Summer 2003 Children's Book Sense 76

May 22, 2003

1. SAHARA SPECIAL, by Esmé Raji Codell, (Hyperion, $15.99, 0786807938) Ages 9-12. "Sahara is a gifted writer trapped in a lonely, troubled 10-year-old. A brilliant, compassionate, eccentric teacher and a determined, supportive mom help her unlock her gifts. For fans of Codell's Educating Esmé, the news is great: Her first novel is an exuberant success." -- Banna Rubinow, The River's End Bookstore, Oswego, NY Also a Listening Library Audio (0807217204)

2. THE CITY OF EMBER, by Jeanne DuPra, (Random House Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0375822739) Ages 9-12. "A cautionary tale (wrapped up in a mystery-adventure) of what could happen to our world if we squander our resources. Read it with your children, and it will spur discussions about responsibility, citizenship, death, and selfishness. Wonderful!" -- Sarah Carr, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, NC

3. GREEN ANGEL, by Alice Hoffman, (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439443849) Ages 12 and up. "This is a gritty story of a 15-year-old girl's struggle for physical and emotional survival in a world devastated by horrific violence, yet it is told with the gentleness and magic of a fairy tale. This book epitomizes the grace and simple elegance of a truly well-told story that appeals to all readers, regardless of their age." -- Carol Hill, Book Mine, Leadsville, CO

4. THE SECOND SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD, by Ann Brashares (Delacorte Press, $15.95, 0385729340) Ages 12 and up. "Hip, realistic, and smart, Second Summer is a sequel that really is better than the first. This time around, the girls delve into their feelings about their families, particularly their mothers, and find some things out about themselves in the process." -- Sara Yu, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY Also a Imagination Studio Audio (0807209678)

5. DON'T TAKE YOUR SNAKE FOR A STROLL, by Karin Ireland; David Catrow (Illus.) (Harcourt Children's Books, $16, 0152023615) Ages 4-8. "This is an immensely readable book with exuberant illustrations. It's hard to resist the snake on a downtown stroll, frogs loose in a gourmet restaurant, and an elephant sunning itself at the beach." -- Carol Dunn, Northwind Book & Fiber, Spooner, WI

6. MOLLY MOON'S INCREDIBLE BOOK OF HYPNOTISM, by Georgia Byng, (HarperCollins Juvenile Books, $16.99, 006051406X) Ages 9-12. "Not much is going Molly Moon's way until the day she finds a book on hypnotism stuck on the wrong shelf at the library. Suddenly, her true talents become apparent, and she finds herself on the path to fame and fortune -- and quite a bit of misfortune as well. Funny and touching." -- Kristine Kaufman, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA Also a Harper Children's Audio (006054273X)

7. OLIVIA KIDNEY, by Ellen Potter; Peter H. Reynolds (Illus.) (Philomel Books, $15.99, 0399238506) Ages 9-12. "Olivia Kidney has a strange life! Especially when she moves into a new apartment building, which is complete with talking lizards, an exiled princess, and an apartment made of glass! Will Olivia's life become any better, or will chaos reign forever? A definite first-rate read about a true first-rate kid." -- Heather Young, Fireside Bookstore, Forest City, NC Also a Listening Library Audio (0807216283)

8. PLUM, by Tony Miton; Mary GrandPré (Illus.) (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $17.95, 0439364094) Ages 4-8. "This book has taken our breath away! Miton's engaging verse celebrates silly possibilities and everyday miracles. And there is magic in the illustrations, which are at once brilliant, elegant, and totally captivating."-- Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

9. STANLEY'S PARTY, by Linda Bailey; Bill Slavin (Illus.) (Kids Can Press, $14.95, 1553373820) Ages 4-8. "A fun story with riotous illustrations! Stanley the dog is a kick, and so well-trained he even cleans up the mess (including the dog hair on the furniture) after he and his friends party." -- Susan Wasson, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

10. ARTEMIS FOWL: The Eternity Code (Book 3), by Eoin Colfer (Miramax, $16.95, 0786819146) Ages 9-12. "In the latest of the Artemis Fowl series, Colfer plays with tone beautifully, maintaining the feeling of a noir adventure series and, bringing the series full-circle, perhaps anticipating further Fowl feats." -- Ben Gibbs, Book People, Austin, TX

DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, by Mo Willems (Hyperion, $12.99, 078681988X) "Adorable pictures and a funny text make this a wonderful title for preschoolers." -- Marty Miller, Copperfield Books, Scottsbluff, NE

HUG BOOK & TOY GIFT SET, by Jez Alborough (Candlewick Press, $12.99, 0763621056) "One of my favorite board books now comes paired with a sweet-faced little monkey to hold (and hug). A book of few words ... three, I think...it nevertheless tells a story of many emotions as a little chimp goes in search of what we all need at some time or another -- a big hug." -- Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

MAMA HEN AND HER BABY CHICKS 1, 2, 3, by Alison Morris and Beck Ward; Sami Sweeten (Illus.) (Little Simon, $14.95, 0689856601) "This delightful four-in-one interactive board book in the shape of a hen 'lays' three story eggs that tell about the early adventures of Mama Hen's little chicks. Playful illustrations and simple stories make this a great book for infants and toddlers." -- Sandy Johnson, The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT

ANNA'S TABLE, by Eve Bunting; Taia Morley (Illus.) (Creative Publishing International, $15.95, 1559718412) Ages 4-8. "Trust Eve Bunting to tell a story that will appeal to children and inspire them to explore their world with wonder. Anna is never too busy to 'see,' and what she sees arouses her curiosity and encourages her to discover more about the world. Morley's illustrations add to the joy of Anna's explorations." -- Marge Grutzmacher, Passtimes Books, Sister Bay, WI

ARNIE, THE DOUGHNUT, by Laurie Keller (Henry Holt, $16.95, 0805062831) Ages 4-8. "We cannot stop laughing at the hysterical illustrations. Arnie is our new hero, and he delivers a persuasive argument that proves irresistible to his new owner, Mr. Bing, and we are thrilled." -- Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

BARNABY'S BUNNY, by Wendy Rouillard (Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, $12.95, 0439333075) Ages 4-8. "Rouillard has created a lovable character in Barnaby. Children will adore Barnaby and the colorful illustrations, and this latest tale shows children the rewards of being honest and responsible." -- Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

BEFORE I WAS YOUR MOTHER, by Kathryn Lasky; LeUyen Pham (Illus.) (Harcourt Children's Books, $16, 0152014640) Ages 4-8. "'You know, I wasn't always your mother.' A mother tells her daughter how she once, too, wore cowboy boots, made lots of noise, and ate all the frosting roses on a cake. A wonderful mother-daughter book for any age." -- Linda Thomas, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY

THE BIG BLUE SPOT, by Peter Holwitz (Philomel Books, $13.99, 0399237860) Ages 4-8. "This picture book has truly original art and a playful interactive storyline. A big blue spot is all alone until he meets a new friend, the reader, and a surprise friend at the end. Charming." -- Kelly Justice, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

BUBBLE BATH PIRATES!, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Viking Children's Books, $15.99, 0670035998) Ages 4-8. "This is the ultimate take-a-bath book for young kids. It turns bath time into a pirate adventure, and the story begs to be read -- even yelled -- out loud. Eye patches optional." -- Nicki Leone, Bristol Books, Inc., Wilmington, NC

A CAMPING SPREE WITH MR. MAGEE, by Chris Van Dusen (Chronicle Books, $14.95, 0811836037) Ages 4-8. "Venturing from pristine suburbia, Mr. Magee and his pooch, Dee, pack up their cool camper and head out for adventure. The snappy rhyming text and charming illustrations depicting the 1950s will warm you heart. A great read-aloud for the whole family!" -- Felicia Oh, Hullabaloo Books, Seattle, WA

DO PRINCESSES WEAR HIKING BOOTS?, by Carmela LaVigna Coyle; Mike Gordon (Illus.) (Rising Moon Books, $15.95, 0873588282) Ages 4-8. "If you really want to know what it takes to be a princess, you must read this story! The bright, colorful illustrations and a special treat at the end make this a perfect read-aloud for the ever-inquisitive princess you know!" -- Dallas Holmes, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S TEETH, by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora; Brock Cole (Illus.) (Farrar, $16, 0374325340) Ages 4-8. "Count down with George as he loses his teeth one by one. (They weren't wooden after all.) Trust me, after reading this book, you'll understand why he is frowning in every portrait. Can you imagine wearing teeth hooked together by springs?" -- Meg Sherman, Chinook Bookshop, Colorado Springs, CO

THE GIANT, by Claire Ewart (Walker & Co., $16.95, 0802788351) Ages 4-8. "Exquisite, evocative watercolors illustrate perfectly the author's tender text that tells of a young farm girl who, missing her Mama, looks for the 'giant' her Mama promised would always watch over her. This book begs to be read aloud with dads and daughters, and mothers and sons, and grandmothers and friends, and..." -- Holly Myers, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

HARVESTING HOPE: The Story of Cesar Chavez, by Kathleen Krull; Yuyi Morales (Illus.) (Harcourt Children's Books, $17, 0152014373) Ages 4-8. "Cesar Chavez organized migrant farm workers in California and fought for human rights and better lives for migrant farm workers. His legacy extends well beyond his state's borders. A beautiful book." -- Jenifer Ross, City Lights Books, San Francisco, CA

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR SHOE: Ingenious Inventions for Pesky Problems, by Andrea Perry; Alan Snow (Illus.) (Atheneum, $16.95, 068983067X) "This poetry book has been written by someone who really knows, and loves, kids. Incredibly creative and laugh-out-loud funny, this first book by Perry has me hoping she'll be writing lots more!" -- Ellen Tisdell, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Jackson, TN

HOW GROUNDHOG'S GARDEN GREW, by Lynne Cherry, (Blue Sky Press, $15.95, 0439323711) Ages 4-8. "Cherry takes you into the rich world of organic gardening, from collecting seeds in the fall, storing them in the winter, and planting them in the spring. You learn about insects, different varieties of plants, and how to care for them as they push through the gorgeous pages of this wonderful book." -- Cyndy Gardner, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT

I'M NOT INVITED?, by Diana Bluthenthal (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689841418) Ages 4-8. "Minnie's pal Charles is having a party on Saturday! But somehow, Minnie's not invited. Did her invitation get lost? Did Charles forget? For anyone who's ever felt left out (and who hasn't?), a terrific story with an ending that's just right." -- Mary Kooyman, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

MY HIPPIE GRANDMOTHER, by Reeve Lindbergh; Abby Carter (Illus.) (Candlewick Press, $15.99, 0763606715) Ages 4-8. "Grandma has a cat is named Woodstock; she pickets city hall, plays banjo, and drives a purple bus -- shades of yesteryear! Amusing, warm watercolors by Abby Carter." -- Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

MY MOMMA LIKES TO SAY, by Denise Brennan-Nelson; Jane Monroe Donovan (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear Press, $15.95, 1585361062) Ages 4-8. "This wonderfully illustrated picture book is filled with common sayings: You're the apple of my eye; Time flies when you're having fun; etc. For each one, there's a short rhyming commentary and, in small print, a short historical blurb about the origin of each saying." -- Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS

THE RED TREE, by Shaun Tan (Simply Read Books, $16.95, 0968876838) Ages 4-8. "In what is ostensibly a kids' book, Tan depicts despondency (and an arboreal antidote) through full-page images that are at once haunting and oddly beautiful." -- Jon Vargosko, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA

RISE THE MOON, by Eileen Spinelli; Raul Colon (Illus.) (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 0803726015) Ages 4-8. "The wonder of the moon comes to life in this lyrically written picture book. It captured my heart, and years from now booksellers will still be putting this tenderly illustrated bedtime ode in customers' hands." -- Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA

STONE SOUP, by Jon J. Muth, (Scholastic, $16.95, 043933909X) Ages 4-8. "The creator of The Three Questions has taken the folktale of Stone Soup, given it an Asian twist, and illustrated it with breathtakingly beautiful art. This timeless story of cooperation and sharing is given a Zen perspective that will dazzle both children and adults." -- Betty Bennett, Bennett Books, Wyckoff, NJ

WHILE WE WERE OUT, by Ho Baek Lee (Kane/Miller Book Publishers, $15.95, 1929132441) Ages 4-8. "A simply told tale of what the family pet does when everyone else is away for the evening." -- Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

WISHES FOR YOU, by Tobi Tobias; Henri Sorensen (Illus.) (Lothrop Lee & Shepard, $15.99, 0688108385) Ages 4-8. "The text of this book is great for all occasions -- graduation, retirement and anniversary -- not just the birth of a new child or grandchild. The message is simple, direct, and perfect for all ages." -- Barbara Theroux, Fact & Fiction, Missoula, MT

AFTER, by Francine Prose (Joanna Cotler Books, $16.99, 0060080817) Ages 9-12. "Francine Prose's first novel for young readers is engaging and timely, and encourages readers to think about freedom and democracy, and whether both are taken for granted." -- Terry Cox, Bohannons' Books With a Past, Georgetown, KY

CUBA 15, by Nancy Osa (Delacorte Press, $15.95, 0385730217) Ages 9-12. "Violet, who is half Cuban, half Polish, and 100 percent American, knows almost nothing about Cuba or its culture. When she accepts her Cuban grandmother's plans for a quinceanera party (to celebrate her 15th birthday), she begins to question, and, then, to understand, the heritage that binds her to a country and a culture she may never know." -- Rene Kirkpatrick, All For Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA

GIFTS FROM THE SEA, by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock (Knopf, $14.95, 0375822577) Ages 9-12. "An island lighthouse on Devil's Rock, Maine, is the setting for a suspenseful, historical tale told with truth and compassion." -- Jenn Fontaine, The Book Rack and Children's Pages, Essex Junction, VT

THE HEROIC ADVENTURES OF HERCULES AMSTERDAM, by Melissa Glenn Haber (Dutton Books, $16.99, 0525471197) Ages 9-12. "Along with empowerment comes responsibility, and a three-inch-tall, 10-year-old mouse, finding a community in which to belong, discovers that responsibility beyond his years is required to save the community when he is the only one who sees the danger." -- Virginia Duffey, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

HIGH HEAT, by Carl Deuker (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618311173) Ages 9-12. "Shane Hunter lives a privileged life until his father's actions change everything. However, just as he feels life is nothing, a new baseball coach steps in and challenges him to pull himself together." -- Erin Ostrander, The Secret Garden, Seattle, WA

HITLER'S DAUGHTER, by Jackie French (HarperCollins Juvenile Books, $15.99, 0060086521) Ages 9-12. "What if Hitler had a daughter whom he had to hide from the world? This award-winning Australian writer has given us a unique and haunting tale that will hold you all the way to the surprise twist at the end." -- Beth Henkes, University Book Store, Seattle, WA

MY BROTHER MARTIN: A Sister Remembers Growing Up With the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by Christine King Farris; Chris Soentpiet, (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $17.95, 0689843879) Ages 9-12. "Dr. King's older sister, Christine, relates how the sometimes painful experience of growing up in the segregated South of the 1920s set her family, and her brother, Martin, in particular, on the path to leadership in the Civil Rights Movement." -- Robin Green-Cary, Sibanye Inc., Baltimore, MD

MY DOG IS A CARROT, by John Hegley (Candlewick Press, $12.99, 0763619329) Ages 9-12. "What does a boy do when he isn't allowed to have a dog? In this deliciously funny book of poetry for all ages, the author tells about wanting, and not getting, a dog, as well as about family, school, and growing up." -- Becky Shafer, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY

THE SILENT BOY, by Lois Lowry (Houghton Mifflin, $15, 0618282319) Ages 9-12. "Perfection. That is the one word I would use to describe this tale of a young doctor's daughter and a 'touched boy,' who doesn't speak to humans, but who relates to animals and mimics their noises. Haunting and beautiful, this book should be a staple of everyone's library, right next to Number the Stars and The Giver." -- Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op, Storrs, CT Also a Listening Library Audio (0807216917)

THE SPEED OF LIGHT, by Ron Carlson (HarperTempest, $15.99, 0380978377) Ages 9-12. "A triumvirate of teenage boys in their last summer between grade school and junior high, between childhood and adolescence, play baseball in a hundred novel ways, experiment on everything from cats to oxygen deprivation, and witness, in the process, things they only partly understand. Their voices are pitch perfect and humor lurks on every page, but so does compassion." -- Betsy Burton, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

TADPOLE, by Ruth White (Farrar, $16, 0374310025) Ages 9-12. "Carolina's orphaned cousin, Tadpole, arrives one summer evening in 1955, with a guitar in hand and a problem to solve that changes her life forever. White's expertly realized characters and use of simple dialect make the reader smell the sultry summer, hear the strains of Tadpole's guitar, and exalt in his and Carolina's triumph." -- Tula Patterson, Children's Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA

VARJAK PAW, by S.F. Said; Dave McKean (illus.) (David Fickling Books, $16.95, 0385750196) Ages 9-12. "Varjak Paw is a cat on a mission. Varjak must employ the skills of an ancient martial art to rescue his family and new-found friends from a mysterious gentleman and a series of cat vanishings -- and to discover his true self." -- Sarah Carr, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, NC

WARRIORS INTO THE WILD, by Erin Hunter (HarperCollins Juvenile Books, $15.99, 0060000023) Ages 9-12. "The story of a housecat who chooses to be wild. Interesting tribal dynamics among the wild cats, and I love the way Hunter did not humanize them."-- Julie Heidtman, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

THE WEE FREE MEN: A Story of Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, (HarperCollins Juvenile Books, $16.99, 0060012366) Ages 9-12. "A fascinating tale of a brave, resourceful girl who sets about to rescue her baby brother from the clutches of creatures from the 'other side of fairy.'" -- Sheilah Egan, A Likely Story, Alexandria, VA Also a Harper Children's Audio (0060566256)

GHOST OF A CHANCE, by Joan Carris (Coastal Carolina Press, $8.95, 192855640X)
Ages 9-12. "I devoured this in one sitting. It's a fast-paced treasure hunt that has everything -- dolphins, pirates' loot, a ghost, and great adventure." -- Dorothy Gallagher, Bristol Books, Inc., Wilmington, NC

HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AND NEVER BE FOUND, by Sara Nickerson, (HarperTrophy, $5.99, 0064410277) Ages 9-12. "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, Children's Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA

LOVE THAT DOG: A Novel, by Sharon Creech, (HarperTrophy, $5.99, 0064409597)
Ages 9-12. "This short novel, written in poetry form, allows us to follow along as a young boy finds pride in writing. What a gift this book is to aspiring authors and their teachers." -- Marilyn Smith, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY Also a Harper Children's Audio (0060087900)

MIDNIGHT FOR CHARLIE BONE, by Jenny Nimmo, (Orchard Books, $9.95, 0439474299) Ages 9-12. "With a trio of aunts named Eustacia, Venetia, and Lucretia, Charlie is almost lucky to be sent away to Bloor's Academy. Or is he? Read this first book in the Children of the Red King series, and you will be off on an adventure of more than one lifetime." -- Anne Holman, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT Also a Listening Library Audio (0807216623)

TIME STOPS FOR NO MOUSE: A Hermux Tantamoq Adventure, by Michael Hoeye; Dale Champlin (Illus.) (Speak, $7.99, 0698119916) Ages 9-12. "Hermux Tantamoq is a pleasant, hardworking mouse who leads a quiet life in Pinchester -- until dashing aviatrix Linka Perflinge comes into Hermux's watchmaking shop, then mysteriously disappears. Hermux is drawn into an exciting, suspenseful, and often quite funny series of adventures as he tries to find Linka." -- Tim Willis, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA Also a Listening Library Audio (0807208469)

ALICE, I THINK, by Susan Juby (HarperTempest, $15.99, 0060515430) Ages 12 and up. "Think Stargirl meets Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging. Alice, an engaging little hobbit from Canada, is sure to win your heart!" -- Erin Ostrander, The Secret Garden, Seattle, WA Also a Harper Children's Audio (006054340X)

DEAD GIRLS DON'T WRITE LETTERS, by Gail Giles, (Roaring Brook Press, $15.95, 0761317279) Ages 12 and up. "When Sunny's older sister Jazz dies in a fire, her family cannot cope. Her mother spends her days sedated, and her father leaves the family, becoming an alcoholic. Sunny continues her life, but don't be too sure of the ending, as Giles throws a curve that leaves one wondering what really happened." -- Shirley Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

FAERIE WARS, by Herbie Brennan, (Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, $17.95, 1582348103) Ages 12 and up. "When average teenager Henry Atherton discovers Faerie of the Light Crown Prince Pyrgus Malvae in a cat's mouth, worlds collide. Brennan's smooth merging of science and magic to explain the unexplained is one of the major charms of Faerie Wars." -- Patrick and Maryelizabeth Hart, Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego, CA

GEOGRAPHY CLUB, by Brent Hartinger (HarperTempest, $15.99, 0060012218) Ages 12 and up. "Dealing with the hopes, and, yes, even desires of gay teenagers is bound to make this book controversial, but those who read it will be rewarded with an honest portrayal of the downside to high school popularity and the peer pressure, which can lead kids into taunting other kids. The author uses great characters and humor to tackle a difficult subject and, in the end, gives us a glimpse at the injuries caused by intolerance and the importance of standing up for society's outcasts." -- Vincent Desjardins, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LARRY, by Janet Tashjian, (Laureleaf, $5.99, 0440237920) Ages 12 and up. "This has to be one of best teen reads of recent months. Josh, an unpopular senior, creates a Web site that spouts his anti-consumerism philosophy. I can't wait to recommend this book to, well, everyone!" -- Carolyn Harrington, The Great Horned Owl, Louisville, CO

THE HOUSE OF WINDJAMMER, by V.A. Richardson, (Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, $17.95, 1582348111) Ages 12 and up. "The Windjammer family is a powerful and honorable leader in the trading world of the Netherlands in the 1600s. Adam Windjammer must find a way to save his family from a number of calamities and fulfill his father's promises. The book is completely captivating, interesting, and exciting." -- Rachel King, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

KEEPER OF THE NIGHT, by Kimberly Willis Holt (Henry Holt, $16.95, 0805063617) Ages 12 and up. "Isabel lives in the supposedly idyllic setting of Guam. But her mother has committed suicide, and her brother and father are disappearing inside themselves. Inevitably, one more crisis comes to her family. Will it result in chaos, or healing?" -- Wendy Leavens, Wild Iris Books, Gainesville, FL Also a Listening Library Audio (0807215708)

KEEPING YOU A SECRET, by Julie Anne Peters, (Little, Brown, $16.95, 0316702757) Ages 12 and up. "Peters has captured the feeling of first love. The twist here is that your average young lady, class president, and all-around good egg, has fallen madly in love with the self-acknowledged lesbian of the school. This is a wonderful story, one people need to start realizing happens every day." -- Kim Soyka, The Little Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

KEESHA'S HOUSE, by Helen Frost (Farrar, $16, 0374340641) Ages 12 and up. "Told in sonnets and sestinas, this poignant story moves and intertwines the lives of several teens and the adults who influence their feelings of insecurity." -- Kathy Taber, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

LUCAS: A Story of Love and Hate, by Kevin Brooks, (Chicken House, $16.95, 0439456983) Ages 12 and up. "Caitlin is drawn to mysterious and independent Lucas, who is a stranger to the island. Tensions build as the people of the island turn against Lucas, with devastating results. A truly satisfying read." -- Adrienne Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

THE SLIGHTLY TRUE STORY OF CEDAR B. HARTLEY: Who Planned to Live an Unusual Life, by Martine Murray, (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, $15.95, 043948622X) Ages 12 and up. "A wonderful story of a girl walking the tightrope between childhood and adolescence. Cedar is a remarkable 12-year-old who is able to maintain the confidence that makes young children so admirable while accepting the wisdom that comes with growing up." -- Kyla Hilton, Taylor Books, Charleston, WV

HIDDEN MICKEYS: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets, by Steven M. Barrett, (Intrepid Traveler, $11.95, 1887140441) "Hidden Mickeys are to Walt Disney World what Ninas are to Hirschfeld drawings -- those hidden treasures, tucked away in obscure places. This book provides keys to finding the Mickeys and is a must-have for your next Walt Disney World trip." -- Jean Sycle Martin, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cleveland, OH

THE SINGLE PARENT TRAVEL HANDBOOK, by Brenda Elwell (GlobalBrenda Publishing, $17.95, 0972362703) "This is great. It is full of really good travel ideas and practical information for parent and child traveling together. (It also would be good for couples.)" -- Linda Vinstra, Great Northern Bookstore, Oscoda, MI

STORIED CITY: A Children's Book Walking Tour Guide to New York City, by Leonard S. Marcus, (Dutton, $12.99, 0525469249) "A travel guide to New York City that details all of the places featured in kids' books, from Eloise's Plaza Hotel to Harriet's spy route. Great for adults travelling with kids or for kids who want to know more about the places some of their characters inhabit." -- J.D. Ho, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO CRAFTING STORIES FOR CHILDREN, by Nancy Lamb (Writers Digest Books, $16.99, 1582970521) "An experienced writer and teacher explains the genre; breaks down the various parts of a good story's structure; explains the aspects of its supports; describes the necessary ancillary aspects; and, finally, the care and feeding of the writer's spirit." -- Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS

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