(4) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Jacques. In this "Emperor's New Clothes" adaptation with tornado facts forced in, weasel Travis the Tornado Tamer offers to protect an all-animal town by creating a magical cover that only the smart and special can see. After a tornado hits, the trickster moves on (as "an Earthquake Ender"). Slick illustrations include animals humorously wearing old-timey costumes. Tornado information and activities appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Deborah Melmon. Jake unknowingly sets off a positive chain reaction in his neighborhood with one small act of kindness, transforming it from "dark and gloomy" to "warm and sunny" as each neighbor decides to pay it forward. While clearly targeting a Jewish audience, the book uses the Hebrew word mitzvah (defined in the end matter) only once, and the detailed, relationship-focused illustrations portray a multicultural neighborhood.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) YA Watching the news, Kevin is filled with horror upon seeing his father being arrested in conjunction with local serial killings. Kevin refuses to believe his father is a murderer, though he's already judged guilty by the media, and launches his own investigation. What Kevin uncovers is a letdown, but readers may feel some tension leading up to the big reveal.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) YA Nine distinct characters--including a teen survivor of domestic abuse, an elderly teacher, and a calculating thief--chronicle the planning, execution, and aftermath of a fast food restaurant holdup that goes terribly wrong. Strong and detailed until the final few sections, this story wraps up quickly and bloodlessly, detracting slightly from the holdup's tense reality.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio