Best Books 2004

SLJ's Book Review editors have selected the 58 books annotated below as the most outstanding of the year. You will find a wide range of topics, themes, and artistic styles represented here. Historical elements appear across genres, from a graphic tour of the Roman army to a playful picture book set in Elizabethan England, from a Cinderella story set in 14th century China to a retrospective of the Harlem Renaissance. Some books chronicle powerful social movements while others offer engaging looks at individual political leaders, poets, and performers. This year saw the publication of more fantasy series than ever; the ones that appear here are the most imaginative stand-alone titles. Familiar names abound, dotted with some exciting books from first novelists. A jazzy Mother Goose collection, a duck with a political agenda, an irresistible milk-loving kitten, and a video gamester forced out of doors are among the clever and creative picture book selections. Overall, the SLJ editors offer an impressive, well-rounded list for your patrons, whether reading for information, pleasure, or for group sharing.—T. E. J.

ASCH, Frank. Mr. Maxwell's Mouse. illus. by Devin Asch. Kids Can. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-55337-486-X.
K-Gr 3–A pompous cat in a celebratory mood gets more than he bargained for when he orders the live-mouse entrée at a tony restaurant. Wickedly humorous, with thrilling and chilling art. (Sept.)

BAUSUM, Ann. With Courage and Cloth: Winning the Fight for a Woman's Right to Vote. National Geographic. Tr $21.95. ISBN 0-7922-7647-7; PLB $32.90. ISBN 0-7922-6996-9.
Gr 7 Up–An accessible and unflinching look at the final stage of the 72-year struggle, and the activists at the center of the movement. Archival photographs of the ardent friends–and passionate foes–of the crusade enliven this outstanding history. (Sept.)

BLACKLOCK, Dyan. The Roman Army: The Legendary Soldiers Who Created an Empire. illus. by David Kennett. Walker. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-8027-8896-3; RTE $18.85. ISBN 0-8027-8897-1.
Gr 4-7–Using an eye-grabbing comic-book format, Blacklock and Kennett describe the fighting techniques, engineering feats, and rank and file of an awe-inspiring war machine. An action-packed amalgam of facts and crisply detailed illustrations. (Apr.)

BOTTNER, Barbara & Gerald Kruglik. Wallace's Lists. illus. by Olof Landström. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-000224-7; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-000225-5.
K-Gr 2–Wallace, an obsessive list-maker, is a productive but highly cautious mouse, that is, until he befriends his free-spirited new neighbor and learns to embrace adventure. A life lesson delivered through a winsome text and witty cartoon art. (June)

BREDSDORFF, Bodil. The Crow-Girl: The Children of Crow Cove. tr. from Danish by Faith Ingwersen. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-31247-8.
Gr 4-7–After her grandmother dies, a girl must leave their isolated cove to survive and encounters people both coldhearted and kind, finally finding the home she longs for. A timeless and deeply moving story. (May)

CALETTI, Deb. Honey, Baby, Sweetheart. S & S. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86765-4.
Gr 9 Up–Over the course of a Pacific Northwest summer, quiet, cautious Ruby is swept off her feet first by a bad boy with a motorcycle, and then by the Casserole Queens, a seniors' book group that her librarian mother leads. An artfully goofy and endearing exploration of life, love, and forgiveness. (July)

CHOLDENKO, Gennifer. Al Capone Does My Shirts. Putnam. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23861-1.
Gr 6-8–A poignant novel, set on Alcatraz Island in 1935, filled with memorable characters and humorous moments. Life there is a laundry list of challenges for 12-year-old Moose as he cares for his unpredictable, autistic sister and tangles with the warden's daughter. (Mar.)

COHEN, Miriam. Mimmy and Sophie All around the Town. illus. by Thomas F. Yezerski. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-34989-4.
Gr 2-4–This easy-to-read charmer chronicles the comings and goings of two sisters, the ins and outs of their relationship, and their unwavering affection for one another. Spirited drawings echo the nostalgic mood and evoke Depression-era Brooklyn. (May)

CREECH, Sharon. Heartbeat. HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler Bks. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-054022-2; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-054023-0.
Gr 4-7–A 12-year-old's orderly world is thrown off-kilter by her mother's pregnancy, her grandfather's dementia, and her running partner's competitive edge. With natural dialogue and flesh-and-blood characters, Creech's free-verse story will strike a chord with readers. (Feb.)

CREWS, Nina. The Neighborhood Mother Goose. photos. by author. Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-051573-2; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-051574-0.
PreS-Gr 2–Crews's innovative artwork infuses 41 familiar rhymes with energy, intimacy, and 21st-century elan. Digitally manipulated photographs mix realistic city scenes with unexpected touches of whimsy, providing a fresh look at old favorites. (Jan.)

CRONIN, Doreen. Duck for President. illus. by Betsy Lewin. S & S. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86377-2.
PreS-Gr 2–Fed up with his chores, Duck gets himself elected to replace Farmer Brown, launching a political odyssey that eventually lands the fowl in the Oval Office. Illustrated with hilarious watercolors, this tongue-in-cheek campaign memoir will earn a landslide of laughs. (Mar.)

CURTIS, Christopher Paul. Bucking the Sarge. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-32307-7; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90159-3.
Gr 7 Up–No one messes with "The Sarge," a slum landlord with a loan-sharking business. Her son, forced into her devious schemes, simply wants to win the science fair and live an honest life. Touching yet wildly funny, the story is ultimately pure satisfaction as Luther establishes his independence. (Sept.)

DREZ, Ronald J. Remember D-Day: The Plan, the Invasion, Survivor Stories. National Geographic. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-7922-6666-8; PLB $27.90. ISBN 0-7922-6965-9.
Gr 5-8–With precision and clarity, Drez details the assault that marked the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany. Generous quotes provide views of the battle by military leaders and soldiers while well-chosen photos, reproductions, and maps add dimension. (July)

ENGLISH, Karen. Hot Day on Abbott Avenue. illus. by Javaka Steptoe. Clarion. RTE $15. ISBN 0-395-98527-7.
PreS-Gr 3–Kishi and Renée are at odds with one another, but an irresistible game of double Dutch brings them back in step. Expressive collages capture the ups and downs of friendship on this sultry day. (July)

ENGLISH, Karen. Speak to Me: (And I Will Listen Between the Lines). illus. by Amy June Bates. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37156-3.
Gr 3-5–Simple poems express the thoughts and feelings of a group of third graders over the course of a school day. Nuanced watercolors capture the body language of the daydreamer, the displaced friend, the teacher-pleaser, and others as they experience confinement, awe, jealousy, and a teacher's ire. (Aug.)

FARMER, Nancy. The Sea of Trolls. S & S/Atheneum/A Richard Jackson Bk. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-689-86744-1.
Gr 5-9–Kidnapped from their Saxon village by Viking berserkers, Jack and his sister face trolls, giant creatures, and enslavement before making their way home. Danger, suspense, and humor meld with mythology, ancient cultures, and imaginary beasts in this unforgettable saga. (Oct.)

FLEISCHMAN, Paul. Sidewalk Circus. illus. by Kevin Hawkes. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-1107-7.
PreS-Gr 5–A bus stop provides a ringside seat to amazing feats of skill and daring, at least for those with the imagination to see them. The dynamic acrylic artwork presents the parallel narratives of ordinary life and high drama played out in the light and shadows of a city street. (July)

FREEDMAN, Russell. The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights. Clarion. Tr $18. ISBN 0-618-15976-2.
Gr 5-9–The life and times of the brilliant contralto are vividly re-created in this handsome biography. The compelling story of how the singer became a star of the sociopolitical arena, as well as of the stage, is documented with first-person accounts and archival photos. (July)

GRAHAM, Bob. Tales from the Waterhole. illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-2324-5.
K-Gr 3–An assortment of African animal friends savors the lazy hot days in this series of five amusing tales set on the savanna. This book makes a splash with appropriately silly situations, believably childlike characters, and sun-drenched watercolors. (July)

GRIMES, Nikki. What Is Goodbye? illus. by Raúl Colón. Hyperion. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0778-4.
Gr 3-8–In alternating first-person poems, two youngsters express a panoply of emotions, from learning that their big brother has died to the family's first steps toward healing. With beautifully rendered artwork, this graceful, affecting title offers validation and solace. (June)

HANNIGAN, Katherine. Ida B: …and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World. Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-073024-2; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-073025-0.
Gr 4-6–An imaginative child has an idyllic life until her mother is diagnosed with cancer. She is angry and confused until she finds a way to bring her fierce emotions under control. Heavy themes, related with a light touch. (Aug.)

HENKES, Kevin. Kitten's First Full Moon. illus. by author. Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-058828-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-058829-2.
PreS-K–A feisty feline ventures off her porch to pursue an elusive treat in this sweetly satisfying circular adventure. The wide-eyed kitten's unflagging energy is captured in the soft-focus artwork, done in shades of charcoal and cream. (Apr.)

HILL, Laban Carrick. Harlem Stomp!: A Cultural History of the Harlem Renaissance. Little, Brown/Megan Tingley Bks. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-316-81411-3.
Gr 7 Up–This superb history chronicles the convergence of social and creative forces that led to a renaissance in theater, literature, and the visual arts. Generous quotes, excerpts, lyrics, and a stunning collection of photos and reproductions enhance the volume. (Jan.)

HODGES, Margaret, retel. Merlin and the Making of the King. illus. by Trina Schart Hyman. Holiday House. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1647-X.
Gr 2-6–This enchanting introduction to three enduring and magical tales brings the legendary figures to life for a young audience. A captivating retelling, with fluid language and majestic full-color artwork. (Sept.)

HOPKINSON, Deborah. Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) across the Plains. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. S & S/Atheneum/An Anne Schwartz Bk. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-84769-6.
K-Gr 4–Unable to leave their orchard behind, uprooted Iowans take hundreds of saplings along as they head West in the family's prairie schooner. This exuberant tall tale has a resourceful young heroine, thrilling adventure, and high-spirited oil paintings. (Sept.)

HORSE, Harry. Little Rabbit Goes to School. illus. by author. Peachtree. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-56145-320-X.
PreS-K–When Little Rabbit takes Charlie Horse along on his first day of school, the toy stirs up a bit of trouble but also helps the shy bunny make new friends. A gently reassuring tale illustrated with vivacious watercolors. (Oct.)

IBBOTSON, Eva. The Star of Kazan. illus. by Kevin Hawkes. Dutton. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-525-47347-5.
Gr 5-8–When Annika's dream of meeting her birth mother seemingly comes true, she is swept away on an adventure that reveals secrets about her newfound relatives and shows her the true meaning of family. An intricately plotted epic starring an unforgettable heroine. (Oct.)

JANECZKO, Paul B. Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes, Ciphers, and Secret Writing. illus. by Jenna LaReau. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-0971-4.
Gr 4-8–Janeczko provides the lowdown on making and breaking codes through lucid explanations, enticing activities, and intriguing examples from history. Complete with humorous cartoons, this book is a young cryptographer's dream. (May)

KERLEY, Barbara. Walt Whitman: Words for America. illus. by Brian Selznick. Scholastic. 2004. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-35791-8.
Gr 4 Up–A picture-book ode to the man, his words, and his abiding love for his country. Glorious portraits and sweeping illustrations introduce this larger-than-life figure in the context of his work and his times. (Nov.)

KONIGSBURG, E. L. The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place. S & S. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-86636-4.
Gr 6-9–Rescued from a nightmarish summer camp by her great-uncles, Margaret Rose Kane mounts a battle to save the elderly gents' beloved outdoor sculptures that some consider to be an eyesore. A magnificently plotted story, with quirky characters and a determined heroine. (Jan.)

LARSON, Peter & Kristin Donnan. Bones Rock!: Everything You Need to Know to Be a Paleontologist. Invisible Cities. pap. $19.95. ISBN 1-931229-35-X.
Gr 5-8–This chatty, you-are-there introduction to fossil hunting and the scientific method is packed with personal stories, magnificent color photos, and a host of activities for budding paleontologists. (Nov.)

MCGHEE, Alison. Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth. illus. by Harry Bliss. Harcourt. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-204931-2.
K-Gr 2–After hearing rumors that her new teacher is a baby-tooth-stealing alien, a frightened first grader with a loose incisor vows to keep her mouth firmly shut. A funny tale propelled by droll ink-and-watercolor cartoons. (Sept.)

MCKAY, Hilary. Indigo's Star. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86563-5.
Gr 5-8–The idiosyncratic Casson family of Saffy's Angelreturns in a story about the bonds forged by 12-year-old Indigo, his younger sister, and an American schoolmate, as they deal with issues at home and school. Keen characterizations and scenes both tender and humorous make this a novel that will resonate with readers.(Sept.)

MCWHORTER, Diane. A Dream of Freedom: The Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968. Scholastic. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-439-57678-4.
Gr 5-9–McWhorter offers an incisive and personal look at the American civil rights movement, honoring its heroes as well as the ordinary individuals behind it. Voices from both sides of the cultural divide are heard, and the well-documented text is enhanced by dramatic period photos. (Dec.)

MARCHETTA, Melina. Saving Francesca. Knopf/Borzoi. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-82982-2; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-92982-7.
Gr 9 Up–Changing schools, making new friends, and a first romance are made all the more complicated for a teen whose strong and successful mom has slipped into a debilitating depression. A smart, insightful coming-of-age story told with wit and wisdom. (Sept.)

MONTGOMERY, Sy. The Tarantula Scientist. photos. by Nic Bishop. Houghton. Tr $18. ISBN 0-618-14799-3.
Gr 5-10–An up-close-and-personal look at an extraordinary species as seen through the enthusiastic eyes of an arachnologist. Packed with eyebrow-lifting spider facts, crystal-clear photos, and details about the research process, the lively text captures the excitement of science. (Mar.)

MORPURGO, Michael. Private Peaceful. Scholastic. 2004. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-63648-5.
Gr 7 Up –An underage World War I soldier spends the night before his brother's execution recalling joyful and painful memories of their lives together and reflecting on their fates. A powerful and moving depiction of duty and devotion. (Nov.)

MOSS, Miriam. Don't Forget I Love You. illus. by Anna Currey. Dial. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-2920-0.
PreS-Gr 2–A harried Mama Bear rushes her little cub off to nursery school, and in her haste forgets to tell the devastated little guy the words he needs to hear. A soothing story, perfectly matched with comforting art. (Feb.)

NAPOLI, Donna Jo. Bound. S & S/Atheneum. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-86175-3.
Gr 5-9–After her father's death, Xing Xing is under the control of an unloving stepmother whose only concern is a good marriage for her daughter. A Chinese version of the "Cinderella" story with fully fleshed out characters and vivid cultural details. (Nov.)

O'MALLEY, Kevin. Lucky Leaf. illus. by author. Walker. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8027-8924-2; RTE $16.85. ISBN 0-8027-8925-0.
K-Gr 3–Forced by his mother to play outdoors, a video-game-addicted boy waits for the last leaf to drop from a tree, convinced that it will bring him luck at the controls. A humorous tale, told mostly through the perfectly paced, autumn-hued illustrations. (Oct.)

OPPEL, Kenneth. Airborn. HarperCollins/Eos. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-053180-0; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-053181-9.
Gr 6-10–When their airship crashes, a cabin boy and a teen passenger intent on finding legendary flying creatures are captured by pirates and find themselves in a desperate fight for survival. A wildly imaginative adventure, laced with fantasy, humor, true villains, and a touch of romance. (July)

ORGEL, Doris, retel. The Bremen Town Musicians and Other Animal Tales from Grimm. illus. by Bert Kitchen. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Tr $18.95. ISBN 1-59643-010-9.
K-Gr 3 –Six tales of wit and wisdom, some familiar and some less so, are delightfully retold in language that mixes modern sensibilities with once-upon-a-time flair. Depicting a cast of furred and feathered creatures, the realistic paintings shimmer with earthy textures and spectacular outdoor hues. (Dec.)

PEARCE, Philippa. The Little Gentleman. illus. by Tom Pohrt. Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-073160-5; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-073161-3.
Gr 3-5–Given the odd task of reading aloud in an empty meadow, a girl is surprised to learn that her audience is a highly intelligent and articulate mole. The deep friendship that they forge transforms their lives in this perfectly realized gem of a story. (Sept.)

PHILBRICK, Rodman. The Young Man and the Sea. Scholastic/Blue Sky. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-36829-4.
Gr 5-8–Driven by despair over his mother's death, his father's paralyzing depression, and financial worries, 12-year-old Skiff sets out in a tiny boat to battle an enormous tuna. This homage to Hemingway pulsates with nonstop action and heart-stirring emotions. (Feb.)

ROGERS, Gregory. The Boy, the Bear, the Baron, the Bard. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-009-5.
Gr 3-6–In this time-travel romp through Elizabethan England, a runaway soccer ball sparks a merry chase that involves the protagonist, his protector, a patrician prisoner, and an enraged playwright. The energetic cartoon panels tell the tale and provide loads of visual humor and period details. (Dec.)

RUMFORD, James. Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing. tr. by Anna Sixkiller Huckaby. illus. by author. Houghton. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-36947-3.
Gr 1-4–An eloquent tribute to a man who was determined to preserve his cultural heritage. A bilingual text and stunning art inform readers of the known facts about Sequoyah and liken him to his redwood namesakes. (Oct.)

SCHANZER, Rosalyn. George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides. illus. by author. National Geographic. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7922-7349-4; PLB $25.90. ISBN 0-7922-6999-3.
Gr 3-6 –In 1793, leaders with firm but opposing views on the rights of American colonists sat on opposite shores of the Atlantic. This balanced and accessible history explains both points of view while detailed watercolor art and maps add fascinating insights into the battle that ignited a revolution. (Oct.)

SCHMIDT, Gary D. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. Clarion. Tr $15. ISBN 0-618-43929-3.
Gr 6-9–The son of a new white preacher in a town in Maine is befriended by an African-American girl from a nearby island, and everything he believes in is shaken when he learns of the devastation that awaits her community. This historical novel set at the turn of the 20th century is suspenseful, richly layered, and packs an emotional wallop. (May)

SIERRA, Judy. Wild about Books. illus. by Marc Brown. Knopf/Borzoi. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-82538-X; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-92538-4.
PreS-Gr 2–When Molly McGrew accidentally drives the bookmobile to the zoo, she creates a whole new audience of book lovers. Told in Seussian style, this upbeat story is playful and pure fun. (Aug.)

SNYDER, Zilpha Keatley. The Unseen. Delacorte. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-73084-5; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90106-2.
Gr 5-8–When 12-year-old Xandra, an outsider in her own family, finds a magical feather, she unlocks a hidden world filled with both cuddly creatures and malicious monsters. In the process, she learns a great deal about herself and her siblings. A mesmerizing mix of fantasy and spine-tingling suspense. (Apr.)

UPDALE, Eleanor. Montmorency. Scholastic/Orchard.Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-58035-8.
Gr 6-10–From his cell, prisoner 493 plots his future; by night a life of thievery, by day one of genteel pleasures.This suspenseful Victorian tale draws readers into the labyrinthine mind of a master burglar, and into his conduit to crime–London's sewer system. (Apr.)

VECCHIONE, Patrice, ed. Revenge and Forgiveness: An Anthology of Poems. Holt. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7376-0.
Gr 7 Up–Voices from centuries past join with those of contemporary writers in this thought-provoking collection of poems that express the breadth and intensity that desires of revenge and acts of forgiveness encompass. Notes on the poets and the poems enrich the experience. (July)

WADDELL, Martin. Tiny's Big Adventure. illus. by John Lawrence. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2170-6.
PreS-Gr 2–Two young mice embark on an exciting and fun-filled excursion into a wheat field. The highly textured vinyl engravings showcase the pint-sized protagonists as Tiny overcomes his trepidation and embraces new experiences under his big sister's watchful eye. (July)

WERLIN, Nancy. Double Helix: A Novel. Dial. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-2606-6.
Gr 8 Up–After scoring a job with a famous genetic engineer, 18-year-old Eli uncovers astounding secrets about his parents–and himself. A gripping, not-so-futuristic novel that will have readers discussing bioethical issues and pondering what it means to be human. (Mar.)

WHYBROW, Ian. The Noisy Way to Bed. illus. by Tiphanie Beeke. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-439-55689-9.
PreS-Gr 1–As a tired boy heads home, several boisterous farm animals tag along and cheerfully follow him to bed. With a bouncy text, irresistible refrain, and sherbet-hued artwork, this book makes a pleasingly sonorous read-aloud. (Mar.)

WILLEMS, Mo. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. illus. by author. Hyperion. 2004. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-1870-0.
PreS-Gr 1–When toddler Trixie leaves her stuffed toy at the Laundromat, she simply doesn't have the words to express her loss. Hilarious cartoons superimposed on sepia-toned photos show the exasperated youngster, her clueless dad, and her mom who figures out the problem immediately. (Oct.)

WOLF, Allan. New Found Land: Lewis and Clark's Voyage of Discovery. Candlewick. RTE $18.99. ISBN 0-7636-2113-7.
Gr 7 Up–A breathtaking account of a harrowing expedition as seen through the eyes of its participants, including Lewis's insightful and articulate Newfoundland dog. Lyrical poems depict a journey both geographical and spiritual as the adventurers traverse uncharted territory and explore the content of their character. (Sept.)

WOODING, Chris. The Haunting of Alaizabel Gray. Scholastic/Orchard. 2004. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-54656-7.
Gr 7 Up–Thaniel, a 17-year-old wych-hunter, must save a desperate young woman who has been possessed by an evil wych. A riveting horror story, filled with murderous, nonhuman creatures and power-hungry villains, set in an alternative London of the past. (Aug.)

See also Adult Books for Highschool Students