(3) 4-6 After her mother's death, Dessa Dean is housebound and lonely, living with her father in the Colorado mountains in the 1930s. One day a stray dog appears on their porch. Dessa's life begins to change for the better, and she is able to confront her grief and finally begin to heal. This heartwarming story will appeal especially to animal lovers.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 4-6 Desperate to achieve independence and escape the crushing responsibility of caring for his developmentally disabled twin, Denny, fifteen-year-old Will leaves home to join the rodeo circuit. Denny follows him, and as the brothers face the dangers of travel, Will realizes how important their relationship is. Believably complex family conflicts and a smooth synthesis of themes enrich the fast-moving plot.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Maj-Britt Hagsted. A variety of oddities are explored in a somewhat unfocused volume that touches on natural phenomena, such as carnivorous plants and black holes, as well as baffling mysteries involving the Bermuda Triangle and Bigfoot. Factual information is cogently explained, as are the myths and speculation that have sprung up around each topic. The accompanying cartoony illustrations are weak. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta