SLJ's Best Books 1998
Staff -- School Library Journal, 12/1/1998
By Trevelyn E. Jones, Luann Toth, Joy Fleishhacker, & Daryl Grabarek
From the almost 3800 books reviewed in School Library Journal's pages in 1998, the following 61 titles have been selected as the best of the year. The four editors, all children's librarians with school and public library experience, have chosen books that stand out as innovative, inspirational, informative -- or purely enjoyable. This was a strong year for fiction, particularly fantasy, humor, and historical fiction. The year's output seemed more focused on entertaining and informing through strong characters and powerful writing than on stories that reflect current newspaper headlines. Nonfiction continued to thrive through lucid texts, glorious photography, and fine art. It was a stunning year for biography, featuring seldom-seen figures and creative approaches to the genre. Picture books didn't fare as well; while the art was impressive, many of the stories were long on mood but short on plot. However, our choices listed below have both memorable characters and inviting themes that should bring pleasure for years to come. The month in which the titles' full reviews were published in SLJ follows each annotation.-TEJ
ABELOVE, Joan. Go and Come Back. DK Ink/ A Richard Jackson Bk. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7894-2476-2.
Gr 6 Up-An Isabo girl looks back on the year two female anthropologists from New York spent in her village in the Peruvian jungle. A novel brimming with wisdom and amusing perceptions and misperceptions. (Mar.)
AYLESWORTH, Jim, retel. The Gingerbread Man. illus. by Barbara McClintock. Scholastic. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-590-97219-7.
PreS-Gr 2-Dressed in a Victorian schoolboy's garb, this cocky cookie leads his pursuers on a merry chase until he meets his bittersweet demise. A snappy retelling with delectable artwork. (Apr.)
BAUER, Joan. Rules of the Road. Putnam. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23140-4.
Gr 7 Up-A hilarious ride on the road to business success. Teenaged Jenna works as a chauffeur for a curmudgeonly shoe-chain president and learns about good guys, villains, and finding the right fit. (Mar.)
BLACKWOOD, Gary. The Shakespeare Stealer. Dutton. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-45863-8.
Gr 4-7-A young orphan is sent to the Globe Theatre by an evil master to crib the script for Hamlet. A dramatic romp with nonstop action and a superb cast. (June)
BLUMBERG, Rhoda. What's the Deal? Jefferson, Napoleon, and the Louisiana Purchase. National Geographic. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-7922-7013-4.
Gr 7 Up-The ins and outs, wheelings and dealings, and diplomatic twists of fate are pieced together like a marvelous mystery story. Outstanding graphics complete the bargain. (Oct.)
BROWN, Tricia. Children of the Midnight Sun: Young Native Voices of Alaska. photos. by Roy Corral. Alaska Northwest. Tr $16.95. 0-88240-500-4.
Gr 3-7-Eight children from as many different cultures create a multilayered portrait of a place where past mingles with present. The winsome faces in the candid photos sparkle with personality. (Sept.)
BROWNE, Anthony. Voices in the Park. illus. by author. DK Ink. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7894-2522-X.
K-Gr 5-A simple outing is described by two parents and two children, each with a different point of view and emotional outlook. Intriguing illustrations of the gorilla characters and surreal touches add layers of visual humor. (Sept.)
BURGESS, Melvin. Smack. Holt. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-5801-X.
Gr 10 Up-Gemma, 14, is lured by the city and becomes caught up in a destructive spiral of heroin addiction. A chilling story about shattered dreams and illusions and the few who reclaim their lives. (May)
CONNOLLY, Peter & Hazel Dodge. The Ancient City: Life in Classical Athens & Rome. illus. by Peter Connolly. Oxford Univ. Tr $32.95 ISBN 0-19-521409-9.
Gr 9 Up-Replete with spectacular reconstructed cut-aways and full-color photos, this colossal guide offers detailed descriptions of all walks of life in the ancient capitals. Authoritative, expansive, and appropriately grand. (July)
CREW, Gary. The Watertower. illus. by Steven Woolman. Crocodile. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-56656-233-3.
Gr 3 Up-A dip inside a mysterious watertower has bizarre repercussions for two boys. Eerie paintings and a Twilight Zone ending will send readers back to the beginning in search of answers. (Mar.)
CUMMINGS, Pat & Linda Cummings, comps. Talking with Adventurers. National Geographic. RTE $19.95. ISBN 0-7922-7068-1.
Gr 4-7-Superb full-color photographs follow 12 explorers and scientists on location. Engaging interviews reveal how they got started in their fields, their scariest working moments, and current expeditions. (Nov.)
DEEM, James M. Bodies from the Bog. Houghton. Tr $16. ISBN 0-395-85784-8.
Gr 5-8-An arresting story of how scientists use modern methods to determine ancient practices. Attention-grabbing photographs of mummies perfectly preserved in European peat lands breathe life into people frozen in time. (Apr.)
DEFELICE, Cynthia. The Ghost of Fossil Glen. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-31787-9.
Gr 4-6-After Allie is stranded on a cliff and saved by a mysterious force, she sets out to solve the murder of another sixth grader. A supernatural cliff-hanger with breathless chases and riveting suspense. (July)
DEL NEGRO, Janice. Lucy Dove. illus. by Leonid Gore. DK Ink/A Melanie Kroupa Bk. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7894-2514-9.
Gr 1-4-Undaunted by a threatening bogle, a seamstress bests the beast through courage and sly wit. With its haunting pictures and lyrical text, this has all the trappings of a tailor-made read-aloud. (Nov.)
DESSEN, Sarah. Someone Like You. Viking. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-670-87778-6.
Gr 7 Up-Halley and Scarlett have grown up like sisters and their closeness holds them in good stead when, as teens, they face adult choices and life-altering decisions. Sparkling dialogue and incisive characterization illuminate this special novel. (June)
FALICK, Melanie. Kids Knitting. photos. by Chris Hartlove. illus. by Kristin Nicholas. Artisan. Tr $17.95. ISBN 1-885183-76-3.
K-Gr 6-Chock-full of colorful photos and cool projects, this inviting how-to will have kids casting on in no time. A pearl among craft books. (July)
FLEISCHMAN, Paul. Whirligig. Holt. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-5582-7.
Gr 8 Up-In the wake of a death he has caused, a teenager sets out on a cross-country quest to find a way to get on with his life. Mystical, powerful, and transcendent. (Apr.)
FLETCHER, Susan. Shadow Spinner. S & S/Atheneum/A Jean Karl Bk. RTE $17. ISBN 0-689-81852-1.
Gr 4 Up-A young spinner of stories tells how she became enmeshed in the dangerous intrigue of the Sultan's harem while serving her queen, Shahrazad. Evocative, exotic, and eminently entertaining. (June)
FREEDMAN, Russell. Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life. Clarion. Tr $18. ISBN 0-395-74655-8.
Gr 4 Up-A showstopping biography that captures its dynamic subject's personality, vision, and artistry. Dramatic action photographs and portraits document Graham's brilliant career. (May)
GANTOS, Jack. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-33664-4.
Gr 5-8-An exasperating, unpredictable, yet often irresistible boy with attention deficit disorder tries to gain control over his chaotic life. His frenetic narrative pulls at heartstrings and tickles funny bones. (Dec.)
GERSTEIN, Mordicai. The Wild Boy. illus. by author. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-38431-2.
Gr 1-4-The true story of a feral child captured in France in 1800 and introduced to civilization. Whether he is dancing with the wind or huddled in the corner of a dark cell, Victor's isolated existence is eloquently conveyed. (Oct.)
GREENBERG, Jan & Sandra Jordan. Chuck Close, Up Close. DK Ink. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-7894-2486-X.
Gr 3 Up-An eye-opening look at this awe-inspiring artist and his creative development. His captivating, oversized portraits draw readers' attention and command repeated viewings. (Mar.)
