(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Amy June Bates. Tommy discovers that a soldier he befriended is a Yankee. The boy must decide whether to betray the man or to help him and a slave escape. Once Tommy makes his choice (it's never really in doubt), he risks his own saftey to do what's right. The whole thing's a bit idealized, but Tommy (who's based on Woodrow Wilson) is a compelling character.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. A baker's dozen of short stories showcase a variety of fearless, frenzied, and friendly felines. Each tale offers a cat's-eye look at his or her life and times as well as that of the animal's ancestors. Humorous black-and-white sketches illustrate the adventures, which include discovering treasure, stopping a crime, unwillingly taking a parachute ride, and "assisting" with holiday decorating.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. Dogs from all over gather for the first annual meeting of the WOOF (Words of Our Friends) Society. Each of the book's thirteen short chapters offers a story of doggy derring-do, some purportedly from history ("Abu: The Dog Who Ruled Egypt," 2000 BCE) and others personal anecdotes from WOOF members. Black-and-white sketches illustrate the sometimes humorous, sometimes touching tales.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Arthur Howard. Encouraged by their teacher, students write stories about moments of crisis they have faced. Some deal with serious issues (being abandoned as a baby), but several, such as Jerry's quandary after eating thirty-eight of the chocolate bars he was supposed to sell as a fundraiser, are more humorous in tone. The breezy illustrations are well suited to this fast-paced volume.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Michael Dooling. Drawing on drama and emotion, Myers allows Seaman, Meriwether Lewis's dog, to narrate his own tale, emphasizing a bond with Lewis almost as strong as that between wizard and familiar. Seaman describes seven dramatic incidents, including being kidnapped by Indians. Dooling's lush oil paintings illustrate specific scenes but provide little extension for the text. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2002

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. Fifth-grader Alex signs up for karate lessons in order to protect himself from the new boy at school, whose large size has Alex convinced he's a bully. In a well-crafted chapter book with just the right amount of humor and suspense, Myers tells a satisfying story about making friends with the (perceived) enemy. Yaccarino's illustrations match the light tone and help break up the text for young readers.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander