(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Diana Toledano. In her second adventure, word-loving aspiring writer Polly Diamond uses her extraordinary book to magically transform the school fair. Polly creates book-themed rides and face paint that converts people into their favorite literary characters (booklist appended). The wish-fulfillment story is abundantly illustrated with whimsical, textured grayscale art; the unconventional vocabulary makes this series best for strong young readers.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) YA After a tragic day on a lake--when Lark must choose between saving either Alec, the guy she likes, or Annabelle, an almost-five-year-old she knows--Lark's life splits in two. In one version, Alec is in a coma; in a parallel reality, Annabelle is the one hospitalized. The Sliding Doors premise, though occasionally difficult to follow, offers a unique perspective on grief and loss.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Diana Toledano. In this lighthearted chapter book, Polly receives a gift in the mail: a magical notebook that writes back to her. Polly records her thoughts and domestic adventures, including brainstorming names for her about-to-be-born brother. An entertaining introduction to this chipper and imaginative character (who, from the cheery, textured illustrations appears to be mixed-race, with a white father and brown-skinned mother).

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia. In their second outing, twins Violet and Victor antagonistically team-write a story: Violet is writing a fairy tale, but Victor is only interested in facts about Australian animals. The resulting hybrid tale humorously reflects the trajectory of the twins' conflict. The inventive illustrations incorporate real objects--in particular, pages from repurposed books--and rise to the metafictive challenge of the dual narrative.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia. In this entertaining story, bossy Violet convinces her twin brother, Victor, to help her write a book. Using alliterative language, and bickering as they go, they take turns inventing a tale about Violet's search for a "monster" that's eating books in the school library. An endnote explains how Murguia collected books and library paraphernalia to create her imaginative, eye-catching illustrations.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) YA Sophie would rather forget her sister's death, but her therapist won't let her, suggesting she write in a journal. What starts out as a daily recap of the sixteen-year-old's life turns into an outpouring of feelings about her panic attacks, guilt, and deteriorating relationships, in addition to offering a creative outlet. Readers will be drawn to Sophie's realistically emotional voice.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes