The Autumn 2003 Children's Book Sense 76

September 03, 2003

1. ERAGON: The Inheritance, Book I, by Christopher Paolini (Knopf, $18.95, 0375826688) "Eragon is a guaranteed hit for any reader who loves fantasy. Drawing on the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey, Ursula K. Le Guin, Philip Pullman, and other great fantasists, Christopher Paolini has woven together an exciting suspense-filled adventure of one young man coming of age in partnership with the first dragon born in over a century. I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy." --Peter Glassman, Books of Wonder, New York, NY Also a listening Library Audio (0807219622, Unabridged)

2. INKHEART, by Cornelia Funke (Chicken House/Scholastic, $19.95, 0439531640, October) "Inkheart is a wonderfully told fairy tale and adventure that will be enjoyed by both young and old alike. Cornelia Funke is a remarkable storyteller, who holds you spellbound until you've read every word. I will be treasuring and handing this story down to my children and, I hope, to their children one day." --Lee Musgjerd, Lee's Book Emporium, Glasgow, MT Also a Listening Library Audio (0807219509, Unabridged)

3. GRANNY TORRELLI MAKES SOUP, by Sharon Creech (Joanna Cotler/HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060292903) "This may be master storyteller and Newbery Medal-winner Sharon Creech's finest offering to young readers yet. Over zesty Italian cooking, Granny Torrelli offers insight to Rosie by telling tales of her own childhood friend Pedro. It is simple wisdom told with brilliant charm." --Mary Brice, Tattered Cover Bookstore, Denver, CO Also a Harper Children's Audio (0060564326, Unabridged)

4. THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, by Kate DiCamillo; Timothy Basil Ering (Illus.) (Candlewick, $17.99, 0763617229) "I'll confess: I've got a thing for books about mice. The Tale of Desperaux definitely twitched my whiskers. Kate DiCamillo again proves herself to be a master of narration, creating characters who practically whisper in the ears of her readers, drawing us ever closer to the marvelous worlds of her oh-so-imaginative invention." --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA Also a Listening Library Audio (0807219479, Unabridged)

5. THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND: Bartimaeus Trilogy Book 1, by Jonathan Stroud (Miramax, $17.95, 078681859X, October) "Jonathan Stroud's The Amulet of Samarkand is a superb magical adventure story. Replete with an intriguing array of supernatural creatures, the book tells the tale of Nathaniel, an ambitious teenage magician whose thirst to avenge an insult from a much more powerful mage leads to a harrowing crisis. This is a funny, tense, elegantly written fantasy adventure, highly recommended." --Dennis Fitzgerald, All for Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA Also a Listening Library Audio (0807219533, Unabridged)

6. BIRDLAND, by Tracy Mack (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439535905, October) "Tracy Mack creates power in her words, setting, and characters. As best buds Jed and Flyer film a documentary of their neighborhood for a school project, we feel the rhythm, beat, and heart of loss, family, and friendship." --Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA

7. GASPARD AND LISA Friends Forever, by Anne Gutman; Georg Hallensleben (Illus.) (Knopf, $9.95, 0375822534) "The Gaspard and Lisa books are a complete delight -- funny, exciting, and teaching interesting lessons. And I absolutely adore the illustrations, which are bright, cute, and certainly age-appropriate to the text. I can't say enough about them. To me, they're just perfect, some of my very favorite books." --Carrie Graves, The Happy Bookseller, Columbia, SC

8. LEON AND THE SPITTING IMAGE, by Allen Kurzweil; Bret Bertholf (Illus.) (Greenwillow, $15.99, 0060539305) "What could be so difficult about passing fourth grade? For Leon, who is known to have poor fine motor skills, having to sew everyday for a teacher who herself seems to be patched together is surefire torture. The characters -- from the school bully, to Leon's best friends, to an outrageous taxi driver -- all make this a real page-turner. Mystery, fantasy, and comedy, all mixed with pure magic -- this book has it all." --Marilyn Smith, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY Also a Harper Children's Audio (0060564334, Abridged)

9. M IS FOR MAJESTIC: A National Parks Alphabet, by David Domeniconi; Pam Carroll (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95, 1585361380) "This is a wonderful addition to Sleeping Bear Press' alphabet series. Great rhyming text for little ones and detail boxes for older children -- plus large colorful illustrations -- bring learning about America's national treasures to life." --Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

10. THE WOLVES IN THE WALLS, by Neil Gaiman; Dave McKean (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $16.99, 038097827X) "Before Neil Gaiman became well-known and widely appreciated as a novelist, he and illustrator Dave McKean worked some real magic in the graphic novel/comics field. McKean combines scratchy, primitive lines with photographs and computer-treated images to create a stirring visual narrative that accompanies and complements Gaiman's subtly layered story. Now that's a kids' book for adults." --Michael F. Russo, St. Mark's Bookshop, New York, NY

BUSY DOGGIES, by John Schindel; Beverly Sparks (Photos) (Tricycle, $6.95, 1582460906) "This menagerie of charming dogs just being dogs will make every reader say, 'Awwww.' Simple text accompanies museum-quality dog photography." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

And other wonderful titles in this series include BUSY MONKEYS, by John Schindel; Luiz Claudio Marigo (Photos) (Tricycle, $6.95, 1582460825) and BUSY PENGUINS, by John Schindel; Jonathan Chester (Photos) (Tricycle, $6.95, 1582460167)

G IS FOR GOAT, by Patricia Polacco (Philomel, $16.99, 0399240187) "This is a beautiful ABC book by one of our favorite author/illustrators. It would make a great baby gift or a lovely addition to any library." --Sarah Parker, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

IF KISSES WERE COLORS, by Janet Lawler; Alison Jay (Illus.) (Dial Books for Young Readers, $15.99, 0803726171) "If Kisses Were Colors expresses the boundless love parents have for their children." -- Marie Nelson, The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop, Fort Atkinson, WI

MOUSE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, by Lauren Thompson; Buket Erdogan (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $12.95, 0689847270) "This is the latest story in the Mouse's First series. In this adventure, Mouse jumps into a bright red backpack and finds himself at school. Thompson has written an excellent addition to her series, and Erdogan's illustrations complement the story wonderfully. This is perfect for toddlers getting ready for the big day." --Lori Zalewski, Alibi Books, Glenview, IL

PETIT CONNOISSEUR: Art, by Karen Salmansohn; Brian Stauffer (Illus.) (Tricycle, $6.95, 1582461031) "Finally a coffee-table board book for babies and their ultra-cool adult companions! This witty little book is a work of art with funky collage and a super-hip sensibility." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MURPHY, by Alice Provensen (Simon & Schuster, $16.95, 0689848846) "Murphy's a hairy little terrier, a barking, shoe-chewing scamp of a dog, who provides us with an amusing day on the farm. In this appealing read-alone, or read-aloud, we see him cadging scraps in the kitchen, barely tolerating a visit to the vet, and his frenetic pre-bedtime barking session in the farmyard." --Jody Fickes-Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

GINGER FINDS A HOME, by Charlotte Voake (Candlewick Press, $15.99, 076361999X) "This is a prequel to one of my favorite books, Ginger. Here, we learn just how this cute orange cat came to stay with the little girl, who took the time to help a thin, hungry kitten and who, in the end, found a loving friend." --Kim Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

I'M A MANATEE, by John Lithgow; Ard Hoyt (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $17.95, 0689854277) "I wonder if John Lithgow is anything like his new book -- whimsical, funny, and rhythmic. And anyone who is willing to sing about his face looking like his fann-atee is my kind of guy. Clever wordplay abounds, and the book includes a CD with John Lithgow singing." --Merrilee Wilkerson, BookPeople, Austin, TX

THE JOURNEY OF OLIVER K. WOODMAN, by Darcy Pattison; Joe Cepeda (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 0152023291) "Uncle Ray can't come to visit Tameka this summer, but he's sending a stand-in, Oliver K. Woodman. Oliver is a wooden man with a backpack and an explanatory note attached asking for a ride to California. Lots of different people stop to give Oliver a lift and send a postcard off to Uncle Ray. Follow Oliver's trip across country in this unusual and funny book." -- Marilyn Dugan, A Likely Story, Alexandria, VA

THE LEGEND OF LEELANAU, by Kathy-jo Wargin; Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95, 158536150X) "The Legend of Leelanau is a Native American equivalent to Peter Pan. This story of a young Indian girl who does not want to grow up features breathtaking artwork, and it connects well with both children and adults." --Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS

And here's another wonderful title from the same author and illustrator, THE LEGEND OF MACKINAC ISLAND (Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95, 1886947120)

LISA IN THE JUNGLE, by Anne Gutman; Georg Hallensleben (Illus.) (Knopf, $9.95, 0375822542) "Here are more adventures of the duo -- dogs? rabbits? -- who are so reminiscent of real kids. Gutman and Hallensleben are exceptionally witty and droll; kids will recognize themselves, and adults will keep on smiling long after the last page." --Melissa Mytinger, Cody's Books, Berkeley, CA

And for even more great reading fun, don't forget LISA IN NEW YORK (Knopf, $9.95, 0375811192), and GASPARD AND LISA AT THE MUSEUM (Knopf, $9.95, 0375811176), and see the Top Ten.

LITTLE PIERRE: A Cajun Story From Louisiana, by Robert D. San Souci; David Catrow (Illus.) (Silver Whistle, $16, 0152024824) "Now, Little Pierre, he small-small, smart-smart, and he work hard, him. His brothers, they lazy ones, them. When they try to rescue tres-jolie Marie-Louise from the Swamp Ogre, then Little Pierre, he gonna have to rescue them all! Now, how he trick Swamp Ogre, and 12-leggy swamp gator, and biggest mud catfish he ever seen? Robert San Souci, he tell how, and David Catrow, he show how, and you, you gonna laugh big-big at this tricksy-tricksy Lousianne tale."--Kerri "the Cajun" Lyons, BookPeople, Austin, TX

MY GRANNY'S PURSE, by P.H. Hanson (Workman, $15.95, 0761129782) "'Let's go!' Granny says.... 'Life is an adventure!' My Granny's Purse is an adventure in fun for both the young and the more mature. Sneak a peek into Granny's purse and try on her spotted leopard sunglasses. Kids will love the shades, and all of the treasures in Granny's purse." --Marie Nelson, The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop, Fort Atkinson, WI

OH, CRUMPS! ¡AY, CARAMBA!, by Lee Bock; Morgan Midgett (Illus.) (Raven Tree Press, $16.95, 0972019243) "Poor Farmer Felandro, all he wants is a little peace and quiet so he can get a good night's sleep. As the evening progresses, and one restless animal after another wakes him up, he becomes more and more confused. This is a familiar dilemma for parents and a delightful read-aloud for young children. This book features wonderful illustrations and a Spanish-language translation accompanies the text." --Nancy Reinhart, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

ORVILLE: A Dog Story, by Haven Kimmel; Robert Andrew Parker (Illus.) (Clarion, $15, 061815955X, October) "In Orville, two of my favorite things meet, at last, in book form -- Haven Kimmel's prose and a sweet, wonderful dog. Parts of Orville's tale just break your heart. But, here's a hint: It all turns out well in the end!" --Jen Reynolds, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

PIGGIES IN A POLKA, by Kathi Appelt; LeUyen Pham (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 0152164839) "With its rousing rhyme and pictures full of charming details for little eyes (and grown-up ones) to find, Piggies in a Polka is sure to be a read-aloud treat!" --Annemarie Anderson, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

SHINING, by Julius Lester; John Clapp (Illus.) (Silver Whistle, $17, 0152007733, October) "This powerful tale, stunningly illustrated, is a beautiful story about a little girl named Shining who remains quiet, despite being shunned by her village, and who waits for the right sound to come. In this tale about remaining true to yourself, the paintings literally glow with warmth." --Jill Bailey, BookPeople, Austin, TX

SMARTYPANTS: Pete in School, by Maira Kalman (Putnam, $15.99, 0399234780) "Maira Kalman has me hooked with this wonderfully funny tale of school. She addresses the anxieties of the classroom, and the hilarity and wisdom of a dog who learns everything. The drawings are so clever, and the older the audience, the greater the appreciation. I am putting some copies in the Graphic Novel section, as well as a recommending it as a great back-to-school or graduation gift for the older student." --Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

SWAN HARBOR: A Nature Counting Book, by Laura Rankin (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 0803725612) "At first, this seems like a very basic counting book that is set in the seasons of Swan Harbor, Maine. However, it continues with scientific facts at the end of the book, and each concept is beautifully illustrated. Rankin's illustrations are fabulously bright and detailed, and a map near the end of the story shows you where you can find each of the animals or plants that she has chosen." --Jeanette Sessions, Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, VT

UNCLE ANDY'S: A Faabbbulous Visit With Andy Warhol, by James Warhola (Putnam, $16.99, 0399238697) "When famed children's illustrator James Warhola was little, he grew up with his many siblings in a junkyard of sorts in the country. Every now and then, the whole family would load up into the truck and drive to the city to visit their bordering-on-famous Uncle Andy (Warhol). Warhola's memories of their eccentric uncle -- and of sleeping in a room full of soup boxes, helping Warhol with his art, and playing with his wigs -- provide a fun and humanizing insight into the famous pop personality." --Kara Luger, Chinook Bookshop, Colorado Springs, CO

THE VERY SMART PEA AND THE PRINCESS-TO-BE, by Mini Grey (Knopf, $14.95, 0375826262) "This is a rollicking retelling of the "Princess and the Pea" from the perspective of the very wise pea! It is a delight and will thrill educators who collect fractured fairy tales -- this one is a gem. The artwork is fresh and funny." --Amy Baum, The Red Balloon Bookshop, Saint Paul, MN

WHO NEEDS DONUTS, by Mark Alan Stamaty (Knopf, $16.95, 0375825509, October) "I hardly know where to start praising this fun read. Stamaty is a brilliant illustrator, and this book is stuffed with visual jokes, puns, and bizarre hidden messages. He's also an extraordinarily whimsical, wild, and entertaining storyteller, who combines an outrageously original sense of the ridiculous with a basic and sublime understanding of what kids and grown-ups all 'need.' Now republished, another generation of kids (and adults) can have all the fun, too." --Susan Avery, Ariel Booksellers, New Paltz, NY

ALL-AMERICAN GIRL, by Meg Cabot (HarperTrophy, $6.99 paper, 0064472779) "Just as much fun as The Princess Diaries. Meg Cabot definitely knows how to create characters whom readers care about and hate to see go once the book is over. I already miss Samantha and all her crazy adventures." --Maggie Spitz, Quail Ridge Books and Music, Raleigh, NC

CORALINE, by Neil Gaiman; Dave McKean (Illus.) (HarperTrophy, $5.99 paper, 0380807343) "A perfect book for anyone who loves to be frightened. It scared the heck out of me, and I loved it. Coraline is a great heroine for young men and women alike." --Nick Pharris, Little Professor Book Center, Aberdeen, SD And see, too, the Top Ten for another of Gaiman's books.

THE CASE OF THE CAT WITH THE MISSING EAR: From the Notebooks of Edward R. Smithfield, D.V.M., by Scott Emerson; Viv Mullett (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689858612) "This historical mystery is set in Victorian San Francisco. The characters bring the history alive, and they are dogs! This is a canine take on the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, complete with the doctor sidekick. What a fun way to get kids interested in history." --Carl Wichman, Varsity Mart, Fargo, ND

A COOL MOONLIGHT, by Angela Johnson (Dial Books for Young Readers, $15.99, 0803728468) "What a beautiful and heartwarming book! It leaves the reader with a smile having shared the night with Lila, playing and dreaming by the light of the moon. I shall have every teacher I know read this life-changing book." --Virginia Hobson Hicks, Books on the Bluff, Townsend, GA

THE DIVIDE, by Elizabeth Kay (Chicken House/Scholastic, 0439456967, $15.95) "Felix is desperate to find a cure for his heart ailment. When he falls through the divide, where the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific meet, he finds himself in a world filled with creatures that resemble those he is familiar with. Using friendship, some magic, and the help of many, he finds that anything is possible." --Kathy Taber, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

DOUBLE FUDGE, by Judy Blume (Puffin, $5.99 paper, 0142501115) "Hurrah! Fudge is back! And he is better and funnier than ever! But be warned: It might be that Fudge has met his match in a newly discovered cousin who 'stole' his name. Double the Fudge means double the laughs, and you'll be laughing out loud!" --Deborah Woolsey, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

FOLLOW THE TRAIL: A Young Person's Guide to the Great Outdoors, by Jessica Loy (Holt Books for Young Readers, $18.95, 0805061959) "This is a great beginners' guide to the outdoors for young children. It touches on everything you might do while camping, from planning the trip to lying under the stars at night. Included are plant and animal identification and good safety tips." --Kim Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

IMAGINE A NIGHT, by Sarah L. Thomson; Rob Gonsalves (Illus.) (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689852185) "Stretch your imagination with these clever paintings, which are totally off-the-wall and gorgeous! Imagine a train roaring into your house to take you away, think of a fiddler playing to a field of daisies with faces -- the paintings by Ron Gonsalves are a joy to imagine!" --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

THE JACKET, by Andrew Clements (Aladdin, $4.99 paper, 0689860102) "This is an excellent book to get middle-schoolers thinking about racism and the subtle ways it affects our thinking. After accusing a black student at his school of stealing a jacket, a fifth-grader realizes he is prejudiced and decides to do something about it. Andrew Clements has again succeeded in creating strong characters kids can relate to while exploring an important issue." --Philip Schweiger, Children's Corner Bookshop, Spokane, WA

LITTLE VAMPIRE GOES TO SCHOOL, by Joann Sfar (Simon & Schuster, $12.95, 0689857179) "I adored the artwork; I was enchanted by the story; and, in the end, I so wanted to have my own friend like Little Vampire. Who wouldn't? He lives in a cool haunted mansion, has a flying dog for a pet, hangs out with some first-class monsters, and he never has to bathe! Joann Sfar has created a clever, imaginative, and funny tale that I hope will be the first of many Little Vampire stories." --Vincent Desjardins, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA

MAGGIE'S DOOR, by Patricia Reilly Giff (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, $15.95, 0385326580) "In Nory Ryan's Song, Nory Ryan set out alone to Galway to find her family and sail to America. This is the story of the journey from Ireland to America told by both Nory Ryan and her friend Sean Red Mallon. Both stories have the same destination -- Nory's sister's home in Brooklyn. The trip is incredible, but Nory and Sean are determined to reach Maggie's door." --Molly Olson, Merritt Books, Millbrook, NY Also a Listening Library Audio (0807217972, Unabridged)

MATH-TERPIECES: The Art of Problem-Solving, by Greg Tang; Greg Paprocki (Illus.) (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439443881) "Experience the artwork of 12 great masters while solving math problems. Tang has once again made math fun by combining it with an artist familiar to most children. Each work is accompanied by a poem challenging the reader to group representative objects on the opposite page. An entertaining extension to a math curriculum." --Julie Gaston, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

THE MEANEST DOLL IN THE WORLD, by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin; Brian Selznick (Illus.) (Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99, 0786808780) "Newbery Honor author Ann M. Martin teams up with Laura Godwin and Brian Selznick for their sequel to the charming The Doll People. Dolls Annabelle and Tiffany Funcraft return for the romp, but, this time, they travel to the exciting world of school, where they encounter Mean Mimi, who is determined to rule all of Dollkind. Will the world ever be safe for dolls again? This nonstop adventure from a doll's-eye view comes alive with Selznick's rich black-and-white illustrations." --Morgan McMillian, Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse, Washington, DC Also a Listening Library Audio (0807217883, Unabridged)

MUHAMMAD, by Demi (Margaret K. McElderry/Simon and Schuster, $19.95, 0689852649) "When will Demi stop amazing me? Everything she does is so simple, beautiful, enriching, and amazing. Here she gives us the life story of Muhammad, and, with that, comes a lesson on the foundations of Islam. The illustrations are drawn from Islamic tradition, but they are still in the Demi style. This is a life story of mythic proportions, and an important subject for kids and adults in these times." --Elizabeth Burns, BookPeople, Austin, TX

And from the same author, GANDHI (Margaret K. McElderry/Simon and Schuster, $19.95, 0689841493)

RIDER IN THE SKY: How an American Cowboy Built England's First Airplane, by John R. Hulls; David Weitzman (Illus.) (Crown, $16.95, 0375811060) "Hulls explores the fascinating life story of Samuel Cody, an American cowboy who went from performing in a Wild West show, to building gigantic kites and experimenting with gliders, to, finally, building Britain's first airplane in 1908. Filled with dozens of period photographs and illustrations, this book is a well-written account of a little-known aviation pioneer." --Allan Kausch, Copperfield's Books, Petaluma, CA

THE RIVER BETWEEN US, by Richard Peck (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 0803727356) "The year is 1861. The United States stands at the brink of war, even in a little town in Illinois on the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. When two visitors arrive on the last boat from New Orleans -- a young, seemingly spoiled, rich girl and her dark (could she be a slave?) companion -- 15-year-old Tilly Pruitt and her family take them in. But all is not as it seems, as Tilly -- and the reader -- learns that life, and the world around us, is not all black and white. Thought provoking and moving, this is one of Richard Peck's finest novels." --Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op, Storrs, CT

SAFFY'S ANGEL, by Hilary McKay (Aladdin, $4.99 paper, 0689849346) "Saffy has been adopted by her artistic, loving aunt. Her cousins/siblings, each named after a color on an artist's palette, are quirky, good-natured, and talented. With the help of a new friend, she has a hilarious adventure to retrieve a gift her mother left for her. Great fun!" --Amy Rosenfield, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cleveland, OH

STANLEY, FLAT AGAIN!, by Jeff Brown; Scott Nash (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $14.99, 0060095512) "This silly series about a boy who's only an half-inch thick after a mishap with a bulletin board will appeal to the whimsical imagination of kids and adults alike!" --Jill Ogata, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

TRUE BLUE, by Jeffrey Lee (Delacorte, $14.95, 0385730934) "You know how just when you think you are going to collapse under the weight of heartbreak, a little magic shows up to help you out? Things have gone so badly for Molly that she just retreats into a dark corner -- and Chrys is sitting in that corner waiting for her. The story of how they save each other in the most satisfying way is a lovely read." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA

THE WHALE RIDER, by Witi Ihimaera (Harcourt, $8 paper, 0152050167) "In this wonderfully inspiring story, the focus is a spirited young girl, Kahu, and her curmudgeonly great-grandfather, the chief of a Maori tribe and the descendant from the ancient whale rider. Kahu's tribe is in danger of losing its identity unless a descendant carries on the sacred traditions for the village. The old chief is convinced the true heir must be a boy and sees no use for Kahu. However, she has inherited the sacred gift from the whale rider and must convince her great-grandfather she can save the tribe. This story of faith and tenacity for children and adults is sure to become a classic." --Bunny Thompson, Paulina Springs Book Company, Sisters, OR

WIZARD AT WORK, by Vivian Vande Velde (Harcourt, $16, 0152045597) "What a fun book filled with short stories all following a wizard through his summer vacation. As the wizard is called on to fix a variety of problems around the kingdom, you find that some of the stories sound vaguely familiar! A quick and easy read, imagine it as what Hogwarts professors do between semesters!" --Dinah Paul, A Likely Story, Alexandria, VA

ABARAT, by Clive Barker (HarperTrophy, $14.99 paper, 0064407330, October) "This blew me away. Still a master of twisting, turning plots, Barker now shows himself to be master of a new world. Candy Quackenbush, an unhappy teenager, stumbles into Abarat as unexpectedly as Alice tumbles into the rabbit hole. And like Alice, Candy discovers that, in this world, nothing is as it seems. This book should win Barker a whole new set of fans!" --Karen Miller, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL

CIRQUE DU FREAK: The Vampire Prince, by Darren Shan (Little Brown, $15.95, 0316607096) "The books in this ghoulish series are fun, mesmerizing, and suspenseful! An ordinary teen visits the mysterious Cirque Du Freak, where he finds a nightmare world of vampires and monsters, and has his own life dramatically changed forever. Fans of Buffy will love this series!" --Emery Pinter, Chapter 11, Lawrenceville, GA

EAST, by Edith Pattou (Harcourt, $18, 0152045635) "Not wanting to be without a book, I tossed East in my bag when I went to meet friends for dinner. I was disappointed when they showed up and I had to stop reading this marvelous epic adventure. Rose, her family, the white bear, and the Troll Queen weave a tale that is new and exciting, yet old and familiar at the same time. I was nearly in tears at the end -- not because it is sad, but simply because I didn't want to leave the world that Edith Pattou has created." --Erin Ostrander, The Secret Garden, Seattle, WA

THE ENEMY HAS A FACE, by Gloria D. Miklowitz (Eerdmans, $16, 0802852432) "L.A. newcomer Adam can't quite really adjust from his childhood spent in Israel, except on the soccer field, where he feels most comfortable. When he vanishes one day, his parents don't know where to begin looking. His only friend is an online buddy, Sari, but his family doesn't even realize she exists. Told from his sister's point of view, this intricately woven tale explores the centuries-old battle between Israel and Palestine. Could Palestinians be to blame for Adam's disappearance? Or is he only a teenager with a hidden love?" --Eileen Barron, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

ESCAPE FROM BOTANY BAY, by Gerald and Loretta Hausman (Orchard, $16.95, 0439403278) "This is the remarkable account of Mary Bryant, who was imprisoned in England at age 19 for stealing a bonnet and was sent to Australia. The true story of her voyage aboard a prison ship, life in the penal colony of Botany Bay, and eventual escape presents the reader with not only a great story but, also, with historical information on Mary, whose voice deserves to be heard." --Charlotte Deon, Pine Island Books and More!, Matlacha, FL

THE FIRST PART LAST, by Angela Johnson (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689849222) "This is a beautifully written young adult novel, the story of Bobby, a typical urban New York City teenager. He hangs out with his friends, eats pizza, goes to the movies, and, then, discovers, on his 16th birthday, that he is going to be a father. Just as things seem to be coming together, tragedy strikes his girlfriend, Nia, and Bobby finds himself a single, teenage father. Angela Johnson has portrayed the very difficult life of a single, young parent with great insight and care." --Rene Kirkpatrick, All for Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA

HORSE THIEF, by Robert Newton Peck (HarperTrophy, $5.99 paper, 0064410757) "Yes, a cowboy story, but set in Florida. A rodeo is closing down and the horses' futures are uncertain, but young Tullis intends to take care of matters. Robert Newton Peck's language and characters are delightful and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny." --Martha Nelson, Butterfly Books, DePere, WI

BHUSH, by Jacqueline Woodson (Speak, $5.99 paper, 0142500496) "A girl in a Witness Protection Program family hates her new life. Jacqueline Woodson has crafted another great story sure to intrigue all readers." --Kara Luger, Chinook Bookshop, Colorado Springs, CO

INDIGO, Alice Hoffman (Scholastic, $4.99 paper, 0439256364) "Oak Grove is a dry and dusty place, and everyone who lives there likes it that way, except the McGill brothers. They prefer anchovy pie to blueberry, pour salt into their water, and have faint blue webbing between their fingers and toes. Like Aquamarine, this is a mysterious and magical tale that will delight its readers." --Mary Kooyman, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

LUCY THE GIANT, by Sherri L. Smith (Laurel Leaf, $5.50 paper, 0440229278) "Lucy is 15 and tall, with a home life 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 (HarperTempest, $6.99 paper, 0064473392) "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." --Jenne Herbst, Quail Ridge Books and Music, Raleigh, NC

A MANGO-SHAPED SPACE, by Wendy Mass (Little, Brown, $16.95, 0316523887) "To everyone around her, Mia appears to be a typical 13-year-old. But Mia has been keeping a secret for years: She sees colors when reading or hearing numbers, letters, or words. A Mango-Shaped Space boasts an absolutely fascinating exploration of a little-known neurological condition -- synesthesia -- as well as a well-written story of family, friendship, and growing up." --Sara Yu, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

MARTYN PIG, by Kevin Brooks (Chicken House/Scholastic, $6.99 paper, 0439507529) "Martyn Pig is not exactly happy when his abusive, alcoholic father dies in an accident, but he takes in the absurdity of the situation -- and his whole life -- and tries to make something better of it. I liked this unique young adult novel for its weirdness, its humor, and its quiet, resigned despair." --Jen Toner, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

PLEASE DON'T KILL THE FRESHMAN: A Memoir, by Zoe Trope (HarperTempest, $15.99, 0060529369) "This collection of journal entries from author Zoe Trope's first two years of high school is a refreshingly honest alternative to the run-of-the-mill adolescent novels. Her introspective and engaging writing draws the reader into the everyday thoughts and actions of a truly exceptional and talented teenage girl." --Samantha Pitchell, Newtonville Books, Newton, MA

SHATTERING GLASS, by Gail Giles (Simon Pulse, $6.99 paper, 0689858000) "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, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

THE SIGHT, by David Clement-Davies (Firebird Books, $7.99 paper, 014250047X) "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

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