(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Mark Coyle. Because Page's father is unstable and violent, Page and her mother leave Alabama and move to Big Bend National Park in Texas, where Mom secures work as a teacher. Set in 1953, the novel is strong on atmosphere but short on dramatic action. Most of Page's experiences in her new town are commonplace; a plot line concerning a hidden treasure evaporates halfway through the book. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Mark Coyle. Thirteen-year-old Cassie, whose father has left home with another woman, secretly adopts a beautiful stray dog whom she soon discovers is a wolf. Cassie's life is further complicated by her (mistaken) perception that her mother is seeing another man. Especially appealing to young animal lovers, this predictable but easy-to-read story about a courageous girl contains lots of information on wolves and offers a happy, satisfying ending.

Reviewer: Jack Forman