(4) K-3 Illustrated by Dimitrea Tokunbo. When his mother tells him she's arranged for reading lessons, a Nigerian boy named Amadi replies, "I'll be a trader. I don't need to read to do business." Later that day he glimpses another world between the covers of a book and realizes magic awaits. Though the story is message-heavy, Amadi's mischief-making, along with varied earth-tone paintings, give it energy.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Dimitrea Tokunbo. A variety of young people comment upon their urban environs in a collection of twenty upbeat poems. Creating sidewalk art, eating at a greasy spoon, visiting the barber or bustling market, hanging out with buddies, and attending church are some of the topics addressed. Although sometimes uneven, the boldly outlined art captures the diversity of the community. This appreciative peek at a city celebrates a place where "dreams take root in concrete."

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute