(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Arthur Geisert. It's summer in Cresbard, South Dakota, and though she dislikes it, ten-year-old Rachel must work with her sisters on the family farm. The author uses the rigor of farm life as a backdrop for Rachel's struggle--making her father proud despite her dislike of hard, physical labor. The occasional, detailed black-and-white drawings complement the simple, honest story set in 1954.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 4-6 In 1910, Rebecca Bernstein must move to Winnipeg when her family's Saskatchewan farm burns to the ground. Lacking money, the Bernsteins, who are Jewish, send Rebecca into foster care with the Kostaniuks, a Ukrainian Christian family. Despite the hatred that exists between Jews and Ukrainians, Rebecca resolves to befriend Sophie, the Kostaniuk daughter. Though a bit predictable, Rebecca's triumph is satisfying.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 4-6 After her family relocates to Hinckley, Minnesota, Maggie wants to escape the dusty nineteenth-century railroad town. When the hot weather produces a massive firestorm, Maggie gets her wish but eventually learns that Hinckley has become her home. Though the firestorm of 1894 is historically interesting and re-created in detail here, Schultz spends too many chapters describing it and not enough time exploring Maggie's inner struggle.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) YA In this well-researched book, the histories of a dozen Civil War songs are described. Silverman's storylike narratives, which are laced with quotations from the era, capture the spirit and tragedy of both the songs and the war. He includes explanations of two spirituals, which add depth and gravity to his presentation. Period illustrations, maps, and sheet music enhance the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Colin Bootman. The life and major accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including his marriage to Coretta Scott, his leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his "I Have a Dream" speech, and his assassination, are

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 4-6 Making of America series. These entries present an overview of U.S. history from the antebellum era to the new millennium. Encyclopedia-quality prose examines major historical events, as well as noting evolving changes in the areas of foreign relations, civil rights, and popular culture. Color photographs, boxed quotes, and biographical profiles perk up the texts. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 4-6 Before leaving Ohio to pursue life as a peddler, sixteen-year-old Will Spencer helps Noah, a slave, escape to Canada. When he learns that Noah's family is still in Kentucky, he agrees to steal them and bring them north to freedom. Though Will's horrified discovery--that slave owners view slaves as "stock" that they own, work, and breed--seems naive, his passion for abolishing slavery is inspiring.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Lindsay Grater. In 1887, fourteen-year-old Maryanne Caswell traveled with her family from Ontario to Saskatchewan to settle in the Canadian West. During this time she wrote detailed letters to her grandmother about life on the frontier. The letters provide vivid snapshots of Maryanne's daily activities, both mundane and exciting. Warm pencil sketches decorate the handsomely presented letters.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 When fifteen-year-old Callum Murdoch arrives in Canada to work on his uncle's farm, he meets a man who offers to sell him a dog that remains loyal to the person who carries a carved box. Compelled, Callum accepts this offer, and eventually discovers the animal is nearly human and longs to be set free. Chan weaves an engaging fantasy about the importance of freedom.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) YA In 1704, the Mohawk attacked the Puritan settlement of Deerfield, Massachusetts, taking eleven-year-old Mercy Carter and over one hundred other settlers captive--forcing them to trudge three hundred miles to Canada. Cooney constructs a suspenseful story for Mercy, who must decide whether to remember her former life and family or to "set them down" and embrace her new life as a Mohawk.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 Passport to History series. Day explores American culture in these guides to the past. The chatty texts, which are written as if for time-traveling visitors, provide facts about daily life, famous figures, customs, government, currency, fashion, local manners, health, and food. Maps, archival artwork and photographs, and witty captions extend the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 Passport to History series. Day explores American culture in these guides to the past. The chatty texts, which are written as if for time-traveling visitors, provide facts about daily life, famous figures, customs, government, currency, fashion, local manners, health, and food. Maps, archival artwork and photographs, and witty captions extend the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 Passport to History series. Day explores ancient Mayan culture and the Renaissance in these guides to the past. The chatty texts, which are written as if for time-traveling visitors, provide facts about daily life, famous figures, customs, government, currency, fashion, local manners, health, and food. Maps, archival reproductions and photographs, and witty captions extend the texts. A time line is included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 Passport to History series. Day explores ancient Mayan culture and the Renaissance in these guides to the past. The chatty texts, which are written as if for time-traveling visitors, provide facts about daily life, famous figures, customs, government, currency, fashion, local manners, health, and food. Maps, archival reproductions and photographs, and witty captions extend the texts. A time line is included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) YA Hot Issues series. This overview includes discussion of privacy rights versus the enforcement of safety in schools, the right to keep private court and medical records, and the difficulty of retaining privacy when searching or shopping on the Internet. Though Durrett's writing style is lackluster, she does write clearly about an issue likely of interest to many teens. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) YA Mary Draper Ingles's capture by the Shawnee, her dramatic escape, and her arduous journey homeward across eight hundred miles of wilderness are described in this carefully researched biography. Though the beginning of Furbee's account is somewhat slow, her narrative voice builds in strength, ultimately capturing the drama of this incredible tale. Archival drawings and maps illustrate the book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 Great Explorers series. Illustrated by Tom McNeely. Lush watercolor illustrations and a regal design add drama to the story of Vasco da Gama's voyage in 1497 from Portugal to India and back again. Goodman tells the story with flair and balance, emphasizing the bravery and resilience of da Gama and his crew without failing to address his use of violence to gain control of the competitive spice trade. Ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Janet Hamlin. When Janie's mother gets fed up with the condition of her daughter's elementary school, she knits beautiful monogrammed sweaters to earn money enough to move her family to suburbia. Janie, now poor in comparison to her new, wealthy peers, must find the strength and character to fit in at her new school. Though overly tidy in its final outcome, Haddix's story is heartwarming and satisfying.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pat Stephens. This book about the eating habits of a variety of animals is somewhat randomly organized in sections that focus on such topics as animal mouths and teeth, ruminants and carnivores, and hydration. Hickman's simple, clear text is enhanced by the large, detailed color illustrations. Several related activities, such as making a food-web model and replicating how a gizzard works, are included. Ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(3) 4-6 Translated by Nancy Forest-Flier. Young Maria reluctantly gives up "her" attic when the difficult, bed-ridden Grandma Forever (so nicknamed because she is ninety-three) comes to live with the family. The two slowly develop a relationship, which, because of Maria's faith that the dead are merely sleeping, continues even after Grandma Forever dies. Maria's voice is fresh and her story an original one about friendship and faith.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt