The Autumn 2004 Book Sense Children's Picks

1. IDA B ... and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World, by Katherine Hannigan (Greenwillow, $15.99, 0060730242) "A fearless and joyful homeschooled 10-year-old, Ida B becomes a surly, withdrawn student when she is forced to attend school after her mother is diagnosed with cancer. Still, with the steadfast love of her family, the quiet support of her remarkable teacher, and her own inner fortitude and considerable insight, Ida B remains wonder-filled and triumphant." --Coral Jordan, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Mequon, WI Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 1400090938)

2. DRAGON RIDER, by Cornelia Funke (Chicken House/Scholastic, $12.95, 0439456959) "This is a wonderful adventure story about dragons trying to find a safe place to live away from humans. It's a story -- filled with mythical animals and a human boy -- that tells how they bond and help each other out. Children will love Funke's latest." --Lee Musgjerd, Lee's Book Emporium, Glasgow, MT Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 1400090903)

3. SAVING FRANCESCA, by Melina Marchetta (Knopf, $15.95, 0375829822) "Saving Francesca is achingly real -- funny and thoughtful at the same time. It was almost enough to make me want to be back in high school, just so that I could continue to spend time with Francesca. Like the girls in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, these characters are strong and well-defined -- a pleasure to discover!" --Erin Ostrander, The Secret Garden, Seattle, WA Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 140009075X)

4. THE SEA OF TROLLS, by Nancy Farmer (Atheneum Books, $17.95, 0689867441) "Eleven-year-old Jack is apprenticed to the Bard when the berserkers kidnap him and his younger sister (whom they mistake for a princess). This hearty, realistic fantasy will delight kids and adults alike. But be warned: Their adventure kept me up too late for several nights in a row." --Jodi Schneider, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

5. THE BEST PET OF ALL, by David LaRochelle, Hanako Wakiyama (Illus.) (Dutton Books, $15.99, 0525471294) "This is a delightful story about a boy whose mom says no to a pet dog -- but yes to a dragon! When the dragon messes up their home big-time (and the boy discovers that dragons are afraid of dogs), you guessed it, they end up with a dog. Terrific illustrations match this sweet, funny story." --Susie Fruncillo, Lake Country Booksellers, White Bear Lake, MN

6. D IS FOR DEMOCRACY: A Citizen's Alphabet, by Elissa Grodin, Victor Juhasz (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear Press, $16.95, 1585362344) "D Is for Democracy reminds children (and adults) of the principles our country was built upon. It is a nonpartisan reminder of the importance of participation in our government. What a great election-year treat!" --Kay Vincent, Bohannons' Books With a Past, Georgetown, KY

7. ACTUAL SIZE, by Steve Jenkins (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618375945) "Jenkins' cut-and-torn paper collages illustrate amazing creatures. The four-inch-long teeth of the great white shark zigzag across two pages, and, in contrast, the dwarf goby -- smallest of all fish -- could ride on the tip of a thumbnail. An intriguing book for youngsters pondering the wonders of 'big and little.'" --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

8. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A Cautionary Tale, by Mo Willems (Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99, 0786818700) "Mo Willems -- author of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus -- has done it again! With terrific illustrations and an endearing story, this will be an absolute favorite. There is something about being able to relate to a character not yet capable of talking and the eventual triumph of speech." --Mary Gleysteen, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA

9. TROUT, TROUT, TROUT: A Fish Chant, by April Pulley Sayre, Trip Park (Illus.) (NorthWord Press, $15.95, 1559718897) "'Yazoo Darter, shout it out! Cavefish, Swampfish, Trout, Trout, Trout!' This is a really cool book with great humorous pictures to share with your favorite little 'fisherperson' around the campfire, or after hauling in those 'keepers' all day long." --Linda Wright, Chesterfield Books, Chesterfield, MI

10. BECOMING NAOMI LEÓN, by Pam Muñoz Ryan (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439269695) "Naomi León Outlaw is an immediately likeable character, and you will be rooting for her to find herself, her voice, and her father. The author has written a beautiful, intense book full of family and friends and imbued with the rich culture of Mexico. This book and Naomi will touch your heart." --Jill Bailey, BookPeople, Austin, TX Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 1400090873)

DOG BLUE, by Polly Dunbar (Candlewick, $14.99, 0763624764) "A charming story about how a little boy finally gets the dog of his dreams." --Wendi Gratz, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

GOODNIGHT GOODNIGHT SLEEPYHEAD, by Ruth Krauss, Jane Dyer (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060288949) "This is a beautiful, newly illustrated edition of an old favorite. Warm fuzzies reach out from the pages as you work your way to sleepy time. A true delight!" --Lois Proctor, The Bookseller, Ardmore, OK

HOW TO CATCH A STAR, by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel, $14.99, 0399242864) "A must-have children's book. This is a charming story of a little boy who wants to befriend a star and his quest in doing so. It's the perfect tale for anyone who has ever chased a dream and has not given up. With beautiful illustrations, this is a great gift for all." --Michelle Jammes, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

TEN LITTLE FISH, by Audrey Wood, Bruce Wood (Illus.) (Blue Sky Press, $15.95, 0439635691) "In this counting book for the 21st century, the brilliant Audrey Wood takes us on a journey through the sea with computer illustrations provided by her talented son. Any fan of Finding Nemo will surely be thrilled with this fun adventure." --Erin Shuster, Schuler Books & Music, Lansing, MI

DETECTIVE LARUE: Letters From the Investigation, by Mark Teague (Scholastic, $15.95, 0439458684) "Ike LaRue returns as the feisty dog who is always falsely accused ... or is he? Mark Teague's fantastic illustrations give you clues leading up to the end of a mystery every kid will want to read over and over." --Erin Shuster, Schuler Books & Music, Lansing, MI

DIG!, by Andrea Zimmerman, David Clemesha, Marc Rosenthal (Illus.) (Silver Whistle, $16, 0152167854) "This surprising charmer of a book has a retro feel to it -- a cross between Curious George and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. The simple story of Mr. Rally and his faithful dog, Lightning, and the very important work they do with his big, yellow backhoe is a great choice for those truck-obsessed toddlers." --Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

ELLA THE ELEGANT ELEPHANT, by Carmela and Steven D'Amico (Arthur A. Levine/ Scholastic, $16.95, 0439627923) "When Ella decides to wear her grandmother's good-luck hat to help squash her first-day-of-school nerves, the other kids don't exactly see the same charming hat that Ella envisions. Great illustrations and a wonderful read-aloud will make this a family favorite." --Patti McCall, Queen Anne Avenue Books, Seattle, WA

THE FRIEND, by Sarah Stewart, David Small (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374324638) "The Friend tells the moving story of a young girl who spends her days with her caregiver. This is actually Sarah Stewart's story of the woman who cared for her as a child." --Valerie Lewis, Hicklebee's, San Jose, CA

JOHN PHILIP DUCK, by Patricia Polacco (Philomel, $16.99, 0399242627) "Patricia Polacco brings the first of the famous Peabody Hotel's ducks colorfully to life in this warm and wonderful story about a boy -- Edward Pembroke, the first Peabody Duckmaster -- who wouldn't give up his unforgettable duck. This is the story of a boy who had a vision and turned it into reality." --Yvonne Rogers, Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson, MS

KING MATT THE FIRST: A Novel, by Janusz Korczak (Algonquin, $13.95 paper, 1565124421) "One of my absolute favorite books has been republished with a gorgeous new cover by Brian Selznick. This is an adventurous, funny, and poignant novel, and the author was a true hero who died in Treblinka with the orphans whom he refused to abandon." --Tracy Wynne, Cover to Cover Booksellers, San Francisco, CA

LOST IN THE WOODS: A Photographic Fantasy, by Carl R. Sams II, Jean Stoick (Carl R. Sams II Photography, $19.95, 0967174880) "From the creators of Stranger in the Woods, this photographic wonder shares the first weeks of a newborn fawn, the forest animals concerned for his safety, and why he isn't really 'lost.' Nature lovers will marvel at the wildlife scenes in this photographic fantasy." --Diane Betz, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

MISS BRIDIE CHOSE A SHOVEL, by Leslie Connor, Mary Azarian (Illus.) (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618305645) "In lyrical writing and magnificent pictures, this stunning book tells the tale of a young woman who brings a shovel with her on her 1856 journey to America. The shovel plays an important role in this simple but very moving story of her life." --Harvada Elisberg, The Children's Bookshop, Appleton, WI

MRS. WATSON WANTS YOUR TEETH, by Alison McGhee, Harry Bliss (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 0152049312) "These funny yet realistic illustrations capture the fears and joys of first grade -- especially the reactions to the alarmist stories of the more experienced kids. A terrific story that's also very comforting." --Pat Kehde, The Raven Bookstore, Lawrence, KS

MY KINDERGARTEN, by Rosemary Wells (Hyperion Books for Children, $16.99, 0786808330) "Letters, counting, holidays, seasons, and other common kindergarten themes are explored in this delightful companion to Emily's First 100 Days of School. Rosemary Wells shares what Emily is learning and discovering each day in kindergarten through songs, stories, poems, and illustrations." --Sara Sprague, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

T IS FOR TERRIBLE, by Peter McCarty (Holt Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 080507404X) "Peter McCarty's beautiful, soft illustrations are award- winning, and his work here should garner him more accolades. We meet a thoughtful Tyrannosaurus rex who is trying to tell us he is really not so terrible after all. The simple, sparse text is richly illustrated with warm, beautifully detailed art. We will surely forgive T. rex for being so terrible." --Jill Bailey, BookPeople, Austin, TX

THE TOUGHEST COWBOY: Or How the Wild West Was Tamed, by John Frank, Zachary Pullen (Illus.) (S&S, $16.95, 0689834616) "A miniture poodle among rough, tough cowboys? Yup. And named Foofy, to boot. Grizz Brickbottom flosses his teeth with barbed wire and keeps a rattlesnake in his bedroll to warm his feet, but the dog tames his wild ways, and the gang moves to town, where they open a restaurant and a gift shop for the tourists. A funny, sweet story of the wild, wild west with great illustrations and a sense of humor." --Faith Hochhalter, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ

UNWITTING WISDOM: An Anthology of Aesop's Fables, retold and illustrated by Helen Ward (Chronicle, $18.95, 0811844501) "Elegant and sophisticated illustrations accompany a dozen of Aesop's most familiar fables. The oversize format makes it great for sharing with a large group. Just gorgeous." --Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

WALLACE'S LISTS, by Barbara Bottner, Gerald Kruglik, Olof Landstrom (Illus.) (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060002247) "Wallace's Lists is a book about friendship and the ways in which the very best friendships invite you (and sometimes force you) to grow as a person (or, in this case, as a mouse). Wallace's Lists has most certainly earned a place on my list of the best picture books of the year!" --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

WHAT PRESIDENTS ARE MADE OF, by Hanoch Piven (Atheneum, $15.95, 0689868804) "Clever collage illustrations are paired with witty, fun facts about the presidents in this winning picture book. Find out why FDR was known as a picky eater and what Calvin Coolidge did for exercise every morning. A welcome bit of comic relief for election year!" --Barb Bassett, The Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN

WHEN THE SKY IS LIKE LACE, by Elinor Horwitz Lander, Barbara Cooney (Illus.) (Viking, $16.99, 0670059099) "This book is over 30 years old and this new edition is cause for celebration. I love the Lewis Carroll-like prose, and the lavender, cornflower blue, and ochre softness of the silly illustrations give this absolutely delightful gem a glow that reminds me of lantern light." --Kelly Justice, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

WILD ABOUT BOOKS, by Judy Sierra, Marc Brown (Illus.) (Knopf, $16.95, 037582538X) "Ever wonder what would happen if a bookmobile mistakenly showed up at the town zoo? This is the premise of Wild About Books, where all the animals discover the joy of books and, in their own unique ways, beome avid readers. The fanciful illustrations and clever wording make this a book you will want to read again and again." --Betty Bennett, Bennett Books, Wyckoff, NJ

THE ANYBODIES, by N.E. Bode (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060557354) "Fern has dull parents, and a rather dull life, but every now and then extraordinary, magical things happen to her, things that she doesn't understand. One day, a person comes into her life who can explain everything that she never understood about herself, and she embarks on a magical adventure of her own. You are sure to have an absolutely marvelous time reading this great book!" --Hilary Taber, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

BUCKING THE SARGE, by Christopher Paul Curtis (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.95, 0385323077) "Luther T. Farrell is as good at school and at work as his tyrannical mother, a.k.a. The Sarge, is at running her Flint, Michigan, businesses. The Sarge may be able to outfox lawyers, clients, and government agencies, but, in the long run, she can't outfox Luther. Curtis creates characters whose humor, heart, and vanities illuminate tough, dirty, forgotten corners. Sometimes they even bring glory." --Carol B. Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 1400090970)

CRISPIN: The Cross of Lead, by Avi (Hyperion Books for Children, $6.99 paper, 0786816589) "In this story set in 14th century England, Crispin and his mother lead impoverished lives under the feudal system. After her death, Crispin is falsely accused of a crime and must run for his life, his only possession his mother's lead cross. This recent Newbery winner is a historical adventure of great depth." --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

THE DARK DREAMWEAVER, by Nick Ruth, Sue Concannon (Illus.) (Imaginator Press, $16.95, 0974560316) "An exciting adventure that takes young David from his bed, where he has lately been plagued by nightmares, to the land of Remin to confront their cause, the evil dreamweaver, Thane." --Julie Heidtman, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

THE END OF THE BEGINNING: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant), by Avi, Tricia Tusa (Illus.) (Harcourt, $14.95, 0152049681) "Avi's latest story is a charming tale, featuring an ant and a snail on an adventure. The format of this book, as well as the illustrations by beloved artist Tricia Tusa, make this a timeless classic, perfect for all ages." --Elizabeth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

EVANGELINE BROWN AND THE CADILLAC MOTEL, by Michele Ivy Davis (Dutton, $16.99, 0525472215) "Eddie (Evangeline Dawn) and Farrell find friendship in the unlikely town of Paradise. Both have drunks for fathers, tough skins from being bullied, and bright, but undiscovered, minds. Warm, funny, and thoughtful -- this book has it all!" --Jane Morck, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

THE GOLEM'S EYE (Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 2), by Jonathan Stroud (Miramax, $17.95, 0786818603) "Bartimaeus and Nathaniel are back! It's two years later, magicians still rule London, and Nathaniel has been promoted to a position in internal affairs, working to fight The Resistance. With action, magic, and fabulous character development, Stroud lives up to the expections of his Amulet of Samarkand fans!" --McKenna Jordan, Murder By the Book, Houston, TX

GREGOR AND THE PROPHECY OF BANE, by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439650755) "Gregor the Overlander is back and, once again, he follows his baby sister, Boots, this time through a doorway in Central Park to the Underland. There, he's destined to confront a mysterious white Rat King. This exciting sequel is even better than the first book. I couldn't put it down." --Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA

HACHIKO WAITS, by Leslea Newman, Machiyo Kodaira (Illus.) (Holt Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0805073361) "Even after his master dies Hachiko the dog waits at the train station where he last saw his master. Hachiko embodies all the best qualities of a dog. He is loyal, brave, gentle, and childlike. Based on a true story from Japan, this is a beautiful tribute to a historic dog." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

HERE TODAY, by Ann M. Martin (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439579449) "Ann Martin has written a fabulous new historical novel exploring issues that are relevant to kids today: loneliness, teasing, diversity, divorce, and friendship. The writing is wonderful. Readers won't be able to put this one down." --Chris Saad, Chris' Corner, Philadelphia, PA Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 140009044X)

THE HUNGRY COAT: A Tale From Turkey, by Demi (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S, $19.95, 0689846800) "Nasrettin Hoca spends more time helping others than preparing his outfit for a banquet given by a rich friend. When he shows up in patched clothing smelling of goat, his gracious friend and his guests give him the cold shoulder. In beautiful illustrations, Demi shows how Nasrettin teaches a clever lesson about true friendship." --Rachel King, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

INDIGO'S STAR, by Hilary McKay (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S, $15.95, 0689865635) "Hilary McKay's hilarious depictions of disorganized family life somehow also yield up deeply moving insights into the nature of friendship and family. Her portrayal of the serious problem of bullying eventually brings us to a compelling, and hopeful, conclusion." --Melissa Manlove, The Storyteller, Lafayette, CA Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 1400090237)

LEAPING BEAUTY: And Other Animal Fairy Tales, by Gregory Maguire, Chris L. Demarest (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060564172) "In Maguire's style of retelling age-old stories, this collection is full of laughs and meant for all ages. Each tale is fun to read and to compare with your memory of the original." --Carl Wichman, Varsity Mart, Fargo, ND Also a HarperAudio (Unabridged, 0060735902)

THE LEGEND OF SPUD MURPHY, by Eoin Colfer (Miramax, $12.95, 0786855010) "Will and Marty are horrified to learn that they will be spending a couple of days a week for the rest of summer vacation at the public library. After all, the librarian, Mrs. Murphy -- a.k.a. Spud Murphy -- is known to all kids as a 'total nut!' They quickly learn the strict rules of the library, and even more quickly try to figure out how to outwit Spud. Will they ever figure out that you can't sneak past Spud?" --Beth Plattner, Fishing With Your Mind, Walker, MN

LIONBOY: The Chase, by Zizou Corder (Dial, $15.99, 0803729847) "Charlie Ashanti is still on the run and trying to find his kidnapped parents -- and still trying to get six lions and a saber-toothed tiger home where they belong. In this action-packed sequel, Charlie and the lions are on their way to an amazing journey." --Samantha Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY Also a HighBridge Audio (Unabridged, 1565119126)

MILLIONS, by Frank Cottrell Boyce (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060733306) "Striving to be excellent since Mum died, Damian imitates the saints. So, the huge bag of money he finds is a gift from God, right? And as his practical brother points out, it must be spent immediately, before Britain switches to the euro. A rollicking, hilarious, and sweetly uplifting novel." --Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA Also a HarperAudio (Unabridged, 0060742720)

MISTRESS MASHAM'S REPOSE, by T.H. White (New York Review Children's Collection, $16.95, 1590171039) "What do you suppose happened to the Lilliputians whom Gulliver brought to England? This marvelous book -- finally reprinted -- is the story of 10-year-old Maria, an orphaned heiress with evil guardians, and her discovery of the Lilliputians living on a lake on her grounds. A wonderful tale by the author of The Sword and the Stone." --Laura Ziock, Altamont Books, Livermore, CA

A MUSICAL JOURNEY: From the Great Wall of China to the Water Towns of Jiangnan, by Liow Kah Joon (Silk Roads Networks, $24.95, 0973349212) "A Musical Journey guides readers through the regions of China in an artistic, informative, and fun way. Each region is described in prose and through a beautiful painting, a song, and an illustration of a child wearing the local folk costume." --Leigh Ann Johnson, University Book Store, Seattle, WA

NO TIME LIKE SHOW TIME: A Hermux Tantamoq Adventure, by Michael Hoeye (Putnam, $14.99, 0399238808) "In the third Hermux Tantamoq adventure, Hermux must help save an old theater -- and use all of his detective skills to save the day! This is a good adventure for the middle reader." --Kathy Taber, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged, 0807208868)

PIRATICA: Being a Daring Tale of a Singular Girl's Adventure Upon the High Seas, by Tanith Lee (Dutton, $17.99, 0525473246) "Artemsia's memory returns -- and on its heels a pirate adventure as brave and daring and fun as all pirate stories should be. A terrific, riveting tale, and at its heart is a girl who embodies the amazing power of believing wholeheartedly in yourself, and your story." --Melissa Manlove, The Storyteller, Lafayette, CA

RUNT, by Marion Dane Bauer (Yearling, $5.50 paper, 0440419786) "From the author of On My Honor comes a tale of a wolf pack and all of their very human characteristics. Runt is, of course, the smallest of the litter of new cubs and must find his place in the pack. A thoughtful story, powerfully told." --Jane Stroh, The Bookstore, Glen Ellyn, IL

THE SCHWA WAS HERE, by Neal Shusterman (Dutton, $15.99, 0525471820) "Life in Brooklyn takes an interesting turn for Antsy Bonano when he befriends Schwa, a boy who seems to blend into the background. Antsy and Schwa use this to their financial advantage as they take bets on where Schwa can sneak unseen, but they slip up when they enter the apartment of the local villain. Now Schwa decides he doesn't want to be part of the backdrop, and Antsy has to help him figure out how to re-enter the world of the visible." --Julie Wilson, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE

SHOW; DON'T TELL! Secrets of Writing, by Josephine Nobisso, Eva Montanari (Illus.) (Gingerbread House, $22.95, 0940112132) "This is a wonderfully illustrated book that is actually a lesson in how to write a story. There are tactile pieces, a scratch-and-sniff section, and a sound chip. Nobisso's story is a wonderful lesson, and Montanari's drawings are charming and funny." --Terry Lucas, The Open Book, Westhampton Beach, NY

THE SILVER DOOR, by Terry Griggs (Raincoast Books, $7.95 paper, 1551926857) "This, the second book in the Cat's Eye Corner series, is a delightfully whimsical tale, in which Oliver's friend, an egotistical pen named Murray, is snatched by a little ink monkey let out of a book left open by a ghost of a boy named Peely. The rescue that ensues, and the characters they encounter, will captivate you." --Julie Heidtman, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL: A Comedy in Three Parts, by Richard Peck (Dial, $16.99, 0803727364) "This book is a 'giggle' from the first line: 'If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year for it.' Once again Peck captures the spirit of a time when one-room schools, outhouses, pranksters, and barefoot days ruled. Another winner for Peck!" --Marge Grutzmacher, Passtimes Books, Sister Bay, WI

ABARAT: Days of Magic, Nights of War, by Clive Barker (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $24.99, 0060291702) "I loved the first book in this series, and this second installment is even better! The magic of the Abarat will carry readers away to a land filled with adventure and excitement. Once you start reading this book, you won't want to put it down!" --Dennis Bowers, Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Atlanta, GA Also a HarperAudio (Unabridged, 0060735899)

BREAK THE SURFACE (Watching Alice, 1), by Daniel Parker, Lee Miller (RazorBill, $7.99 paper, 1595140018) "What better way to locate a missing person than to share your story with the world. In this novel, that's exactly what Tom Sinclair is doing with his journal. Tom's girlfriend, Alice Brown, has vanished and now he needs your help to locate her." --Samantha Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

THE BURN JOURNALS, by Brent Runyon (Knopf, $17.95, 0375826211) "This is not a novel. It's the first-person account of a man who, as a 14-year-old boy, felt his problems so intractable that he set himself on fire. He explains what led up to his decision -- and what followed from it. The long road back from near-death is filled with medical progress, emotional probing, and, strange as it may seem, laugh-out-loud humor." --Carol B. Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

DRUMS, GIRLS, & DANGEROUS PIE, by Jordan Sonnenblick (Turning Tide Press, $15.95, 097610301X) "I just finished reading Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, and I loved it! This story of 13-year-old Steven Alper is funny, heartbreaking, and, ultimately, uplifting. If I'd had a son, I would have wanted him to be like Steven." --C.J. Trent, Moravian Book Shop, Bethlehem, PA

GIFTS, by Ursula K. Le Guin (Harcourt, $17, 0152051236) "This is a rare and intelligent teen fantasy from the acclaimed author of the Earthsea Cycle. Orrec and Gry live in a world where family and lands are guarded fiercely with dark and powerful gifts -- the ability to twist limbs, to blind and deafen, to enslave minds -- but they find the courage to throw off their families' expectations and envision a world of light and grace. Highly recommended." --Kim Fox, Schuler Books & Music, Grand Rapids, MI

HAUNTING OF ALAIZABEL CRAY, by Chris Wooding (Orchard Books, $16.95, 0439546567) "Thaniel is a wych-hunter in Old London and finds the lovely and crazed Alaizabel there. Dark sorcery has turned her into an unearthly lightning rod for evil, attracting horrors from another world. This post-Goth, steampunk world filled with ghouls, dirigibles, an underground kingdom of tattered thieves, and eerie Victoriana will appeal to fans of horror, manga, and fantasy -- but is not for the faint of heart!" --Bronwyn Wright, The Magic Tree Bookstore, Oak Park, IL

HEAD GAMES, by Mariah Fredericks (Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, $15.95, 068985532X) "Jude Ellis' life has just fallen apart: Her best friend isn't one anymore, her father has moved across the country, and the online game she is part of has just gotten a little too real. This is a book filled with teenage anxiety and problems, and it feels very real. Mariah Fredericks has a keen sense of dialogue and humor." --Rene Kirkpatrick, All for Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA

HOW I LIVE NOW, by Meg Rosoff (Wendy Lamb Books, $16.95, 0385746776) "Daisy is a bitter, anorexic New York teenager shipped off by her new stepmother to stay with family members in England whom she has never met. Her story of love, war, betrayal, and, ultimately, survival will grab you from page one and keep you riveted. A great debut by a new author." --Wendi Gratz, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

IN THE SHADOW OF THE ARK, by Anne Provoost (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $17.95, 0439442346) "Re Jana's family has fled home for the desert, for dryer land. Noach and his three sons are building an ark, but no one believes that the predicted floods will come. The story of what ensues is a literary page-turner and a great love story." --Barb MacDonald, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI Also a Blackstone Audio (Unabridged, 0786185872)

MONSOON SUMMER, by Mitali Perkins (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 038573123X) "Jazz Gardner is about to embark on a family summer retreat to her mother's homeland of India, a trip that will tear her away from her best friend, business partner, and crush, Steve Morales. Feeling like even more of an outcast in her temporary home than in California, Jazz finds herself isolating herself from a culture that is eager to accept her for who she is. A thoughtful, well-paced, and believable read -- highly recommended." --Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

PETALS IN THE ASHES, by Mary Hooper (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 1582349363) "This sequel to At the Sign of the Sugared Plum takes up where the first book left off, with London recovering from the Plague in 1665, and with the Great Fire in the near future. Very well written and historically accurate -- with engaging characters and a touch of romance -- this is thoroughly enjoyable!" --Katherine Osborne, Books, Etc., Portland, ME

SWOLLEN, by Melissa Lion (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.95, 0385746423) "Believable characters, fantastic writing, and an incredibly compelling plot, all add up to make this the most powerful YA title I've read in years. Honestly beautiful and highly recommended!" --Steve Mort, Cody's Books, Berkeley, CA

VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE, by Carolyn Mackler (Candlewick, $16.99, 0763621552) "'Let go. Live a little.' These are things that V preaches to her tight, totally-in-control Aunt Mara (who's a mere one year older than she is). But Mara can only see that V is complete trouble. Both girls have a lot to learn in Mackler's latest coming-of-age teen novel, and the reader will enjoy watching both of them adapt and grow." --Dana Iwata, The Avid Reader, Sacramento, CA

ZAZOO, by Richard Mosher (Graphia, $6.99 paper, 0618439048) "This gem of a story about a young Vietnamese-born French girl, life on the canals of provincial France, the wonders of nature, and wartime memories and regrets will enthrall teens looking for something different." --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH