(3) 4-6 In this sequel to A Pocket Full of Seeds, Nicole leaves France to move to America after learning that her entire family died in Auschwitz. Her Americanized cousins are unsympathetic and manipulative, and she struggles with loneliness and the language, but eventually the spirited teenager finds her way. Once past the rushed beginning, readers will find Nicole's moving story engrossing.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger. Little did eleven-year-old Lily know that one pleasant encounter with a mean neighbor would leave her responsible for four yowly cats. After Mr. Freeman dies, Lily has three days to find homes for the cats. Lily is the only one in her building who cares about the mangy lot; but, with the appealing directness that marks her narrative, she sets out to change that. Characters are affectionately sketched, both in the text and the black-and-white artwork.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2002

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Meredith Johnson. When ten-year-old JoJo gets a special doll, her six-year-old sister Winnie wants the very same one; when Winnie learns to swim better than JoJo, JoJo decides to give up swimming. Using warmth and humor, these delightful tales show sisterhood's trials and tribulations, as well as its joys and rewards. Expressive black-and-white drawings accompany the text.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Meredith Johnson. At first, JoJo looks forward to having a new little sister, but by the time Winnie becomes a preschooler, JoJo is less sure. Not only does Winnie embarrass her, but she wants to play with her constantly. Although their antics don't reach the level of Ramona and Beezus, these sister stories ring true and are full of fun. Amusing sketches illustrate the chapter book.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(2) 4-6 Eager achiever Gen and her irrepressible younger brother Ernest are often antagonists, but they become conspirators in solving a family mystery and planning a surprise party to celebrate their parents' twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. An alienated grandmother whom they've never known is at the heart of the mystery. Readers will empathize with Gen and Ernest and will be intrigued by the ways adults are affected by parents, too.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.