Best Books 2005

Selected by Trevelyn Jones, Luann Toth, Marlene Charnizon, Daryl Grabarek, and Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 12/1/2005

In 2005, SLJ set a record for the number of books reviewed—more than 4700. From them, the editors have selected these 62 titles as the best of the year. Subjects, styles, and approaches are as varied as the books themselves. You will find books that stretch the imagination, others that expand horizons, and a few that offer a new way of looking at a commonly held conception or experience. Some are just good, solid stories. This past year, fantasy skyrocketed in numbers of books (and pages). We felt that only a couple of them were real stand-alone standouts. We were particularly impressed with the year’s nonfiction, which includes stunning science, unusual approaches to history, and some unique topics (dust?). Fun, factual, fulfilling—these books will encourage children to read (and write) for enjoyment, to think, and to question. The issue in which the original review appeared follows each annotation.—T. E. J.

ALIKI. A Play’s the Thing. illus. by author. HarperCollins. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-074355-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-074356-5.

Gr 1-3–As they prepare to stage a play, Miss Brilliant’s students percolate with enthusiasm, except for José, who prefers bullying to cooperation–until his role as a teacher gives him a new perspective on his behavior. A four-star production in comic-strip format, with crisp cartoons and charismatic characters. (Aug.)

ALLISON, Jennifer. Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator. Dutton. Tr $10.99. ISBN 0-525-47375-0.

Gr 5-9–An irrepressible adolescent with a sense of adventure gets a chance to hone her psychic skills as she attempts to uncover the truth about a long-ago, mysterious suicide. Her letters to her deceased father and her progress reports add poignancy and humor to the fast-paced narrative. (July)

ARMSTRONG, Jennifer. Photo by Brady: A Picture of the Civil War. S & S/Atheneum. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-689-85785-3.

Gr 6 Up–This generously illustrated, well-documented history of the Civil War is explored through the lens of the famous photographer from the North and his corps of technicians. (Mar.)

ARONSON, Marc. The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independence. Clarion. Tr $20. ISBN 0-618-18179-2.

Gr 7 Up–In tracing the roots of the revolutionary rumblings in the hearts and minds of the American colonists, Aronson found himself steeped in the economics, politics, and conflicts in countries on several continents. Compelling narrative and outstanding archival documents and graphics provide a unique and far-reaching perspective on our past. (Oct.)

BARBOUR, Karen. Mr. Williams. illus. by author. Holt. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-6773-6.

K-Gr 3–With quiet dignity, an African-American man recounts his childhood on a Louisiana farm in the early 20th century. Lush details and paintings reminiscent of folk art evoke the sounds and smells of the seasons and the experience of a life lived in the center of a large, hardworking family. (Aug.)

BARTOLETTI, Susan Campbell. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow. Scholastic. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-439-35379-3.

Gr 5-8 –An eye-opening account of the Third Reich as seen through the organization and manipulation of Germany’s young people. Filled with personal accounts, quotations, and telling photographs, this powerful narrative makes a timeless statement about nationalism. (June)

BIRDSALL, Jeanne. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy. Knopf/Borzoi. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-83143-6; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-93143-0.

Gr 4-6–The Penderwick girls and their widowed father spend a summer in a cottage on a posh Berkshire estate where lively adventures and delight in a new friend are offset by the snooty estate owner’s disdain for their family. A funny, thoughtful story about perceptions, friendship, and self-discovery. (July)

BLUMENTHAL, Karen. Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX: The Law That Changed the Future of Girls in America. S & S/Atheneum. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-689-85957-0.

Gr 7 Up–Human-interest stories, photos, and political cartoons contribute to this passionate overview of the 30-year struggle for equal rights on our nation’s playing fields. (July)

BOLDEN, Tonya. Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl. Abrams. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-8109-5045-6.

Gr 4 Up–Drawing from an unpublished memoir and newspaper accounts, Bolden pieced together the story of an African-American girl and her family. Plentiful quotes and period reproductions provide a glimpse into life in New York City during the 1863 Draft Riots and insight into the historian’s craft. (Feb.)

CARLE, Eric. 10 Little Rubber Ducks. illus. by author. HarperCollins. Tr $19.99. ISBN 0-06-074075-2; PLB $20.89. ISBN 0-06-074076-0.

PreS-Gr 2 –Ten toy ducks fall from a cargo ship into the sea where each one interacts with a different seafaring animal. A lively numerical adventure, illustrated with vivid, richly colored collages. (Jan.)

COLLARD, Sneed B. The Prairie Builders: Reconstructing America’s Lost Grasslands. photos. by author. Houghton. RTE $17. ISBN 0-618-39687-X.

Gr 4-8–This photo-essay documents how scientists and numerous others have labored for 13 years to re-create a tallgrass prairie in central Iowa. A fascinating look at a bold experiment and the revival of an ecosystem nearing extinction. (Aug.)

CRONIN, Doreen. Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack: An Alphabetical Adventure. illus. by Betsy Lewin. S & S/Atheneum. RTE $12.95. ISBN 0-689-87715-3.

PreS-Gr 2–Animated animals prepare for a much-anticipated event as Duck dashes on ahead, red wagon in tow. Wacky expressions and expressive body language will elicit loads of chuckles as children follow along to the picnic with “watermelon waiting.” (Nov.)

DEEM, James M. Bodies from the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii. Houghton. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-47308-4.

Gr 4-8–The catastrophic volcanic explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. left nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum covered for centuries in layers of debris and ash. This absorbing photo-essay incorporates first-person accounts and the astonishing findings of recent excavations with remarkable archival and contemporary photographs. (Dec.)

EDWARDS, Michelle. Stinky Stern Forever. illus. by author. Harcourt. RTE $14. ISBN 0-15-216389-1.

Gr 1-3–Mrs. Fennessey’s second-grade students have conflicted feelings when the class troublemaker dies in an accident, but recalling his best and his worst moments helps them to sort out their emotions and deal with their loss. A deft handling of a difficult subject, enhanced with crisp black-and-white drawings. (Oct.)

ELLIS, Deborah. Our Stories, Our Songs. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. Tr $18.95. ISBN 1-55041-913-7.

Gr 6-Up–Both heartrending and hopeful, these first-person accounts paint a picture of life for 11.5 million orphans living in sub-Saharan Africa. Interspersed among stories of loss, school, friends, and dreams for the future are portraits of children who are apprehensive but not defeated. (Nov.)

FLEMING, Candace. Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Remarkable Life. S & S/Atheneum/An Anne Schwartz Bk. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-689-86544-9.

Gr 4-8–A candid biography of an unhappy child who grew up to become an American icon. Chock-full of details and enhanced with news clips, quotations, photos, and more, this is an up-close-and-personal look at a private woman who was truly a citizen of the world. (Nov.)

FORD, Bernette. First Snow. illus. by Sebastien Braun. Holiday House. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1937-1.

PreS-Gr 2–Bunny and his siblings leave their cozy nest to investigate a snowfall, peek at predators, watch children play, and finally frolic beneath the radiant moon. The melodious text and soft-edged paintings convey the stillness and exhilaration of a winter’s eve. (Sept.)

GARDNER, Sally. I, Coriander. Dial. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-3099-3.

Gr 6-8–An engaging story about the daughter of a wealthy London merchant and a fairy princess. The changes of fortune brought by Coriander’s mother’s death and Oliver Cromwell’s rise to power set the scene for this magical tale of lost treasure, twisted alliances, and political intrigue–with a sweet romance blended into the mix. (Sept.)

GIBLIN, James Cross. Good Brother, Bad Brother: The Story of Edwin Booth and John Wilkes Booth. Clarion. Tr $22. ISBN 0-618-09642-6.

Gr 6-9–An insightful look at two brothers–one famous and one infamous–and a fateful moment in American history. Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century theater scene, this dramatic story of a family torn apart by the Civil War is embellished with period photos and reproductions. (May)

GRAHAM, Bob. Oscar’s Half Birthday. illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-2699-6.

PreS-Gr 2–A picnic in an urban park to celebrate a baby’s first six months attracts onlookers and soon turns into a neighborhood affair. Fresh images, clever phrasing, and lots of funny details convey the perfection of everyday life. (July)

GREEN, John. Looking for Alaska. Dutton. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-47506-0.

Gr 9 Up–Miles Halter arrives at boarding school and is immediately taken under the wing of his scheming, acerbic roommate, the Colonel, and beautiful, brainy, and reckless Alaska Young. The trio’s light and dark escapades brim with humor, insight, and intelligence as well as unspeakable sorrow. (Feb.)

GREY, Mini. Traction Man Is Here! illus. by author. Knopf. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-83191-6; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-93191-0.

PreS-Gr 2–Powered by a young boy’s imagination, an intrepid action figure undertakes several perilous adventures, accompanied by his faithful sidekick, Scrubbing Brush. Traction Man–along with commonplace objects cast as villains and victims–springs to life through kinetic cartoon artwork and tongue-in-cheek text. (June)

HOBBS, Valerie. Defiance. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-30847-0.

Gr 5-7–An 11-year-old cancer survivor is so sick of being sick that he hides the discovery of a new lump from his overprotective parents. This step toward independence and his blossoming friendship with an elderly woman help the boy to gain the strength to face the future. A poetic tale of empowerment with gentle touches of humor. (Sept.)

HOPKINS, Lee Bennett, ed. Oh, No! Where Are My Pants? and Other Disasters: Poems. illus. by Wolf Erlbruch. HarperCollins. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-688-17860-X; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-688-17861-8.

Gr 2-5–Fourteen short poems describe familiar childhood situations and emotions, from funny to sad to embarrassing. Blending warm colors, collagelike textures, and subtle humor, the paintings perfectly mirror the feelings evoked. (Feb.)

JANECZKO, Paul B., sel. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms. illus. by Chris Raschka. Candlewick. RTE $17.99. ISBN 0-7636-0662-6.

Gr 3-9–From couplet to pantoum, Janeczko’s well-chosen examples of 29 poetic forms will inspire young wordsmiths. Raschka’s often-abstract paintings combine bold colors and eye-pleasing textures to amplify the mood of each selection and extend the reading experience. (Mar.)

JENKINS, Emily. That New Animal. illus. by Pierre Pratt. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37443-0.

PreS-Gr 1–When a new infant becomes the center of their masters’ affections, canine pals FudgeFudge and Marshmallow plot to get rid of the intruder. Accompanied by hilarious illustrations with comically elongated figures, the story charts love’s eventual triumph–one cautious sniff at a time. (Mar.)

JURMAIN, Suzanne Tripp. George Did It. illus. by Larry Day. Dutton. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-525-47560-5.

Gr 2-5–A reluctant general is grudgingly talked into becoming our nation’s first president in this unusual approach to a standard topic. The chatty, humorous text and whimsical illustrations bring out the all-too-human qualities of this larger-than-life hero. (Dec.)

JUSTER, Norton. The Hello, Goodbye Window. illus. by Chris Raschka. Hyperion/Michael di Capua Bks. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7868-0914-0.

PreS-Gr 1–The kitchen window in her grandparents’ house provides the entryway for a girl’s warm and wonderful times spent with her Nanna and Poppy. Perfect pacing, subtle humor, child-focused sensibilities, and vibrant impressionistic artwork make readers feel right at home with this sweetly satisfying offering. (Mar.)

KASZA, Keiko. The Dog Who Cried Wolf. illus. by author. Putnam. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-399-24247-3.

PreS-Gr 1–When an impressionable pup reads about wolves, he suddenly feels he’s been missing out and takes to the hills to revel in freedom. After some sobering encounters in the wild, he turns tail and speeds back to his loving owner. Expressive art depicts an energetic pet who realizes that there’s no place like home. (Dec.)

KELLER, Holly. Pearl’s New Skates. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-056280-3; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-056281-1.

K-Gr 2–An ebullient bunny dreams of leaping and pirouetting in her new skates, but high expectations turn to exasperation when she hits the ice–literally–and learns that mastering a skill takes practice and patience. A slice-of-life story illustrated with exuberant watercolors. (Feb.)

KRAUSS, Ruth. Bears. illus. by Maurice Sendak. HarperCollins/Michael di Capua Bks. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-06-027994-X; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-075716-7.

PreS-Gr 3–A boy wearing a familiar wolf suit chases the pup that has snatched his teddy as a bevy of life-sized bears looks on. This action-packed visual interpretation of Krauss’s decades-old rhyme is as subtle as it is hilarious. (June)

LARBALESTIER, Justine. Magic or Madness. Penguin/Razorbill. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-59514-022-0.

Gr 7-10–In this Australian page-turner, a resourceful teen tries to sort out her contentious family’s secrets and is astonishingly transported to New York City via a portal in her grandmother’s house. A potent mix of mystery and magic with a thoughtful exploration of personal-identity issues and familial relationships. (Mar.)

LYNCH, Chris. Inexcusable. S & S/Atheneum/Ginee Seo Bks. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-84789-0.

Gr 9 Up–Constantly pushing the boundaries for acceptable behavior for “a good guy,” a delusional teen tries to convince his family, his peers, and readers that he is not a monster capable of hurting others even when the facts prove otherwise. A darkly disturbing and brilliantly written psychological profile. (Nov.)

MCCAUGHREAN, Geraldine. Not the End of the World. HarperTempest. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-076030-3; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-076031-1.

Gr 9 Up–Noah’s daughter, Timna, is not content to stand back with her extended family and watch as the rest of the world drowns. An evocative and thought-provoking look at life on the ark, the rights and responsibilities of “the chosen,” and the notion of unquestioning faith. (Aug.)

MCCLINTOCK, Barbara, retel. Cinderella. illus. by retel. Scholastic. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-439-56145-0.

K-Gr 4–A superb retelling of a timeless tale based on the 17th-century version by Charles Perrault and staged in the opulent gardens and palaces of the French nobility. Delicately drawn pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork details the furniture and fashions, the architecture and attitudes, and the wigs and whimsy of this well-realized setting. (Oct.)

MCKISSACK, Patricia C. & Onawumi Jean Moss. Precious and the Boo Hag. illus. by Kyrsten Brooker. S&S/ Atheneum/An Anne Schwartz Bk. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-85194-4.

K-Gr 3–Left alone while her family tends the fields, a gutsy girl must resist the ruses of a horrifying hag who tries to trick her into opening the door. With tongue-tickling language, folksy artwork, and a winsome heroine, this just-scary-enough tale makes a splendid read-aloud. (Mar.)

MCNULTY, Faith. If You Decide to Go to the Moon. illus. by Steven Kellogg. Scholastic. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-590-48359-5.

K-Gr 3–This engaging account of a boy’s imaginary journey combines practical advice for space travelers and bits of moon trivia with whimsical descriptions of the young astronaut’s impressions. An out-of-this-world mix of fact and fancy with expansive, arresting artwork. (Oct.)

MARKES, Julie. Shhhhh! Everybody’s Sleeping. illus. by David Parkins. HarperCollins. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-06-053790-6; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-053791-4.

PreS-K–In this lilting bedtime rhyme, various community helpers snooze in cozy beds in their workplaces, inspiring a just-tucked-in child to settle down beneath the covers. Featuring delectable details and hushed hues, the playful illustrations are silly yet soothing. (Feb.)

MEYER, Kai. The Water Mirror. tr. from German by Elizabeth D. Crawford. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-87787-0.

Gr 5-8–An original, complex fantasy that combines intrigue, politics, and a host of well-imaged otherworldly creatures. Two orphans are apprenticed to a magic-mirror maker and fight the forces of evil in an alternative medieval Venice. (Nov.)

MEYER, Stephenie. Twilight. Little, Brown/Megan Tingley Bks. Tr $17.99. ISBN 0-316-16017-2.

Gr 9 Up–Bella knows that there is something dashing and daring about handsome Edward, but little does she dream that she has fallen in love with a vampire. Learning that his clan feeds only on wildlife, she feels safe–until a rival clan that preys on humans comes after her. A nail-biting tale of terror, suspense, and romance. (Oct.)

NELSON, Marilyn. A Wreath for Emmett Till. illus. by Philippe Lardy. Houghton. RTE $17. ISBN 0-618-39752-3.

Gr 9 Up–In this powerful heroic crown of sonnets, Nelson eulogizes the slain youth and implores readers to remember his murder and to bear witness to atrocity. The graphic-style tempera artwork is as stunning and affecting as the poet’s images and symbols. (May)

NYE, Naomi Shihab. A Maze Me: Poems for Girls. illus. by Terre Maher. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-058189-1; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-058190-5.

Gr 4-7–Accomplished, accessible poems encourage self-awareness and implore readers and writers to pay attention to and ask questions about the wider world. A valentine to the spirit of girlhood, these selections celebrate the maze that is life and the attributes that all humans share. (Mar.)

PARTRIDGE, Elizabeth. John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth. Viking. Tr $24.99. ISBN 0-670-05954-4.

Gr 9 Up–Partridge captures her subject’s prodigious talent as well as the more monstrous sides of this personality. Striking photos, Lennon’s own words, and a fair share of sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll come together in this expansive portrait of an artist. (Oct.)

PAYNE, Nina. Summertime Waltz. illus. by Gabi Swiatkowska. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37291-8.

Gr 1-3–A mesmerizing poem and fanciful, mixed-media paintings evoke the magic of a summer evening. Tapping into collective memory and touching on universal experience, this picture-book tribute to the season’s simple pleasures is meant to be savored. (July)

PERKINS, Lynne Rae. Criss Cross. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-009272-6; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-009273-4.

Gr 6-9–Capturing the endless summers of adolescence and the changing perceptions of lifelong friends and neighbors, Perkins explores her characters’ winding paths toward adulthood. The sensibilities of these small-town teens are right on target, ensuring the story’s broad appeal. (Sept.)

POOLE, Josephine. Anne Frank. illus. by Angela Barrett. Knopf. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-375-83242-4; PLB $19.99. ISBN 0-375-93242-9.

Gr 3-5–Balancing historical reality and sensitivity for her audience, Poole tells the emblematic story of how Frank’s life changed during the Nazis’s rise to power. Meticulously detailed, realistic paintings portray the family’s efforts to survive. (Sept.)

PROVENSEN, Alice. Klondike Gold. illus. by author. S & S. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-689-84885-4.

Gr 3-6–A bored Bostonian and his friend find adventure and frustration in their trek to the Yukon Territory in 1897. Engaging spreads, divided into horizontal bands, present gorgeous folklike oil paintings, a first-rate account of the pair’s travels, and fascinating factual tidbits about what such trips would have entailed. (Dec.)

PULLMAN, Philip. The Scarecrow and His Servant. illus. by Peter Bailey. Knopf. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-81531-7; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-91531-1.

Gr 4-6–When a scarecrow with a mysterious letter hidden inside him comes to life and teams up with an optimistic orphan boy, the two barely manage to stay ahead of the villains pursuing them. Hair-raising, rollicking adventures and clever use of language are the hallmarks of this story that’s as witty as it is wise. (Sept.)

RIORDAN, Rick. The Lightning Thief. Hyperion/Miramax. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-7868-5629-7.

Gr 5-9–A 12-year-old New York City kid with ADHD is stunned to discover his true heritage, his special talents, and the fact that he has been charged with a dangerous mission into the Underworld. Nonstop cinematic action, broad humor, and drama in epic proportions make this introduction to Greek mythology an electrifying read. (Aug.)

RODMAN, Mary Ann. My Best Friend. illus. by E. B. Lewis. Viking. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-670-05989-7.

Gr 1-3–A six-year-old tries in vain to win the friendship of a seven-year-old but finally accepts a girl her own age as a playmate. A fresh treatment of a familiar experience, illustrated with shimmering watercolors that capture the poolside setting. (May)

ROSEN, Michael. Dickens: His Work and His World. illus. by Robert Ingpen. Candlewick. RTE $19.99. ISBN 0-7636-2752-6.

Gr 5-8–A conversational, personal account of the writer, his work, and the events and locales that influenced him. This handsome book with expertly rendered watercolors has a decidedly Dickensian look and will enrich any literature study. (Nov.)

ROSEN, Michael. Michael Rosen’s Sad Book. illus. by Quentin Blake. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-2597-3.

Gr 3 Up–With candor and pathos, Rosen explores his grief over the death of his son and translates it into a broader discussion of how we all deal with monumental losses. Blake’s distinguished squiggly line cartoons in gray and with watercolor washes perfectly echo the emotions expressed. (Mar.)

SAYRE, April Pulley. Stars Beneath Your Bed: The Surprising Story of Dust. illus. by Ann Jonas. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-057188-8; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-057189-6.

PreS-Gr 4–The cosmic and earthly origins of the oft-maligned particles that settle on our windowsills, tickle our noses, and create breathtaking sunsets are given their due in this deceptively simple picture book illustrated with fluid art and flashes of humor. (Apr.)

SHULEVITZ, Uri. The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela: Through Three Continents in the Twelfth Century. Farrar. Tr $17. ISBN 0-374-37754-5.

Gr 4-8–With a storyteller’s flair, a traveler describes the amazing sites he encountered during his 14-year journey throughout the then-known world. Sweeping panoramas in glorious colors, with meticulous attention to detail, bring his fascinating adventures to life. (Apr.)

SIDMAN, Joyce. Song of the Water Boatman: And Other Pond Poems. illus. by Beckie Prange. Houghton. RTE $16. ISBN 0-618-13547-2.

K-Gr 5–These sparkling selections plumb the depths and survey the sights and sounds of a pond as assorted flora and fauna take center stage throughout the seasons. The combination of exquisite poetic images, solid science, and lush and lovely woodcuts creates quite a splash. (July)

THAL, Lilli. Mimus. tr. from German by John Brownjohn. Annick, dist. by Firefly. Tr $19.95. ISBN 1-55037-925-9; pap. $9.95. ISBN 1-55037-924-0.

Gr 7 Up–Lured by trickery to the castle of his country’s bitter enemy, Prince Florin learns that his father has been imprisoned and that he is to be humiliatingly apprenticed to the court jester. The formerly pampered boy perfects the Mimus’s trade and uses it to negotiate his father’s rescue. A thrilling medieval adventure that is rich in detail and vivid in characterization. (Dec.)

VALCKX, Catharina. Lizette’s Green Sock. illus. by author. Clarion. RTE $15. ISBN 0-618-45298-2.

PreS-Gr 2–A bird’s joy at finding one colorful sock turns to misery when she is teased by nasty feline brothers. A loving mother, a good friend, and a little imagination are all that’s needed for a perfect resolution. Simple lines and expressive body language masterfully capture the ups and downs of Lizette’s adventure. (May)

WESTERFELD, Scott. Peeps. Penguin/Razorbill. Tr $16.99. ISBN 1-59514-031-X.

Gr 9 Up–In this creepy bio-thriller, parasite-positive people shun the sunlight, develop extrasensory powers, crave human blood, and go insane. A young man who is a carrier but not a full-blown “peep” works for an underground organization that haunts the bowels of modern-day Manhattan to rein in these vile beings and their legions of rats. (Oct.)

WESTERFELD, Scott. Uglies. S & S/Pulse. pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-689-86538-4.

Gr 6 Up–In a futuristic society, all 16-year-olds undergo surgery to become stunningly attractive and blithely carefree. Tally is happily anticipating her transformation until a friend risks her own life to embrace an alternative lifestyle. A provocative, chilling look at a society in which the government attempts to control how everyone looks, acts, and thinks. (Mar.)

WILLEMS, Mo. Leonardo, the Terrible Monster. illus. by author. Hyperion. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-5294-1.

PreS-Gr 1–Unable to terrify anyone, Leonardo searches out a scaredy-cat kid, but when he fails to frighten the unhappy-looking boy, the pint-sized monster decides it’s better to befriend him. With perfect pacing, jaunty retro artwork in calming colors, and astutely childlike perceptions, this chuckle-churning tale is a standout. (Aug.)

WORMELL, Christopher. Mice, Morals, & Monkey Business: Lively Lessons from Aesop’s Fables. illus. by author. Running Pr. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-7624-2404-4.

K-Gr 3–Axioms and images are brought together to convey nutshell versions of some of Aesop’s familiar tales. Handsome design and gorgeous linocut illustrations that maximize the use of light and shadow convey the time-tested wisdom of the selections. (Nov.)

ZEVIN, Gabrielle. Elsewhere. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-32091-8.

Gr 7-10–In this intriguing look at the afterlife, a 15-year-old victim of a hit-and-run is devastated that she won’t have a future on Earth and is unable to embrace her new existence in Elsewhere. Liz’s feelings of bereavement as well as the joy, love, and sense of accomplishment that she achieves make for a surprisingly uplifting and thoughtful read. (Oct.)

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