SLJ's Best Books 2001
By Trev Jones, Luann Toth, Marlene Charnizon, Daryl Grabarek, and Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 12/1/2001
From the more than 4000 titles reviewed in SLJ in 2001, the editors have selected the 53 books annotated below as the year's most outstanding. Each year's list varies tremendously in terms of genres; some years, picture books dominate, and in others it has been historical fiction or art or natural science. This was a banner year for poetry. Whether light and funny or serious and thoughtful, the poems and, in many cases, their accompanying artwork, made a strong showing in a variety of formats. Traditional (and nontraditional) anthologies, picture books, and novels written in free verse appear throughout this stellar list. Biographies ranged from new takes or high literary presentations on such standard shelf staples as Helen Keller and George Washington to some lesser known but equally fascinating figures. You'll also find fresh and innovative picture books and stories; memorable characters experiencing some sad, harrowing, or life-altering experiences; and some enlightening nonfiction. Whether to savor, to enjoy, to provide insight, or to inform, these books have plenty to offer young people with a variety of tastes and interests. The month in which the review appeared in School Library Journal follows each annotation.--T.E.J.
(see also Adult Books for High School Students, below)
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| Olivia Saves the Circus (Falconer) c2001 by Ian Falconer, The Journey (Stewart) c2001 by David Small, The Blues Singers (Lester) c2001 by Lisa Cohen |
ALEXANDER, Lloyd. The Gawgon and the Boy. Dutton. Tr $17.99. ISBN 0-525-46677-0.
Gr 5-7-Recovering from a near fatal illness, an 11-year-old daydreamer must take instruction from a formidable elderly aunt. When her stimulating lessons fuel his supple imagination, the two forge a lasting bond. (Apr.)
BEST, Cari. Shrinking Violet. illus. by Giselle Potter. Farrar/Melanie Kroupa Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-36882-1.
K-Gr 2-Put on the spot during a faltering class play, a shy girl uses her unique talents to save the day and best a bothersome bully. The expansive art heightens the fun in this heartwarming tale of a wallflower who blossoms into a star. (Aug.)
BLUMBERG, Rhoda. Shipwrecked!: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy. HarperCollins. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-688-17484-1; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-029365-9.
Gr 4-8-This incredible story of a teen rescued from a deserted island encompasses 19th-century whaling history, Japanese isolationist policy, and the age-old yearning for home. An affecting saga, profusely illustrated. (Feb.)
BROWNE, Anthony. My Dad. illus. by author. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-35101-5.
PreS-Gr 2-An enthusiastic youngster sings the praises of his fantastic father, who can vanquish bad guys, excel at diverse endeavors, and provide heartfelt hugs. Browne's tongue-in-cheek paintings perfectly balance the text's affectionate tone. (Apr.)
BRUCHAC, Joseph. Skeleton Man. HarperCollins. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-06-029075-7; PLB $14.89. ISBN 0-06-029076-5.
Gr 4-7-After her parents are abducted, Molly must rescue them and save herself by outwitting an evil stranger who claims to be her uncle. A taut page-turner in which menacing events, evocative writing, and mystical elements are part of the mix. (Aug.)
CHILD, Lauren. Clarice Bean, Guess Who's Babysitting? illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-1373-8.
Gr 1-4-When both parents are called away in an emergency, a care-giving crisis ensues and firefighter Uncle Ted comes to the rescue, in a manner of speaking. Outrageously funny pen drawings, collages, patterns, and photos are part and parcel of this hilarious romp. (Mar.)
CHOLDENKO, Gennifer. Notes from a Liar and Her Dog. Putnam. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-399-23591-4.
Gr 6-8-Always in trouble, Ant tries to cover for her mistakes by stretching the truth and loses more than she gains. A memorable character with genuine concerns learns to accept herself and to understand her far-from-perfect family. (Apr.)
CHRISTELOW, Eileen. The Great Pig Search. illus. by author. Clarion. RTE $15. ISBN 0-618-04910-X.
PreS-Gr 3-Disgruntled over the loss of their runaway pigs, a farmer and his wife head for Florida to search for them. Amusing artwork featuring incognito oinkers results in an adventure that will elicit squeals of delight. (Sept.)
CREECH, Sharon. Love That Dog. HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler Bks. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-06-029287-3; PLB $14.89. ISBN 0-06-029289-X.
Gr 4-8-A boy's growing appreciation of poetry and his coming to grips over the loss of his dog gently unfolds in this affecting story. Told with immediacy and candor, and related in free verse, it's a love song that speaks to the healing power of self-expression. (Aug.)
DEANS, Sis. Racing the Past. Holt. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8050-6635-7.
Gr 6-8-To avoid a bully on the bus, Ricky starts walking and then jogging to and from school, gaining self-esteem and respect as he builds stamina. A winning novel of a boy who refuses to be defined by his father's reputation. (June)
FALCONER, Ian. Olivia Saves the Circus. illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum/An Anne Schwartz Bk. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-82954-X.
PreS-Gr 2-With flourish and high-flying style, the famous pig recounts her single-handed rescue and sensational performances under the big top. Superlative cartoons star a youngster whose boundless imagination is as endearing as her nonstop energy. (Oct.)
FLEISCHMAN, Paul. Seek. Cricket/Marcato. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8126-4900-1.
Gr 7 Up-Assigned to write an autobiography, Rob records the people, sounds, and songs of his childhood, including segments of a radio broadcast by the father he has never met. Through 52 different voices, readers tune in to a teen's revealing and humorous search for self-acceptance. (Sept.)
GEORGE, Kristine O'Connell. Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems. illus. by Kate Kiesler. Clarion. RTE $15. ISBN 0-618-04597-X.
K-Gr 4-A young girl savors the sights, sounds, and smells of a family outing. Whether playful or profound, the exquisitely crafted poems reverberate with eloquent yet effortless language, while the radiant acrylic artwork hints at the awe-inspiring mysteries of nature. (July)
GOODALL, Jane. The Chimpanzees I Love: Saving Their World and Ours. Scholastic. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-439-21310-X.
Gr 4-9-The esteemed scientist shares her observations about these magnificent creatures and her concerns for their endangered habitats. Close-up color photos of the chimps at work, play, and rest in the forests of Tanzania will captivate readers. (Sept.)
GREENBERG, Jan, ed. Heart to Heart: New Poems Inspired by Twentieth-Century American Art. Abrams. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-8109-4386-7.
Gr 5 Up-These personal responses to individual works of art tell stories, reveal soul, and detail impressions. Each poem is paired with a quality reproduction of the piece that inspired it, from a pop-art icon to a mixed-media sculptural form. (Apr.)
GREENBERG, Jan & Sandra Jordan. Vincent van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist. Delacorte. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-385-32806-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-385-90005-8.
Gr 5 Up-An inspired and engrossing profile of a painter whose passion for his art burned with a brilliance equal to the intensity of the colors he chose. Well-chosen excerpts from the artist's letters reflect his voice, self-doubts, and vision. (Sept.)
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| My Dad (Browne) c2001 by A.E.T. Browne and Partners |
Gr 1-3-From the time an egg is laid, until it hatches, penguin parents share in the care and nurturing of their chick. Icy blues form the backdrop for this engaging account, filled with winsome collages of the feathered family. (Dec.)
HESSE, Karen. Witness. Scholastic. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-27199-1.
Gr 6 Up-Two girls, one Jewish and one African American, are among the townspeople who witness the effects of bigotry and hatred when the Ku Klux Klan comes to their Vermont community in the 1920s. A literate, compelling story, told through 11 memorable voices. (Sept.)
HOWARD, Arthur. Hoodwinked. illus. by author. Harcourt. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-202656-8.
K-Gr 3-Rejecting toads, bugs, bats, and warthogs as the perfect creepy pet, a little witch is totally taken aback when her heart is captured by an inappropriate, but completely bewitching creature. Howard's watercolors are a howl. (Sept.)
HOLT, Kimberly Willis. Dancing in Cadillac Light. Putnam. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23402-0.
Gr 5-8-After her nonconformist Grandpap moves in, Jaynell learns about family secrets, prejudice, and the pride found in helping a disadvantaged family. This poignant story shines in its expression of the child's resourcefulness and the understanding that comes with compassion. (Mar.)
JANECZKO, Paul B., sel. A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems . illus. by Chris Raschka. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-0661-8.
Gr 3-6-These well-turned poems, each with an accompanying visual interpretation, engage readers' eyes, ears, and intellects in puzzling out their meanings. Dynamic collages lead youngsters to look at words in a new way. (Apr.)
KALMAN, Maira. What Pete Ate from A-Z (Really!). illus. by author. Putnam. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23362-8.
PreS-Gr 3-A truly wacky romp through the alphabet via the escapades of an irresistible pup with a voracious, yet eclectic appetite. Kalman's high-spirited artwork and clever word choices will challenge and entertain. (Really!) (Sept.)
LAWLOR, Laurie. Helen Keller: Rebellious Spirit. Holiday House. Tr $22.95. ISBN 0-8234-1588-0.
Gr 5-7-Through anecdotes and fluid writing, the story of a woman's amazing determination, vitality, and intellect is brought to the fore. An absorbing portrait of an individual whose life was a series of private and public challenges. (Sept.)
LAWRENCE, Iain. Lord of the Nutcracker Men. Delacorte. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-72924-3; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90024-4.
Gr 5-8-An English lad who loves the toy soldiers that his father lovingly carves gradually awakens to the realitites of life in the trenches as the two exchange letters during World War I. This beautifully realized novel explores the patriotism and despair of both young and old in time of conflict. (Nov.)
LESTER, Julius. The Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World. illus. by Lisa Cohen. Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0463-7.
Gr 3 Up-This labor of love pays homage to a traditional African-American idiom through profiles and reminiscences. The accompanying portraits, painted in brilliant tones, sing. (June)
LONGFELLOW, Henry Wadsworth. The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. illus. by Christopher Bing. Handprint. Tr $17.95. ISBN 1-929766-130.
Gr 3 Up-Sumptuous art featuring luminous night scenes and meticulous attention to bookmaking result in a stunning version of the classic work. (Dec.)
MACY, Sue. Bull's-Eye: A Photobiography of Annie Oakley. National Geographic. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-7922-7008-8.
Gr 3-6-Archival sepia photographs and reproductions of exhibition programs and posters lavishly illustrate this life of an 'American original,' known less for her philanthropic work than for her sharpshooting. (Oct.)
MARRIN, Albert. George Washington and the Founding of a Nation. Dutton. Tr $30. ISBN 0-525-46481-6.
Gr 6 Up-An honest, accessible portrait of a far-sighted man whose life was inextricably bound to the birth of our nation. The impressive narrative makes rich use of primary sources. (Jan.)
MEYERS, Susan. Everywhere Babies. illus. by Marla Frazee. Harcourt. 2001. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-202226-0.
PreS-Chubby-cheeked cherubs are cuddled, kissed, and cared for by their adoring loved ones in this buoyant celebration of babyhood. Ebullient rhymes and watercolors brimming with affection and expression detail the small wonders of a newborn's first year. (May)
MOSHER, Richard. Zazoo: A Novel. Clarion. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-13534-0.
Gr 6-10-Orphaned as a toddler in Vietnam and taken to France, Zazoo, 13, leads an idyllic life with an aging lockkeeper who nurtures her independent spirit and love of poetry. A lyrical book about memory and living with loss. (Nov.)
NA, An. A Step from Heaven. Front St. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-886910-58-8.
Gr 8 Up-Young Ju and her family come to California from Korea and try against all odds to embrace the American dream. This is a beautifully told story of sacrifice and success, of heartrending sadness and hard-won hope. (May)
NAIDOO, Beverley. The Other Side of Truth. HarperCollins. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-06-029628-3; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-029629-1.
Gr 5-8-After their mother is murdered during civil strife in their homeland, two Nigerian children sent to safety in London by their journalist father find themselves abandoned and alone. A gripping tale of political intrigue, social activism, and individual courage. (Sept.)
NAPOLI, Donna Jo. Albert. illus. by Jim LaMarche. Harcourt/Silver Whistle. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-201572-8.
K-Gr 4-Two cardinals build a nest on a recluse's outstretched palm and inspire the young man to take notice of the world beyond his window ledge. Varied perspectives and realistically drawn artwork add to the whimsy of this enchanting tale. (May)
NAPOLI, Donna Jo. Three Days. Dutton. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-46790-4.
Gr 4-6-A trip to Italy turns into a terrifying experience for Jackie when her dad dies of a heart attack and she is kidnapped. A riveting read, filled with complex characters and nonstop action. (Aug.)
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| Toasting Marshmallows (George) c2001 by Kate Kiesler |
Gr 8 Up-In this emotionally charged novel, an abandoned white girl blessed with a beautiful voice forms a tenuous identity from listening to black blues singers. She follows a harrowing self-destructive road before gaining a sense of self. (Nov.)
PARK, Linda Sue. A Single Shard. Clarion. Tr $15. ISBN 0-395-97827-0.
Gr 5-8-A broken piece of pottery sets events in motion as an orphan struggles to pay off his debt to a master potter. This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible characters to life. (May)
PAYNE, Nina. Four in All. illus. by Adam Payne. Front St. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-886910-16-2.
PreS-Gr 1-This perfectly simple 56-word poem encapsulates a child's world, from the up close and personal ('eyes ears nose mouth') to its far-reaching corners ('east west north south) Each line is afforded a double-page collage interpretation that invites close inspection and sparks creative musing. (Dec.)
PECK, Richard. Fair Weather. Dial. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-2516-7.
Gr 5-8-A visit to their wealthy aunt in Chicago in 1893 is full of surprises for three children when their free-spirited grandfather shows up and is as unfettered and awesome as any of the exhibitions at the World's Fair. (Sept.)
PRELUTSKY, Jack. Awful Ogre's Awful Day. illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky. Greenwillow. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-688-07778-1; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-688-07779-X.
Gr 1-5-Tantalizingly yucky rhymes and disarmingly charming art add up to numerous opportunities for giggles and thrills in this clever collection. (Sept.)
RAPPAPORT, Doreen. Martin's Big Words. illus. by Bryan Collier. Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0714-8; PLB $16.49. ISBN 0-7868-2591-X.
Gr 3-5-A spare telling of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., punctuated with his own words and paired with hauntingly realistic yet reverential collage images of people and events. (Oct.)
ROSEN, Michael. Shakespeare: His Work and His World. illus. by Robert Ingpen. Candlewick. RTE $19.99. ISBN 0-7636-1568-4.
Gr 6 Up-The Bard is dramatically brought to life in this splendid blend of art, quotes from his plays, and details about Elizabethan times. (Nov.)
RUMFORD, James. Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354. illus. by author. Houghton. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-08366-9.
Gr 3-6-Exquisite watercolors suffused with jewel tones form the background for this account of a meandering medieval adventurer whose insightful observations are worth their weight in gold. (Oct.)
SALISBURY, Graham. Lord of the Deep. Delacorte. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-72918-9.
Gr 5-8-Mikey idolizes his stepfather and loves working on his charter fishing boat, but is devastated when Bill falsifies a form certifying that a obnoxious tourist made a record-breaking catch. A thought-provoking novel with a vividly realized Hawaiian setting. (Aug.)
SENISI, Ellen B. Berry Smudges and Leaf Prints: Finding and Making Colors from Nature. photos. by author. Dutton. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-525-46139-6.
Gr 3-5-From fiery reds to light-drenched yellows, this is a striking celebration of color. Instructions for creating natural dyes and an assortment of crafts will have readers taking a second look at the vibrant world around them. (May)
SIMONT, Marc, retel. The Stray Dog: From a True Story by Reiko Sassa. illus. by author. HarperCollins. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-06-028933-3; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-028934-1.
PreS-Gr 2-Charmed by the antics of a perky pooch during a family picnic, two resourceful siblings rescue the down-and-out dog from danger and turn him into a cherished pet. Not a word goes astray in this joyful and exuberant tale. (Feb.)
STEWART, Sarah. The Journey. illus. by David Small. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-33905-8.
K-Gr 5-On her first visit to Chicago, a young Amish girl relishes the excitement of the big city, but finds herself longing for home. Hannah's colorful diary entries are illustrated with bustling urban vistas as well as comforting glimpses of her town and the people she holds dear. (Mar.)
VAN DRAANEN, Wendelin. Flipped. Knopf/Borzoi. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-375-81174-5; PLB $16.99. ISBN 0-375-91174-X.
Gr 6-9-Fresh, funny, yet full of truth, this story told in alternating voices follows the love-hate relationship between Bryce and Juli from second grade to eighth. A look at the fickle nature of infatuation and the constancy of enduring affection. (Nov.)
VECCHIONE, Patrice, ed. Truth & Lies: An Anthology of Poems. Holt. Tr $17. ISBN 0-8050-6479-6.
Gr 7-10-Universal questions are addressed in this probing exploration of theme and expression spanning centuries and cultures, supported by generous, illuminating notes. (Feb.)
WIESNER, David. The Three Pigs. illus. by author. Clarion. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-00701-6.
K-Gr 6-In this imaginative twist on the traditional tale, the wolf huffs and puffs and blows his victim right out of the story. Artwork explodes off the page and the layout pushes bookmaking convention as the porcine siblings and their pals explore new literary territory. (Apr.)
WILLIAMS, Vera B. Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart: The Story of Amber and Essie Told Here in Poems and Pictures. illus. by author. Greenwillow. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-06-029460-4; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-029461-2.
Gr 1-4-Lucid verses and lustrous colored-pencil drawings illuminate the inner lives of two resilient sisters as they turn to one another during hard times, revealing their thoughts, dreams, fears, and triumphs. Together they are unbeatable. (Sept.)
WOLFF, Virginia Euwer. True Believer. S & S/Atheneum. RTE $17. ISBN 0-689-82827-6.
Gr 6 Up-LaVaughn may have a lot to learn about faith, love, and grammar, but the inner-city teen is firm in her resolve to get to college and to make something of herself. Her pitch-perfect voice carries this free-verse novel about belief and redemption. (Jan.)
WOODSON, Jacqueline. The Other Side. illus. by E. B. Lewis. Putnam. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-23116-1.
Gr 1-4-Two girls transcend racial boundaries when they share a spot on the fence that divides their town. The story resonates with honesty and insight, while the dramatic watercolors accentuate the emotional nuances of the lyrical text. (Jan.)
ZAUNDERS, Bo. Feathers, Flaps, & Flops: Fabulous Early Fliers. illus. by Roxie Munro. Dutton. Tr $17.99. ISBN 0-525-46466-2.
Gr 2-5-Doses of luck, genius, and daring characterize these early balloonists and aviators from the Montgolfier Brothers to 'Wrong Way Corrigan.' Lively drawings that loop and sweep across the pages illustrate stories told with zest and humor. (July)
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| A Step from Heaven (Na) jacket design by Helen Robinson, The Other Side (Woodson) c2001 by E.B. Lewis, The Stray Dog (Simont) c2001 by Marc Simont |
Adult Books for High School Students
(back to top)
From the titles reviewed in this column in 2001, our committee of school and public librarians selected the 22 listed below as the most outstanding of the year. Teen reading tastes know no boundaries and to this end, the titles run the gamut, from fiction (speculative, historical, realistic, and fantastical) to history (memoir, biography, and essay) to the arts (decorative, fine, photographic, and graphic) to sports, past as well as present. There is food for thought and quality reading here for browsers and bibliophiles.-Jackie Gropman and Susan Woodcock, Chairs, 'Adult Books for High School Students' Committee
ALLEN, Henry. What It Felt Like. Pantheon. Tr $20. ISBN 0-375-42063-0.
This engaging, impressionistic narrative takes a decade-by-decade tour of the attitudes, fads, and feelings of 20th-century Americans during catastrophic and ordinary times. (Feb.)
ARMSTRONG, Lance & Sally Jenkins. It's Not about the Bike: My Journey Back to Life. Putnam. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-399-14611-3.
Stricken with cancer, this world-class cyclist recounts his dramatic recovery and his triumphant return to the sports world. An inspirational tribute to the strength of the human spirit. (Jan.)
BALLARD, Allen B. Where I'm Bound. S & S. Tr $24. ISBN 0-684-87031-2.
An escaped slave joins the Union cavalry and moves up the ranks even as he longs to be reunited with his family. Vivid characters, powerful battle scenes, and a compelling plot move this complex and exciting novel forward. (Mar.)
BOWE, John, Marisa Bowe, & Sabin Streeter, eds. Gig: Americans Talk about Their Jobs at the Turn of the Millennium. Crown. Tr $25. ISBN 0-609-60588-7.
From the horrors of the slaughterhouse to the dignity of cleaning an office-whatever the nature of the job-this eye-opening collection of riveting interviews will be hard for teens to put down. (Jan.)
BUJOLD, Lois McMaster. Curse of Chalion. HarperCollins/Morrow. Tr $25. ISBN 0-380-97901-2.
This captivating medieval fantasy blends adventure, swordplay, court intrigue, romance, magic, and religion. Suspense builds as the good guys try to lift a century-old curse, ever fearful for their survival. (Oct.)
DEVITO, Basil V., Jr. & Joe Layden. WWF Wrestlemania: The Official Insider's Story. Regan Bks. Tr $49.95. ISBN 0-06-039387-4.
A revealing overview of a form of entertainment that has become big business in the last two decades. The promotion and staging of this American pastime is less about sport than it is about performance art. (Aug.)
DICKERSON, Debra J. An American Story. Pantheon. Tr $24. ISBN 0-375-42069-X.
An African-American woman's journey that takes her from a poor black neighborhood in St. Louis to the Air Force in Korea, and ultimately to the lecture halls of Harvard is recounted with courage and candor. (Apr.)
ESCHER, M. C. The Magic of M.C. Escher. Abrams. Tr $39.95. ISBN 0-8109-6720-0.
Full-color foldouts, magical drawings, and personal letters draw readers into the exciting, inexplicable, virtual world of a renowned artist. (Mar.)
GOTTESMAN, Jane. Game Face: What Does a Female Athlete Look Like? Random. Tr $35. ISBN 0-375-50602-0.
Superb black-and-white photographs celebrate female athletes-teams and individuals, stars of the past and present, and young and old. Text and pictures focus on the astonishing progress in women's sports since 1827. (Oct.)
HAMILTON, Jane. Disobedience. Doubleday. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-385-50117-X.
A teen discovers his mother's affair while accessing her e-mail account in this absorbing story. His whole life is affected by this knowledge, but the satisfying resolution of this 'state of affairs' reunites the family. (Feb.)
HILLENBRAND, Laura. Seabiscuit: An American Legend. Random. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-375-50291-2.
An engrossing account of horseracing in the 1930s, as well as a colorful picture of Depression-era America. It's a highly readable tale of an ugly horse that was acquired by men also down on their luck and a stunning success story. (Nov.)
HOLLAND, Barbara. They Went Whistling: Women Wayfarers, Warriors, Runaways, and Renegades. Pantheon. Tr $23. ISBN 0-375-42055-X.
Witty and fast-paced portraits of some of history's most 'willful wildlings', women who defied the conventions of their times. Whether they chose to be pilgrims or pirates, their stories reveal much about history and how it is formed. (Aug.)
INADA, Lawson Fusao, ed. Only What We Could Carry: The Japanese American Internment Experience. Heyday. pap. $18.95. ISBN 1-890771-30-9.
Well organized and accessible, these excerpts from diaries, essays, newspapers, and legal documents candidly capture the distress of the internees, the fears of other American citizens, and the workings of the U.S. government. (Apr.)
LOVETT, Patricia. Calligraphy and Illumination: A History and Practical Guide. Abrams. Tr $39.95. ISBN 0-8109-4119-8.
This gloriously designed book brings together traditional and modern examples of calligraphy, illumination, and heraldry. Clear instructions for the creation of original works using age-old techniques make accessible an art that was once the provenance of kings and clergy. (Nov.)
MATHABANE, Miriam & Mark Mathabane. Miriam's Song: A Memoir. S & S. Tr $25. ISBN 0-684-83303-4.
Against all odds, a South African teenager, undeterred by violence, brutality, rape, and privation, pursues her goal of finishing school. A memorable account of perseverance. (Feb.)
OLTION, Jerry. Abandon in Place. Tor. Tr. $24.95. ISBN 0-312-87264-X.
A young couple, both astronauts, reinvent the glory of space exploration in this genre-defying yarn. Equal parts 'hard' science fiction and ghost story, their adventure is suspenseful, humorous, and thought-provoking. (Apr.)
SACCO, Joe. Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia, 1992-95. illus. by author. Fantagraphics. Tr $28.95. ISBN 1-56097-392-7.
Gorazde's physical landscape is rendered in meticulous drawings, while the cartoon-journalist's firsthand account describes the country's civil strife, the role of U.N. peacekeepers, and the influence of U.S. intervention and culture on the events. (Feb.)
SAMUEL, Wolfgang W. E. German Boy: A Refugee's Story. Univ. of Mississippi. Tr $30. ISBN 1-57806-274-8.
In this true story of the triumph of courage and spirit, a 10-year-old escapes Russian-occupied Berlin after World War II and tries to keep his family together and alive. (Jun .)
SONNIE, Amy, ed. Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology. Alyson. pap. $11.95. ISBN 1-55583-558-9.
A well-put-together volume of work by teenagers. The selections include poetry, journal entries, photographs, and mixed-media pieces by contributors with varying abilities, but all with a generally positive experience of being gay in the United States. (Feb .)
STEPAN, Peter, ed. Photos That Changed the World: The 20th Century. Prestel. Tr $29.95. ISBN 3-7913-2395-4.
An affecting collection that captures defining moments in time, intimate or on a grand scale, as recorded by photojournalists. (Feb .)
TOBIN, Betsy. Bone House: A Novel. Scribner. Tr $23. ISBN 0-7432-0196-5.
When the body of a local prostitute disappears from her grave, a chambermaid suspects foul play. A satisfying mystery, rich in historical detail, that contrasts the Elizabethan lifestyle of the manor house and the local villagers. (Jun .)
WILLIS, Connie. Passage. Bantam. Tr $23.95. ISBN 0-553-11124-8.
A psychologist who studies near-death experiences works with a neurologist to experience 'death.' Readers will puzzle over clues and debate theories along with the scientists and will be as unprepared as they are for the novel's surprising plot twist. (Aug.)
| All art reproduced with the permission of the publishers. |