GRIFFIN, Adele. The Other Shepards. Hyperion. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-7868-0423-8; PLB $15.49. ISBN 0-7868-2370-4.
Gr 8 Up-Growing up in the shadow of their older siblings who died in an accident, two girls forge their own identities after befriending a mysterious painter. A deftly woven story of loss and healing, with touches of the supernatural. (Sept.)
GROVE, Vicki. Reaching Dustin. Putnam. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23008-4.
Gr 5-8-As Carly comes to understand the class outcast, she tries to absolve her guilt for tormenting him in the past. A poignant story of a notoriously dysfunctional family and the few individuals who reach out to help. (May)
GUTHRIE, Woody. This Land Is Your Land. illus. by Kathy Jakobsen. Little, Brown. RTE $14.95. ISBN 0-316-39215-4.
PreS-Gr 4-From the minutely detailed postcard-sized paintings to the breathtaking double-page vistas, this book pays tribute to America's foremost balladeer and his music. (Aug.)
IBBOTSON, Eva. The Secret of Platform 13. illus. by Sue Porter. Dutton. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-45929-4.
Gr 4-6-Nine years after a baby prince from an enchanted island is kidnapped and taken to London, a team of magical creatures sets out to rescue him. Lively, funny fantasy with a case of mistaken identity and a cast of eccentric characters. (Mar.)
JONELL, Lynne. I Need a Snake. illus. by Petra Mathers. Putnam. RTE $12.99. ISBN 0-399-23176-5.
PreS-Gr 2-After his mother nixes his request for a snake, Robbie discovers several slithery substitutes in household objects. A salute to creative problem solving and imagination. (June)
JONES, Diana Wynne. Dark Lord of Derkholm. Greenwillow. RTE $16. ISBN 0-688-16004-2.
Gr 7 Up-Wizards, soldiers, dragons, griffins, and all-too-real humans inhabit this alternative world enslaved by a diabolical entrepreneur. Forces of dark and light constantly clash as one fantastical family fights to survive. (Oct.)
KARR, Kathleen. The Great Turkey Walk. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-32773-4.
Gr 4-8-Teenaged Simon trots 1000 turkeys from Missouri to Denver in 1860, encountering villains, supporters, and even his ne'er-do-well father along the route. Hysterical history. (Mar.)
KVASNOSKY, Laura McGee. Zelda and Ivy. illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-0469-0.
PreS-Gr 2-A young fox risks life, limbs, and her tail to win her bossy big sister's approval. Sibling dynamics explored with finesse and genuine feeling. (June)
LAUBER, Patricia. Painters of the Caves. National Geographic. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-7922-7095-9.
Gr 4-9-Using rock renderings and ancient artifacts, Lauber paints a panorama of the prehistoric people of Europe, artfully blending fascinating facts, spectacular photographs, and an infectious enthusiasm for the mysteries of the past. (Mar.)
LAWRENCE, Iain. The Wreckers. Delacorte. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-32535-5.
Gr 6-9-After a shipwreck in 1799, young John Spencer washes ashore and finds himself in a community that is more threatening than the sea itself. Swashbuckling action, psychological horror, and stunning storytelling. (June)
LEAR, Edward. The Owl and the Pussycat. illus. by James Marshall. HarperCollins/Michael di Capua Bks. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-06-205010-9; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-205011-7.
PreS-Gr 4-Dressed to the nines in swanky turn-of-the-century toggery, these courting characters board a pea-green ocean liner and end up tangoing by the light of the moon. Devilishly droll. (Dec.)
LESTER, Alison. The Quicksand Pony. Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Bk. Tr $15. ISBN 0-395-93749-3.
Gr 4-7-Growing up in the wilds of Australia because of his mother's self-imposed exile, a boy is forced to reach out after she dies. A multilayered story of survival, love, mystery, and family relationships. (Oct.)
LUBY, Thia. Children's Book of Yoga: Games & Exercises Mimic Plants & Animals & Objects. Clear Light. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-57416-003-6.
PreS-Gr 7-Simple exercises that appeal to children's imaginations and crisp photographs capture the essence of this spiritual art. Gentle workouts for minds and bodies. (Oct.)
MCCULLY, Emily Arnold. Beautiful Warrior: The Legend of the Nun's Kung Fu. illus. by author. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-590-37487-7.
K-Gr 5-A plucky girl finds a role model in a Buddhist nun who is a kung fu master in 17th-century China. The fluid, expansive art works in perfect harmony with this tale of inner strength and invincible spirit. (Feb.)
MCKEE, Tim. No More Strangers Now: Young Voices from a New South Africa. photos. by Anne Blackshaw. DK Ink/A Melanie Kroupa Bk. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-7894-2524-6.
Gr 5 Up-Twelve teens of various racial backgrounds speak out about life under aparatheid, their current situations, and their hopes for the future. Their articulate accounts are both honest and courageous. (Dec.)
MAZER, Harry. The Wild Kid. S & S. RTE $15. ISBN 0-689-80751-1.
Gr 4-8-A 12-year-old boy with Down's syndrome gets lost in the woods and befriends the runaway teen who holds him hostage. A gripping survival story with flesh-and-blood characters. (Oct.)
MEADE, Holly. John Willy and Freddy McGee. illus. by author. Marshall Cavendish. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-7614-5033-5.
PreS-Gr 2-Two intrepid guinea pigs strike out into the house, survive near catastrophies, return to the comforts of their cage, and start all over again. Zesty cut-paper collages track all of the details of this funny outing. (Sept.)
MURPHY, Jim. Gone A-Whaling: The Lure of the Sea and the Hunt for the Great Whale. Clarion. Tr $18. ISBN 0-395-69847-2.
Gr 6 Up-Using the journals and letters of boys who answered the call of the sea and a slew of historical reproductions, Murphy presents a piercing look this giant industry. (May)
O'NEILL, Alexis. Loud Emily. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. S & S. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-81078-4.
PreS-Gr 2-A little girl with a whale of a voice finds her calling and sets sail on the high seas. Lively paintings and language salted with shipboard slang set the scene as this irrepressible heroine holds sway. (Oct.)
PINKNEY, Andrea Davis. Duke Ellington. illus. by Brian Pinkney. Hyperion. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7868-0178-6; PLB $16.49. ISBN 0-7868-2150-7.
Gr 1-5-A jazzy introduction to the king of swing told with a rhythm and flair that suit the subject to a tee. The fluid paintings are in perfect sync. (May)
PULLMAN, Philip. Clockwork. illus. by Leonid Gore. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-590-12999-6.
Gr 5-8-In this carefully sychronized gothic tale, a writer's fiction springs to life, an apprentice's ambition winds up destroying him, and a courageous girl helps a prince find a heart in the nick of time. (Nov.)
RATHMANN, Peggy. 10 Minutes Till Bedtime. illus. by author. Putnam. PLB $16.99. ISBN 0-399-23103-X.
PreS-Gr 2-A pet hamster leads caravans filled with curious vacationing hamsters through his young owner's home in this comical countdown to bedtime. (Sept.)
REINHARD, Johan. Discovering the Inca Ice Maiden: My Adventures on Ampato. National Geographic. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-7922-7142-4.
Gr 5 Up-A compelling narrative and close-up photos take readers to a snow-covered peak in southern Peru and then into the laboratory to reveal the significance of this anthropologist's remarkable find. (May)
ROWLING, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. illus. by Mary GrandPrAc. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-590-35340-3.
Gr 4-7-In a purely magical fantasy, a wizard-in-training learns of his parents' heroic past and battles the malevolent Voldemort, who destroyed them. Humorous and heartfelt moments at the Hogwarts School trace Harry's transition from neglected nobody to reluctant celebrity. (Oct.)
ROOT, Phyllis. What Baby Wants. illus. by Jill Barton. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-0207-8. LC 97-40424.
PreS-Gr 2-While Mama rests, family members try all manner of methods to soothe Baby's tears. Little Brother finally does the trick with a loving cuddle and a "Hushabye, shushabye." Warmhearted, homespun fun. (Sept.)
SACHAR, Louis. Holes. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-33265-7.
Gr 5-8-Sentenced to juvenile detention, innocent Stanley is forced to dig 5'-by-5' holes in the brutal Texas heat and unearths an unexpected treasure. A masterful blend of comedy and legend, with flamboyant characters, a family curse, and absurd situations. (Sept.)
SHANNON, David. No, David! illus. by author. Scholastic/Blue Sky. RTE $14.95. ISBN 0-590-93002-8.
PreS-Gr 2-An incorrigible preschooler barrels though the house, bouncing, banging, and breaking everything in sight. After a tearful timeout, he ends up in his mother's arms for a love-affirming hug. (Aug.)
SHULEVITZ, Uri. Snow. illus. by author. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37092-3.
PreS-Gr 2-As the adults around him slavishly rely on weather reports, a boy and his dog discover that snowflakes are heedless of radio and TV. Engaging art transforms a dreary cityscape into an enchanted winter wonderland. (Dec)
SIMMONS, Jane. Come Along, Daisy! illus. by author. Little, Brown. RTE $12.95. ISBN 0-316-79790-1.
PreS-In this cozy tale of a little duck lost and found, Daisy discovers the delights and dangers of the pond. Resplendent in deep blues and greens, the textured paintings reflect the nuances of this aquatic playground. (Aug.)
STEIG, William. Pete's a Pizza. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Michael di Capua Bks. Tr $13.95. ISBN 0-06-205157-1; PLB $13.89. ISBN 0-06-205158-X.
PreS-Gr 3-Pete is coaxed out of his grumpy mood by his playful father. With its whimsical drawings and deadpan dialogue, this is a winner any way you slice it. (Nov.)
STUVE-BODEEN, Stephanie. Elizabeti's Doll. illus. by Christy Hale. Lee & Low. RTE $15.95. ISBN 1-880000-70-9.
K-Gr 2-Watching her mother care for the new baby, a Tanzanian girl finds a round huggable rock on which to shower her affection. Vibrant patterns and soft watercolor backgrounds evoke a sense of place and familial love. (Sept.)
TANAKA, Shelley. Graveyards of the Dinosaurs. illus. by Alan Barnard. (An I Was There Bk.). Hyperion. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7868-0375-4.
Gr 4-6-A look at three paleontologists, their work methods, and the prehistoric beasts they study. Outstanding photographs combine with dramatic illustrations to create you-are-there immediacy. (July)
TO EVERY THING THERE IS A SEASON. illus. by Leo & Diane Dillon. Scholastic/Blue Sky. RTE $15.95 ISBN 0-590-47887-7.
K Up-A reverent and elegant interpretation of the time-honored Biblical passages, graced with exquisite paintings, each of which represents a different artistic style and cultural tradition. (Sept.)
VAN LAAN, Nancy. So Say the Little Monkeys. illus. by Yumi Heo. S & S/Atheneum/An Anne Schwartz Bk. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-81038-5.
PreS-Gr 2-A fun-loving group of monkeys raise the question, why work when you can play? Heedless but happy, they swing through prickly palms to the rhythm of an onomatopoetic text. (Sept.)
WELLS, Rosemary. Mary on Horseback: Three Mountain Stories. illus by Peter McCarty. Dial. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-2154-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-8037-2155-2.
Gr 2-5-Three glimpses of Mary Breckinridge, the visionary nurse who brought medical attention to the isolated residents of Appalachia in the 1920s, as seen through the eyes of people whose lives she touched. An enticing approach to biography. (Oct.)
WELLS, Rosemary. Yoko. illus. by author. Hyperion. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-7868-0395-9; PLB $15.49. ISBN 0-7868-2345-3.
PreS-Gr 2-A kitten is ridiculed when she brings sushi for lunch-until her classmates learn that variety is truly the spice of life. An honest look at peer acceptance and being different, wrapped in a delightful school story. (Oct.)
WICK, Walter. Walter Wick's Optical Tricks. photos. by author. Scholastic/Cartwheel. Tr $13.95. ISBN 0-590-22227-9.
Gr 4-8-A creative exploration of visual illusions. Through the use of floating images, curious cubes, and magic mirrors, the photographer presents puzzles to ponder and pore over. (Sept.)
WOLFF, Virginia Euwer. Bat 6. Scholastic. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-590-89799-3.
Gr 5-7-A longstanding softball rivalry brings together girls from two Oregon farm towns in 1949. A hard-hitting novel told in multiple voices that drives home the importance of community and the efforts necessary to promote peace. (May)
YOLEN, Jane. King Long Shanks. illus. by Victoria Chess. Harcourt. RTE $15. ISBN 0-15-200013-5.
K-Gr 4-This chuckle-filled version of "The Emperor's New Clothes" features a cast of fly-eating frogs and a frivolous ruler who wants to show off his "fine legs." A tongue-in-cheek telling with "ribeting" artwork. (June)
Adult Books For Young Adults
Voracious and reluctant readers alike, lovers of literature and fans of nonfiction will find cause to celebrate in this list of Best Books for 1998. Our committee of librarians who work with teens in schools and public libraries considered the more than 300 adult titles reviewed in SLJ this year and have selected the 21 titles below as outstanding for their literary merit, recreational appeal, or thought-provoking presentation. All were published in 1998 unless otherwise noted. The month in which the original review appeared follows each annotation.-Jackie Gropman & Susan Woodcock, Chairs
ALABISO, Vincent, ed., et. al. Flash!: The Associated Press Covers the World. Abrams. Tr $39.95. ISBN 0-8109-1974-5.
A riveting look at the 20th century through memorable photographs. Enhanced by a history of the AP as well as an essay by Peter Arnett, this visual feast will entice the most casual browser. (Aug.)
BANKS, Tyra & Vanessa Thomas Bush. Tyra's Beauty Inside and Out. HarperPerennial. pap. $16.95. ISBN 0-06-095210-5.
A supermodel reveals her beauty secrets in a breezy style. Photographs presented in an appealingly glitzy format and clear directions cover the basics of skin and hair care, exercise, and fashion. (Aug.)
BARR, Nevada. Blind Descent. Putnam. Tr $22.95. ISBN 0-399-14371-8.
Park ranger Anna Pigeon confronts claustrophobia, skepticism, and ever-growing personal danger to find her friend's killer in the treacherous Lechugilla Cavern. The twists and turns of the cave and the plot meld into an action-packed ending. (July)
BRAY, Rosemary L. Unafraid of the Dark. Random. Tr $24. ISBN 0-679-42555-1.
A child of welfare, Bray relates her moves through parochial school to Yale University and to her editorial work for the New York Times Book Review. An inspiring story told with immediacy and courage. (June)
CLAPP, Nicholas. The Road to Ubar: Finding the Atlantis of the Sands. Houghton. Tr $24. ISBN 0-395-87596-X.
An engrossing account of a top scientific discovery. Filmmaker Nicholas Clapp used cultural myths, historical chronicles, maps, and even satellite-imaging technology to find this fabled ancient city. (Dec.)
COX, Elizabeth. Night Talk. Graywolf. 1997. Tr $23.95. ISBN 1-55597-267-5.
In Georgia in 1949, a white girl and a black girl grow up in the same household, share secrets and confidences, and become caught up in the strains of the civil rights era. An unforgettable story of a friendship. (Feb.)
DESAL, Kiran. The Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard. Atlantic Monthly Press. Tr $22. ISBN 0-87113-711-9.
The irresponsible son of a middle-class Indian family seeks a life of peaceful contemplation but finds only chaos when the townspeople revere him as a holy man. A hilariously irreverent romp with zany characters. (Dec.)
GARCIA Y ROBERTSON, R. American Woman. Tom Doherty Assoc. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-312-86146-X.
A Quaker woman travels West to teach the "Christian Way" but instead marries into the Sioux tribe and tries to intercede with the white man on the Indians' behalf. Gripping fiction interwoven with accurate historical details. (June)
GLASSER, Ronald. The Light in the Skull: An Odyssey of Medical Discovery. Faber & Faber. 1997. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-571-19916-X.
An enlightening journey through centuries of scientific study. Readers meet the giants of medical research as they investigate the mysteries of Ebola, Mad Cow disease, AIDS, and more. (Jan.)
KERCHEVAL, Jesse Lee. Space. Algonquin. Tr $18.95. ISBN 1-56512-146-5.
In this perceptive narrative, the author artfully describes growing up in Cape Canaveral during the 1960s and `70s and the impact of the era's social and political issues on her family. (May)
KINDER, Gary. Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea. Atlantic Monthly. Tr $27.50. ISBN 0-87113-464-0.
Tommy Thompson begins an indefatigable quest to raise a ship that sank 132 years ago with 400 passengers and 21 tons of gold aboard. An exciting tale that blends technological exploration with top-notch adventure. (Oct.)
KING, Laurie R. The Moor. St. Martin's. Tr $23.95. ISBN 0-312-16934-5.
When Sherlock Holmes is summoned to solve an eerie murder at Baskerville Hall, the research skills of his independent young wife enhance his already superior powers. (Apr.)
KOTLOWITZ, Alex. The Other Side of the River. Doubleday. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-385-47720-1.
The body of a black teen is found floating in the river that separates and segregates two small Michigan towns. The examination of this unsolved murder forces the townsfolk to reflect on their feelings about race. (June)
MCCORMACK, John. A Friend of the Flock: Tales of a Country Veterinarian. Crown. 1997. Tr $23. ISBN 0-517-70612-1.
The further adventures of the first veterinarian of Choctaw County, AL, are chronicled in this funny and sad, but always heartwarming story. (Jan.)
PAUL, Caroline. Fighting Fire: A Personal History. St. Martin's. Tr $23.95. ISBN 0-312-18581-2.
A Stanford graduate abandons her journalism career and trains as a professional firefighter. Laced with true accounts, her narrative conveys the dedication of those individuals who put their lives on the line every day. (Oct.)
PELLEGRINO, Charles. Dust. Avon. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-380-97308-2.
As nature's balance comes undone, scientists race to salvage something from the ruins. From the demise of the dinosaurs to the psychology of mobs, many strands are skillfully woven together and leavened with humor. (Aug.)
SEKULER, Robert & Randolph Blake. Star Trek on the Brain. W. H. Freeman. Tr $21.95. ISBN 0-7167-3279-3.
This delightful trip through the science of the mind using Star Trek anecdotes makes for galaxies of fun. (Dec.)
SENNA, Danzy. Caucasia. Penguin. Tr $24.98. ISBN 1-57322-091-4.
When their parents split up, their black father flees the country with his older daughter, leaving light-skinned Birdie with her politically radical and paranoid white mother. This deeply felt story chronicles the girl's determination to reconnect with her family and her heritage. (Sept.)
SMOLAN, Rick, ed. One Digital Day. Times Bks. Tr $40. ISBN 0-8129-3031-2.
This beautiful photo-essay illustrates the dizzying versatility and functions of silicon chips. Photos offer hourly glimpses of a digital world throughout a single day. (Sept.)
WOODWARD, Fred. Rolling Stone: The Complete Covers. Abrams. Tr $39.95. ISBN 0-8109-3797-2.
A quintessentially hip overview of the music and entertainment industry in the U.S. from the days of peace, love, and flower children to the present. The stunning reproductions offer an impromptu history of popular culture. (Aug.)
WILHELM, Kate. The Good Children. St. Martin's. Tr $22.95. ISBN 0-312-17914-6.
The four orphaned McNair children honor their mother's wish and hide her death by burying her in the backyard. With inherited money and their own clever lies, they become self-reliant as they mature. An absorbing tale with a satisfying resolution. (Sept.)
