(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Benny. Less well known than Jackie Robinson's, Doby's career as the American League's first African-American player was equally plagued by racism. Young baseball fan Homer is thrilled when the Cleveland Indians acquire Doby; the story focuses on Homer's family listening to games on the radio while the large-scale, intense acrylics shift from capturing the family's rapturous involvement to Doby in action. A historical note is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) K-3 Tales of Young Americans series. Illustrated by Mike Benny. Three slave children including Ella May, the story's narrator, hide near their master's home to listen for news. This is how they learn, for example, that Lincoln has won the election. The text, while occasionally informative, is stilted. The paintings can be awkwardly exaggerated, but the muted palette lends gravitas to the tale.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Benny. In a series of short rhyming poems, Xavier expresses concerns about his new stepbrother. Moving from resentment to hostility to acceptance and love, Xavier's feelings will resonate with many readers. The gouache paintings convey the range of the singsong verses' moods.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith