(3) K-3 Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant. In this satisfying story, Jamie loves building settings for his exciting imaginative play, but his mother thinks he's only creating a mess. After Jamie realizes his creations do look chaotic from her elevated vantage point, he invites her down to experience them on the floor--and she finally understands. The illustrations cleverly show how Jamie's imagination transforms ordinary household objects.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(2) YA The dissolution of Laren's closest friendships begins after she steals her friend's boyfriend, Scott; things get worse when her father is hurt in a car accident. He unexpectedly dies from complications and devastating secrets about his life are revealed. The verse narration suits Laren's character and is an effective vehicle for meditations on guilt, grief, betrayal, friendship, and self-acceptance.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2013