(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Doug Cushman. Seymour Snail hopes to become a great artist. Though he's shy about his aspiration, his friends' encouragement gives Seymour the confidence to pursue his art. He takes an entry-level job at a fancy gallery, and soon the artist in him begins to bloom. This upbeat story, illustrated with attentive black-and-white drawings, encourages young readers to follow their dreams.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Elyse Pastel. Bunny Zoe is thrilled to be starring as Cinder Rabbit in the class play. But what will she do when it's time to lead the bunny hop and her classmates find out she can't? Persistence, supportive friends, and a cardboard truck help Zoe hop on through. Numerous gray-scale illustrations complement the manageably short chapters.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) YA Fifteen-year-old Soli, a rebellious but well-meaning foster child, is finally placed with a family with whom he feels at home. Martha, the foster mother of three, has a good heart and is the first person to truly believe in Soli's potential. The story is simultaneously funny, disturbing, and inspiring, and will give hope to teens who feel alone or misunderstood.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) 4-6 Shortly after her grandfather's death, Mary Margaret takes his place on a Greek Island cruise with her grandmother. On the trip, Mary and her grandmother cope with their grief, and Mary develops a stronger sense of self. This short, thoughtful novel, written as Mary's travel diary, is entertaining and features a believable eleven-year-old protagonist who fluctuates between childlike observations and brief moments of insight.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth