(4) K-3 Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. An author's note explains that Anna is a German Mennonite, traveling from Mexico to Canada to work the crops. This little-known group, wearing old-fashioned garb and speaking a German dialect, merits attention, and the story is sensitive to the inequities of migrant life. However, the text and pictures are distracted by too much nature imagery as Anna imagines herself to be various animals.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(4) YA In the summer of 1956, sixteen-year-old Gordon and his gang cruise around town, commune with wise "Injun Joely," and try to avoid rival gang the Sultans. After the Sultans' leader kills Gordon's brother, the action finally heats up. The narrative's shifting perspectives can be confusing and the small-town Canadian setting takes precedence over plot, but the well-drawn characters will keep readers turning pages.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) YA This satisfying work of historical fiction opens in 1703 Quebec with fifteen-year-old Cécile buying a Pawnee slave to save him from abuse. Treated as an equal by the girl and her father, Lesharo accompanies them on a perilous journey to the new fort at Detroit. Well-drawn characters, a vivid wilderness setting, and a dash of romance make this a worthwhile read.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 4-6 Kids Can Do It series. Illustrated by Esperança Melo. Offering craft ideas from Native traditions or using papier-mâché, these books show sketches and color photos of polished products that set a possibly unreachable standard for the child. The general directions--how to make papier-mâché or sew beads on felt--are more valuable than the specific project ideas. Native Crafts gives a few sentences of background to connect each project with a tribal tradition.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth