(3) 4-6 When a mysterious syndrome causes several mares to deliver stillborn or dying foals on a thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, twelve-year-old Sky, who can telepathically communicate with horses, is determined to help. Inspired by a real foal epidemic in 2001 Kentucky (discussed further in an author's note), this inspiring story about overcoming loss is deeply emotional, and Henson's writing is gripping. Bib.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Bryan Collier. In a first-person fictionalized narrative, intrepid Mammoth Cave explorer and leader Stephen Bishop guides us through his remarkable life story. Bishop's tone vacillates between pride in his accomplishments and a stonier tone regarding his enslavement in 1840s Kentucky. Collier's deft watercolor and collage illustrations emphasize perspective and lighting. A fitting tribute to a historical figure who led so many yet had to remain behind.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(3) 4-6 The book's events are related from three perspectives: Shiloh, a misunderstood foster kid; Night, an abused horse; and their rescuer, Jessalynn. Henson's writing is effectively terse and tight. The tale provides a unique twist on the familiar theme of damaged souls who find each other and finally come into their own.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 4-6 Junebug, nearly thirteen, has spent her whole life in the theater. Her parents own a summer-stock playhouse and, though currently a gofer and stagehand, she dreams of being on Broadway. When her predictable summer routine alters, Junebug can't stay behind the scenes anymore--and she acts out. Theater fans will savor this front-row access to the summer-stock world.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ross MacDonald. Grandpa's an irascible old coot, given to loud eruptions directed at everything from his TV to his dog. It's especially scary when his ire extends to the young narrator, who describes the old grump from a believably childlike viewpoint. However, when Grandpa takes the boy fishing, a spill from the boat loosens things up. Bright color and deftly sketched cartoon-style art make this an inviting offering.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009

(2) K-3 Illustrated by David Small. Cal sees no cause to sit "stoney-still / a-staring at some chicken scratch." His sister Lark, however, is an avid reader, and their parents warmly welcome a librarian from the WPA's Pack Horse Library Project into their remote Appalachian home. Small's deft lines and masterful watercolors convey the family's affection and Cal's mixed emotions about reading.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2008

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Gaber. A young girl is waiting for an "angel on horseback" to arrive with a new baby. Life in the Appalachian past, with its natural beauty, quilting bees, and hand-carved cradles, is evocatively described in poetic language, and the acrylic paintings are softly rendered. An author's note includes more information about the "angels"--nurse-midwives from the Frontier Nursing Service.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) YA Lu can't wait to leave Kentucky. She and her friend Ginny are just biding their time (mostly drinking and driving to parties) until graduation, when Lu plans to hit the road while Ginny heads to the local university. Pregnancy, a car accident, and first love change everything. Lu's narration provides a convincing portrait of an unhappy teen coming to terms with her life and moving on.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander