Summer 2005 Book Sense Children's Picks

1. WOLF BROTHER (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1), by Michelle Paver, Geoff Taylor (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060728256) "Twelve-year-old Torak and his companion wolf-cub work together to defeat the evil demon intent on destroying their clans. Set 6,000 years ago, this thrilling, coming-of-age adventure takes Torak through deep forests and perils unfathomable to contemporary city dwellers." --Carolyn Frakes, Enchanted Forest Books, Forest City, IA

2. THE CRY OF THE ICEMARK, by Stuart Hill (Chicken House/Scholastic, $19.95, 0439686261) "This Young Adult novel features Thirrin, a feisty heroine who moves from child to military commander, and then to queen when her father dies defending their homeland. As she defends her kingdom, she collects an unusual group of allies, including good witches, Amazon-like warriors, vampires, and a good friend who turns out to be a powerful wielder of magic. The cliff-hanger ending should keep readers enthralled." --Jane L. Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Culpeper, VA

3. EACH LITTLE BIRD THAT SINGS, by Deborah Wiles (Gulliver, $16, 0152051139) "This story set in rural Mississippi is a delight! The voice of 10-year-old Comfort Snowberger (whose family runs the town funeral home) alone is worth the read. Add themes of family responsibility, friends who suddenly turn mean, and a blossoming young writer who has attended 247 funerals, and you have a funny, poignant, and engaging summer read." --Valerie Lewis, Hicklebee's, San Jose, CA

4. GOING GOING, by Naomi Shihab Nye (Greenwillow, $15.99, 0688161855) "Florrie is a lovable, quirky character who has a passion for local history and independent businesses. When she sees that the individuality of her hometown is threatened by chain stores, she sets out to educate her community. This is a poetic tribute to small businesses." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

5. PROM, by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking Children's, $16.99, 0670059749) "I loved this story, which gives the alternative view of prom night, told from the point of view of Ashley Hannigan, a wonderful teen finding herself amongst friends, family, and boys." --Ellen Scott, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE

6. SOMEDAY IS NOT A DAY OF THE WEEK, by Denise Brennan-Nelson, Kevin O'Malley (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear, $15.95, 1585362433) "If we could only have one more day of the week, would that make us more conscious of the opportunities missed? This beautifully illustrated book is a needed reminder of what we all know is important but, sadly, may sometimes forget." --Lois Proctor, The Bookseller, Ardmore, OK

7. I AIN'T GONNA PAINT NO MORE!, by Karen Beaumont, David Catrow (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 0152024883) "In step with the cadence of the song 'It Ain't Gonna Rain No More,' this story of a creative young artist features wonderful illustrations. I can't wait to share it with my customers." --Helen Talley, A Great Good Place for Books, Oakland, CA

8. THE VALLEY OF SECRETS, by Charmian Hussey, Christopher Crump (Illus.) (S&S Children's Publishing, $16.95, 0689878621) "The Valley of Secrets has a bit of mystery, a touch of adventure, exotic travel up the Amazon, and a setting at an old English estate in Cornwall. The story of an orphan who becomes an heir to a great estate is told through a narrative and with diary entries that make it really move. Exotic plants and endangered species just add to the excitement of this novel for middle readers." -- Fred Powell, Main Street Books, Frostburg, MD

9. BLOOD RED HORSE, by K. M. Grant (Walker & Co., $16.95, 0802789609) "Set during the Crusades, this story features an extraordinary horse named Hosanna. William, a young knight serving King Richard, and Kamil, a Muslim serving Saladin, find in their shared love for the mortally wounded Hosanna the will to pray together to God, Allah, Christ, and Mohammed. In this story, young people will glimpse the possibilities of healing on many levels." --Janet Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT

10. THE PENDERWICKS: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall (Knopf, $17.99, 0375831436) "This story of the Penderwick sisters and their vacation cottage on the grounds of a beautiful mansion is highly recommended -- sure to please boys and girls alike. One hardly knows whether to read it just a bit at a time, like small sips of lemonade, or to read it all in a big, delicious gulp!" --Hilary Taber, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA (Available in mid-June.)

For Babies and Preschoolers

LLAMA, LLAMA RED PAJAMA, by Anna Dewdney (Viking Children's Books, $15.99, 0670059838) "This picture book about a young llama at bedtime is one title I'm especially excited about." --Deb Tomaselli, The Space Crime Continuum, Northampton, MA (Available in May.)

WILL YOU CARRY ME?, by Heleen van Rossum, Peter van Harmelen (Illus.) (Kane/Miller Book Publishers, $15.95, 1929132743) "Thomas is tired after a long morning playing in the park and wants his mother to carry him home. But this creative Mom has lots of tricks up her sleeve to keep her boy moving. This is an energetic tale, illustrated with verve, and one preschoolers will want to hear over and over." --Marge Grutzmacher, Passtimes Books, Sister Bay, WI

For Ages 4 to 8

BADLY DRAWN DOG, by Emma Dodson (Barrons Educational Series, $14.95, 0764158147) "With make-you-smile illustrations and a be-yourself story, Badly Drawn Dog shares the folly and frustration that come from trying to be something you're not." --Joel Crockett, The Four-Eyed Frog, Gualala, CA

BEAR HUGS: Romantically Ridiculous Animal Rhymes, by Karma Wilson, Suzanne Watts (Illus.) (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S, $14.95, 0689857632) "Celebrate love with a wonderful poetry book, and animals!" --Laura Ziock, Altamont Books, Livermore, CA

FOREST BRIGHT, FOREST NIGHT, by Jennifer Ward, Jamichael Henterly (Illus.) (Dawn Publications, $8.95 paper, 1584690674) "What a wonderful treat! This two-in-one book richly describes the wonders of the forest in a sing-song rhyme." --Grace V. Roth, The Town Book Store, Westfield, NJ

FREEDOM ON THE MENU: The Greensboro Sit-Ins, by Carole Boston Weatherford, Jerome Lagarrigue (Illus.) (Dial, $16.99, 0803728603) "Freedom on the Menu fills that hard-to-fit niche: Books that make historical events understandable for young readers. By portraying the world and its changing events through the eyes of eight-year-old Connie, Weatherford makes the Civil Rights movement approachable. Lagarrigue's softly etched paintings bring feeling to a harsh but inspiring subject." --Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

GOONEY BIRD AND THE ROOM MOTHER, by Lois Lowry, Middy Thomas (Illus.) (Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin, $15, 0618532307) "Like Mrs. Pidgeon's second grade class, 'Suddenly...' is all we need to hear to sit up straight, pay attention, and prepare for the full, delighted laugh Gooney Bird brings us in every chapter. In this case the story turns on the shortage of room mothers, and Gooney Bird's ingenious solution, kept just out of view until the final pages. The subtext is children seeing ways to lead, and taking the responsibility to do so." --Carol B. Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

GOOD DOG, by Maya Gottfried, Robert Rahway Zakanitch (Illus.) (Knopf, $15.95, 0375830499) "Not just for dog lovers, this book's wonderfully expressive paintings and language are paired to create a humorous lesson in 'voice' for children and adults alike." --Nancy Reinhart, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW, by Norton Juster, Chris Raschka (Illus.) (Michael di Capua Books/Hyperion Books for Children, $15.95, 0786809140) "This is a joyous account of the anticipation and fun awaiting a little girl when visiting her grandparents. This book is bound to be appreciated by children and their grandparents for its playful celebration of the joy found in sharing simple activities and creating an atmosphere of love and trust." --Patricia F. Colrick, Landmark Books, Inc., Spring Lake, NJ

I'M A PIG, by Sarah Weeks, Holly Berry (Illus.) (Laura Geringer, $16.89, 0060743441) "I'm a Pig is a porcine 'Song of Myself,' a delightful celebration of loving who you are. Holly Berry's jolly illustrations have a retro feel and perfectly capture the movement and mood of Sarah Weeks' rollicking hymn to pigness!" --Jasmine Valandani, Village Books, Bellingham, WA (Available in May.)

IT'S ME!, by Eric Drachman, Isabelle Decenciere (Illus.) (Kidwick Books, $18.95, 0970380925) "With the CD that is included with the book, this story of a little girl playing dress up offers another delightful dimension. It's Me! will offer hours of enjoyment." --Victoria Furin, Books, Etc., Orrville, OH

JITTERBUG JAM, by Barbara Jean Hicks, Alexis Deacon (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374336857) "Here's a read-aloud picture book with attitude. Read this tale about a young monster who is fearful of the boy under his bed with your child held close so you won't miss any of the illustrated details. Great fun!" --Valerie Lewis, Hicklebee's, San Jose, CA

LITTLE PEA, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jen Corace (Illus.) (Chronicle, $12.95, 081184658X) "Little Pea just can't stand the thought of candy for dinner, but the idea of vegetables for dessert entices him to clean his plate. Fun for reluctant eaters and anyone wanting a good giggle." --Elizabeth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT (Available in May.)

MOUSE WENT OUT TO GET A SNACK, by Lyn Rossiter McFarland, Jim McFarland (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374376727) "This very funny book gives a mouse's-eye view of the world and all of its challenges, dangers, and delicious foods! A punchy story and rib-tickling illustrations combine to make this a tasty treat." --Linda Hillegass, Lee Booksellers, Lincoln, NE

ONE LEAF RIDES THE WIND: A Japanese Counting Book, by Celeste Davidson Mannis, Susan Kathleen Hartung (Illus.) (Puffin, $6.99 paper, 0142401951) "This counting book that follows a young girl through a tranquil Japanese garden is another great book of haiku for kids -- and beautiful, too." --Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN

PATCHES LOST AND FOUND, by Steven Kroll, Barry Gott (Illus.) (Marshall Cavendish, $5.95 paper, 0761452176) "This is a writing lesson for kids and a fun story wrapped in one! When Jenny's guinea pig goes missing and her teacher assigns writing homework, Jenny is perplexed. Jenny thinks she is an artist -- not a writer -- but, when she uses her guinea pig pictures as inspiration, Jenny learns an important lesson about the creative process." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

RED RIDIN' IN THE HOOD: And Other Cuentos, by Patricia Santos Marcantonio, Renato Alarcao (Illus.) (FSG, $17, 0374362416) "Fairy tales with the flavor of Mexico! My favorite was 'The Three Chicharrones,' but then I laughed through 'The Sleeping Beauty.' Much more realistic than the originals, with a great twist." --Ellen Perry, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT (Available in May.)

10 LITTLE RUBBER DUCKS, by Eric Carle (HarperCollins, $19.99, 0060740752) "Another great Eric Carle book. In 1992, a shipment of rubber bathtub toys fell overboard, and in this book Eric Carle takes 10 of these ducks on different journeys around the world. Best of all, he combines a wonderful story and basic counting concepts all in one great book for children." --Samantha Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY (Available after June 7.)

YOU AND ME TOGETHER: Moms, Dads, and Kids Around the World, by Barbara Kerley (National Geographic, $16.95, 0792282973) "A stunning photo-essay celebration of families doing family things -- eating, playing, cuddling -- all around the world. A perfect gift!" --Barb Bassett, The Red Balloon Bookshop, Saint Paul, MN

ZEN SHORTS, by Jon J. Muth (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439339111) "Zen for preschoolers? It's the most natural thing in the world with Zen Shorts. Stillwater, a giant panda, makes friends with three children in his new neighborhood, as he charms (and teaches) them with his stories. Muth's gentle watercolors are breathtaking, and adults will find much to think about, too." --Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

Don't Be Verse Averse!

A KICK IN THE HEAD, by Paul B. Janeczko (Ed.), Chris Raschka (Illus.) Christopher Raschka (Illus.) (Candlewick, $17.99, 0763606626) "As the title implies, this book activates the brain by presenting poetic forms with unique illustrations. All poetry lovers need this in their collections, and teachers will use this as a resource for encouraging poetry in classroom." --Linda Trester, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

WONDERFUL WORDS: Poems About Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening, by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Ed.), Karen Barbour (Illus.) (S&S, $16.95, 0689835884) "A selection of poems celebrating words and all the ways we use them. Hopkins' samplings of Emily Dickinson, Carl Sandburg, Nikki Grimes, and others touch on everything from punctuation and pronunciation to the spoken word, and use a rich variety of styles and voices." --Sarah Miller, Halfway Down the Stairs, Rochester, MI

For Ages 9 to 12

AMELIA TO ZORA: 26 Women Who Changed the World, by Cynthia Chin-Lee, Megan Halsey, Sean Addy (Charlesbridge, $15.95, 1570915229) "This has got to be the best biography/history book for young readers that I have read in some time. I loved both the concise bios and the wealth of information." --Kelly Peroni, High Sierra Books, Portola, CA

DONUTHEAD, by Sue Stauffacher (Yearling, $5.50 paper, 0440419344) "Eleven-year-old Franklin Delano Donuthead (yes, that's his real name) is smart, witty, and hopelessly neurotic: avoiding dirt, dust mites, food additives, and personal injury at all costs. So when a ratty-haired, rough-and-tumble tomboy elbows her way into Franklin's life, it's almost more than he can handle." --Sarah Miller, Halfway Down the Stairs, Rochester, MI (Available after June 28.)

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: An Echo Falls Mystery, by Peter Abrahams (Laura Geringer, $15.99, 0060737018) "Thirteen-year-old Ingrid Levin-Hill (whose favorite activities are soccer and drama) has the typical issues of an adolescent: school, boys, and parental pressures. However, when a sequence of unusual events occurs, she will need to employ her athletic abilities and acting skills to learn the truth about them. This is author Peter Abrahams' first book for young adult readers, but his transition is seamless." --Kathleen "Totsie" McGonagle, Betsey Detwiler, Buttonwood Books & Toys, Cohasset, MA

HARRY SUE, by Sue Stauffacher (Knopf, $15.95, 0375832742) "Why would an 11-year-old girl want to go to prison, you ask? Well, to be with her mother, who got sent up when Harry Sue was just a 'crumb snatcher' (her description of the little kids at evil Granny Clotkin's in-home daycare). It's a hard knock life for Harry Sue, but with the strength she draws from her favorite storybook character, Dorothy (of the Wizard of Oz fame), and the help of some unexpected champions, she just might pull through." --Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA (Available after June 28.)

IMAGINE A DAY, by Sarah L. Thomson, Rob Gonsalves (Illus.) (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689852193) "You could spend hours examining the detailed, surreal illustrations in this book for all ages. Each beautiful illustration plays with your perception of the way things are and with your sense of depth." --Isabel Berg and Taylor Hoffman, Book Ends, Winchester, MA

THE LIBERATION OF GABRIEL KING, by K.L. Going (Putnam, $15.99, 039923991X) "I became emotionally involved with the characters -- two friends from very different backgrounds -- from the first page of this powerful book. The bond of friendship between Gabriel and Frita will send an important message to readers both young and old. This is a winner and one that I can recommend for years to come." --Scott Meyer, Merritt Books, Millbrook, NY (Available in June.)

LOVE, RUBY LAVENDER, by Deborah Wiles (Gulliver, $5.95 paper, 0152054782) "While nine-year-old Ruby is having a hard year getting over the death of her beloved grandfather, this is one of the happiest books I've read in years. Ruby charges through the summer, hatching chickens, making a best friend, and feeling her way through her grief, all the while exchanging funny letters with her grandma." --Judy Hijikata, Olsson's Books & Records, Arlington, VA

MEASLE AND THE DRAGODON, by Ian Ogilvy (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060586885) "Measle and his family are reunited and enjoying life. Of course, the 'Wrathmonks' have other ideas! This fast-paced adventure is fun, and Measle is a hero that kids can relate to." --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

MICHAEL ROSEN'S SAD BOOK, by Michael Rosen, Quentin Blake (Illus.) (Candlewick, $16.99, 0763625973) "Rosen writes with moving honesty about the death of his son, but Blake's quirky illustrations are what save this story from being too dire and bleak. Art and text work together to weave a truly remarkable book that is the perfect starting point for a discussion about what troubles a child." --Elizabeth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

THE MIDNIGHT DIARY OF ZOYA BLUME, by Laura Shaine Cunningham (Laura Geringer, $15.99, 0060722592) "Zoya Blume faces real difficulties when her mother inexplicably leaves her with a mysterious magician. As she and her best friend grapple with shadowy fears, Zoya must try hard to figure out her life as she navigates the awkward passage from childhood to the sometimes painful realities of adulthood. Through Zoya's diary, Cunningham has unmistakably recreated the angst and the thrills of adolescence." --Susan Avery, Ariel Booksellers, New Paltz, NY

MONTMORENCY ON THE ROCKS, by Eleanor Updale (Orchard, $16.95, 0439606764) "What a pleasure to see the return of Montmorency, the thief turned aristocrat! As Montmorency struggles with opium addiction, he's called upon to solve a series of bombings in London. What follows is a mystery that will take him and his cohorts to the rural island of Tarimond and back, where they find more questions before they find answers." --Sarah Todd, Children's Book World, Haverford, PA

NASTYBOOK, by Barry Yourgrau (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $11.99, 0060579781) "This collection of perfectly wonderful and, well, nasty short stories may be just the book for the morbid yet still laughing young, or young-at-heart, reader. Thinking of these as 'Zen koans for Bart Simpson' won't be far off the mark." --Russ Harvey, Cody's Books, Berkeley, CA (Available in May.)

NURSE MATILDA: The Collected Tales, by Christianna Brand, Edward Ardizzone (Illus.) (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 1582346704) "Nurse Matilda is a wickedly funny Mary Poppins-like novel for young readers. Collected in this omnibus volume are three original Nurse Matilda tales." --Tracy Wynne, Cover to Cover Booksellers, San Francisco, CA

THE OLD COUNTRY, by Mordicai Gerstein (Roaring Brook Press, $14.95, 1596430478) "This book is more than a fantasy, more than a parable! This is a timeless tale of human frailties and hope, and it is so full of humor, love, and gems of wisdom that it begs to be read again and again." --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH (Available in May.)

OLIVIA KIDNEY AND THE EXIT ACADEMY, by Ellen Potter, Peter Reynolds (Illus.) (Philomel, $15.99, 0399241620) "If you liked the first Olivia Kidney, you'll go crazy over this book. Olivia can't get away from ghosts. Everywhere she goes they seem to follow her, even to her new house in New York City, which Olivia believes to have many secrets of its own." --Samantha Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

OUT STANDING IN MY FIELD, by Patrick Jennings (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439465818) "Ty may be named after a baseball great, but his game is strictly bush league. That's a problem when your dad is the coach and even your little sister can outplay you! Jennings shows once again his versatility and sharp wit. This outstanding novel will appeal to baseball enthusiasts from middle grades up." --Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

RAVEN'S GATE (The Gatekeepers, #1), by Anthony Horowitz (Scholastic, $17.95, 0439679958) "When Matt is caught stealing, his punishment is to enroll in The Leaf Project, which is supposed to rehabilitate young felons. Instead, Matt uncovers very strange doings. The further into the mystery he gets, the more supernatural attacks he experiences, until he finds that the fate of the world may be in his very unprepared hands." --Sarah Todd, Children's Book World, Haverford, PA (Available in June.)

SCORPIA: An Alex Rider Adventure, by Anthony Horowitz (Philomel, $17.99, 0399241515) "This latest spy adventure of Alex Rider is just as suspenseful and even more intense than the previous four. Scorpia, a lethal terrorist organization, wants to enlist Alex, a reluctant teen spy. Was the father Alex never knew involved in this organization before his death? Find out with Alex!" --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

SCRIB, by David Ives (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060598417) "This story of a 13-year-old who runs away from St. Louis to the Wild West is just far too much fun to have only for young readers. It is just fun, fun, fun, with wonderfully entertaining language." --Alissa duBois, Otto's, A Booklover's Paradise, Williamsport, PA

SEPTIMUS HEAP, BOOK ONE: Magyk, by Angie Sage, Mark Zug (Illus.) (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060577312) "This is one that is sure to please Harry Potter and Edge Chronicle fans! Telling the story of an anonymous, hidden princess who is pursued by an evil wizard, this book is filled with adventure, fantasy, and fun." --Kathleen Raymond, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis, TN

SHAKESPEARE'S SECRET, by Elise Broach (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805073876) "Hero is the new kid at school, sure she's going to get teased for her unusual name despite its Shakespearean origins. But there's a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house and connections to Shakespeare all over. Is this much ado about nothing? A fun literary mystery, much like Chasing Vermeer, great for middle readers." --Janet Rhodes, HearthFire Books of Evergreen, Evergreen, CO (Available in May.)

TIGER, by Jeff Stone (Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 0375830715) "I loved the message of this exceptionally well-written book, which teaches both the need for discipline in any endeavor and the importance of listening to all sides before making a decision. This story of 12-year-old Fu and his temple brothers will be a great story to read while waiting for the new Harry Potter." --Kate Bearce, Main Street Books, Pella, IA

THE WHISPERING ROAD, by Livi Michael (Putnam, $16.99, 0399243577) "Harrowing encounters and danger at every turn in the road await Joe and Annie after they escape from their cruel master at the workhouse. A story that middle-grade readers won't want to put down." --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI (Available in June.)

THE WITCH'S BOY, by Michael Gruber (HarperTempest, $16.99, 0060761644) "The enchanting tale of Lump, an ugly foundling raised by a witch, nursed by a bear, tutored by a demon, and tolerated by a cat. Gruber creates a magical mlange of familiar fairy tales, told from the witch's point of view. A marvelous read for anyone who still looks for fairies when walking in the woods." --Jean Matthews, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT

WHALES ON STILTS: M.T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales, by M.T. Anderson, Kurt Cyrus (Illus.) (Harcourt, $15, 0152053409) "Whales walk and a strange narrator talks (to you, quirky reader) in this zany adventure full of evil science and bad jokes! Join one normal girl and her two wonderfully cliched (but loyal) friends on their fast-paced journey of thrills and chills. Sensationalist and silly, M.T. Anderson's new adventure tale is sure to entertain readers with a love of the absurd and a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor." --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

For Teen Readers

BEST FOOT FORWARD, by Joan Bauer (Putnam, $16.99, 0399234748) "I love Joan Bauer's strong characters! Their work ethic, values, and courage are examples I stress when recommending her to readers. Sixteen-year-old Jen never backs down from the challenges her employer and life throw at her. It's a struggle to balance home life, school, and work, and Jen is a model for us all!" --Barbara Wilson, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI (Available in June.)

BRAS & BROOMSTICKS, by Sarah Mlynowski (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0385731817) "This is the perfect beach book for girls! When Rachel discovers that both her mother and her younger sister are witches, she thinks that navigating high school has just gotten a whole lot easier. Or has it? A lot of fun!" --Kathleen Raymond, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis, TN

CLAIMING GEORGIA TATE, by Gigi Amateau (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763623393) "A well-told, honest, and poignant story about a likable young girl who endures personal losses and sexual abuse, yet who still believes in joy and the basic goodness of people. Expect more good things from this new author. (However, because it deals with incest, this is a title for mature readers.)" --Barb Bassett, Amy Nina Baum, The Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN (Available in May.)

GIRLS FOR BREAKFAST, by David Yoo (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 0385731922) "Nick is determined to get a date before he graduates from high school. Unfortunately, he has a little problem: He is the only Korean-American teenager at his school, and that makes dating very difficult. Find out more in this sarcastically funny story about a boy who will do anything to get a date and not be the biggest loser." --Samantha Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY (Available after May 24.)

I AM THE WALLPAPER, by Mark Peter Hughes (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0385732414) "First-time novelist Mark Peter Hughes has captured the pitch-perfect voice of 13-year-old Floey Packer as she describes the trials and triumphs of one very influential summer. The result is an engaging, entertaining romp of a novel that will appeal to any teen who has ever wanted to step out of the background." --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA (Available after May 10.)

INVISIBLE, by Pete Hautman (S&S, $15.95, 0689868006) "This extremely dark story is riveting and haunting as it reveals the complexity of adolescent grief. Seventeen-year-old Doug's family and community are profoundly inadequate in offering assistance to this smart yet strange young man who is self-destructing. Hautman does a wonderful job of portraying deep adolescent friendship." --Joci Tilsen, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN (Available in June.)

LOOKING FOR ALASKA, by John Green (Dutton, $15.99, 0525475060) "Silly rivalries and ingenious boarding school pranks are the vehicle for a serious, thoughtful look at teen angst, suicide, and the existence of the soul. This is as fine a cautionary tale as we've seen since The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The sex and drinking behaviors will lend credibility for teen readers, though they'll probably limit the book's use in high school classrooms." --Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

THE MINISTER'S DAUGHTER, by Julie Hearn (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689876904) "Set during the time of the Civil War in England, this is the story of a young woman named Nell who is accused of witchcraft by two of a minister's daughters, one of whom is pregnant. An exciting book, with lots of intrigue and tales of fairies and piskies." --Rene Kirkpatrick, All For Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA (Available in June.)

THE ORDER OF THE POISON OAK, by Brent Hartinger (HarperTempest, $15.99, 0060567309) "This sequel to Geography Club finds Russel and his friends as counselors at a summer camp. There, Russel founds a secret society that makes everyone's 'flaws' their strengths and helps them cope with the abuses of life. Both an entertaining read and a good lesson about acceptance -- both of others and oneself." --Sweet Pea Flaherty, King's Books, Tacoma, WA

PEACHES, by Jodi Lynn Anderson (HarperCollins, $16.89, 0060733063) "Three very different girls discover the gift of true friendship while working in a peach orchard. This perfect coming-of-age story has angst, humor, and the experience of testing one's limits. A great summer read!" --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI (Available in mid-June.)

SHADOW LIFE: A Portrait of Anne Frank and Her Family, by Barry Denenberg (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439416787) "As I read Shadow Life, I found I could hardly put it down. I learned more about what the Franks ate, what they read, how they lived, and, always, the fear that was part of it all. This is a title I'll enthusiastically sell in my store." --Dorothy Dickerson, Books & More, Albion, MI

THE SLEDDING HILL, by Chris Crutcher (Greenwillow, $15.99, 0060502436) "As it details the life history of a banned book from a teenager's perspective, The Sledding Hill is a brilliant chronicle about censorship in literature and its effect on personal freedom. But this book speaks to my heart because it's a story about undying friendship and the vast capacity for reasoning in the most unreasonable kids." --Collette Morgan, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN (Available in May.)

WHEN I WAS A SOLDIER, by Valerie Zenatti (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 1582349789) "All Israelis, young men and young women alike, must serve at least two years in their country's armed forces. This memoir recounts Zenatti's military service, and it thoughtfully illustrates how typical Israeli girls adapt to an experience that many girls elsewhere will never know." --Mary Landrum, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY (Available in May.)

WINGS, by Julie Gonzalez (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0385732279) "This is a compelling and fascinating tale of two brothers -- one who believes someday he will sprout wings and fly and the other who must learn to accept his brother's beliefs. A moving tale of family dynamics and friendship spanning the boys' lives. A joy to read." -- David Richardson, The Blue Marble Bookstore, Fort Thomas, KY