(4) K-3 Illustrated by Harry Burman. This text features short, simple sentences that are sometimes a bit choppy but are easy to read. Key's mission to secure a prisoner's release from a British ship in Baltimore harbor during the War of 1812 and his view of the victorious U.S. flag at Fort McHenry the next morning are illustrated with detailed, realistic paintings. The music is included at the back.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Sam and his mother, an out-of-work widow in depressed postwar West Virginia, travel north to stay with Gramps in Brooklyn. Sam doesn't know what to make of his new home, and he's uneasy around his grandfather--unaccountably called "Bugsy" by everyone. This is the perfect candidate for the "skinny books" collection: it's short, easy reading that is both well developed and satisfying.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2000

(4) K-3 Rookie Reader series. Illustrated by Patrick Girouard. Mara's brother claims that "carousels don't go anywhere, but Mara [knows] better"--while riding one, she imagines herself as a queen, a circus star, and the leader of a parade. Though its story isn't all that exciting, the book's short sentences and bright cartoon illustrations are well suited to its young audience.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne