(4) 4-6 Tomboy Cassidy is horrified by her late great-grandmother's dying wish that she attend an etiquette class this summer. Cassidy, who wants to grow up to be a hobo, is a madcap and well-known prankster with her best friend, Jack. Ultimately this book is about the trials of early adolescence, and while Cassidy is a sympathetic character, the often-humorous story lacks momentum.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Animal Rescue Team series. Illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. In Keisha's fourth adventure, her family is called upon to save Mt. Mercy College from a squirrel infestation and to help with a similar problem at the local veterans facility. At the same time, Keisha's jump-rope team, the Grand River Steppers, competes in a district-wide contest. Black-and-white illustrations, a "Squirrel Fact File," and a letter from the author enhance the volume.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Sarah McMenemy. Swedish immigrant Tillie Anderson fell in love with cycling, seeing the bicycle as a means of mobility and freedom. Placing her accomplishments within historical context, this breezy picture book biography follows Tillie's journey as she starts a physical regime and fashions an outfit of (gasp!) pants. Constant curves in McMenemy's cheery gouache, ink, and paper collage art convey a sense of motion.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(3) 4-6 Animal Rescue Team series. Illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. In their second and third installments, the Carters--a big, loving family with an animal rescue business--attend to a mysterious skunklike smell, an injured dog, and the misguided rescue of a baby crow (Special); and, among other adventures, try to help a deer with a plastic pumpkin stuck on its head (Hide). The warm biracial family brims with love and good sense. Review covers these Animal Rescue Team titles: Hide and Seek and Special Delivery!.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith

(3) 4-6 Animal Rescue Team series. Illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. In their second and third installments, the Carters--a big, loving family with an animal rescue business--attend to a mysterious skunklike smell, an injured dog, and the misguided rescue of a baby crow (Special); and, among other adventures, try to help a deer with a plastic pumpkin stuck on its head (Hide). The warm biracial family brims with love and good sense. Review covers these Animal Rescue Team titles: Hide and Seek and Special Delivery!.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith

(2) 4-6 Animal Rescue Team series. Illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Ten-year-old Keisha's family runs an urban animal rescue shelter. When a two-year-old alligator is found in the local pool, Keisha and her father use their knowledge of reptile behavior to catch it. Lots of facts are peppered throughout the story, and the characters, especially Keisha's Nigerian-born mom, are richly described.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2010

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Couch. This spirited picture book biography tells about the first black tennis player to win Wimbledon. Stauffacher's colloquial tone and lively language are the ideal match for her subject. Couch employs zigzagging swirls of colors trailing in Althea's wake--an effective representation of her restlessness; the colors soften and begin to flow more coherently when Althea learns to control her energy and emotions. Timeline.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2007

(4) 4-6 In this sequel to Donuthead, Franklin continues to struggle in a world that always seems unsafe, despite the presence of his allies Gloria, Bernie, and the stalwart Sarah, who needs Franklin's help this time around. Franklin is a wry, David Sedaris–like narrator who might prove a bit trying for some readers but will doubtless be welcomed by his fans.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(3) 4-6 While most folks try to avoid jail time, Harry Sue strives for life in the slammer, figuring it's the only way to be with her convicted-felon mother. Her tough guy vocabulary (nicely defined in an introductory glossary) shows she has the lingo down pat, but her personal crusades to fix some big wrongs belie that gruff exterior. The result is a memorable character.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) 4-6 Eleven-year-old Franklin Delano Donuthead is afraid of germs, accidents, and anything else that could endanger his personal health and safety; his new classmate Sarah Kervick has tangled, dirty hair, does poorly in school, and seems to be afraid of nothing. Although the story becomes a bit oversweet, the tentative friendship that develops between these opposites is genuinely touching.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta