Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. Penguin Group, Incorporated. 224 pages. pap. $10.00. ISBN 978-0-14-240732-5.

Annotation: This is a year in the life of an outcast freshman girl who gets drunk at a party and ends up getting raped. The story is how she struggles for recovery.

Summary: Melinda Sordino, a freshman high school student, goes to a party at the end of summer. She drinks alcohol for the first time and gets drunk and she ends up getting raped. She calls the police to get help, but never tells them what happened. Instead, her friends get busted for underage drinking. Melinda becomes a school outcast; she retreats into herself and suffers depression. A helpful art teacher encourages her to express herself. Step by step she slowly develops the courage to face what has happened to her and can reclaim pieces of her life.

Evaluation: This is a well-written and surprisingly funny book, despite the serious subject matter. Through Laurie Halse Anderson’s use of humor, Melinda becomes a multi-dimensional character that readers are able relate to and sympathize with. Reading about Melinda’s transformation from being a victim unable to talk to starting to heal and express herself would be helpful to other teens going through touch challenges. Recommended for ages 14 to 18.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Identity, Friendship, Family, Rape, Abuse, Depression, Self-Worth, Schools

Awards: 2000 Michael L. Printz Award – Honor Book, 1999 National Book Award Honor Book – Young People’s Literature, 1999 L.A. Times Book Award Honor Book – Young Adult Fiction, 2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2000 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Stork, Francisco X. Marcelo in the Real World. Scholastic, Incorporated, 2009. 312 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-05474-4.

Annotation: Marcelo, a sheltered autistic teenager, is asked by his father to spend the summer working at his law firm in the mailroom to help Marcelo experience life in the “real world.” While there Marcelo learns about a romantic relationship with the female coworker, rivalry, anger, and deception.

Summary: A sheltered autistic teenager, Marcelo Sandoval, is expected to work in the mailroom of his father’s law firm for the summer instead of his usual summer work tending the ponies at a special needs school. Marcelo’s dad wants Marcelo to experience life in the “real world.” His father also wants him to attend regular high school during his senior year but Marcelo wants to attend Paterson, his usual special needs school. While at the law firm, Marcelo enters an unknown world where he must compete with the son of his father’s law partner, develops a crush on the female mailroom supervisor, and gets involved with a case involving a young woman in a disfiguring windshield accident. Marcelo is tested morally, socially, and ethically by all his experiences. He exercises his coping skills to figure out how to deal with the conflicting questions of friendship, trust, and loyalty. Marcelo’s strength of character allows for a satisfying conclusion with Marcelo rising above his environment and remaining true to his convictions.

Evaluation: This beautifully written book has an extremely believable autistic character full of the idiosyncrasies of a person with an Aspergers-like condition. Marcelo’s character is dynamic, sensitive, and morally astute. Despite his disability, he is able to grow in a competitive environment ironically succeeding in the “real world” where his father has placed him. He is a good influence on others around him. Marcelo learns and teaches that there is an ugliness about all of us from which we can learn and grow. Recommended for ages 9 to 14.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Identity, Friendship, Family, Autism, Ethics, Special Needs, Ethical Behavior, Compassion, Music

Awards: 2010 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2010 Schneider Family Book Award Winner – Teen Book,

Flash Burnout by L. K. Madigan

Madigan, L. K. Flash Burnout. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers, 2010. 336 pages. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-547-40493-6.

Annotation: Witty sophomore Blake Hewson has a beautiful girlfriend named Shannon and a really good photography friend named Marissa. The problem is one of them loves him and one of them needs him and he cannot please both.

Summary: In Madigan’s debut novel, humorous sophomore Blake Hewson has just gotten a first time girlfriend. Shannon is beautiful, funny, and a little possessive. Blake also has a very good friend named Marissa who is his cool photography buddy. Always ready to make people laugh, Blake divides his time between both girls. He is in love with Shannon but Marissa needs his help dealing with her meth-addicted mom. Tensions increase as both girls need more of his time and attention. After an emotional incident with Marissa, Blake ends up having sex with her. Shannon finds out and is so hurt that she dumps Blake. Marissa ends up leaving for Seattle. Blake is left to contemplate his decisions and realizes he has failed both girls.

Evaluation: This is a compelling novel that analyzes the conflicts between being a boyfriend and a friend. Questions concerning love and loyalty, actions and consequences, and life and death are explored. The book’s diverse primary and secondary characters, compellingly realistic teen problems, and humorous relief make this a novel of substance. Because there was no neatly wrapped ending, this novel mirrors life; we all have some loose threads to trim because of the consequences of our actions. Recommended for ages 14 to 18.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Dating, Photography, Identity, Romance, Family, Friendship, Choices, Abuse

Awards: 2010 William C. Morris Award, 2010 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. Rapunzel’s Revenge. Illustrated by Nathan Hale. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2008. 144 pages. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-288-3.

Annotation: A classic twist on the fairy-tale Rapunzel, Shannon and Dean Hale set long-haired Rapunzel in a wild western landscape. She along with her friend Jack (of bean-stalk fame) battle monsters, coyotes, and henchmen in an effort to free her mother and cripple her step-mother’s cruel reign over the local inhabitants.

Summary: A high-action retelling of the fairy-tale classic, Rapunzel is set in the Wild West. Little Rapunzel has been raised by a wicked stepmother, Mother Gothel, inside a walled castle. One day Rapunzel views the wasteland surrounding the castle and ends up meeting her real mother, a peasant forced to work the mines. Mother Gothel then imprisons Rapunzel inside a magical tree for five years. Rapunzel’s beautiful and strong red hair grows over twenty feet long and she is able to escape. Spunky and smart Rapunzel learns that she does not need a prince to save her, she can do it herself. She befriends a young man named Jack (of bean-stalk fame) and together they free Rapunzel’s mother and bring down the reign of terror caused by Mother Gothel. At the very end, Rapunzel and Jack realize that they have fallen in love over the courses of their adventures.

Evaluation: This high energy fairy-tale is well suited to the colorful graphic novel format. The expressive art with many panels of action scenes matches the witty dialogue and exciting plot twists of the story. The cast of villains along with the deepening friendship and blooming romance between Rapunzel and Jack add extra interest to the full color story. Recommended for ages 9 to 14.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Graphic Novel, Adventure, Hair, Revenge, Identity, Friendship, Family, Persistence

Awards: 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2009 ALA Graphic Novels for Teens, 2009 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Murdock, Catherine Gilbert. The Dairy Queen. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers, 2006. 288 pages. Tr. $16.00. ISBN 978-0-618-68307-9.

Annotation: Fifteen-year-old D. J Schwenk has a lot of responsibility running the family’s dairy farm and keeping up in school, but her life really gets busy when she is also asked to train a rival team’s handsome football quarterback.

Summary: D.J Schwenk has a lot of responsibility running the family dairy farm after her dad injures his hip. She probably should be spending more time keeping up in school since she is flunking English. But over the summer, a family friend asks D. J. to train a rival team’s football quarterback. Brian Nelson is spoiled, lazy, and handsome and she is definitely attracted to him. D. J. is naturally reticent and is skilled at ignoring major issues, but so many problems are coming to a head that she learns to speak up for herself and to address important issues.

Evaluation: This is a humorous sports novel with a touch of romance. The evolution of the character is D.J. is exciting to read. She goes from being what everyone wants to being herself. With self-deprecating humor, quiet D. J. struggles with expressing her feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, and love. Readers will empathize with the flawed but lovable D. J.. Recommended for ages 12 to 17.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Football, Sports, Farm Life, Family, Friendship, Romance, Identity, Aspirations

Awards: 2007 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Kushman

Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. HarperCollins Publishers, 1995. 224 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-440584-3.

Annotation: In the year 1290, fourteen-year-old Catherine is the only daughter of a country knight growing up in a medieval English manor. Her father is determined to see her married and she will do everything she can to avoid her unwanted suitors.

Summary: This book, written in diary format during the year 1290, records the events of fourteen-year-old Catherine, the only daughter of a minor country knight. Life on the English medieval manor is limiting for a young woman; there is cooking, cleaning, sewing, and treating illnesses. Her father is determined to marry Catherine off to the richest suitor he can find. Catherine, on the other hand, is resolved to thwart any such attempts. She spends her time worrying about her ill mother, tending to her birds, avoiding chores, learning the curse words of the day, and wishing for adventure. There is a happy resolution when she ends up marrying the sensitive son of an ugly shaggy bearded man to whom she was engaged before his untimely death.

Evaluation: This book is a witty historical treat; through Catherine’s journal entries readers are able to get an accurate glance at what life was like for young women during the Middle Ages. The diary describes such information as dress, foods, customs, health, manners, religious beliefs, medical practices, and sanitary habits. Catherine’s character is honest, believable, strong-willed, and completely engaging. Readers will root for her success in avoiding unwelcome suitors. Recommended for ages 12 to 17.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Historical, Medieval Life, Middle Ages, England, Diaries, Identity, Family, Friendship, Aspirations

Awards: 1994 Golden Kite Award, 1995 Newbery Medal Award Winner, 1996 American Booksellers Book of the Year Honor Award, 1995 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1995 ALA Notable Children’s Book, 1995 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. Roaring Brook Press, 2006. 240 pages. pap. $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59643-152-2.

Annotation: Three stories are blended together in words and pictures. One is the fable of a monkey king; another is an elementary school age boy’s attempt to fit in at a white school, and the last is a popular teenage boy’s struggle in dealing with his stereotypical Chinese cousin.

Summary: In graphic novel form, three stories are told and become intermingled in the end. The first involves a monkey king who is shut out by the gods and tries to shed his monkey form. The second involves elementary school student, Jin Wang, who wanting to be Caucasian, tries to change his appearance so he can find acceptance. The third is about a popular teenager named Danny who endures embarrassing visits from his stereotypical Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee. When Danny beats up Chin-Kee he discovers that his cousin was the monkey king in disguise. The monkey king talks to Danny about love and acceptance of others. Jin accepts his Chinese identity and becomes friends again with a Chinese immigrant whom he hurt but who is really the monkey king’s son who is passing a test of virtue.

Evaluation: The blending of the three stories (although it initially seemed random) works extremely well in this medium. Yang was able to pull the three together to form a coherent and complex whole. The vibrant artwork is easy to follow and captures the spirit of the stories. The story raises important questions about identity, friendship, racism, and acceptance. Recommended for ages 12 to 18.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Graphic Novel, Chinese Americans, Schools, Prejudice, Identity, Racism, Acceptance, Friendship, Family, Aspirations

Awards: 2006 National Book Honor Award, 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Winner, 2007 Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Ryan, Carrie. The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Random House Children’s Books, 2010. 336 pages. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73682-4.

Annotation: Teenage Mary lives in a small village run by a religious Sisterhood and surrounded by multitudes of the undead, known as the Unconsecrated. The fence that surrounds the village is breached and Mary barely escapes with a few friends as the undead attack. She is on a flight of survival with Travis, a boy whom she loves and his brother, Harry, a boy to whom she is betrothed.

Summary: This is the first book in the series; the second book is called The Dead-Tossed Waves. Mary dreams of seeing the ocean while living in a secluded post-apocalyptic community run by the religious Sisterhood. A strange disease has infected most of the world’s human population and transformed them into flesh-carving zombies. A fence that surrounds her village keeps out the flesh-eating undead known as the Unconsecrated. But when the fence is breached, Mary barely escapes with Travis, a boy whom she loves and his brother, Harry, a boy to whom she is engaged to be married. Their flight of survival is riveting as the zombie-like undead limit their chances of escape.

Evaluation: This is a zombie thriller with depth; it is an engrossing read as the elements of horror, suspense, and romance intermingle. Mary is a very likeable and strong character that is learning to create her own destiny through her bravery against the relentless undead. Although a very bleak novel, it does offer a ray of hope for human survival. Recommended for ages 13 to 18.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Horror, Dystopia, Orphans, Romance, Survival, Friendship

Awards: 2010 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic, Incorporated, 2008. 384 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-439—02348-1.

Annotation: In order to save her younger sister, sixteen-year-old Katniss has volunteered to be a participant in a ruthless kill or be killed competition. This nationally televised lethal sporting event is part of a dystopian society that enjoys survival contests.

Summary: This is the first book of a trilogy that includes Catching Fire and the soon to be released Mockingjay. Sixteen-year-old Katniss lives in the district of Panem, a dystopian society that includes part of what used to be the United States. Her sister was selected in a lottery to be part of a brutal kill or be killed competition called the Hunger Games, but Katniss volunteered to take her place. Peeta, a boy in the district who has a crush on Katniss, is also selected to be in the Games. This is a story of Katniss’s physical, emotional, and mental struggle to survive the Games; only one of twenty-four teens will survive.

Evaluation: This book has something to satisfy every kind of reader- suspense, adventure, action, mystery, and even a little romance. Katniss is an intelligent, honest, brave, and compassionate character who must also fight to the death in order to survive. Her journey in the Hunger Games is complex and engrossing due to the well written first person narrative. Recommended for ages 10 to 17.

Genre / Subject: Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Survival, Contests, Romance

Awards: 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2010 American Booksellers Association’s Indies Choice Book Award – Young Adult, 2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Lord, Cynthia. Rules. Scholastic, Incorporated, 2008. 224 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-439-44383-8.

Annotation: Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life but that is impossible with David, an autistic younger brother.

Summary: Catherine, a middle school student, is concerned about appearing normal. Although she loves her autistic brother, David, she is embarrassed by his odd behavior. Catherine really wants to impress Kristi, the new popular girl next door and she does not want her flaky family to mess things up for her. In an attempt to cope, Catherine creates “rules” for David to help him understand how the world works. But when she befriends Jason, a nonverbal paraplegic who uses a book of pictures to communicate, she begins to understand that normal is not so easy to define or be. Catherine learns that it is more important to accept others than to follow normal rules of behavior. ,

Evaluation: Cynthia Lord realistically shows that life with an autistic family member can be both rewarding and exasperating. Her commitment to showing an accurate view of how an older sibling, who is concerned with fitting in among peers, is spot-on. This well-written story has a positive and enlightening resolution. Recommended for ages 9 to 14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Autism, Family, Friendship

Awards: 2007 Newbery Award Honor Book, 2007 Schneider Family Book Award – Middle School, 2007 ALA Notable Children’s Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Illustrated by Dave McKean. HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. 312 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-0605-3092-1.

Annotation: A young boy marked for murder by an assassin is saved and raised by a variety of ghostly characters in a graveyard.

Summary: A toddler’s family is murdered by the man Jack and the boy is spared due to the kindness of ghostly residents of a nearby graveyard. Spiritual denizens name the boy Nobody Owens (Bod, for short), and raise him to be a teenager. Bod has the freedom of the graveyard and is given special powers of Fading and Haunting. When the man Jack and his wicked organization find Bod and come back to finish him off, the graveyard residents rally together to save Bod.

Evaluation: This is a wonderfully complex story that combines horror, mystery, and suspense with a bit of wit and adventure. There are occasional pages of gray and black artwork that add a bit of a surreal atmosphere to the clever prose. The character of Nobody Owen and the graveyard family that raises him will delight readers despite the slightly macabre theme of the book. The darkness of the man Jack and his ancient league of assassins enhance the captivating tale. This book is all-around great storytelling. Recommended for ages 8 to 16.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Horror, Ghosts, Supernatural, Family, Graveyards,

Awards: 2009 Newbery Medal Winner, 2009 ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2009 Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book Award, 2008 Los Angeles Times Book Prize- Young Adult Literature, 2009 ALA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, 2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009 American Booksellers Indies Choice Book Award - Best Young Adult Book

The Friendship by Mildred D.Taylor

Taylor, Mildred D. The Friendship. Penguin Group, Inc., 1987. 56 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN
978-0-8037-0417-6.

Annotation: In 1933 in the state of Mississippi, some black children witness a violent confrontation between an elderly black man, Mr. Tom Bee and a white storeowner. Mr. Tom Bee learns the hard way that kindness and friendship do not always have power over racism in the South.

Summary: The year is 1933 and the setting is rural Mississippi. Cassie Logan and her brothers go to the store for some medicine. While there they see a confrontation between Mr. Tom Bee, an elderly black man and a white store owner, John Wallace. The friendship between the men is put to the test against a background of racism and civil rights. Mr. Bee addresses the store owner, John, by his first name, which is forbidden to do by blacks. Mr. Bee had saved John’s life on a number of occasions and had even cared for him like a son in his own home. John had given Tom Bee previous permission to call him by his first name. But under pressure and taunting from other white men in his store, John reneges on his promise and shoots Tom in the leg as punishment for such unacceptable behavior.

Evaluation: This book is based on an actual event. Mildred Taylor wrote this story based on family stories that were handed down to her from her father. The simply written but powerful story of paints a clear picture of the tragedy of prejudice and racism in the United States in the 21st century. Children will marvel at the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe despite the social norms of the time. Recommended for ages 7 to 14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Historical, Racism, African Americans, Violence, Friendship

Awards: 1988 Coretta Scott King Award Winner, 1988 Boston Globe-Horn Award Winner- Fiction

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Among the Hidden. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2000. 160 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-689-82475-3.

Annotation: Twelve year old Luke Garner lives under a totalitarian regime that limits the number of children in a family to two. Unfortunately, Luke is the third child in family and must deal with the consequences of having to remain hidden in order to survive.

Summary: This book is the first of seven in the Shadow Children Series. It begins with Luke Garner, 12 year old boy who lives in a futuristic dystopia where the totalitarian regime observes a very strict two-children-only policy for families. Luke is, unfortunately, the third child of a poor farming family who has been forced to hide since birth. The government takes the land away from the family farm and builds expensive houses. Among the houses, Luke spots another third child named Jen. As their friendship secretly develops, Luke learns of an entire subculture of third children. Jen organizes a rally protesting the government’s treatment of third children but it ends with the Population Police murdering her. Luke is forced to determine how far he will go to resist the government in order to have a life that is worth living.

Evaluation: Written with suspense, this thought-provoking novel addresses the important issue of what it means to be free. Haddix is able to write a gripping novel with elements of family devotion, friendship, rebellion, and the controlling use of technology. Readers will be thinking about the courage it takes to stand up for what is right in society. Recommended for ages 8-14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Suspense, Computers, Dystopia, Totalitarianism, Friendship, Family, Identity, Survival

Awards: 1999 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1999 ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 2000 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2000 ALA Top 10 Quick Pick for Young Adults, 2003 ALA Popular Paperback for Young Adults

Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo. Are You Ready to Play Outside? Hyperion Press, 2008. 64 pages. Tr. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1347-8.

Annotation: Just when Piggie is excited to play outside all day, it starts to rain. Elephant saves the day by first sheltering Piggie from the raindrops and then suggesting that the two friends should go ahead and play in the rain anyway.

Summary: Part of the Elephant and Piggie Beginning Reader Book Series, Elephant and Piggie are once again together. Piggie is so excited to play outside for the day, but is quickly frustrated when raindrops start to fall. Gerald the Elephant uses his ear as an umbrella to shelter the sad Piggie. However, both notice two worms having a jolly time playing in the rain. Gerald suggests that they give it a try as well. Piggie and Gerald soon are having so much fun running, jumping, and skipping that they are saddened when it stops raining. Gerald uses his trunk to douse the delighted Piggie with more water.

Evaluation: With a soft color palette and uncomplicated, yet lively illustrations the adventures of Elephant and Piggie continue. The simple and repetitious text is appropriate for beginning readers. This is an excellent book about being a true friend. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Beginning Reader, Friendship, Animals, Elephant, Pigs, Weather

Awards: 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Becker, Bonny. A Visitor for Bear. Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick Press, 2008. 56 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2807-9.

Annotation: Bear is quite content being alone, so when persistent and friendly Mouse repeatedly pops up in Bear’s house wanting company, Bear gets frustrated. While Bear locks down his house against the menacing mouse, Bear slowly realizes that he would like a friend.

Summary: Bear does not want any friends; in fact, he has a “No Visitors” sign posted on his front door. So when friendly and persistent Mouse pesters Bear for a spot of tea and a seat by the fire, Bear becomes undone. Bear boards the windows, stops up the chimney and plugs the drain in a futile effort to stop Mouse from entering his home. Exasperated, Bear finally relents to Mouse’s requests. But after some conversation, Bears heart softens and he realizes that he does need a friend.

Evaluation: The energetic mouse and inhospitable bear are expressively portrayed in softly hued watercolors. The lively interaction between Bear and Mouse is comical. The slightly repetitive text and wonderful pacing allow for a storytelling treat. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Bears, Mice, Friendship, Persistence

Awards: 2009 Golden Kite Award Winner- Picture Book Text, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children,

Big Wolf & Little Wolf by Nadine Brun-Cosme

Brun-Cosme, Nadine. Big Wolf and Little Wolf. Illustrated by Olivier Tallec. Translated by Claudia Bedrick. Enchanted Lion Books. 2009. 32 pages. Tr. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-084-4.

Annotation: Big Wolf, a solitary animal, slowly lets a stranger, Little Wolf, join him in his daily activities. All is well until Little Wolf unexpectedly leaves and there is a big hole in Big Wolf’s heart as he misses his new companion. Happily Little Wolf returns and both bask in the newly formed friendship.

Summary: Originally published in French, this children’s tale tells of Big Wolf who is large and black and lives alone under his tree in the forest. One day small, blue and adventurous Little Wolf decides to visit Big Wolf’s domain. Little by little, Big Wolf accepts Little Wolf as a friend and includes him in his daily activities. Then one day, Little Wolf disappears and Big Wolf is decidedly sad. The reunion is sweet as Little Wolf returns to stay permanently with his new-found friend.

Evaluation: The sensitive text and colorful illustrations emphasize the touching relationship between wary Big Wolf and adventurous Little Wolf. The character’s emotions are accurately portrayed as Big Wolf learns to open his heart to another. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Wolves, Friendship

Awards: 2010 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Honor Book, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion and the Mouse. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2009. 40 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-01356-7.

Annotation: In this wordless adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable of the lion and the mouse, the king of the beasts and a little mouse learn about the true meaning of friendship.

Summary: In this wordless picture book set in the African Serengeti, the classic fable of the lion and the mouse is beautifully portrayed in watercolor and colored pencil. A tiny mouse escapes from an attacking owl, only to find herself at the mercy of a lion. The lion ponders the situation and decides to free the mouse. Later the lion finds himself caught in a poacher’s snare and it is the little mouse that returns the favor and sets the lion free by gnawing the rope. Because of the acts of kindness, both animals are free to enjoy their respective families once more.

Evaluation: The detailed and expressive artwork conveys the classic fable so well that words are unnecessary. Through the telling expressions of the realistically drawn animals, all relevant emotions are convincingly communicated. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Fables, Folktale, Animals, Lions, Mice

Awards: 2010 Caldecott Medal Winner, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2010 American Booksellers Indies Choice Book Award - Best New Picture Book