(4) 4-6 When Erin objects to a class trip to a circus notorious for animal abuse, she and her classmates decide to buy one of its elephants, but they must raise eight thousand dollars in three weeks. The story is somewhat predictable and blandly told, but Erin's determination makes her an engaging heroine who copes well with the conflicts created by her teacher, the circus owner, and the fundraising efforts.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) 4-6 After being suddenly orphaned, Jeremy is taking the train to Chicago to live with his uncle. When the train crashes, the thirteen-year-old wanders away from the wreckage. He finds a cabin in the woods where he lives for a few days and discovers a bear-poaching conspiracy. The characters and their motivations don't always ring true in this modest mystery.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Sisters series. In a novel that conveys the historical situation of Korean immigrants who settled in California around 1905, sisters Su-Na, Jae-Mi, and Hi-Jong struggle with poverty, prejudice, and strange American customs, as well as their Korean duties to their parents. Despite occasional didactic spots, the story engages readers in the Korean experience and the sisters' relationship. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Gray Cat leads the puppy Chomps on a series of messy adventures that land them in trouble with their owners, but when Mama is in danger after her car stalls in the middle of the creek, the pets and their mockingbird friend save the day. Although the prose is somewhat pedestrian, the likable characters will appeal to animal lovers. Black-and-white drawings illustrate the accessible novel.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by John Steven Gurney. A baby moose describes his first few weeks learning about his new world. Although the moose's mother has warned him about roads, traffic, and people, Bub and his new wolf friend venture into town and encounter all these fearsome objects. Mildly amusing in its attempt to let the reader see the human world from a slightly different point of view, the writing is sometimes clumsy. The pen-and-ink illustrations look dated.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 In this epistolary novel, eleven-year-old Julie pours her heart out in letters to an elderly pen pal. When diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Julie worries about her participation in the school Fun Run and the talent show. Though one wonders how she can hand-write and type all those letters when her hands hurt so much, the novel does offer a readable perspective on an unusual topic.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) 4-6 American Sisters series. In two smoothly written novels, adversity forges bonds between sisters of decidedly different personalities. In Adventure, a family leaves Virginia for the promise of bounty in Kentucky, and Voyage tells of a Puritan family's journey to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Though formulaic, the books will draw in readers with their realistic characters and well-paced plots.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 American Sisters series. In two smoothly written novels, adversity forges bonds between sisters of decidedly different personalities. In Adventure, a family leaves Virginia for the promise of bounty in Kentucky, and Voyage tells of a Puritan family's journey to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Though formulaic, the books will draw in readers with their realistic characters and well-paced plots.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn