(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. Pete isn't sure how to react when his balding, scruffy dad shaves his head ("He didn't even look like his dad anymore"). A day of reflection sets Pete on the road to acceptance. Despite some too-precious interactions, the text models matter-of-fact discussions about changing appearances. The illustrations humorously incorporate visual and linguistic (a mechanic's ad asks, "Got Bald Tires?") manifestations of baldness.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(2) YA After he's kicked out of his high school, Nick Doran runs away rather than face military school. He joins his aunt at a commune for ex-hippies, which initially strikes him as an "asylum for lunatic circus performers." He soon takes root in this eclectic community, finds work, and seeks out the attention of a girl, which builds into an intense relationship providing support for both. This tracing of Nick's journey to self-awareness is honest and refreshing.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003

(2) YA For his film class documentary, Neal Thackeray wants to preserve the dreamlike memories he has of his late father. At his summer job, he rediscovers a childhood friend, Claire, who leads him back to the estate where his father worked and helps him find the truth behind his strange memories. Many's funny, thematically rich novel explores the link between art and magic.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2000