(3) YA Illustrated by Matt Phelan. A how-to manual with heart, this guide contains brief sections offering encouragement, advice, and playful exercises for budding writers. Mazer and Potter draw on autobiography as they discuss major writing topics from finding ideas to crafting characters and plot to overcoming nerves and writer's block. Catchy subheadings and Phelan's often-humorous illustrations complement the friendly tone.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Meisel. Ed and Tom Fixit ("We fix anything. Accidents happen. We take care of them") claim they can fix the dinner plate Michael and Augusta cracked, but in the process manage to escalate the wreckage until the house is in shambles around them. Although the story has a rather unsatisfying ending, the detailed illustrations are filled with humorous touches that readers will enjoy.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) YA Jamaica Kincaid, V. S. Pritchett, and several Nobel laureates are featured in an anthology that showcases multinational perspectives on growing up. Although unquestionably well-rendered, the stories are often written from a distanced adult perspective, which forfeits immediacy. Additionally, the protagonists range from Santa-believing youngsters to teenagers, making the audience for the book uncertain. Helpful biographical notes are included.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta