miller, $7.95 paper, 192913228X) "All of us here read and loved it. Both the text and illustrations are amusing and imaginative. The image of a meerkat wearing a fez will stay with me forever."—Julia Green, Front Street Books, Alpine, TX

SOMETIMES I’M BOMBALOO, by Rachel Vail; illus. by Yumi Heo (Scholastic, $15.95, 0439087554) "Sometimes you just get so mad, you just can’t stand it and you just have to let it out. But, then, you get into trouble and have to go to your room. As Katie learns in this wonderful book, there will always be someone who still loves us for what and who we are."—Kathy Taber, Kids Ink Children’s Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN

SONG OF NIGHT: It’s Time to Go to Bed, by Katherine Riley Nakamura; illus. by Linnea Riley (Blue Sky/Scholastic, $15.95, 0439266785) "A soothing story on how animals prepare for bed time. Riley’s illustrations are warm and endearing."—Teresa Barrett, Dartmouth Bookstore, Hanover, NH

THE TEDDY BEAR, by David McPhail (Henry Holt, $15.95, 0805064141; May) "There is a wonderful message of giving and caring in this story of a young boy who discovers that his beloved lost teddy bear has been adopted by a homeless man."—Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

TOM MOUSE, by Ursula K. Le Guin; illus. by Julie Downing (Roaring Brook Press, $15.95, 0761315993) "Le Guin has woven a charming tale of travel and friendship. A delightful book for anyone who loves adventure, animals, and trains."—Lynn Stuertz, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Winnetka, IL

THE AMAZING DAYS OF ABBY HAYES, by Anne Mazer (Scholastic/Apple, $4.50 paperbacks) "This is a fun series all about a normal fifth-grader who finds herself stuck between smart and successful siblings. Abby is just finding her own place in the family and school, and in her own voice in her journal and love of writing. But don’t take my word for it; let her tell you."—Leslie Scully, A Likely Story Children’s Bookstore, Alexandria, VA

• EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING (#01; 0439149770)
  
• THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (#02; 0439178762)
  
• REACH FOR THE STARS (#03; 0439178770)
  
• HAVE WHEELS WILL TRAVEL (#04; 0439178789)
  
• LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP (#05; 0439178819)
  
• THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD (#06; 0439178827)
  
• TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE (#07; 0439353661)
  

THE GREEN KNOWE CHRONICLES, by L.M. Boston (Odyssey/Harcourt, $6 paperbacks) " A series of five reissued classics from the early ‘50s, great for fans of Lemony Snicket, Eva Ibbotson, and J.K. Rowling. These are great fantasies featuring a cavernous old mansion, some magic, and great characters to get to know."—Jennifer Brenninger, Doylestown Bookshop, Doylestown, PA (Hardcover editions are also available.)

• THE CHILDREN OF GREEN KNOWE (0152024689)
  
• TREASURE OF GREEN KNOWE (0152026010)
  
• THE RIVER AT GREEN KNOWE (015202607X)
  
• A STRANGER AT GREEN KNOWE (0152025898)
  
• AN ENEMY AT GREEN KNOWE (0152024816)
  

LOST TREASURES, by Mary Nash (Hyperion, $4.99 paperbacks) "Long before J.K. Rowling, Mary Nash wrote stories of magic, witchcraft, and adventurous kids tracking down secrets, spells, and other mysteries. Originally published in 1961, Mrs. Coverlet’s Magicians has been reprinted so that another generation will get lost in the magic of her writing."—Suzanne Coopersmith, R.J. Julia’s Booksellers, Madison, CT

• MRS. COVERLET’S MAGICIANS (0786815183)
  
• And just reissued: WHILE MRS. COVERLET WAS AWAY (0786816953)
  

Alice Hoffman

AQUAMARINE (Scholastic, $4.99 paper, 0439098645) "A poignant and endearing tale of two young girls who know that summer’s end means one will move away. But when Clair and Hailey discover a stranded mermaid named Aquamarine, they help her woo the man she loves and return to the sea before it’s too late. In the process, the girls realize that the impending move will only change their friendship, not end it."—Libby Alison Richmond, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA (Her new tale, INDIGO, is just out in paperback.)

Sharon Creech

RUBY HOLLER (HarperCollins, $16.95, 0060277327) "This book follows the adventures of two orphans, Dallas and Florida, as they experience the trials of being passed from home to home. But, when they travel to Ruby Holler and meet Sairy and Tiller, they discover that their lives will never be the same again! Another exciting adventure by Creech."—Kia Johnson, Lake Country Booksellers, White Bear Lake, MN Also a HarperAudio (0060087862)

XTHE WANDERER (HarperTrophy, $5.99 paper, 0064410323) "There’s always a long waiting list in our store for Creech’s books in paperback. This is a wonderful coming-of-age book for girls and boys alike, as Sophie and Cody must endure a boat journey across the Atlantic."—Carolyn Harrington, Great Horned Owl Bookstore, Louisville, CO Also a Listening Library Audio (080728243X)

Jerry Spinelli

STARGIRL, by Jerry Spinelli (Knopf. $8.95 paper, 037582233X; May) "The students at Mica High have no idea what to make of Stargirl, a 10th grader who plays the ukulele, keeps a pet rat in her bag, and dances in the rain. This story of individuality, conformity, peer pressure, and first love touched me deeply with its truth and beauty."—Mari Enoch, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA (And see his new book, LOSER, in the Top Ten.) Also a Listening Library Audio (0807205710)

Linda Sue Park

WHEN MY NAME WAS KEOKO (Clarion, $16, 0618133356) "Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea during World War II, this remarkable novel, told in alternating chapters by a sister and brother facing the oppressive powers of the occupying Army, is a complex and thoughtful novel."—Tracy Wynne, Cover To Cover Booksellers, San Francisco, CA (Park’s previous book, A Single Shard, was the Newbery Medal Winner for 2001.)

See also the Top Ten.

ACROSS A DARK AND WILD SEA, by Don Brown (Roaring Brook Press, $15.95, 0761315349) "This is the story of Columcille, born in Ireland in the year 521, who extols the virtues of reading and writing in the midst of the Dark Ages. A remarkable piece of history and an exciting read for children ages 7 and up."—Rebecca Mullin, Kids Ink Children’s Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN

THE BREADWINNER, by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books, $5.95 paper, 0888994168) "A powerful look into the fictional life of a young girl and her family under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Very powerful and important."—Nancy Tebeau, Not Just for Kids Bookstore, Wake Forest, NC Also a Listening Library audio (0807209732)

DAUGHTER OF VENICE, by Donna Jo Napoli (Bantam, $16.95, 0385327803) "Living a sheltered life, 14-year-old Donata longs for even a small bit of freedom or knowledge. She disguises herself as a boy, slips out of the palazzo, and the adventures begin. Her spunk and determination to direct her own course in life are a challenge to young girls today."—Katie Abbott, Scott’s Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, WA

THE HAMSTER OF THE BASKERVILLES: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko, Private Eye, by Bruce Hale (Harcourt, $14, 0152025030) "Chet Gecko rocks. Children and adults can both appreciate the snappy patter of the 4th-grade lizard detective and his adventures on the destructive trail of a ‘werehamster.’"—Maryelizabeth Hart, Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego, CA

MATILDA BONE, by Karen Cushman (Yearling, $5.50 paper, 0440418224) "In medieval England, selfish Matilda learns a new compassion for those around her. A wonderful new tale by Newbery winner Cushman."—Sharron Miller, The Bookstore Plus, Lake Placid, NY Also a Listening Library Audio (0807261769)

PATROL: An American Soldier in Vietnam, by Walter Dean Myers; collages by Ann Grifalconi (HarperCollins, $16.95, 0060283637; May) "This book is stunning, powerful, and (unfortunately) will always be timely. Myers describes the reality of being a soldier: the fear, the ambiguity, and the sadness. The collage art of Vietnamese jungles and villages is hauntingly beautiful. This should win a Caldecott Award."—Will Peters, Annie Bloom’s Books, Portland, OR

SAMMY KEYES AND THE SEARCH FOR SNAKE EYES, by Wendelin Van Draanen (Knopf , $15.95, 0375811753; May) "Another witty and fast-paced caper that puts Sammy in the thick of some very dangerous situations. As always Sammy and her loyal friends help the underdog and save the day, as well as themselves, just in time."—Sarah Parker, Scott’s Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, WA

WHAT HAPPENED ON PLANET KID, by Jane Leslie Conly (HarperTrophy, $5.95 paper, 0064410765; June) "Two young girls create an imaginary world where only girls and nice boys are allowed. It soon becomes all too clear why this special space is so important. One girl has to make a very important decision; the other has to survive."—Kim Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

Q IS FOR QUARK, by David M. Schwartz; illus. by Kim Doner (Tricycle Press/Ten Speed, $15.95, 1582460213) "Excellent illustrations and an informative text make complex concepts easy to understand. We give this book a very high rating."—Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS

WATER DANCE, by Thomas Locker (Voyager/Harcourt, $6 paper, 0152163964) "Finally in paperback, this lyrical text paired with sumptuous illustrations makes for a beautiful book that is also a lesson on the nature of water in our world."—Barb Bassett, Red Balloon Bookshop, St Paul, MN

See also the Top Ten.

GEORGIE, by Malachy Doyle (Bloomsbury, $13.95, 1582347530; May) "A wrenching story of a 14-year-old boy perceived to be a lost cause. We see that he is as fearful of those around him as they are of him, and we learn just how much he wants to be normal. Georgie gets one more chance when he is transferred to yet another group home and meets Tommo and Shannon."—Kerry Skiffington, Deerleap Books, Bristol, VT

GINGERBREAD, by Rachel Cohn (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689843372) "Here is a real teenager in literature: vulnerable, sensitive, and a bit self-destructive. She carries a gingerbread-colored rag doll with her everywhere she goes, even on her trip to NYC to meet her biological father. What a completely cool book! I was fascinated by this lovable, yet slightly rebellious, 16-year old."—Dana Harper, Brystone Children’s Books, Wautagua, TX

HOLE IN MY LIFE, by Jack Gantos (Farrar, $16, 0374399883) "Gantos has written a courageous and compelling autobiographical book about his time as a drug smuggler. The consequences were awful: He was caught, convicted, and served 15 harrowing months in prison. Gantos has not only written a good book, but also, I hope, has opened the possibility of writing about far wider motives for decisions and actions that sculpt lives into their actual form. Living with today’s pervasive drug culture is an unsought challenge each person is forced to face. A VERY important book."—Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins Bookshop, Falmouth, MA

HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AND NEVER BE FOUND, by Sarah Nickerson (HarperCollins, $15.95, 0060297719) "This deliciously suspenseful, sensitive and well-written novel weaves together strands of friendship, family, mystery and the agonies of adolescence. You won’t want to put it down!"—Leah M. Maier, The Children’s Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA

HUSH, by Jacqueline Woodson (Putnam, $15.99, 0399231145) "A girl in a Witness Protection Program family hates her new life. Woodson has crafted another great story sure to intrigue all readers."—Kara Luger, Chinook Bookstore, Colorado Springs, CO

LUCY THE GIANT, by Sherri L. Smith (Delacorte, $15.95, 0385729405) "Lucy is 15 and tall, with a homelife filled with hopelessness. We share Lucy’s thoughts, see with Lucy’s eyes, and feel Lucy’s pain as she struggles to fit in. One of the most moving and compelling stories that has come my way."—Tula Patterson, The Children’s Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA

MAKING THE RUN, by Heather Henson (HarperCollins, $15.95, 0060297964; May) "This took me back to the summer of my senior year and wanting to escape my small town roots and make the run for my future. Henson captures these feelings and more. An excellent summer read for teens."—Jenne Herbst, Quail Ridge Books and Music, Raleigh, NC

SHATTERING GLASS, by Gail Giles (Roaring Brook, $15.95, 0761315810) "From the first sentence (‘Simon Glass was easy to hate.’), to its violent end, this is a provocative novel on the nature of leaders and followers, the price of being cool, and the pain of wanting to belong in high school. Dark and well crafted, this suspenseful and powerful book is unforgettable, and it will provoke much discussion."—Holly Myers, Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

THE SIGHT, by David Clement-Davies (Dutton, $21.99, 0525467238) "The author of Firebringer brings us a new epic fantasy novel based on the myths of wolves and good and evil, as a bitter she-wolf sets out to fulfill her destiny."—Jeanne Fondrie, Village Books, Bellingham, WA

THINGS NOT SEEN, by Andrew Clements (Philomel, $15.95, 0399236260; May) "The author of Frindle, Landry News, and School Story has done it again. Jack’s mother is a professor; his father a physicist, and Jack is a teenage boy who, on p. 1, awakens from a night’s sleep only to discover he is invisible!"—Janis Irvine, The Book Bin, Northbrook, IL

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