The Winter 2003/2004 Children's Book Sense 76

1. DIARY OF A WORM, by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss (Illus.) (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 006000150X) "A favorite author comes up with another big family hit. Would you believe a precocious worm who keeps a diary documenting his life discoveries?" --Elsie Peterson, The Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor, MI

2. DIARY OF A WOMBAT, by Jackie French, Bruce Whatley (Illus.) (Clarion Books, $14, 0618381368) "Jackie French is one of my favorite discoveries. In this hilarious picture book, she teams up with Bruce Whatley, who perfectly illustrates a day in the life of your friendly neighborhood wombat. Two incredible talents combine to make this one of my favorite children's books of the year!" --Beth Henkes, University Book Store, Bellevue, WA

3. OLD TURTLE AND THE BROKEN TRUTH, by Douglas Wood, Jon J. Muth (Illus.) (Scholastic, $17.95, 0439321093) "Douglas Wood's ability to capture the wise lessons of nature and to voice them through Old Turtle is better than ever in this sequel to the bestselling, award-winning Old Turtle. John Muth's illustrations understate and, as a result, beautifully illuminate the well-written text." --Marge Grutzmacher, Passtimes Books, Sister Bay, WI

4. PIRATES!, by Celia Rees (Bloomsbury, $16.95, 1582348162) "In the form of a memoir, this stunning novel, set in the 1700s, tells the story of two young women who dramatically change the course of their lives. Full of adventure and emotional depth, it's a must-read!" --Anna Lund, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT Also a Listening Library Audio (0807220728)

5. SKIPPYJON JONES, by Judy Schachner (Dutton, $15.99, 0525471340) "Any cat who creates a Chihuahua alter ego for himself, complete with costume, theme song, and parallel universe gets our vote. He gets the job done, yes indeed-o!" --Jessica Bryant, Bound to Be Read, Albuquerque, NM

6. THE CONCH BEARER, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Roaring Brook Press, $16.95, 0761319352) "An unlikely group wends its way across India from Kolkata to the great Himalayas, in a race against time to save themselves and all of mankind from evil and destruction. A first-rate fantasy with valuable lessons about friendship, family, and loyalty." --Sarah Parker, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA Also a Listening Library Audio (0807219592)

7. WOOLEYCAT'S MUSICAL THEATER (Book with Audio CD), by Dennis Joe Hysom, Christine Walker (Illus.) (Tortuga Press, $18.95, 1889910252) "The text and lyrics consist of cleverly fractured Mother Goose rhymes that add up to a 10-song musical. The illustrations are adorable, and the musical accompaniment is sprightly and beautifully produced." --Lilla Weinberger, Readers' Books, Sonoma, CA

8. FAULT LINE: A Novel, by Janet Tashjian (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805072004) "Becky, a driven high school senior with a burgeoning career in stand-up comedy, develops an intense relationship with her new boyfriend, Kip, also a young comic. But Becky's devotion and affection never seem to be enough for Kip, and she finds herself involved with a young man as volatile and dangerous as any fault line." --Kerri Lyons, BookPeople, Austin, TX

9. SNOW MUSIC, by Lynne Rae Perkins (Greenwillow, $15.99, 0066239567) "What does winter sound like? In this artful, deceptively simple picture book, Lynne Rae Perkins has captured the oft-missed harmonies of a season -- from the rumbling chorus of a passing snowplow to the 'jingle, huff, jingle, huff' of a dog trotting through the snow." --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

10. HOW I BECAME A PIRATE, by Melinda Long, David Shannon (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 0152018484) "A witty tale that pirates of all ages will enjoy. Readers will not be able to resist jumping into pirate-speak as they enjoy the catchy rhyming verse and the bold and colorful illustrations." --Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

THE ALPHABET ROOM, by Sara Pinto (Bloomsbury, $16.95, 1582348413) "A unique and lavish feast for the eyes. This fancy board book brings the alphabet alive with interactive flaps and something new to look at each time the book is opened." --Sarah Parker, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

COSMO ZOOMS, by Arthur Howard (Voyager Books/Harcourt, $6 paper, 0152047654) "Cosmo's not the prettiest, the fastest, nor the loudest dog around, but, as Cosmo learns, even he can be the best at something. This is a delightfully simple story that teaches a valuable lesson." --LuAnn Salz, Green River Books, Princeton, IL

DIGGER MAN, by Andrea Zimmerman & David Clemesha (Holt Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0805066284) "I have read a lot of construction books, but every once in a while one comes along that sets itself apart. I love Digger Man because it gets at every three-year-old boy's heart's desire: to be a construction worker." --Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

TAILS, by Matthew Van Fleet (Red Wagon Books/Harcourt, $12.95, 0152167730) "Tails is an interactive book of extraordinary grandeur. You will pull, lift, touch, and smell your way through this delightful journey, while learning to identify numerous animals as you count them from one to 10." --Liz Sandler, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

A IS FOR ABIGAIL: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, by Lynne Cheney, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $16.95, 0689858191) "A must-have for any girl's library, this book beautifully illustrates the contributions women have made to American history. This A-B-C book starts with Abigail Adams and highlights countless other amazing women, including Mary Kies, Emily Dickinson, and Katharine Hepburn." --Dinah Paul, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria, VA

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND: A Pop-up Adaptation, by Lewis Carroll, Robert Sabuda (Illus.) (Little Simon, $24.95, 0689847432) "This is Robert Sabuda's most amazing creation ever, featuring stunning pop-ups, special effects including a 'Victorian peep show,' and tactile elements that make this a book to read and admire again and again." --Karen Huck, Kepler's Books & Magazine, Menlo Park, CA

BAGELS FROM BENNY, by Aubrey Davis, Dusan Petricic (Illus.) (Kids Can Press, $15.95, 1553374177) "When I first read Bagels From Benny, I sat down and cried. This warm, tender, and loving book will have you reaching for tissues." --Connie Griffin, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

BOXES FOR KATJE, by Candace Fleming, Stacey Dressen-McQueen (Illus.) (Farrar, $16, 0374309221) "Things are desperate in Holland after World War II. This is the story of a package from America, the unselfish girl who receives it, and a friendship between two towns." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

BRUH RABBIT AND THE TAR BABY GIRL, by Virginia Hamilton, James E. Ransome (Illus.) (Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, $16.95, 059047376X) "This classic folktale of a wolf and a rabbit sheds light on an important lesson for all: Do not take what is not yours. The book is filled with wonderful illustrations by James E. Ransome and is based on folktales of the early generations of African-American slaves." --Eileen Barron, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

BRUNDIBAR, retold by Tony Kushner, Maurice Sendack (Illus.) (Michael di Capua Books/Hyperion Books for Children, $19.95, 0786809043) "Brundibar is based on a Czech opera for children that was performed 55 times by the children of Terezin, the Nazi concentration camp. This lyrical, Old World story -- like Stone Soup -- is fun to read aloud and beautifully illustrated, too. It's sure to earn a place among your favorite classics." --Katie Snodgrass, Square Books, Oxford, MS

CHRISTMAS FOR A KITTEN, by Robin Pulver, Layne Johnson (Illus.) (Albert Whitman & Company, $15.95, 080751151X) "Vivid details, a complex, yet gentle tale that mixes holiday fantasy with real life, and beautiful pastel illustrations make this a great Christmas book." --Pat Kutz, Lift Bridge Book Shop, Brockport, NY

THE CHRISTMAS SHIP, by Dean Morrissey (HarperTrophy, $5.99 paper, 0064436055) "With the help of animated toys, two children board a magical ship to help Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. Destined to be a classic Christmas tale!" --Emery Pinter, Chapter 11, Lawrenceville, GA

DINOSAILORS, by Deb Lund, Howard Fine (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 0152046097) "Join an adventure-seeking band of dinos as they set sail on the high seas … and discover that the boating life is not so much fun! A great read-aloud!" --Megan Scott O'Bryan, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

THE DOT, by Peter H. Reynolds (Candlewick Press, $14, 0763619612) "This book's messages of encouragement and inspiration are conveyed without being preachy or too obvious. It's simply a little story that focuses on the idea of passing along help and encouragement." --Janice Card, BYU Bookstore, Provo, UT

THE FIRST FEUD: Between the Mountain and the Sea, by Lynn Plourde, Jim Sollers (Illus.) (Down East Books, $15.95, 0892726113) "A great story with an even greater lesson -- that beauty is not a treasure to be hoarded, but a blessing to be shared." --Rita Moran, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, ME

GOLDIE AND THE THREE BEARS, by Diane Stanley (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060000082) "A new version of an old tale that is visually charming and plausibly modern. Children will love the bright illustrations and the repetition that was the hallmark of the original story." --Jane Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Omak, WA

