(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bernie Fuchs. This biography of the legendary sharpshooter, who attained great celebrity after knowing terrific poverty, achieves an impressive level of intimacy with its subject, no doubt because it was informed by Oakley's own writings. The impressionistic paintings, executed in sepia tones, are evocative of old-time photos.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Bernie Fuchs. Confederate Captain LeNoir revels in racing his schooner Southern Belle against other ships. But LeNoir's fortune sinks with his ship in a raging nor'easter. From then on the Southern Belle sails during storms as a ghost ship, racing vessels to their doom. The suspenseful, well-paced story and the atmospheric oil paintings, steeped in the eerie, ever-changing colors of the sea, perfectly capture the tale's drama.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Bernie Fuchs. In this story about the barn raising that follows a destructive fire, Yolen's text, rich with metaphor, captures the spirit of community that flourishes among the Amish. Eight-year-old Matthew, the narrator, hopes that Papa will consider him big enough to help. The expressive oil paintings offer compelling images of the farm and the Amish people. Author's note appended.

Reviewer: Anne St. John