(4) K-3 Illustrated by Janice Lee Porter. Hope has trouble accepting the death of her grandpa Jack until her aunt Poogee teaches her that she can hold onto him through her memories of their time together. Though the writing is overly purposeful, this story adequately portrays a child's coming to terms with a relative's death. The textured illustrations feature a close-knit African-American family. A recipe is appended.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Janice Lee Porter. In this second book about Hope, the young girl and her family gather at her maternal aunt's farm for an annual reunion. Hope's contribution to the feast--pickles stuffed with peppermint candy--is a surprise from her father's side of the family. The lively illustrations, which depict Hope as biracial, are a fitting match for this story of a boisterous and loving African-American family. Recipes are included.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Janice Lee Porter. After someone asks whether she's "mixed," second-grader Hope, a biracial child, wonders what that means. Her great aunt assures her that as the child of a white father and an African-American mother, she represents "generations of faith 'mixed' with lots of love." While the story is somewhat contrived, it's well told, and the illustrations, with their fluid, rounded shapes, are a dynamic accompaniment.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert