(4) K-3 Illustrated by Anna Rich. A young enslaved African American boy, the son of a blacksmith, listens to the rhythms his father hammers out and learns them for himself; when his father falls ill, he pounds out the rhythms himself--an important job since, as this picture book (dubiously) speculates, it's to help runaway slaves on their journey to freedom. Dark oil paintings add emotion and suspense.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Valentina Belloni. Kate Warne, notable for being Pinkerton's (and America's) first female detective, used her ingenuity to foil an assassination attempt against President Lincoln. The straightforward text explains Warne's work and importance, including logistical details that will satisfy young readers' curiosity. Lively graphics use clean lines and patterned elements for an eye-catching collage-like effect. An author's note places Warne within the context of women's rights. Bib.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery. This book is a "biography" of FDR's Scottie companion Fala, from puppyhood to old age. Focusing mostly on the dog, the story also touches on important moments in Roosevelt's presidency. Muted oil paintings and frisky black-and-white spot art capture the pup's personality. A short afterword includes a photo of the FDR memorial, including its statue of Fala.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ronald Himler. It's a snowy Christmas in 1880, and the narrator's mother, a doctor, is called away by their neighbors to deliver a baby. The narrator is disappointed to miss Christmas morning but witnesses the importance of her mother's work and helps create Christmas for the prairie community. This sentimental tale is appropriately illustrated with soft, shadowy pencil and watercolor art.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(3) 4-6 This lighthearted book details the history of the fashions, activities, sports, equipment, and movies created at and for the beach. Van Steenwyk's narrative voice is familiar and warm: she does not attempt to make her study an academic one, but rather a breezy summary of primarily American beach history and lore. Original photos and advertisements will interest and amuse readers. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 4-6 Creative Minds Biography series. Illustrated by Karen Ritz. This biography tells the story of the nineteenth-century Native American leader Ely Parker, who grew up on a Seneca Indian reservation but later moved into the white world to practice law, defend the rights of his people, and serve as a U.S. Army general. His story is told in a readable though somewhat dry text, which is accompanied by dark, static illustrations. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 First Book series. Most of this book deals with early airplane pioneers and their races and endurance records. The final chapter discusses post-WWII air shows such as the British Red Arrows, the Canadian Snowbirds, and the American Blue Angels. The emphasis of this straightforwardly written narrative is on the entertainment value and charity fund-raising activities of the shows. Black-and-white and color photos are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Pieter's growing role in the Dutch Resistance in occupied Holland is threatened by an unknown Nazi informer in his village. Is it his slow-witted cousin, Koos? His oily teacher, Mr. van der Meer? The town's drunken doctor? Though short on character development, this gripping adventure story is long on both tension and suspense.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.