Winter 2005/2006 Book Sense Children's Picks

1. SNOW FRIENDS, by M. Christina Butler and Tina Macnaughton (Illus.) (Good Books, $16, 1561484857) "Snow Friends is a read-aloud delight. Toddlers and parents alike will revel in the colorful artwork, with its hints of magic provided by the sparkling glitter throughout." --Eileen Charbonneau, Merritt Bookstore Vol. III, Cold Spring, NY

2. A DOG'S LIFE: The Autobiography of A Stray, by Ann M. Martin (Scholastic, $16.99, 0439715598) "This is my new favorite kids book, for kids of all ages. I have not enjoyed an animal story like the adventures of Squirrel the dog since I read The Incredible Journey a hundred years ago! She tells us story after story of her life on the road and the rest stops along the way, which are suspenseful, dangerous, and always unpredictable." --Michelle Frost, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

3. LEAF MAN, by Lois Ehlert (Harcourt, $16, 0152053042) "Fall is definitely in the air in this latest thrill from Ehlert. Illustrated using leaves she has collected throughout her journeys, the story follows Leaf Man as he blows across the landscape meeting all sorts of unusual creatures and plants. Gentle, fun, and gorgeous." --Sarah, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, NC

4. I, CORIANDER, by Sally Gardner (Dial, $16.99, 0803730993) "This is a great fantasy read. A sweet and charming little girl, with one silver slipper in the world of magic and one in the 1600s of Cromwell's England, discovers she has inherited mysterious abilities. It features characters you will love, all with courage and heart. A great story!" --Jane Stroh, The Bookstore, Glen Ellyn, IL

5. THE GREAT FUZZ FRENZY, by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel (Harcourt, $17, 0152046267) "With humor, The Great Fuzz Frenzy is brimming with prairie dogs, complete with the social challenges facing a community of creative, chubby creatures and a fuzzy tennis ball. Fold-out pages take the reader deep underground to be amongst these adorable animals as they decide what to do with this round, fluorescent green thing that has fallen down their hole." --Virginia Duffey, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

6. SIGN OF THE RAVEN, by Julie Hearn (Atheneum/ginee seo books, $16.95, 0689857349) "Twelve-year-old Tom jumps the gap in his grandmother's basement in London, only to find himself meeting the 18th-century 'monsters' of the Bartholomew Fair -- the Changeling Child, the Gorilla Woman, and 'Is Nibs. And what about that body snatcher who provides corpses for medical dissection? A fascinating look at old London." --Janet Rhodes, HearthFire Books of Evergreen, Evergreen, CO

7. THE DOG WHO CRIED WOLF, by Keiko Kasza (Putnam, $15.99, 0399242473) "A wonderful picture book for anyone who has ever wanted to just run away and howl at the moon. I don't care how old you are (or what species)." --Anita Charlies, BYU Bookstore, Provo, UT

8. ON THE NIGHT YOU WERE BORN, by Nancy Tillman (Darling Press, $17.95, 0976576104) "This great picture book grabbed me immediately, starting with the beautiful artwork. It is an affirmation of each child's uniqueness, and it will be a great shower or birthday gift." --Susan Richmond, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA

9. ALL RIVERS FLOW TO THE SEA, by Alison McGhee (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763625914) "This beautifully written book, with some sexual content, deals with the aftermath of a car accident that leaves Rose's older sister, Ivy, in a coma. Traumatized by the accident, Rose seeks support from her mother (who is having her own difficulties dealing with the accident) and a neighbor. In the end, and with the help of an understanding friend, she begins to come to terms with her loss." --Nancy Felton, Broadside Bookshop, Northampton, MA

10. REBEL ANGELS, by Libba Bray (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0385730292) "Gemma and her friends are back for this sequel to A Great And Terrible Beauty. Armed only with uncanny powers and sheer pluck, they must dodge assassins and complete a mysterious and deadly task. Rebel Angels is a terrific fantasy filled with lush detail and a feisty heroine." --Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO, by Carlo Collodi, Roberto Innocenti (Illus.) (Creative Editions, $19.95, 1568461909) "Here's the original 1881 story, sharp and witty, and with exquisite illustrations. My pulse quickens each time I look at Innocenti's richly detailed, beautiful, and frightening artwork. This will be a book for a child to keep and treasure for years." --Jean Matthews, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT

BEYOND THE GREAT MOUNTAINS: A Visual Poem About China, by Ed Young (Chronicle, $17.95, 0811843432) "Gorgeous visuals with simple words make this an excellent introduction to Chinese culture for young children." --Candy Pearson, Apple Blossom Books, Oshkosh, WI

BRAVE CHARLOTTE, by Anu Stohner, Henrike Wilson (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 1582346909) "Charlotte, the sheep who leads everyone else out of danger, is wild and woolly, climbing trees, leaping over mountaintops, and roaming the countryside at night. These are wonderful illustrations -- the pictures are soft, with well-placed lines adding a bit of dimension. I've found a new hero, one who lets herself be heard amongst the herd." --Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

CARL'S SLEEPY AFTERNOON, by Alexandra Day (FSG, $12.95, 0374310882) "It's been several years since the last Carl book, but the ultimate babysitter/helper dog is back in Alexandra Day's exquisitely illustrated Carl's Sleepy Afternoon. Mom may think Carl's enjoying a siesta, but his sleepy afternoon is anything but!" --Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

CAROLINDA CLATTER!, by Mordicai Gerstein (Roaring Brook Press, $16.95, 159643063X) "A giant in love with the moon. A town perched on the sleeping giant's belly. The town remains quiet so as not to wake the giant. A noisy girl named Carolinda could spoil it all. Carolinda Clatter is the story of a sad giant, a little girl who loves to make noise, and the power of music. Highly recommended!" --Jerry Bilek, St. Olaf College Bookstore, Northfield, MN

CHICKS AND SALSA, by Aaron Reynolds, Paulette Bogan (Illus.) (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $15.95, 158234972X) "What do you think happens when farm animals get tired of eating the same thing day after day? In this colorful adventure, the animals at the Nuthatcher Farm take matters into their own claws, and rooster, chickens, ducks, and pigs create their own Tex-Mex buffet of goodies." --Janet Nichols, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

EMMA KATE, by Patricia Polacco (Philomel, $16.99, 0399244522) "What a fun romp between Emma Kate and her inseparable imaginary friend. Mostly rendered in black and white, with splashes of color when needed, you are drawn toward an expected conclusion and then tickled by a twist. So child friendly!" --Ellen Mager, Booktenders Children's, Doylestown, PA

GREAT WOLF AND THE GOOD WOODSMAN, by Helen Hoover, Betsy Bowen (Illus.) (University of Minnesota Press, $14.95, 0816644454) "Helen Hoover takes us deep into the north woods with her Christmas fable, and Betsy Bowen makes the story come alive with her captivating woodcuts." --Harvada Elisberg, The Children's Bookshop, Appleton, WI

HAS ANYONE SEEN CHRISTMAS?, by Anne Margaret Lewis, Wendy Popko (Illus.) (Mackinac Island Press, $18.95, 0974914576) "This is sure to be a holiday classic, as vibrant color schemes and a clever refrain make it a joy to read, and reread. Children will delight in trying to find Christmas with Emit, as well as enjoy seeing all the other holidays together." --Megan Fitzpatrick, A Novel Idea, Brooklyn, NY

HERE COMES DARRELL, by Leda Schubert, Mary Azarian (Illus.) (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618416056) "A friendly neighbor reaches out in helpful ways through all seasons, and he is so happily busy aiding others that he misses out on fixing his own property. Soon, his neighbors begin helping with his repairs. The circle of giving is warmly and gently portrayed with vibrant woodcuts by Caldecott medalist, Mary Azarian." --Linda Trester, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

I COULD DO THAT!: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote, by Linda Arms White, Nancy Carpenter (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374335273) "Esther Morris, the first woman to hold public office in the United States, is a bundle of gumption. After reading this clever book, any girl will also feel like a bundle of gumption as well." --Emma Hulse, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

IF YOU DECIDE TO GO TO THE MOON, by Faith McNulty, Steven Kellogg (Illus.) (Scholastic, $16.99, 0590483595) "McNulty and Kellogg invite readers to use their imagination to go on the trip of a lifetime, traveling in a rocket, exploring the dusty, gray surface of the moon, and returning to the abundant color and variety of life on earth. Kellogg's illustrations are extraordinary." --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

JOHN DENVER'S TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS: Score and CD Included, Adapted and Illustrated by Christopher Canyon (Dawn Publications, $19.95, 1584690720) "An ageless illustration of a timeless message! Christopher Canyon brings you home to family reunions, classic characters (especially the autos), and priceless scenery. The quilt-style watercolors are rich with detail, as is John Denver's original message." --Terry Hutchison, Y.E.S.S. the Book Hutch, Durango, CO

THE MAGIC OF COLOR, by Tracy Kane (Light-Beams Publishing, $17.95, 0976628902) "The Tinters and the Shaders are unaware that they live on the same black, white, and gray island. When they are brought together, magic begins to happen and transforms their world into beautiful colors. This is a great way to introduce children to what happens when colors mix." --Joyce Collins, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT

MARY ENGELBREIT'S MOTHER GOOSE: One Hundred Best-Loved Verses, by Mary Engelbreit (HarperCollins, $19.99, 0060081716) "I can't think of a better combination than Mary Engelbreit's beautiful illustrations paired with favorite Mother Goose rhymes. Many popular Mother Goose rhymes are mixed in with ones you might not have heard in a while. This one has quickly become a storytime favorite around here!" --Dinah Paul, A Likely Story, Alexandria, VA

ME, ALL ALONE, AT THE END OF THE WORLD, by M.T. Anderson, Kevin Hawkes (Illus.) (Candlewick, $16.99, 0763615862) "A marvelously illustrated tale of a young boy leading a simple life, taking walks, and listening to the wind in the trees. When he is lured into life in the fast lane by a get-rich-quick idea, he discovers he really preferred to be all alone, at the end of world. A touching tale about appreciating life's simplicity." --Alden Sobol, Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, by Kate DiCamillo, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illus.) (Candlewick, $16.99, 0763625892) "I loved this extraordinary book about Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, and his adventures. The melody and rhythm of life's lessons about friendship and love are captured in this timeless story by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, whose artwork is incredible. I think we have a new classic." --Joci Tilsen, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN

THE NUMBERS DANCE: A Counting Comedy, by Josephine Nobisso, Dasha Ziborova (Illus.) (Gingerbread House, $8.95 paper, 0940112124) "This lively, imaginative counting book offers children learning opportunities that go far beyond the basics of numbers. The beautiful illustrations and rhythmic text are enchanting and will spark interesting conversations -- not to mention dancing with sheer pleasure." --Gayle Wingerter, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA

ONCE UPON A TIME, THE END (Asleep in 60 Seconds), by Geoffrey Kloske, Barry Blitt (Illus.) (Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books, $15.95, 0689866194) "What a godsend for every tired parent who struggles to finish the mandatory bedtime story! Familiar tales are seriously condensed ('Small Girl, Red Hood'), and every story/rhyme/riddle has the same moral: Go to sleep. Silly fun for all, end of story." --Barb Bassett, The Red Balloon Bookshop, Saint Paul, MN

THE SCHOOL IS NOT WHITE!: A True Story of the Civil Rights Movement, by Doreen Rappaport, Curtis James (Illus.) (Jump At The Sun, $16.99, 0786818387) "This true story of the Carter family's struggle to integrate a previously 'white' school is both touching and inspiring. Set in the mid-1960s, the book addresses topics of racial justice, equality, and steadfast determination with aplomb. Readers both young and old will appreciate not only the vital message, but also Curtis James' deft and beautiful illustrations." --Margarette Allen, LaDeDa Books, Manitowoc, WI

SNOWMEN AT CHRISTMAS, by Caralyn Buehner, Mark Buehner (Illus.) (Dial, $16.99, 0803729952) "Snowmen at Christmas will capture children's imaginations and hearts as they discover a secret world of snowmen. Festive and fun, this is a winter classic." --Megan Fitzpatrick, A Novel Idea, Brooklyn, NY

SNOW MOON, by Nicholas Brunelle (Viking, $15.99, 0670060240) "A gentle, quiet story to be whispered at bedtime as you softly turn the pages and follow a silent owl flying through a snow-covered, moonlit night. The luminous illustrations perfectly complement a lyrical tale that will carry you into dreamland." --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

SUPER GRANDPA, by David M. Schwartz, Bert Dodson (Illus.) (Tortuga Press, $18.95, 1889910333) "The story of a real-life Swedish folk hero is told in this well-illustrated picture book. Against all odds, 66-year-old Gustav Hakansson rode his bike over 1,000 miles in the Tour of Sweden, crossing the finish line well ahead of the other riders. But he wasn't considered the winner because he'd been told he was too old for such a bike ride. Inspirational? Yah, you betcha!" --Mary Burns, The Bookworks, Marysville, WA

WHO'S UNDER THAT HAT?, by David A. Carter (Red Wagon Books/Harcourt, $13.95, 0152054677) "Who's Under That Hat? is a lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, pop-up book combination that has to be seen! Riddles, rhymes, colors, and more make this a busy world of fun." --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

WISE GUY: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates, by M.D. Usher, William Bramhall (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374312494) "This is a lively picture book introduction to the famous philosopher Socrates. It includes a simple biography for younger kids as well as sidebars with more detailed information. Highly enjoyable!" --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

AMAZING GRACE, by Megan Shull (Hyperion, $15.99, 0786856904) "Grace 'Ace' Kincaid, tennis star and media darling, wakes up one morning and realizes that she is no longer having any fun. When her family arranges for her to go live undercover in Alaska, we get to watch as Grace makes friends, meets a boy, and, of course, emerges from hiding after finding herself. A fun read, great for 'chic lit' fans." --Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

BIRDWING, by Rafe Martin (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $16.99, 0439211670) "Birdwing is a fabulously imaginative continuation of a Grimm's Brothers' folktale. The highly readable and well-written story of a boy searching to find his place in the world is packed with adventure, moral dilemmas, true and false friendships, righting of wrongs, growing-up issues, plenty of danger, and a touch of the fantastical." --Pat Kutz, Lift Bridge Book Shop, Brockport, NY

THE BREEZES OF INSPIRE, by Nick Ruth (Imaginator Press, $16.95, 0974560332) "This sequel to the Ben Franklin Award finalist The Dark Dreamweaver is many things: a wonderful midgrade fantasy, a science teaching tool for symbiosis, and a really good read. This time, protagonist David includes his cousins in a visit to the world of Remin and beyond. They have many adventures and all become wizards of magic in their own way." --Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Bend, OR

CRISS CROSS, by Lynne Rae Perkins (Greenwillow, $16.99, 0060092726) "Nothing ever happens, or so Debbie thinks. Little does she realize that a cosmic sequence of events has been set in motion by a mere broken necklace clasp. In a world held together by the quarter-inch margin of error at the hem of your jeans, Debbie and her friends are about to discover wonders in the mundane. Their crisscrossing stories are fraught with the inept charm of growing up and will renew your belief in love, chance, and, possibly, chocolate milk." --Kari Pearson, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

FAIRY DUST AND THE QUEST FOR THE EGG, by Gail Carson Levine, David Christiana (Illus.) (Disney Press, $16.99, 0786834919) "Prilla, a fairy born from a baby's first laugh, struggles to find her place in Neverland. Tinker Bell can only help a wee bit. Can Prilla discover her talent in time to save the island and its fantastical creatures? Read, clap, and believe!" --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES, BY Julia Donaldson, Greg Swearingen (Illus.) (Holt Books for Young Readers, $14.95, 0805078053) "The author of The Gruffalo brings her flair for storytelling to an older audience with this exciting tale about giants who have become afraid of humans since their last encounter with Jack (who climbed up the beanstalk into their land)." --Laura Spies, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

THE GIRL WITH THE BROKEN WING, by Heather Dyer (Chicken House/Scholastic, $15.99, 0439748275) "When twins, a boy and a girl, discover a girl dressed in white stranded on their rooftop, they don't know what to think. She acts nothing like an angel, but how could a human have wings? Dyer writes with easy grace, which can be a feat for younger readers, and her style and ideas charmed me immediately." --Sarah Todd, Children's Book World, Haverford, PA

THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS: When Pride Met Courage, by Walter Dean Myers (Amistad, $16.99, 006001136X) "In the skilled hands of Walter Dean Myers, these heroes of WWI are given the visibility that they deserve. In his depiction of the key battles, you feel the courage of the Harlem Hellfighters, you sense their pride, and you realize that their moment in time was pivotal in the history of black Americans. Enriched with the photographs from Bill Miles' collection, this book should be in every classroom." --Jan Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT

JOHNNY AND THE DEAD (Johnny Maxwell Trilogy #2), by Terry Pratchett (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060541881) "In this energetic sequel to Only You Can Save Mankind, unlikely boy hero Johnny Maxwell is hearing from the dead in a graveyard that's slated for destruction. Pratchett's sly humor and sympathy for the underdog make this a very enjoyable read." --Carol Schneck, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

LIONBOY: The Truth, by Zizou Corder (Dial, $16.99, 0803729855) "My family and I came late to this riveting and entertaining series about a young boy who can talk to cats and who is in search of his parents. The latest book doesn't disappoint. Twists and turns abound, as both new characters and old ones you may have forgotten make an appearance, giving this story charm and appeal to a wide age range of readers." --Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

MONKEY (The Five Ancestors, #2), by Jeff Stone (Random House, $15.95, 0375830731) "This is the second of Jeff Stone's Five Ancestors series, and it is remarkable. The story is told from the point of view of a young monk training in the Monkey style of Kung Fu. The story is suspenseful, adventurous, exciting, and well written. I look forward to the rest of the series." --Kate Bearce, Main Street Books, Pella, IA

NOISY OUTLAWS, UNFRIENDLY BLOBS, AND SOME OTHER THINGS That Aren't as Scary, Maybe, Depending on How You Feel About Lost Lands, Stray Cellphones, Creatures From the Sky, Parents Who Disappear in Peru, a Man Named Lars Farf, and One Other Story We Couldn't Quite Finish, So Maybe You Could Help Us Out, by the Editors of McSweeney's (McSweeney's, $22, 1932416358) "This book is like fruitcake -- nutty, stuffed with fruity bits, and with a flavor that has to be tasted to be believed. A collection of stories that are funny, creepy, old, new, and full of characters that you'll never forget (even if you want to), it also features a challenge on the dust jacket for any young (or not so young) aspiring writer." --Mara Lynn, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT

RIDDLE IN THE MOUNTAIN, by Daryl Burkhard (Nomad Press, $16.95, 096682895X) "This is a fun time-travel story about three children who are transported back to an old western mining town, where they must work together, using their different skills and knowledge, in a race against time to solve a riddle and return home." --Carolyn Schrader, Southwest Book Roundup, Capitan, NM

THE SACRIFICE, by Kathleen Benner Duble (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S, $15.95, 0689876505) "The year is 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, where women were accused of casting evil spells and practicing witchcraft. This story tells of the sacrifice one brave mother made to save her young daughters and to help dispel the fear that was running rampant." --Chris DeWan, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

THE SCARECROW AND HIS SERVANT, by Philip Pullman, Peter Bailey (Illus.) (Knopf, $15.95, 0375815317) "A turnip-headed scarecrow, feeling very self-confident, sets off on a worldly quest. A young orphan goes with him as his servant, and this tale tells of a foolish master and his wise servant. The plot is intricate and we meet all sorts of interesting characters, the scarecrow himself being one of the most lovable." --Diane Betz, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

SHADOWS ON THE STARS (The Great Tree of Avalon #2), by T.A. Barron (Philomel, $19.99, 039923764X) "In this second installment of his trilogy, T.A. Barron has masterfully put together a story that will have you on the edge of your seat begging for more. Tamwyn, Elli, and Scree each set out on different journeys to try and save Avalon. An exciting tale from a masterful storyteller." --Lauren Lanza, Square Books, Oxford, MS

THE SILVER SPOON OF SOLOMON SNOW, by Kaye Umansky (Candlewick, $14.99, 0763627925) "Ten-year-old Solomon Snow discovers his foundling origins and sets out to find his real parents. It turns out that his adoptive parents had sold the fancy clothes and pawned the silver spoon that arrived with the infant on their doorstep those many years ago. Once Solly learns of this, he is determined to go to town and find his spoon, and, he hopes, his real parents." --Elizabeth Bluemle, Flying Pig Children's Books, Charlotte, VT

SO B. IT, by Sarah Weeks (HarperTrophy, $6.99 paper, 0064410471) "Both an engaging mystery and a family saga, this bittersweet story of a girl trying to answer a secret of her past can be enjoyed by middle schoolers and adults alike. Filled with quirky characters, Heidi's story is touching and uplifting." --Faith Dickerson, The Corner Shelf, Omak, WA

THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS (The Sisters Grimm, Book #2), by Michael Buckley (Amulet/Abrams Books for Young Readers, $14.95, 0810959267) "What a great concept! Sisters Daphne and Sabrina Grimm are descendants of those other Grimms, the Brothers Grimm. And it falls to the family to look after all those fairy-tale creatures, some of whom don't want to be looked after. Good stuff, with great girl characters!" --Megan O'Bryan, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

YOU COME TO YOKUM, by Carol Otis Hurst, Kay Life (Illus.) (Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin, $15, 0618551220) "In the winter of 1920 changes began in the life of Frank Carlyle, age 11, and his family. First came the Model T Ford, which Mr. Carlyle had some trouble getting used to. Then Mrs. Carlyle was arrested in Washington for her suffragist activities. But the biggest change of all was the move, with Uncle Clint and the nervous Aunt Winnie, to run a hunting lodge on Yokum Pond in the Massachusetts Berkshires. Humor, misadventures, and history are nicely woven together in a highly satisfying story that will appeal to both boys and girls." --Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

BAD KITTY, by Michele Jaffe (HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060781084) "This YA/'chick lit'/amateur sleuth/funny novel featuring 17-year-old Jasmine Callihan kept me glued to the pages to find out what calamity would strike next. Jas employs her friends, family, and her ever-expanding wardrobe as she detects her way through clues and the haze of true infatuation to find out why a small boy and his cat are being terrorized in various locations throughout Las Vegas." --Terry Gilman, Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego, CA

BOY GIRL BOY, by Ron Koertge (Harcourt, $16, 0152053255) "All the drama, humor, and awkwardness of best-friend-maybe-love-teen-angst relationships, told from three points of view. Ron K rocks!" --Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

THE BURN JOURNALS, by Brent Runyon (Vintage, $12.95 paper, 1400096421) "This is a stirring memoir about desperation and riding it out, from incomprehension to awareness, and from pain through recovery." --Connie Leestma, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI

DANCING WITH ELVIS, by Lynda Stephenson (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $17, 0802852939) "For older readers, this is a funny book set in Texas featuring a scheming teenage girl, a naive do-gooder mother, resistance to school integration, and a lovable girl who is the president of the Elvis Presley Fan Club, West Texas Chapter." --Joanne Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

ELSEWHERE, by Gabrielle Zevin (FSG, $16, 0374320918) "One morning, Liz finds herself waking on a boat heading for Elsewhere. She learns that she has died in a bike accident, and she mourns the loss of her experiences as a teenager. How will she ever get a driver's license, have a first kiss, go to college? Zevin has created an amazingly imaginative version of the afterlife in a novel full of love, laughter, and tears." --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ALFRED KROPP, by Richard Yancey (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 1582346933) "Alfred Kropp is an average guy living an average life until his uncle ropes him into a get-rich-quick scheme that changes both of their lives. Soon Alfred is learning sword fighting and flying in helicopters, hoping to overcome a plot to end the world." --Dinah Paul, A Likely Story, Alexandria, VA

ITHAKA, by Adele Geras (Harcourt, $17, 0152056033) "A delightful story of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. This is a tale of loyalty and perseverance set in ancient Greece." --Fran Wilson, Colorado State Univ. Bookstore, Fort Collins, CO

A MANGO-SHAPED SPACE, by Wendy Mass (Little, Brown, $6.99 paper, 0316058254) "I was completely enthralled by this story and the condition it introduces readers to. Combining an engaging main character, a medical mystery, and a special pet make this novel a must-read for all who are sure their life is stranger than anyone else's." --Faith Dickerson, The Corner Shelf, Omak, WA

MARIE, DANCING, by Carolyn Meyer (Gulliver, $17, 0152051163) "This is a fictionalized recounting of the life of the 14-year-old girl who was the model for Edgar Degas' sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. The book explores the life of Marie van Goethem and her poor Parisian family. This is a touching and beautifully written story that all dancers will treasure." --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

NEW BOY, by Julian Houston (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618432531) "Billed as a young adult novel, this is a great read for any age. Julian Houston, an associate justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, has written a story that combines normal adolescent concerns with the larger issue of being African American in the 1950s. It's a moving tale and an important reminder of our history and society." --Dana Brigham, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA

A FAMILY OF POEMS: My Favorite Poetry for Children, by Caroline Kennedy, Jon J. Muth (Illus.) (Hyperion, $19.95, 0786851112) "Classic poems mixed with other genres are presented in a simple, elegant manner that makes this a delightful and entertaining book. The paintings by Jon J. Muth enhance every poem. This book would be a welcomed gift for every family, with or without children." --Wendy Kerop, The Turning Page, Old Lyme, CT