(4) 1-3 Stepping Stone: Commander in Cheese series. Illustrated by A. G. Ford. Mouse siblings Ava and Dean Squeakerton take advantage of moving day at the White House to embark on a quest to sneak a Lego from the new president's son's bedroom. This gentle tale, with grayscale illustrations to match, is packed with references to past presidents. Readers looking for a low-key read may forgive the too-conveniently-averted crises. Presidential facts are appended.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by A. G. Ford. Free-verse poems and expansive large-format oil paintings tell the life story of the legendary country singer. In Cash's early days, his family "was close to ruin." Too young to work the cotton fields, J. R. listened to the radio and felt the music calling him. The appealing biography tells an information-packed story; readers will feel they know the "Man in Black" by book's end.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2015

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Ben Boos & A. G. Ford. Under the superficial (and slightly lame) guise of entertaining two children, a fictional narrator recounts the often unrecognized contributions of black inventors and scientists. Inventions such as the gamma electric cell, induction telegraph, illusion transmitter, and even the ice-cream scoop are briefly highlighted. Foldouts and double-page spreads give additional information on inventions and their creators. Illustrations enhance the narrative. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Illustrated by A. G. Ford. In a South African alley, a group of friends try to protect one boy's new "federation-size" soccer ball from neighborhood bullies. The realistic oil paintings are richly detailed, conveying universal feelings of fear, friendship, and team spirit. Readers will empathize with these children although they live a very different life.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt