SLJ's Best Books 2003

Selected by Trevelyn Jones, Luann Toth, Marlene Charnizon, Daryl Grabarek, and Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 12/1/2003

From the more than 4500 books reviewed in SLJ's pages in 2003, the editors have selected the 60 titles below as the best of the bunch. Many of the selections feature fresh and exciting approaches to history, from accounts of the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793 to an Apollo mission to the moon, from titles based on the notebooks and jottings of Ben Franklin, Leonardo, and Darwin to the story of George Washington's teeth and the birth of the National Farm Workers' Association. From the multitudes of books about the Wright brothers in this centennial year, the editors selected one for this list. There was some terrific fantasy from which to choose, as well as thought-provoking science fiction and historical novels. We were particularly pleased at the number of picture books with memorable plots, unusual characters, and humor. While you'll find many familiar authors and illustrators here, we're also excited to bring some less-well-known talent to your attention. We believe that there is something here for everyone to enjoy. The month in which the original review appeared in SLJ follows each annotation.—Trev Jones

ARONSON,Marc. Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials. S & S/Atheneum. RTE $18.95. ISBN 0-689-84864-1. Gr 9 Up–An eye-opening exploration of what is known to have taken place in Salem in 1692, and of a variety of interpretations that have been perpetuated about the happenings. A dynamic narrative hooks readers into thinking about the mysteries of the past and their continued influence on modern life. (Dec.)

ATWATER-RHODES,Amelia. Hawksong. Delacorte. Tr $9.95. ISBN 0-385-73071-3. Gr 7-10–Danica, an avian shapeshifter princess, and Zane Cobriana, a serpiente prince, agree to marry in an attempt to end years of bloodshed and hatred between their kingdoms. Tension, treachery, love, and loyalty are the hallmarks of this stunning adventure. (Aug.)

AYLESWORTH,Jim, retel. Goldilocks and the Three Bears. illus. by Barbara McClintock. Scholastic. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-439-39545-3. PreS-Gr 2–When a curious little girl forgets to follow her mother's instructions, she finds herself in an unbearable situation. Delightfully rhythmic language and witty artwork make this cozy tale just right. (Oct.)

BANKS,Kate. Walk Softly, Rachel. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-38230-1. Gr 7-9–Rachel finds her beloved older brother's journal and discovers that his death seven years earlier was a suicide. Family dynamics and unspoken feelings are at the heart of this poetically told, emotionally charged story. (Sept.)

BROOKS,Martha. True Confessions of a Heartless Girl. Farrar/Melanie Kroupa Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37806-1. Gr 9 Up–Late one night, a disaster-prone, aimless 17-year-old arrives in a small town and decides to stay a while. As the locals offer her a helping hand, they are slowly able to reach out to one another. A moving story about the power of community. (Mar.)

BROWNE,Anthony. The Shape Game. illus. by author. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-36764-7. K-Gr 4–Browne describes how an eye-opening family trip to a museum changed his life forever. A mélange of art appreciation, personal inspiration, groan-out-loud puns, and imagination-stretching illustrations. (Sept.)

BUSBY,Peter. First to Fly: How Wilbur & Orville Wright Invented the Airplane. illus. by David Craig. Crown. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-375-81287-3; PLB $21.99. ISBN 0-375-91287-8. Gr 4-8–This lucid account shows how two brothers turned their boyhood dreams into reality through dedication, determination, and resourcefulness. With its glorious paintings, period photos, and informative diagrams, this title soars. (Mar.)

BYRD,Robert. Leonardo, Beautiful Dreamer. illus. by author. Dutton. RTE $17.99. ISBN 0-525-47033-6. Gr 3-8–Liberal quotes from this enigmatic genius's notebooks highlight his insatiable curiosity and extraordinary powers of observation. Detailed ink-and-watercolor artwork illustrates da Vinci's life, times, and artistic and scientific endeavors. (July)

CAMERON,Ann. Colibrí. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $17. ISBN 0-374-31519-1. Gr 5-8–A suspenseful story set in Guatemala and steeped in cultural details and traditions. Told by "Uncle" that she was abandoned by her parents eight years ago, 12-year-old Tzunún Chumil learns that this dishonest man had kidnapped her, and she is determined to escape his clutches. (Oct.)

CHANDRA,Deborah & Madeleine Comora. George Washington's Teeth.illus. by Brock Cole. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-32534-0. K-Gr 5–As he loses his teeth one by one, Washington endures endless pain and embarrassment, until a brainstorm results in a pair of perfect dentures. Whimsical rhymes and hilarious watercolors make this true tale irresistible. (Jan.)

CRONIN,Doreen. Diary of a Worm. illus. by Harry Bliss. HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler Bks. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-000150-X; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-000151-8. PreS-Gr 3–A down-to-earth invertebrate comments on friendship, family life, school, and his place in the universe. An amusing worm's-eye view of the world, with a tongue-in-cheek text and wry illustrations. (Oct.)

CROWE,Chris. Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case. Penguin Putnam/Phyllis Fogelman Bks. RTE $18.99. ISBN 0-8037-2804-2. Gr 7 Up–A wrenching account of the brutal killing of a 14-year-old black Chicagoan in Mississippi in 1955, his murderers' acquittal, and their subsequent confession. The writing brings the tenor of the times and the importance of this case into sharp focus. (May)

DODDS,Dayle Ann. Where's Pup?illus. by Pierre Pratt. Dial. Tr $12.99. ISBN 0-8037-2744-5. PreS-K–A tiny clown queries the various circus performers about his missing pet, whose whereabouts will surprise and delight readers. Vibrant and theatrical, the art says it all in this dynamic adventure under the big top. (July)

DONNELLY,Jennifer. A Northern Light. Harcourt. Tr $17. ISBN 0-15-216705-6. Gr 8 Up–Set in the Adirondacks in 1906, this atmospheric story based on a true incident involves a teen trapped by family expectations, a fickle fiancé, and a murder. A fine blending of characters, setting, and suspense. (May)

DUNREA,Olivier. Ollie.illus. by author. Houghton. Tr $9.95. ISBN 0-618-33928-0. PreS-Gr 1–No matter how Gossie and Gertie egg him on, a stubborn gosling refuses to hatch, until his would-be friends sit on his shell and feign indifference. An exuberant match of playful artwork and endearing characters. (July)

FLEMING,Candace. Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life. S & S/Atheneum/An Anne Schwartz Bk. RTE $19.95. ISBN 0-689-83549-3. Gr 5-9–A winning text binds this sampler of memorable quotes, anecdotes, and excerpts from a variety of primary sources to create a well-rounded portrait of a multifaceted American genius. Resembling an 18th-century almanac, the pages incorporate plentiful period reproductions, maps, and cartoons. (Sept.)

FREEDMAN,Russell. In Defense of Liberty: The Story of America's Bill of Rights. Holiday House. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-8234-1585-6. LC 2002191918. Gr 5 Up–An amendment-by-amendment history of the evolution of America's civil liberties. Numerous early and modern examples of challenges to individual rights and court reversals, discussions of where the law is still unclear, and imagined scenarios lend immediacy to this lively examination. (Oct.)

GERSTEIN,Mordicai. The Man Who Walked between the Towers.illus. by author. Millbrook/Roaring Brook. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-7613-1791-0; PLB $24.90. ISBN 0-7613-2868-8. K-Gr 6–In 1974, a young Frenchman saw the completion of the World Trade Center towers as an irresistible invitation to stretch a cable between them and dance across it. Gorgeous oil-and-ink paintings capture the aerialist's spirited feat and breathtaking perspectives high above Manhattan harbor. (Nov.)

GOING,K. L. Fat Kid Rules the World. Putnam. Tr $17.99. ISBN 0-399-23990-1. Gr 8 Up–An unlikely friendship buds between 296-pound loner Troy Billings and punk-guitarist Curt MacCrae, two troubled teens who share a love of music. Told with humor and a great deal of heart, this powerhouse of a novel will resonate with teens. (May)

GOODMAN,Alison. Singing the Dogstar Blues. Viking. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-670-03610-2. Gr 8 Up–A street-smart teen is partnered with a hypersensitive alien for an experimental university program in this story that incorporates elements of time travel, mystery, and teenage angst. Fueled by nonstop action, superb characterization, and crackling dialogue, this is a brilliantly imagined read. (Apr.)

GREENBERG,Jan & Sandra Jordan. Runaway Girl: The Artist Louise Bourgeois. Abrams. RTE $19.95. ISBN 0-8109-4237-2. Gr 7 Up–An intimate, affecting look at one of the 20th century's leading artists. Numerous quotes by and about Bourgeois reveal her early influences and inspirations. A generous offering of photos of the artist and her unique sculptural pieces enhances this absorbing portrait. (Apr.)

HAMILTON,Virginia. Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl.illus. by James E. Ransome. Scholastic/Blue Sky. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-590-47376-X. K-Gr 4–This economic retelling of the classic story invokes the Gullah speech of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Detailing fertile landscapes and wily characters, Ransome's luminous watercolors are as rich as the literary tradition they draw on. (Nov.)

HOLT,Kimberly Willis. Keeper of the Night. Holt. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-6361-7. Gr 5-8–After the suicide of her mother, a 13-year-old in Guam struggles to keep her family together as she grapples with her own confusion and grief. An affirming story, suffused with atmosphere. (May)

HORVATH,Polly. The Canning Season. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-39956-5. Gr 6-9–Packed off to the Maine coast to summer with two ancient great-aunts, Rachet, 13, finds peace and acceptance in their eccentric but loving ways. A provocative and poignant novel punctuated with quirky characters and a wicked wit. (May)

JAMES,Simon. Little One Step.illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2070-X. PreS-Gr 2–When three ducklings are lost in the forest and the littlest one is too tired to carry on, his brothers convince him that any journey consists of one step at a time. With eloquent strokes of his pen, James evokes the range of emotions in this empowering story. (Apr.)

JOLIVET,Joëlle. Zoo-ology. illus. by author. Millbrook/Roaring Brook. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-7613-1894-1; PLB $24.90. ISBN 0-7613-2780-0. PreS-Gr 3–This oversized treasure trove depicts groupings of animals of similar stripes on simply labeled, eminently searchable spreads. The boldly colored graphics are as aesthetically impressive as they are informative. (Nov.)

KRULL,Kathleen. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez.illus. by Yuyi Morales. Harcourt. RTE $17. ISBN 0-15-201437-3. Gr 3-6–Krull introduces a humble man who sacrificed all for the cause he believed in. An inspiring story, enhanced by sun-drenched, mural-like paintings. (June)

KRULL,Kathleen. M Is for Music.illus. by Stacy Innerst. Harcourt. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-201438-1. PreS-Gr 3–From anthem to zydeco, this pitch-perfect alphabet book presents a medley of celebrated maestros, intriguing instruments, and musical words and wonders. An imaginative fusion of finely tuned text and inventive illustrations. (Sept.)

LASKY,Kathryn. The Man Who Made Time Travel.illus. by Kevin Hawkes. Farrar/Melanie Kroupa Bks. Tr $17. ISBN 0-374-34788-3. Gr 4-6–To the chagrin of 18th-century intellectuals, an uneducated country clockmaker designed a device to determine longitude and revolutionized navigation. An engaging blend of technology and biography, enriched by animated artwork. (Apr.)

LONG,Melinda. How I Became a Pirate.illus. by David Shannon. Harcourt. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-201848-4. PreS-Gr 3–In this hilarious adventure on the high seas, a young beachcomber is enlisted by a snaggle-toothed pirate crew because he is a good digger. Readers will be blown away by this rowdy gang, depicted in richly robust, humorous paintings. (Sept.)

MACAULAY,David. Mosque. illus. by author. Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Bk. Tr $18. ISBN 0-618-24034-9. Gr 5 Up–Macaulay opens a window into the 16th-century Ottoman Empire and its architectural and engineering achievements. Through meticulously detailed drawings and descriptions, this master craftsman informs readers about the construction and function of the buildings comprising a kulliye. (Nov.)

MCCAUGHREAN,Geraldine, retel. Gilgamesh the Hero.illus. by David Parkins. Eerdmans. Tr $18. ISBN 0-8028-5262-9. Gr 6-9–In this evocative retelling of the oldest recorded epic, McCaughrean delivers primordial themes to a modern audience. Arresting images and potent storytelling make this an impressive presentation. (Dec.)

MCCAUGHREAN,Geraldine. Stop the Train!HarperCollins. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-050749-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-050750-0. Gr 5-8–A ragtag group of eccentric settlers refuses to give up a dream of establishing a viable town in the Oklahoma Territory. With characters to root for, laugh with, respect, and hold dear, this rollicking ride is delivered with verve. (Aug.)

MARTIN,Ann M. & Laura Godwin. The Meanest Doll in the World.illus. by Brian Selznick. Hyperion. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0878-0. Gr 3-6–When dolls Annabelle and Tiffany are inadvertently carried to another household, they come up against Mean Mimi, a bullying princess who rides roughshod over the toys in her realm. Superbly nuanced drawings echo the action that breathes life into these extraordinary playthings. (Oct.)

MARTIN,Laura C. Nature's Art Box.illus. by David Cain. Storey Bks. Tr $23.95. ISBN 1-58017-503-1; pap. $16.95. ISBN 1-58017-490-6. Gr 4-8–Seed pods, gourds, moss, and twigs top the supply list of this one-of-a-kind craft book that encourages children to look at nature through an artist's eye. Clear, step-by-step instructions offer practical tips while enchanting watercolors inspire flights of fancy. (June)

MOSES,Will. Will Moses Mother Goose. illus. by author. Philomel. RTE $17.99. ISBN 0-399-23744-5. PreS-Gr 1–The folk artist fashions a virtual nursery-rhyme wonderland and I Spy rolled into one. Youngsters will enjoy searching for familiar figures who reside as neighbors in the bucolic scenes of town and country. (Sept.)

MURPHY,Jim. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. Clarion. Tr $17. ISBN 0-395-77608-2. Gr 6-10–Packed with gritty details about a deadly disease and its devastating effect on Philadelphia's citizens, this absorbing book also examines the epidemic's social, economic, and political ramifications. (June)

MURPHY, Mary. I Kissed the Baby!illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $12.99. ISBN 0-7636-2122-6. PreS–Simple silhouettes, black on white and white on black, show neighboring animals as they spread the word about the arrival of a new baby. An infectiously joyous offering. (May)

O'MALLEY,Kevin. Straight to the Pole.illus. by author. Walker. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8027-8866-1; RTE $16.85. ISBN 0-8027-8868-8. PreS-Gr 3–Despite a raging blizzard, a boy valiantly trudges toward his destination, until his friends find him and announce that school has been canceled. Swirling watercolors complement this humorous ode to an overactive imagination. (Nov.)

PATTOU,Edith. East.Harcourt. Tr $18. ISBN 0-15-204563-5. Gr 6 Up–This expansive novel encompasses the basic elements of the traditional Nordic folktale "East of the Sun West of the Moon" and fleshes out an engrossing story of duty, honor, and love. Alternating narratives provide a variety of perspectives and readers are introduced to a resourceful heroine. (Dec.)

PAYE,Won-Ldy & Margaret H. Lippert, retels. Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile.illus. by Julie Paschkis. Holt. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7047-8. PreS-Gr 2–A clever chicken outwits a hungry crocodile by convincing the reptile that she's her sister. Patterned figures placed effectively on black backgrounds lend a dramatic flair to the fresh and funny storytelling. (July)

PETERS,Lisa Westberg. Earthshake: Poems from the Ground Up. illus. by Cathie Felstead. Greenwillow. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-029265-2; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-029266-0. Gr 1-6–Nuggets of information and mounds of playful images can be unearthed in this mother lode of poems about all things geological. The bold graphic artwork adds just the right element to make the selections shine. (Sept.)

PRATCHETT,Terry. The Wee Free Men.HarperCollins. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-001236-6; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-001237-4. Gr 5-7–When Tiffany enters Fairyland to rescue her kidnapped brother, readers are in for a rousing romp, for this girl has grit, determination, and more than a touch of witchcraft on her side. With clever dialogue and outlandish characters, this suspenseful fantasy is as funny as it is wise. (May)

PROVENSEN,Alice. A Day in the Life of Murphy.illus. by author. S & S. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-84884-6. PreS-Gr 2–A bristle-haired terrier recounts his routine, which includes barking, bustling from place to place, eating, sniffing, and, of course, more barking. The stream-of-doggy-consciousness narration is matched by equally amusing and energetic paintings. (July)

PULVER,Robin. Punctuation Takes a Vacation.illus. by Lynn Rowe Reed. Holiday House. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1687-9. Gr 1-3–When the hardworking punctuation marks in Mr. Wright's classroom go off on a holiday, the students soon find that life is chaotic without them. A fun-filled gambol through grammar, punctuated by zany acrylic paintings. (Apr.)

RECORVITS,Helen. My Name Is Yoon.illus. by Gabi Swiatkowska. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-35114-7. K-Gr 2–A Korean child, feeling at odds in her American school, tries out various personas before accepting her English name. The stunning oil paintings reveal the girl's active imagination, positive attitude, and shining wisdom. (May)

REEVE,Philip. Mortal Engines.(The Hungry City Chronicles Series). HarperCollins/Eos. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-008207-0; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-008208-9. Gr 6 Up–In this futuristic page-turner, a vast, multitiered London on wheels forages the landscape and consumes smaller communities. Two young people are jettisoned from the city and must unravel a mystery to discover a deadly weapon about to be unleashed. (Dec.)

ROOT,Phyllis. Big Momma Makes the World.illus. by Helen Oxenbury. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-1132-8. PreS-Gr 2–In this down-to-earth look at the creation, Big Momma calmly faces each new challenge and takes care of business and her baby besides. The spare, folksy language and glorious, larger-than-life art reflect the enormity of the task and a reverence for the creator's handiwork. (Mar.)

SCHAEFER,Carole Lexa. Someone Says.illus. by Pierr Morgan. Viking. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-670-03664-1. PreS-K–Spirited children let their imaginations soar as they build, sing, draw, and snack. Glossy beige pages provide the canvas for fluid artwork that captures both the real and the fanciful in their daily routines. (Sept.)

SCHYFFERT,Bea Uusma. The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins. Chronicle. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-8118-4007-7. Gr 4-7–Incorporating journal notes, scientist checklists, and family pictures, the author describes the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of one man's extraterrestrial experience. An engaging text, quirky drawings, and unusual book design add up to a stellar excursion. (Sept.)

SEDGWICK,Marcus. The Dark Horse.Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-73054-3; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90091-0. Gr 6-10–When a strange child who can communicate with animals is adopted by Sigurd's family, a chain of events is set in motion that involves bloodshed and betrayal for the entire tribe. A dark, gripping mystery, eloquently told. (Mar.)

SEGAL,Lore. Morris the Artist. illus. by Boris Kulikov. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-35063-9. K-Gr 4–Reluctant to relinquish the paint set he bought for the birthday boy, Morris turns the party into an impromptu atelier and in the process shows his true colors. The spectacularly expressive artwork revels in the gift of creativity. (June)

SINGER, Marilyn. Fireflies at Midnight. illus. by Ken Robbins. S & S/Atheneum. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-82492-0. PreS-Gr 4–Brief poetic musings set throughout the course of a day capture the true nature of a variety of everyday creatures. The vividly realized photo treatments are at once hyperrealistic and dreamlike, reinforcing the feeling of frozen moments in time. (May)

SÍS,Peter. The Tree of Life: A Book Depicting the Life of Charles Darwin: Naturalist, Geologist & Thinker. illus. by author. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $18. ISBN 0-374-45628-3. Gr 4 Up–Poring over this visually thrilling exploration of Darwin's life and work is in itself an exercise in discovery. Chock-full of bits and snatches of the great thinker's writings, the book captures his curiosity, sense of adventure, and appreciation for the natural world. (Oct.)

SMITH, Hope Anita. The Way a Door Closes. illus. by Shane W. Evans. Holt. RTE $18.95. ISBN 0-8050-6477-X. Gr 4-8–Realistic paintings and deceptively simple poems provide snapshots of a 13-year-old boy's life, describing his family's closeness, his devastation over his father's sudden departure, and his steadfast determination to keep hope alive. (May)

TOMECEK,Stephen M. What a Great Idea!: Inventions That Changed the World.illus. by Dan Stuckenschneider. Scholastic. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-590-68144-3. Gr 5-9–This handsome survey examines 45 discoveries that have had a technical, political, artistic, or spiritual impact on humankind. Drawing on archaeological evidence and historical record, the author places each invention in the context of its time and notes developments it has spawned. Precise diagrams demystify scientific concepts. (Feb.)

WARD,Helen, retel. The Rooster and the Fox.illus. by retel. Millbrook. PLB $24.90. ISBN 0-7613-2920-X. K-Gr 4–After being outsmarted by a cunning fox, a cocky rooster gathers his wits and turns the tables on his captor. Chaucer's Chanticleer is brought to life through a riveting retelling and magnificent, edge-of-your-seat artwork. (Feb.)

WHEELER,Lisa. Old Cricket.illus. by Ponder Goembel. S & S/Atheneum/A Richard Jackson Bk. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-84510-3. PreS-Gr 2–A cantankerous cricket concocts several ailments to avoid his chores, and then gets his comeuppance when confronted by a hungry crow. A cleverly constructed tale with comical, larger-than-life illustrations. (May)

WHITE,Ruth. Tadpole.Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-31002-5. Gr 4-8–The brash Collins girls don't have much but they have one another and their loving mama; their orphaned cousin Tadpole has only his daddy's guitar to comfort and sustain him. A gem of a novel about resilience and the ability to believe in oneself. (Mar.)

WOODSON,Jacqueline. Locomotion.Putnam. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23115-3. Gr 4-6–Four years after losing his parents in a fire, and separated from his younger sister, an 11-year-old African-American boy finds catharsis in writing poetry. Told in Lonnie's affecting voice, this tightly constructed, exemplary novel in verse will touch readers' hearts. (Jan.)