I.Q. GOES TO THE LIBRARY, by Mary Ann Fraser (Walker & Company, $15.95, 0802788777) "Since Mary Ann Fraser's precocious class pet, I.Q., has all the privileges of a student, he accompanies the class as they celebrate Library Week. Every day, he discovers all the treasures it contains, and his biggest wish of all is to get a library card so he can check out the funny book that Mrs. Binder read to them their first day." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

And from the same author: I.Q. GOES TO SCHOOL (Walker & Company, $15.95, 0802788130)

JUST ENOUGH AND NOT TOO MUCH, by Kaethe Zemach (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $16.95, 0439377242) "Simon has a great life. He has food, friends, and his violin. As Simon begins to collect more items (hats, chairs, toys), he soon becomes overwhelmed by all his 'stuff.' Now, he has no space to move around in and no time to spend with friends. His solution? A party!" --Meg Sherman, Chinook Bookshop, Colorado Springs, CO

K IS FOR KICK: A Soccer Alphabet, by Brad Herzog, Melanie Rose (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear Press, $16.95, 1585361305) "A children's sports pictorial, in full color. Parents and teachers will celebrate that it integrates sports and reading in this country of soccer-crazy kids." --Virginia Hobson Hicks, Books on the Bluff, Townsend, GA

THE KING OF CAPRI, by Jeanette Winterson, Jane Ray (Illus.) (Bloomsbury, $16.95, 1582348308) "When the wind blows all of the rich and selfish King of Capri's possessions off his island and into poor Mrs. Jewel's yard, she becomes the Queen of Naples. Her generosity with this newfound wealth allows the king to see that there are things more precious than gold and silver." --Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

MABEL THE TOOTH FAIRY AND HOW SHE GOT HER JOB, by Katie Davis (Harcourt, $16, 0152163077) "This story of how Mabel became the tooth fairy is just plain fun! The details and asides make it a book you can return to many times." --Pat Kutz, Lift Bridge Book Shop, Brockport, NY

MARTIN MACGREGOR'S SNOWMAN, by Lisa Broadie Cook, Adam McCauley (Illus.) (Walker & Company, $16.95, 0802788580) "All year, Martin MacGregor has been waiting for winter so he can build his snowmen. But when the snow won't come, what is a 'creative' boy to do? Martin's interesting snow solutions will keep readers laughing until spring!" --Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op, Storrs, CT

MY BIG SISTER, by Valorie Fisher (Atheneum, $14.95, 068985479X) "I can't say enough about how refreshing this book is among the mountains of other sibling books. Bright, funny pictures taken from a baby's point of view reinforce a text in which a baby talks about how cool the big sister is. Giving a voice to the new baby can help the older sibling feel closer to them, making the transition a little easier." --Dinah Paul, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria, VA

OLIVIA … AND THE MISSING TOY, by Ian Falconer (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689852916) "Olivia is back! This time, Ian Falconer has surpassed himself with a great mystery and even more incredible illustrations." --Dallas Holmes, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

ON NOAH'S ARK, by Jan Brett (Putnam, $16.99, 0399240284) "Favorite children's illustrator and author Jan Brett is back with a glorious version of Noah's Ark as seen through the eyes of Noah's keen and observant granddaughter." --Deborah Woolsey, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

PENGUIN AND LITTLE BLUE, by Megan McDonald, Katherine Tillotson (Illus.) (Atheneum, $15.95, 0689844158) "Home is where the heart is … especially if you're a pair of showbiz-savvy penguins living and performing thousands of miles away from your beloved Antarctica. This gently amusing book also manages to teach a thing or two about the habits and tastes of these singular birds." --Ann Cannon, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

SEVEN SCARY MONSTERS, by Mary Beth Lundgren, Howard Fine (Illus.) (Clarion Books, $15, 0395889138) "Playful language and charming illustrations make this story -- about ridding a bedroom of monsters -- a book parents and grandparents can read to young children again and again with enthusiasm." --Charlotte Deon, Pine Island Books and More!, Matlacha, FL

JOHN DENVER'S SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS, Adapted and Illustrated by Christopher Canyon (Dawn Publications, $19.95, 1584690488) "Each page is brimming over with warmth and the dazzling brightness of a summer's day; there's enough sun to cure even the toughest case of winter doldrums. An included audio CD is a great bonus, making this the perfect gift." --Deborah Woolsey, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

THE TALE OF JACK FROST, by David Melling (Barron's, $14.95, 0764156756) "Full of creatures real and imaginary, plus a small boy named Jack Frost. The only problem in this magical world is the goblins ... and Jack can take care of them!" --Liz Murphy, Learned Owl Book Shop, Hudson, OH

TURN! TURN! TURN!, by Pete Seeger,Wendy Anderson Halperin (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $17.95, 0689852355) "Turn! Turn! Turn! features beautiful illustrations to go along with a wonderful song. I loved both the book and the audio CD that comes with it." --Lee Musgjerd, Lee's Book Emporium, Glasgow, MT

WILEY AND JASPER, by Miriam Moss, Jutta Bucker (Illus.) (Mondo Publishing, $15.95, 1593360606) "Wiley doesn't like dogs, and Jasper doesn't like kids. One night, they are both lost in a thunderstorm. They are scared and comfort each other … and a beautiful friendship is formed." --Adrienne Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

ZOO-OLOGY, by Joelle Jolivet (Roaring Brook Press, $17.95, 0761318941) "Zoo-ology is a bold, beautiful oversized book that thematically groups animals of all kinds, from the familiar to the exotic, large and small, domestic and wild. The double-page spreads enhance the exquisite layout with crisp, clear illustrations." --Jessica Wood, Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, VT

ALMOST FOREVER, by Maria Testa (Candlewick Press, $14.99, 0763619965) "In a short, spare novel written as poems, Maria Testa has given us an experience of loss and recovery, as the young narrator tells of the year her father is away serving in Vietnam." --Nancy Felton, Broadside Bookshop, Northampton, MA

AMBER BROWN IS GREEN WITH ENVY, by Paula Danziger (Putnam, $15.99, 0399231811) "Paula Danziger, who dealt with divorce issues in novels for older readers, writes with a humane touch about the real traumas facing younger children. Compromise is modeled, and Amber's irrepressible spirit remains intact." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

THE ANCHOR: P. Moore Proprietor, by Blonnie Bunn Wyche (Banks Channel Books, $12 paper, 1889199052) "This is a great historical novel for older elementary-school-age readers and up. Blonnie Bunn Wyche has created a true feel for the setting -- the North Carolina coast -- and the Pre-Revolutionary period." --Betsy Goree, The Book Shelf, Tryon, NC

BLUE WOLF, by Catherine Creedon (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 006050868X) "Jamie Park is invited to spend the summer with his Aunt Louise in her isolated mountain cabin, where he learns many skills and becomes more self-sufficient. When he is called upon to use these skills, he discovers a surprising family secret." --Nancy Felton, Broadside Bookshop, Northampton, MA

CHARLIE BONE AND THE TIME TWISTER, by Jenny Nimmo (Orchard Books, $9.95, 043949687X) "All your favorite (and most unfavorite) characters are here in this wonderful sequel to Midnight for Charlie Bone, as well as some new ones you'll enjoy. I love this series." --Julie Heidtman, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

FAMILIES: The Global Family Album, by Uwe Ommer (Universe Books, $25, 0789310090) "Kids ages three through 15 are featured with their families, each on a two-page spread that includes maps and geographic information. A fabulous way to 'visit' children around the world." --Jenifer Ross, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva, NC

GODDESSES: A World of Myth and Magic, by Burleigh Muten, Rebecca Guay (Illus.) (Barefoot Books, $19.99, 1841480754) "Goddesses welcomes young readers to the realms of worldwide mythology and beliefs through strong visual appeal and an eclectic, well-written text." --Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

GREGOR THE OVERLANDER, by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439435366) "This story of a young boy who travels to an underground world is a knock-your-socks-off fantasy for non-fantasy readers. I couldn't put it down." --Candace Marino, San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe, San Marino, CA

A KILLING IN PLYMOUTH COLONY, by Carol Otis Hurst, Rebecca Otis (Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin, $15, 0618275975) "It's not easy being the governor's son in Plymouth Colony in 1630. It is also not easy to live in a town where a murder has been committed. The lone suspect is a lonely drunk who has denied the charges. Finding out who really did it is tough, and the ending is shocking." --Kimberly Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

LOONS: Diving Birds of the North, by Donna Love, Joyce Mihran Turley (Illus.) (Mountain Press, $12 paper, 0878424822) "This factual, fun-filled introduction to loons has plenty of information for young researchers and older enthusiasts alike." --Barbara Theroux, Fact & Fiction, Missoula, MT

LUBA: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen, As told to Michelle R. McCann, by Luba Tryszynska-Frederick, Ann Marshall (Illus.) (Tricycle Press, $16.95, 1582460981) "This is the true story of concentration camp prisoner (and survivor) Luba Tryszynska's efforts to save 54 children whom the Nazis had left to die. The story of her determination and bravery makes for one of the most hopeful and humanitarian stories I've ever read." --Rebecca Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

PARVANA'S JOURNEY, by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books, $5.95 paper, 0888995199) "Parvana is separated from her family in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, so she heads to Kabul to find them. This is a must-read for the many fans of the bestselling prequel, The Breadwinner." --Carol Stoltz, The Concord Bookshop, Concord, MA

THE REVEALERS, by Doug Wilhelm (Farrar, $16, 0374362556) "Seventh-grader Russ is sick of being the victim of the school's toughest bully, Richie. Russ fumbles for a solution by asking advice from the class dweeb, Elliot, and a new girl, Catalina, who is also a victim. The three look out for each other and gradually develop a clever and innovative way to respond to Richie: They write about the bullying and publish the stories in a school e-mail forum dubbed 'The Revealer.'" --Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

THE SADDEST LITTLE ROBOT, by Brian Gage, Kathryn Otoshi (Illus.) (Soft Skull Press, $16.95, 1932360050) "This is a super-cool early chapter book for kids who love robots and science fiction." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

THE SANDS OF TIME: A Hermux Tantamoq Adventure, by Michael Hoeye (Puffin, $6.99 paper, 014250176X) "In Time Stops for No Mouse, Hoeye created an adventurous and lovable mouse named Hermux Tantamoq. In The Sands of Time, Hermux returns for another exciting adventure. This is a thought-provoking, fun read!" --Daniel Elam, Branch's Chapel Hill Bookshop, Chapel Hill, NC

THE STORY OF THE SEAGULL AND THE CAT WHO TAUGHT HER TO FLY, by Luis Sepulveda, Chris Sheban (Illus.) (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $15.95, 0439401860) "A comfortable house cat is entrusted with a seagull egg that hatches into a beautiful baby seagull who needs to learn how to fly. This story, filled with charm and hope, will set your heart soaring like a seagull in the wind." --Deborah Woolsey, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

SWEAR TO HOWDY, by Wendelin Van Draanen (Knopf, $15.95, 0375825053) "Joey and Rusty are the best of friends, but one event will challenge their ability to share the truth. This book maintains a real-life balance of humor and sadness as events spin out of control for the two boys." --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

THE TALE OF THE SWAMP RAT, by Carter Crocker (Philomel Books, $16.99, 0399239642) "Ossie, an orphaned swamp rat, learns to find his own way in life, with the help of the swamp's venerable and wise old croc, Will. It is an exciting tale, full of interesting and atmospheric details about swamp life. The characters are reminiscent of the tales of Thornton W. Burgess -- with an edge!" --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

TANGLED THREADS: A Hmong Girl's Story, by Pegi Deitz Shea (Clarion Books, $15, 0618247483) "After 10 years in a Thailand refugee camp, a Laotian girl and her grandmother (whom we first met in the author's The Whispering Cloth) have realized their dream of joining their relatives in America. Pegi Deitz Shea describes the fascinating Hmong culture as she sensitively and realistically portrays the dilemmas both generations face as they struggle to adjust to life in America." --Jan Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT

TERRIBLE TIMES: The Eddie Dickens Trilogy, Book Three), by Philip Ardagh, David Roberts (Illus.) (Holt Books for Young Readers, $12.95, 0805071563) "I adore these books, even for adults. The latest is a combination of Charles Dickens, the films and art of Tim Burton, Lemony Snicket, and Monty Python. Theoretically the series is for ages, seven to 12 … but I keep one in my bathroom at home for guests." --Kelly Justice, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA Also a Listening Library Audio (0807218928)

And from the same author: DREADFUL ACTS: The Eddie Dickens Trilogy, Book Two (Holt Books for Young Readers, $12.95, 0805071555)

UTTERLY ME, CLARICE BEAN, by Lauren Child (Candlewick Press, $15.99, 0763621862) "A favorite character of mine returns in Lauren Child's new book. This time, we find Clarice Bean and her unique family dealing with strange dogs in granddad's room, a disappeared friend, and a misbehaving book-report partner (who becomes the main suspect for a classroom theft). Luckily, Clarice has an indomitable sense of irony, and her collection of Ruby Redfort detective books to guide her through it all." --Stephen Hammill, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

CATALYST, by Laurie Halse Anderson (Puffin, $6.99 paper, 0142400017) "Life has been moving along as perfectly as a string of chemical reactions for science-and-math geek Kate Malone. Things start to go wrong, and then really blow up when a tragedy forces the characters to view their world differently." --Pam Stilp, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Brookfield, WI

THE FATTENING HUT, by Pat Lowery Collins (Houghton Mifflin, $15, 0618309551) "Cultured paradigms of beauty and desirability and the customs upon which they are dependent often defy reason, and therefore change. In The Fattening Hut, we are witness to just how tragic both accommodation and resistance to custom can be for girls required to undergo senseless and mutilating practices -- circumstances that also prove tragic for the elder men and women steeped in tradition and opposed to change." --Nooy Bunnell, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

FREAKY GREEN EYES, by Joyce Carol Oates (HarperTempest, $16.99, 0066237599) "Female narrator, Franky Pierson, calls her strong inner person Freaky Green Eyes. This special visionary power allows her to discover the truth behind her parents' marital difficulties and their dysfunction. Be warned: This book has a heartbreaking conclusion. Oates is making a name for herself in young adult literature." --Elsie Peterson, The Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor, MI

And from the same author: BIG MOUTH & UGLY GIRL (HarperTempest, $7.99 paper, 0064473473) and SMALL AVALANCHES AND OTHER STORIES (HarperTempest, $16.99, 006001217X)

INSIDE OUT, by Terry Trueman (HarperTempest, $15.99, 0066239621) "In this thriller, a teen struggling with schizophrenia is held hostage during a bank robbery. This is my favorite YA book of the year, with realistic characters and a hero that you really feel for." --Karen Maeda Allman, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

MOUNTAIN SOLO, by Jeanette Ingold (Harcourt, $17, 0152026703) "Ingold masterfully intertwines two contrasting stories about musical talent -- one about a Montana homesteading pioneer who is given little encouragement and has little time to play the violin, the other about a contemporary girl who is not only encouraged but is pushed to play the same instrument. It is only when she takes a break and goes to Montana to live with her father that these two stories come together and she finds within herself the desire to play." --Virginia Duffey, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

WASTELAND, by Francesca Lia Block (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 006028644X) "Francesca Lia Block is a very eccentric writer. Her imagery and subject matter are often soft, but colorful. In this novel, she does not disappoint. Brother and sister share a close, some might say unhealthy, relationship; Marina adores her older brother, Lex. However, this devotion begins to control her life, and Lex's death only makes it worse. The story is a search for truth, and, when Marina finds it, everyone is shocked." --Kimberly Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

THE WISH LIST, by Eoin Colfer (Miramax Books, $16.95, 0786818638) "In this dark story, Meg and Belch are blown to pieces in a gas tank explosion during an attempted robbery. In her last minutes, Meg displays a small bit of kindness, so she is sent back from 'the tunnel' for a last chance at redemption. Belch, whose body and mind are mixed up with his dead dog, is sent back by Satan to stop Meg's salvation. An interesting look at good and evil as well as yet another interpretation of the afterlife." --Shirley Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN Also a Listening Library Audio (0807218804)

THE KIDS' HOLIDAY BAKING BOOK: 150 Favorite Dessert Recipes From Around the World, by Rosemary Black (Griffin/St. Martin's, $15.95 paper, 0312310226) "What a great collection of recipes. Breaking it down by holiday and including so many multi-cultural suggestions makes it a title we are likely to sell many of this holiday season. Good work!" --Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ

HOW TO GET YOUR CHILD TO LOVE READING: For Ravenous and Reluctant Readers Alike, by Esme Raji Codell (Algonquin Books, $18.95 paper, 1565123085) "How I wish this book had been available when my kids were young! What a wonderful resource for parents who want to nurture a child's reading interests and help them overcome learning anxieties. Thumb through and discover all of Codell's recommendations." --Darielle Linehan, The Ivy Bookshop, Baltimore, MD