The Summer 2004 Book Sense Kids' Picks

May 26, 2004

1. HEARTBEAT, by Sharon Creech (Joanna Cotler Books, $16.99, 0060540222) "This free verse story strikes right at your heart. It touches on the stages of life, the uniqueness of personality, the importance of family, and the importance of following your own perspective and goals in life." --Elsie Peterson, The Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor, MI Also a Harper Children's Audio, Abridged CD (0060744855)

2. DUCK FOR PRESIDENT, by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689863772) "Candidate Duck has high aspirations in running the farm, as one thing leads to another, and soon the presidency is at hand. Complete with Cronin's version of the 'hanging chad' and a late-night saxophone appearance on television. Fun for the whole family." --Carl Wichman, Varsity Mart, Fargo, ND

3. LIONBOY, by Zizou Corder (Dial Books for Young Readers, $15.99, 0803729820) "Charlie's quest to rescue his kidnapped, famous scientist parents leads to a meeting with a fabulous circus. This is a kid's dream book ... a boy on his own on a hero's quest joins with perhaps the most exciting circus in children's literature. And, oh yeah, he can talk to lions!" --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX Also a Highbridge Audio, Unabridged Cassette (1565118308)

4. A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY, by Libba Bray (Delacorte, $16.95, 0385730284) "Gemma Doyle is a proper 16-year-old British girl living in India in 1895 with her parents. When tragedy strikes, she learns that she has a gift, and that she is a powerful member of an ancient group called the Order. Time and space are all but forgotten as you become part of this Victorian, supernatural mystery, and it becomes a part of you." --Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op, Storrs, CT Also a Listening Library Audio, Abridged CD (0807223867)

5. KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON, by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, $15.99, 0060588284) "Oh, kitten! Henkes' black-and-white illustrations are delightful and tender. His writing, as always, is playful and endearing. Eager, courageous, and downright hungry, kitten learns she will always be provided for." --Jessica Libero, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

6. THE OUTCASTS OF 19 SCHUYLER PLACE, by E.L. Konigsburg (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689866364) "Margaret is spending the summer with her two uncles. The gentrification of their neighborhood has led the city to condemn three fabulous towers they have been building in their backyard for the last 40 years. As Margaret tries to save the towers, she learns to negotiate the tortuous and contradictory world of adults. Konigsburg's best in years!" --Colby Kavanagh, Antigone Books, Tucson, AZ Also a Listening Library Audio, Unabridged Cassette (0807223255)

7. HALIBUT JACKSON, by David Lucas (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0375826904) "Halibut Jackson is overly shy and creates suits to blend into his surroundings, which seems to work for him ... for a time. This is an excellent story about finding yourself and discovering your talents. Halibut Jackson is my hero." --Sweet Pea Flaherty, King's Books, Tacoma, WA

8. SAVING SAMANTHA, by Robbyn Smith Van Frankenhuyzen, Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear, $17.95, 1585362204) "This is a wonderful new children's picture book with a heartwarming and important environmental message. Gijsbert's artistic talent and Robbyn's warm prose make this a beautiful book for children of all ages!" --Coryn Briggs, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

9. CHASING VERMEER, by Blue Balliett, Brett Helquist (Illus.) (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439372941) "What a fun book this was to read. Two sixth-graders, a creative teacher, stolen art, letters written in secret code, and a lot of seemingly unrelated clues had me guessing all along the way." --Kimberly A. Hughes, Village Bookstore, Menomonee Falls, WI

10. A SPREE IN PAREE, by Catherine Stock (Holiday House, $16.95, 0823417204) "When Farmer Monmouton decides he needs a holiday in Paris, his animals tag along -- and end up having more fun in the City of Light than he does! The clever story and whimsical illustrations add up to a winner, and wait until you see where the barnyard gang wants to go next!" --Barb Bassett, The Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN

MUNG-MUNG: A Fold-Out Book of Animal Sounds, by Linda Sue Park, Diane Bigda (Illus.) (Charlesbridge, $9.95, 1570914869) "This Newbery winner has created a fold-out guessing-game book that provides a unique approach to animal sounds in different languages. Which animal says 'ga-ga' in Japanese, but 'quack-quack' in English?" --Nancy Lankton, Moloney's Books, Marion, OH

THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG, by Mo Willems (Hyperion, $12.99, 0786818697) "I think this wonderful title just might be better than Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. This pigeon is stubborn, but cool, and I am a fan!" --Branwen Robbins, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, ME

THE BOY WHO CRIED FABULOUS, by Leslea Newman, Peter Ferguson (Illus.) (Tricycle, $15.95, 1582461015) "What's not to love about Roger's outlook on life? To him, everything is fabulous! But what's a boy to do when his parents ban the 'f' word from his vocabulary -- why, find other words that are just as fabulous, of course!" --Suzanne Coopersmith, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

CIRCLE UNBROKEN, by Margot Theis Raven, E.B. Lewis (Illus.) (Melanie Kroupa Books/FSG, $16, 0374312893) "This book, featuring wonderful watercolor illustrations, tells the story of an African-American family from their beginnings in Africa. The Gullahs of South Carolina have one of the last remaining ethnic cultures, complete with a separate language, cooking style, and the art of making sweetgrass baskets. This is a story of a family and the circle of love, and it will delight and inform children and adults alike." --Ann Carlson, Harborwalk Books, Georgetown, SC

ELENA'S SERENADE, by Campbell Geeslin, Ana Juan (Illus.) (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689849087) "Elena, a determined young Mexican girl, has a father who believes she is too little to practice his art, and, besides, who ever heard of a girl glassblower? This is a fun, beautiful tale about following your dreams and a great introduction to another culture. Ana Juan's illustrations are remarkable." --Jill Saginario, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

THE FROG HOUSE, by Mark Taylor, Barbara Garrison (Illus.) (Dutton, $15.99, 0525461744) "Where, oh where, can a frog find a home? A duplex won't work. A bungalow isn't the answer either. But an apple-shaped birdhouse -- well, now, that's the ticket! Barbara Garrison's delightful artwork will show off the home and all of the springtime friends who stop by to investigate." --Ellen Ourada, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

A GOOD DAY'S FISHING, by James Prosek (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689853270) "Root through a young angler's well-stocked tackle box, finding out what each lure and fly will catch, as he searches for the one item that will guarantee a perfect day of fishing. Wonderful watercolors of fish and tackle, as well as a detailed glossary, will satisfy avid anglers and first timers alike." --Sarah Miller, Halfway Down the Stairs, Rochester, MI

H IS FOR HOME RUN: A Baseball Alphabet, by Brad Herzog, Melanie Rose-Popp (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear, $16.95, 1585362190) "G is for Grand Slam. T is for T-ball. From A to Z, this alphabet of baseball is a visual delight for young readers, and a fact-filled pleasure for the older brother or sister. This is a delightful spring read for sports fans of all ages." --Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

IF I WERE A LION, by Sarah Weeks, Heather M. Solomon (Illus.) (Atheneum, $15.95, 0689848366) "Perfect illustrations for a wonderful book about a child whom every parent knows and loves, even when she is sent to the time-out chair. With read-aloud rhymes, If I Were a Lion gives us a glimpse of the child's view of behavior." --Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

JENNY AND THE CAT CLUB, by Esther Averill (New York Review of Books, $16.95, 1590170474) "I was so, so excited to see this title reissued! I grew up with Jenny (a small black cat with a red scarf) and her friends and all their adventures. This is a great early reader story collection, with some illustrations -- perfect for kids who are trying to read on their own, and great for bedtime stories." --Nicki Leone, Bristol Books, Wilmington, NC

KISS KISS!, by Margaret Wild, Bridget Strevens-Marzo (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $12.95, 0689862792) "The repetitive phrases and colorful pictures of Kiss Kiss! will delight the preschool child, but, at the same time, it also conveys information about African wildlife. Best of all, reading this book with your young person will encourage the exchange of many kisses as Baby Hippo sees the other babies and parents exchanging kisses." --Jane Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Culpeper, VA

LA LA ROSE, by Satomi Ichikawa (Philomel, $15.99, 0399240292) "How sweet it is! La La Rose the rabbit will connect with any child who has a favorite soft toy. The beautifully soft illustrations support the tone of La La Rose's adventures while lost in the park." --Lana Haskett, Chaucer's Books, Santa Barbara, CA

LET'S MAKE IT POP-UP, by David A. Carter, James Diaz (Little Simon, $12.95, 0689865082) "What a wonderful way to spend the day with your children -- making pop-up things for a storybook! This educational and fun book features bright illustrations and wonderful instructions." --Lee Musgjerd, Lee's Book Emporium, Glasgow, MT

MISTER SEAHORSE, by Eric Carle (Philomel, $16.99, 0399242694) "Mister Seahorse discovers that he is only one of many good fathers who care for their eggs and babies in a most surprising way. As children are reassured of fatherly devotion, they are learning little-known, fascinating facts about nature. Carle's bold paper collage illustrations are a wonderful treat." --Barbara Siepker, The Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor, MI

MOOSEKITOS: A Moose Family Reunion, by Margie Palatini, Henry Cole (Illus.) (Hyperion, $15.99, 0786819553) "The Moose family reunion was going to be perfect! At least that was what Mr. Moose thought until the whole family showed up at Moose Lodge. What starts out as the worst family reunion becomes an exercise in togetherness when the moosekitos crash the party." --Jenny Luscher, Bohannons' Books With a Past, Georgetown, KY

MY SPECIAL DAY AT THIRD STREET SCHOOL, by Eve Bunting, Suzanne Bloom (Illus.) (Boyds Mills, $15.95, 1590780752) "When author Amanda Drake arrives at Third Street School for a visit, it is all that the class had hoped for. When the young narrator of this story in rhyme suggests to the author that she write a book about her visit -- guess what? She does, and this is it !" --Betsey Detwiler, Buttonwood Books & Toys, Cohasset, MA

THE PRINCESS KNIGHT, by Cornelia Funke, Kerstin Meyer (Illus.) (Chicken House/Scholastic, $15.95, 0439536308) "Violetta's widowed father, King Wilfred, decides to raise her just like her brothers, with lessons in swordplay, armor, and jousting. When the king holds a tournament on her 16th birthday to win her a husband, she revolts and takes charge of her own future. Whimsical watercolor illustrations by Kerstin Meyer add to this gentle feminist tale." --Morgan McMillian, Politics and Prose Books & Coffeehouse, Washington, DC

RAZZAMADADDY, by Linda Walvoord, Sachiko Yoshikawa (Illus.) (Marshall Cavendish, $14.95, 0761451587) "The upbeat rhyme and rhythm of this playful book, which tells of a dad and son enjoying a day at the beach, provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate dads! Full of colorful illustrations and warm feelings of the joy of family bonds." --Linda Trester, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

SATURDAYS AND TEA CAKES, by Lester L. Laminack and Chris Soentpiet (Illus.) (Peachtree, $16.95, 156145303X) "Take a trip back to childhood in the 1950s and experience the gentle love between a boy and his grandmother. This story, in words and pictures, of a Saturday tradition between the generations is beautifully reminiscent of the past." --Marianne Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

SUPERDOG: The Heart of a Hero, by Caralyn Buehner, Mark Buehner (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0066236207) "Another great book for children by the Buehners. In their latest, children see the determination of a little dog to be a superhero, no matter what hurdles and obstacles get in his way." --Virginia Hobson Hicks, Books on the Bluff, Townsend, GA

TO BE AN ARTIST, by Maya Ajmera, John D. Ivanko (Charlesbridge, $15.95, 1570915032) "In these active, bright photos from around the world, we see children engaged in the art of dance, painting, acting, music, and writing. While celebrating the arts, we celebrate the diversity and wonder of the world's children." --Diane Betz, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

WEAVING THE RAINBOW, by George Ella Lyon, Stephanie Anderson (Illus.) (Atheneum, $15.95, 0689851693) "This picture book tells a story of contributions shared by sheep and weavers as they create a rainbow of colors. The watercolor illustrations beautifully illustrate a book that depicts an art unknown to many children and, hence, provides a wonderful teaching tool." --Kay Vincent, Bohannons' Books With a Past, Georgetown, KY

THE WISHING OF BIDDY MALONE, by Joy Cowley, Christopher Denise (Illus.) (Philomel, $15.99, 0399234047) "Biddy Malone loves to sing and dance. The trouble is that her dundering feet and creaky voice are forever stoking her hot temper! When the faerie prince invites her to name three wishes, Biddy believes her song and dance troubles are over. Don't be hasty, lass! Share this book with your favorite corker of a kid." --Kari Pearson, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

WHO WILL TUCK ME IN TONIGHT?, by Carol Roth, Valeri Gorbachev (Illus.) (North South Books, $15.95, 0735817723) "Poor little Woolly Lamb's mother is gone for the evening, leaving not one animal who can tuck him in just right, like his Mom can! A wonderful 'just before bed' book." --Hilary Taber, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

THE YELLOW BALLOON, by Charlotte Dematons (Front Street/Lemniscaat, $15.95, 1932425012) "Find the blue car, the prisoner, the man on the flying carpet, and the yellow balloon. This book is full of wonderful scenery that mixes the past and the present, pirate ships with aircraft carriers. A fun book for the family, with lots to look at on every page." --Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS, by Gennifer Choldenko (Putnam, $15.99, 0399238611) "This is both a coming-of-age story and a tale of people dealing with autism before the illness had a name. The characters in this story of a family moving to Alcatraz in 1935 feel real and the historical period is presented with accuracy. Bravo!" --Melinda Clark, Viewpoint of Columbus, Columbus, IN

BETRAYAL AT CROSS CREEK, by Kathleen Ernst, Jean-Paul Tibbles (Illus.), Greg Dearth (Illus.) (Pleasant Company, $6.95 paper, 1584858788) "A wonderful addition to the American Girl History Mystery series. In addition to a suspenseful story set at the start of the American Revolution, there are lessons about family loyalty, self-reliance, and friendship, even when friends are on opposing political sides." --Lynn Meidam, Lynn's BookRoom, South Milwaukee, WI

BEYOND THE DEEPWOODS, by Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell (Illus.) (David Fickling Books, $12.95, 0385750684) "Trockbladder games, gloamglozers, termagant trogs, and hammelhornskin clothes are only a few of the exciting experiences of Twig when his parents decide it is his time to leave the cozy cabin and make his way in the world. And what a world! Unlike any other! Intriguing illustrations by Chris Riddell help make this a new series to treasure. You'll want all the Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart, starting with, this, the first." --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

And also available in the series: STORMCHASER, by Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell (Illus.) (David Fickling Books, $12.95, 0385750706)

COLMAN, by Monica Furlong (Random House Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0375815147) "I have been waiting for a sequel to Furlong's Wise Child since I finished the final page. After Juniper's trial as a witch, she, Wise Child, Colman, and Finbar flee Scotland to what they thought would be the safety of Juniper's homeland of Cornwall. Unfortunately, all is not well in her father's kingdom. Exciting, thoughtful, and completely marvelous!" --Rachel King, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

ELLINGTON WAS NOT A STREET, by Ntozake Shange, Kadir Nelson (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $15.99, 0689828845) "The lines of text set on the pages of this book are a subtle drumbeat to the music of the book's illustrations, and the author's poem is a testament to some of the pillars of the African-American community. It recalls a time when streets were not named for black people, and the individuals who changed that world." --Melissa Manlove, The Storyteller, Lafayette, CA

EXILED: Memoirs of a Camel, by Kathleen Karr (Marshall Cavendish, $15.95, 0761451641) "Can Ali the camel prevail in the Old West, where he has been drafted by the U.S. Camel Corps. Set in the 1850s and based on historical events, this animal tale is one of the neatest little books we've read recently. It's offbeat, exciting, and has a great main character." --Cynthia Compton, 4 Kids Books, Indianapolis, IN

FISH: A Novel, by L.S. Matthews (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $14.95, 0385731809) "This lovely parable tells the story of a boy who rescues a fish just as his family has to flee their adopted home because of war. Courage, faith, and kindness guide the boy as he cares for the fish, keeping it alive despite all hardships. This book gives children the gift of seeing the best qualities of human nature." --Karen Beem, Newtown Bookshop, Newtown, PA Also a Listening Library Audio, Unabridged Cassette (1400085209)

THE GOLDEN HOUR, by Maiya Williams (Abrams Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0810948230) "Two kids spending the summer with their weird aunts meet two other children and together they investigate a local abandoned hotel. There's lots of action, time travel, history, and friendship. It's terrific." --Lise Friedman, Dutton's Brentwood Books, Los Angeles, CA

A HAT FULL OF SKY, by Terry Pratchett (HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060586605) "Pratchett has outdone himself in the second book of his series, which sees an older Tiffany going to the mountains to learn more about witchcraft. It is full of fun, but, like all great literature, the book is multilayered and examines seriously (as well as humorously) what it means to be human and what those gifted with special talents owe to the rest of humanity." --Charlene Taylor, Reader's Oasis, Tucson, AZ Also a Harper Audio, Abridged Cassette (0060597720)

MABLE RILEY: A Reliable Record of Humdrum, Peril, and Romance, by Marthe Jocelyn (Candlewick, $15.99, 076362120X) "Mable Riley decides to keep a journal as she moves with her older sister to her first job as a schoolmistress. Mable records both her sister's trials and tribulations and her own growing friendship with a scandalous suffragist. When Mable becomes more involved than her sister deems proper, fireworks ensue! This is a completely delightful read!" --Rachel King, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

THE MALTED FALCON: A Chet Gecko Mystery, by Bruce Hale (Harcourt, $4.95 paper, 0152167129) "Bruce Hale has written another perfectly accomplished pun-filled noir for young readers and their parents, too. Chet Gecko is suave, cool, and ready for the next adventure. Start with any and you'll want them all." --Jean Riescher Westcott, Olsson's Books & Records, Arlington, VA

NEVER MIND!: A Twin Novel, by Avi, Rachel Vail (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060543140) "A delightful 21st century drawing room comedy, with a cast of seventh graders. Told in alternating voices, this light, funny story is refreshingly unencumbered by heavy issues." --Nancy Reinhart, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

OPHIE OUT OF OZ, by Kathleen O'Dell, Rosie Winstead (Illus.) (Dial Books for Young Readers, $15.99, 0803729308) "A really great book for budding thespians. Ophie has always been the star of the show, but after moving to Oregon she is no longer the headliner. As Ophie perseveres, in the end, we see that life isn't always the same, but it can still be enjoyable." --Beth Kalb, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, NC

THE ORANGE TREES OF VERSAILLES, by Annie Pietri (Delacorte, $15.95, 0385731035) "Marion is headed for a servant's life at Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV. However, her gift for identifying and mixing scents helps her become a favorite of the king's mistress, the Marquise de Montespan, and Marion's well-trained nose helps her stop a plot to murder the queen in this interesting historic novel." --Ellen Scott, Yvonne Kaiser, Anna Hutchison, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE

THE PEOPLE OF SPARKS, by Jeanne Duprau (Random House Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0375828249) "This sequel to The City of Ember really connects, with such contemporary themes as war, discrimination, and dwindling resources. This thought-provoking book presents it all in an enticing, easily readable form." --Karen Wendler, World Eye Bookshop, Greenfield, MA Also a Listening Library Audio, Unabridged Cassette (1400084881)

SNAP, by Alison McGhee (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763620025) "This is a tender and telling tale about the trials and tests of best friends, as it looks at growing up, coming to terms with a dying grandmother, and dealing with life's gifts and loses. McGhee does it all brilliantly." --Maude Odgers, The Toadstool Bookshop, Peterborough, NH

SO B. IT, by Sarah Weeks (Laura Geringer, $15.99, 0066236223) "Heidi, her mentally disabled mother, Sophie, and their neighbor Bernadette live a pretty unusual life. Heidi's mother knows 23 words and Bernadette is agoraphobic. Together, the three of them are a family, caring for each other, until the year Heidi turns 12 and begins to wonder about who her father was. Unable to get any information, she decides to try to find out on her own. This is a beautifully written book about family and love and knowing what is really important." --Rene Kirkpatrick, All for Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA

THE TAIL OF EMILY WINDSNAP, by Liz Kessler (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763624837) "This story of a 12-year-old girl who accidentally discovers she's a mermaid during her very first swimming lesson is a delightful modern fairy tale. Readers will be captivated by Emily's underwater adventures with her new best friend (also a mermaid), as well as by her experiences as a seventh grader back on shore." --Debbie Silbergleit, Merritt Books, Millbrook, NY Also a Listening Library Audio, Unabridged Cassette (1400085993)

THE VARIOUS, by Steve Augarde (David Fickling Books, $16.95, 0385750293) "This is a wonderful children's fantasy set in rural England featuring the various 'little people' tribes, whose world is unusually real. In this story of an 11-year-old who discovers a tribe of fairies whose existence is threatened, our heroes overcome significant obstacles with wit and luck and help from others. I can't wait until part two of the trilogy is released." --Michele Bellah, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SEA, by W.R. Philbrick (Blue Sky, $16.95, 0439368294) "This is a wonderful twist on Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea. It is the story of a young boy whose mother is dead and whose father is incapacitated by grief. It's an engrossing depiction of a young person who is trying desperately to reach his father and make things right." --Allison Major, Winchester Book Gallery, Winchester, VA

BABY BLUE: A Novel, by Michelle D. Kwasney (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805070508) "A powerful and beautifully written story of a family in crisis. Blue's stepfather is abusive, her mother is unable to leave the relationship, and her older sister has run away. This story is told with insight and understanding of all involved, and, despite the grim situation, with humor and hope." --Nancy Felton, Broadside Bookshop, Northampton, MA

THE BLUE MIRROR, by Kathe Koja (Frances Foster/Farrar, $16, 0374308497) "Maggy spends a lot of time at the Blue Mirror café trying to avoid her usually intoxicated mother. She nurses a cappuccino for hours while drawing in her sketchbook, creating a world she rarely lets anyone share. Her normally remote existence is disrupted when she meets Cole, but he may be more trouble than Maggie can handle. A skillfully crafted story of misplaced love." --Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

EAGLE STRIKE, by Anthony Horowitz (Philomel, $17.99, 0399239790) "Boys (and girls) cannot get enough of Alex Rider, a teenage James Bond with the coolest spy gadgets who saves the world on a regular basis. No reluctant reader has ever been bored by this great series. He just doesn't write them fast enough." --Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

GEOGRAPHY CLUB, by Brent Hartinger (HarperTempest, $6.99 paper, 0060012234) "This story about a group of students forming a gay-straight alliance at their high school is one of the best gay youth books since The Year of Ice. Geography Club is simply a joy to read." --Erik Swallow, Lambda Rising, Norfolk, VA

GREEN ANGEL, by Alice Hoffman (Scholastic, $5.99 paper, 0439443857) "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 age." --Carol Hill, Book Mine, Leadsville, CO

HARLEM STOMP!: A Cultural History of the Harlem Renaissance, by Laban Carrick Hill (Little, Brown, $18.95, 0316814113) "Harlem Stomp! leaves no element of the Harlem Renaissance untouched. As gorgeous as it is informative, the poems, paintings, and sculptures of great writers and artists cascade across each page, buoyed by Hill's spirited, detailed writing." --Beth Isaacson, Politics and Prose Books & Coffeehouse, Washington, DC

HONEY, BABY, SWEETHEART, by Deb Caletti (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689867654) "A wise, witty, and hilarious story that looks at coming-of-age, and so much more. This multigenerational love story is extremely well-written and should appeal both to teenagers and adults. I couldn't stop nodding and laughing in thorough understanding!" --Morgan Spring, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma City, OK

KISSING THE RAIN, by Kevin Brooks (Chicken House/Scholastic, $16.95, 043957742X) "The only place Moo Nelson can feel at peace is on the bridge looking north, watching the traffic. Then, one night Moo witnesses a car chase and a murder, and suddenly his life changes in unexpected ways. Brooks can get into a character's head like no one else." --Iris Yipp, The Magic Tree Bookstore, Oak Park, IL

LUNA: A Novel, by Julie Anne Peters (Megan Tingley Books/Little,Brown, $16.95, 0316733695) "Regan O'Neill is 16, and she's the only one who knows her older brother Liam's secret: Every night he goes into her room and dresses to make his outward appearance reconcile with the woman he knows he is inside. But Liam cannot bear to hide the fact that he is transgendered any longer. And Regan can't imagine how her family will survive if the secret gets out. Peters tackles a difficult, complex issue with sensitivity and integrity." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA

MESSENGER, by Lois Lowry (Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618404414) "Lois Lowry has done it again! This novel is perfection. Bits of The Giver and Gathering Blue are woven into a stunning book. How brilliantly she incorporates the values of acceptance, caring, and respect into a novel." --Susan Capaldi, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI Also a Listening Library Audio, Unabridged Cassette (0807223727)

MONTMORENCY: Thief, Liar, Gentleman, by Eleanor Updale (Orchard, $16.95, 0439580358) "Young readers will find this story enthralling. A thief, whose body was badly mangled in a late-night heist, heals and hatches a magnificent plan while in prison. There is plenty of tension and excitement throughout the book to capture the reader's interest." --Clyde Holloway, So Many Books..., Vancouver, WA

SHADOWMANCER, by G.P. Taylor (Putnam, $16.99, 0399242562) "This story of mythology, history, folklore, magic, and smuggling is tightly woven into a totally terrific tale of good versus evil. First-time author Taylor spins a plot so intense it will leave your imagination tingling!" --Deborah Woolsey, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI Also a Listening Library Audio, Unabridged Cassette (1400085179)

SHOOTER, by Walter Dean Myers (Amistad Press, $15.99, 0060295198) "The book eases the reader into a Columbine-like story, as the details of the 'incident' and the prior weeks are revealed via several interviews, reports, newspaper articles, and a diary. This is likely to be a disturbing book for many; however, it has the potential to open a dialogue between students and adults alike." --Gwen Harding-Peets, Merritt Books, Millbrook, NY Also a Harper Audio, Abridged Cassette (0060597666)

SIGN OF THE QIN (Outlaws of Moonshadow Marsh, 1), by L.G. Bass (Hyperion, $17.99, 0786819189) "Blending Asian mythology with epic adventure, this is an unusual and fast-paced novel, and beautifully written besides. Bass tells a fascinating tale that will appeal, curiously, to lovers of fantasy and fans of kung fu, and investigates the thin line that separates mortality and immortality." --Sarah Todd, Children's Book World, Haverford, PA

THE TRIAL, by Jennifer Bryant (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $14.95, 0375827528) "Here is a book that will cause adolescents to think seriously about the U.S. justice system. The Trial is a fast read, but the questions it raises will stay with readers long after they finish the book." --Chris Saad, Chris' Corner, Philadelphia, PA

THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER, by Sarah Dessen (Viking, $16.99, 0670036390) "This is a moving story of 16-year-old Macy, who is trying to cope with the sudden death of her father. The only way she can manage is by making sure everything in her life is completely orderly and under control. But she can't seem to escape the chaos of life, and she has to take some pretty big risks to get back in it." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA

VOTE FOR LARRY, by Janet Tashjian (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805072012) "I really liked Tashjian's The Gospel According to Larry, but I loved, loved, loved Vote for Larry! This story of an unlikely campaign makes an excellent jumping-off point for political discussions, and it should be read by everyone, adults as well as teens, especially in an election year." --Merrilee Wilkerson, BookPeople, Austin, TX Also a Random House Audio, Abridged CD (0807223859)

WENDY, by Karen Wallace (Simon & Schuster, $16.95, 0689867697) "What was the Darling family like before Peter Pan arrived? This beautifully written book has all the answers about the Darling family's most intimately kept secrets and so much more." --Meagjan Ryal, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

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